Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient interface device, such as a mask, nasal pillow, or nasal cannula, that includes an adhesive layer provided on a surface thereof that is structured to temporarily bond to the skin of a user of the patient interface device. The adhesive layer may include a bonding agent, such as a polymer gel, having a residual extraction force of between about 50 grams and about 200 grams.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: A strap member for use in securing a mask to the head of a patient includes a strap portion formed from a first material. The first material comprises a silicone material. The strap member further includes a breathability enhancing element associated with the strap portion.

Abstract: A portable patient interface system includes a frame, a cushion coupled to a first side of the frame, a collapsible faceplate coupled to a second side of the frame opposite the first side, and a longitudinally collapsible hose structured to be in fluid communication with the collapsible faceplate and the cushion.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8, 8?) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a grooved adjustment mechanism (20, 58, 78) having a main body (22, 60) formed from an elastic material, the main body having an outer surface having a plurality of convolutions (80) provided therein. Each convolution including a groove (24, 62, 84), and each convolution has a stiffness associated therewith. The stiffnesses associated with the convolutions increase from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body.

Abstract: A system for determining an optimal hardness of a patient interface device includes a fit score determination unit structured to receive a 3-D model of the patient interface device and a 3-D model of a patient's face and to determine a fit score between the patient interface device and the patient's face based on the 3-D model of the patient interface device and the 3-D model of the patient's face, and a hardness determination unit structured to determine a hardness value of the patient interface device based on the determined fit score.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly having an improved support for use in securing a patient interface device to the head of a patient overcomes the shortcomings of conventional headgear. The improved support provides a self-adjusting anchor point situated anterior to the ear of the patient that provides enhanced stability in mounting the patient interface device to the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.

Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has at least one pleat disposed in the cushion in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly having an improved support for use in securing a patient interface device to the head of a patient overcomes the shortcomings of conventional headgear. The improved support provides a self-adjusting anchor point situated anterior to the ear of the patient that provides enhanced stability in mounting the patient interface device to the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient is provided that includes a patient contacting component (9, 90) having a patient contacting surface structured to engage the face of the patient when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, the patient contacting surface also including a plurality of ribs (40, 52, 62, 72, 82, 96) extending therefrom. The patient contacting component may be, without limitation, a mask having a mask cushion, a forehead support having a forehead cushion, a cheek pad or a chin pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient interface identification system for identifying a patient interface that is suited for a face (16) of a user (18), comprising: a receiving unit (12) for receiving a test picture (14) including the face (16) of the user (18); a database (22) for storing reference picture including faces of other users, wherein each reference picture is referenced to a patient interface advice; a processing unit (24) for comparing the received test picture (14) with at least a subset of said reference pictures stored in the database (22), wherein comparing said test picture (14) with said subset of reference pictures includes a comparison of image based features of the user's face (16) and the other users' faces; and a user interface (26) for communicating a patient interface advice including information related to a patient interface that is suited for the face (16) of the user (18), which patient interface advice is based on the comparison of said test picture (14) with the subset of

Abstract: A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.

Abstract: A device (10) for capturing a surface of an object (30) is provided, wherein the device (10) comprises a flexible membrane (14), which is configured to be deformed from a first shape to a second shape, when at least a part of the flexible membrane (14) is brought into contact with the surface of the object (30), wherein the device (10) comprises a plurality of strain-gauges (18) coupled to the flexible membrane (14), wherein the strain-gauges (18) are configured to measure a plurality of strain signals that depend on the shape of the flexible membrane (14), and wherein the device (10) comprises an output unit (24) for outputting the strain signals for reconstruction of the surface of the object (30) as a function of the strain signals.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.

Abstract: A seal that contacts a portion of a patient to provide a comfortable interface between an external device, such as a respiratory mask, and the patient. The seal includes an elastic casing filled with a soft gel substance having a cone penetration of from about 5 to 200 penetrations.

Abstract: A portable patient interface system includes a frame, a cushion coupled to a first side of the frame, a collapsible faceplate coupled to a second side of the frame opposite the first side, and a longitudinally collapsible hose structured to be in fluid communication with the collapsible faceplate and the cushion.

Abstract: A faceplate (22) for use with a cushion (24) in a patient interface device includes a generally triangular shaped body portion (26) having a first side adapted to engage the cushion, a second side (30) disposed opposite the first side, and an aperture (32) formed therein passing between the first side and the second side. The body portion has a height (h) between a bottom edge and an apex edge and a width (a). The ratio of the width to the height is within the range of about 0.85% to 1.15% of the golden ratio (a+b/a=a/b).