Abstract: A ventilator (100) configured to control a pressure and gas mixture for an air flow. The ventilator include: a gas source (220); a proportional valve (210) configured to control a gas flow rate from the gas source; a mix controller (170) in communication with the proportional valve, the mix controller configured to monitor a flow of gas through the blower, and further configured to control a percentage of oxygen in the output flow; a blower motor (160); and a blower motor controller (162) configured to control a speed of the blower motor using a current feedback loop, a blower speed feedback loop, a flow feedback loop, and a pressure feedback loop. The ventilator can also include, for example, a pseudo-derivative feedback compensator, a complimentary filter, and/or a speed controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder includes a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one inlet tube structured and configured to allow ambient air to enter the first chamber, at least one flow tube structured and configured to allow air to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure. The blower is positioned in the first chamber and structured and configured to receive air from the second chamber. The blower includes a housing structured and configured to sealingly separate air flow through an interior of the housing from the first chamber. The at least one inlet tube is axially spaced from the at least one flow tube.

Abstract: Method of scheduling drug administration using a pulse-oximetry integrated intravenous fluid system comprising retrieving from at least one network server database via an intravenous pump unit patient-related and drug-related data and information. The retrieved data are displayed on the intravenous pump unit interface and then a patient's pulse oximetry data is acquired. Using the pulse oximetry data, patient history, patient condition, diagnosis, and information relating to the one or more drugs, a medical personnel determines a schedule of drug administration. During the set duration of a drug administration schedule, one or more observed effects of the one or more drugs administered to the patient via the intravenous pump unit interface is inputted into the IV pump unit, and the patient record stored in the at least one network database is updated.

Abstract: A device (102) provides respiratory treatment for SDB (including mild OSA) and other respiratory conditions. A flow generator warms and humidifies gas at controlled flow levels. For example, the device (102) delivers breathable gas to the upper airway at flow rates of about 10-35 Liters/minute. Levels of flow rate, temperature and/or humidification of the device may be automatically adjusted in response to the detection of SDB events. The device may also automatically deliver adjustments of any of the levels in accordance with detected phases of respiratory cycles. In some embodiments, the device automatically delivers distinct levels to either of the nares based on independent control of flow to each nare. A warm-up procedure controls temperature and humidity at a desired target during a ramp-up of flow to the set therapy level. A cool-down procedure controls temperature above the dewpoint to avoid condensation internal to the device and patient interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a pressure support system configured to provide pressure support therapy to a subject, wherein the pressure support system comprises a subject interface heater configured to controllably heat a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a target temperature that is offset from a baseline temperature. The breathable gas baseline temperature target offset ensures the gas delivered to the subject is delivered at a comfortable temperature and/or humidity level that does not cause airway dryness or result in condensed water in the subject interface. In one embodiment, the pressure support system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, a subject interface heater, one or more subject interface temperature sensors, one or more baseline temperature sensors, one or more general sensors, a humidifier, a user interface, a processor, electronic storage, and/or other components.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive motor, a drive tube, a firing rod and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The drive motor is disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive tube is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive motor and is rotatable about a drive tube axis extending through the drive tube. The firing rod is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive tube and at least a portion of the firing rod is translatable with respect to the drive tube. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion and is in mechanical cooperation with the firing rod so that the firing rod drives a surgical function of the end effector.

Abstract: A method for measuring anatomical dead space in a lung, the method comprising: (a) providing, in a supply of inspired gas, at least one indicator gas for inhalation by a patient during a test, the concentration of the indicator gas being controlled such as to follow a sinewave pattern over successive breaths; (b) measuring, over successive breaths, the flow rate and concentration of the indicator gas during both inspiration and exhalation of the patient; (c) fitting sinewave envelopes to the measured concentration values of the indicator gas over the successive breaths and, from the fitted sinewave envelopes, determining the inspired concentration, the mixed expired concentration, and the end expired concentration in respect of the indicator gas for each breath; and (d) calculating the anatomical dead space for each of a plurality of inspirations based on a conservation-of-mass principle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering medicament to a subject use one or more sensors to generate signals that represent characteristics of the ultrasonic energy emitted by a respiratory medicament delivery device during operation. Parameters based on these signals indicate energy amplitude in one or more frequency ranges. Such parameters can be used to control and/or monitor device operation and/or patient adherence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiratory tubing set for controlling breathing of a patient. A tubing set for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two airflow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device that cooperate to closely control the CO2 levels in the patient's bloodstream through the control of the patient's respiration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for humidification of gas streams, such as air or oxygen. Hydrated superabsorbent polymers are used to provide humidity to flowing gas streams. Humidified gas streams may be used in respiratory therapy and other applications for which humidified air is desired and/or beneficial.

Abstract: A sleep apnea cannula harness device including sleep apnea cannula bodies configured with distal radial flanges of predetermined exterior diameters and cylindrical elastic barrel walls defining barrels, the walls having a relaxed configuration with the inside diameters smaller than the predetermined diameters so the peripheral walls will grip the exterior diameters of the cannula bodies. The barrel walls are formed distally with annular cups receiving diametrically enlarged flanges of the cannula bodies and being formed with posteriorly facing clearance notches to confront the patient's upper lip and provide clearance for such upper lip.

Abstract: The system, method and computer-readable storage medium are for detection of ventilator and patient disconnections using patient lung compliance estimated on both inhalation and exhalation phases of a breath. A ventilator breathing system (10) provides breathing gas to a patient, and includes a gas supply (12), a patient tubing circuit (14) coupled to the gas supply, and a gas monitoring system (16, 18) associated with the patient tubing circuit and configured to monitor at least flow and pressure. A control unit (20) is coupled to the monitoring system and configured to determine a patient disconnection from the system by estimating a patient lung compliance ratio based upon determined volumes of gas delivered during the inhalation phase of the breath cycle and exiting during the exhalation phase of the breath cycle, and monitored pressures in the patient tubing circuit during the inhalation and exhalation phases of the breath cycle.

Abstract: A gas valve is arranged for controlling the flow of medical gas for oxygen therapy in case of spontaneous breathing. An embodiment of the gas valve contains a connection component to connect the gas valve to an external supply such as for example an external supply network for medical gases at a pressure lower than 50 bars. The gas valve may contain a regulating system configured to select and supply a pulsating or continuous flow of medical gas in which the regulating system contains a flow rate regulator to controllable set the flow rate of the continuous flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder comprising a housing, a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure, a flexible connector electrically and physically connected to the blower; and a blower rotation limitation structure configured to reduce rotation of the blower during use. The apparatus may comprise first and second blower suspensions for holding opposite ends of the blower. The blower suspension(s) may be flexible and in tension. The apparatus may comprise one or more connector anchors for anchoring a longitudinal middle section of the flexible connector to another part of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for encoding an anatomical shape (13) of a living being, comprising a receiving unit (12) for receiving an anatomical shape (13); a shape representation generating unit (14) for generating a shape representation of the anatomical shape (13) by using one or more shape representation models and determining the value of one or more shape representation coefficients of the one or more shape representation models; and a conversion unit (16) for converting the determined value of the one or more shape representation coefficients into a human-readable code comprising one or more human-readable characters.

Abstract: A portable storage device to contain fuel. The device is designed to be relatively light-weight to allow for movement around a fueling facility, and to be delivered to the fueling facility through the air. The device includes a number of separate tanks each configured to contain fuel. A suspension protects the tanks by absorbing external forces that could occur in the event the device is dropped during air delivery.

Abstract: An expiratory limb is provided that is configured to remove humidified gases from a patient and configured to provide improved drying performance by providing a tailored temperature profile along the limb. Limbs for providing humidified gases to and/or removing humidified gases from a patient are also provided, the limbs having improved gas residence time at constant volumetric flow rate. The improved residence time can be achieved by providing a limb comprising multiple lumens.

Abstract: Oscillatory ventilator configured for oscillating at a plurality of specifically tuned sinusoidal frequencies simultaneously a ventilation gas for delivery to a lung region of a patient and a ventilator control system, in communication with the oscillatory ventilator, to control a sinusoidal waveform input for the oscillatory ventilator, wherein the sinusoidal waveform input comprises the plurality of specifically tuned sinusoidal frequencies each of which sinusoidal frequencies are below the acoustic range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy overcome various effects of transport delay within tubing of a respiratory therapy device by virtue of estimating and compensating for, e.g., a pressure drop in such tubing.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: An infant and child bonnet for securing a breathing tube includes a cap body and an elastic fixing band. The cap body includes a first opening and a second opening corresponding to each other and includes a first connection portion. The elastic fixing band is connected to the cap body. One end of the elastic fixing band includes a second connection portion flexibly fixing the breathing tube. The second connection portion is joined to the first connection portion. Accordingly, the infant and child bonnet suits various head sizes and shapes and effectively fixes the breathing tube without displacement or detachment.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system has a nebulizer and a humidifier providing a gas flow to the nebulizer. A controller varies humidity level of the gas flow to the nebulizer so that if the nebulizer is not operating it has about 100% humidity and it is operating the value is less to allow for the humidification effect of the nebulizer. The control may be achieved by dynamically varying proportions of flow through a dry branch and a humidification branch.

Abstract: An infant nasal interface mask for use with a nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) system including a mask body and a base. The mask body forms a cavity and is defined by a leading portion, an intermediate shell portion, and a trailing portion. The leading portion terminates in a leading edge forming an aperture open to the cavity and having a generally triangular shape for placement over a patient's nose. The trailing portion includes a bellows segment characterized by an increased flexibility as compared to a flexibility of the intermediate shell portion. The base extends from the trailing portion opposite the leading portion and forms at least one longitudinal passage extending through a thickness of the base and fluidly connected to the cavity. The intermediate shell portion is laterally pivotable relative to the base via the bellows segment.

Abstract: A conduit made of a synthetic resin, having an inner surface and an outer surface, having concave portions and convex portions alternately and continuously provided in the length direction. The conduit is bendable. The conduit includes outer wall parts extending with a first width in the length direction; inner wall parts positioned radially inside relative to the outer wall parts and extending with a second width in the length direction; and side wall parts joining the outer wall parts and the inner wall parts so that the outer wall parts and the inner wall parts are alternately and continuously provided in the length direction. The outer surfaces of the outer wall parts each have, at both ends in the length direction, protruding parts, which protrude in the radial direction.

Abstract: A gas supply apparatus with improved control is provided. The gas supply apparatus provides gas at an outlet junction. The apparatus includes a gas mixer for gasses from primary and secondary supplies to a given ratio. The apparatus also includes a gas reservoir supplied by the gas mixer. A tertiary supply valve is also included and connected in parallel with the reservoir. The tertiary supply valve is adapted to connect the outlet junction to a tertiary gas supply when gas is not being supplied to a mixer by the primary and/or secondary supply.

Abstract: A system for assessing lung function in a patient is enclosed. The oxygen delivery system in the system (e.g., a ventilator or portable standalone system) preferably includes an oximeter sensor for receiving SpO2 from a patient. The assessing lung function in a patient includes an FiO2 adjust algorithm operable in logic circuitry in the ventilator that can control an oxygen fraction FiO2 provided to the patient in a closed loop fashion. In a preferred example, the algorithm controls FiO2 using the SpO2, but also displays a ratio of SpO2-to FiO2 (S/CLCF) as a function of time. One or more S/CLCF ratio threshold may be used to allow the clinician and/or the algorithm to understand a degree of lung injury, and to allow the algorithm to adjust FiO2 appropriately. Preferably, the algorithm keeps SpO2 to a range of 88-95%.

Abstract: A device for detecting a flow of respiration in a conduit includes a source of a gas jet interfaced to a side of the conduit. The source of the gas jet emits a jet of gas aimed across the conduit. A main port is interfaced to a distal side of the conduit for receiving the jet of gas and a pressure-detecting device is interfaced to the main port. In absence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet enters the main port and the pressure-detecting device reports a first pressure. In presence of the flow within the conduit, the gas jet is deflected away from the main port by the flow and the pressure-detecting device reports a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure.

Abstract: A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. Within the housing is a device that generates a positive airway pressure directed towards to patient port. Also within the housing is a system that detects exhalation (by a patient that is connected to the patient port) that enters into the patient port. Responsive to detecting exhalation, a blocking device occludes the device that generated positive airway pressure, thereby reducing or stopping the positive airway pressure. Upon the system detects abatement of exhalation, the blocking device is operated to no longer occlude the device for generating positive airway pressure, thereby providing positive airway pressure to the patient port.

Abstract: A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may be configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing.

Abstract: A mechanical chest compression device is secured to a gurney, transport stretcher or ambulance cot while engaging a patient's thorax to provide mechanical CPR during transport. The mechanical chest compression device compresses the patient's thorax against the gurney deck. The mechanical chest compression device may engage the side rails on the gurney, the gurney deck or any suitable structural elements of the gurney.

Abstract: A vent arrangement is provided to a mask or associated conduit to discharge exhaled gas from the mask to atmosphere. The vent arrangement is structured to diffuse the exhaust vent flow to produce less air jetting, thereby increasing the comfort of the patient and their bed partner. For example, the vent arrangement may include one or more grill components and/or media constructed and arranged to diffuse vent flow.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: A pressure control ventilation system (10) configured to provide airway release ventilation synchronous with a breathing subject that includes a pressure generator (12) configured to generate pressurized flow of breathable gas to a subject, one or more sensors (28) configured to generate output signals conveying information related to one or more gas parameters of the pressurized flow, one or more processors (14) configured to execute computer modules comprising: a synchronization module (16) configured to detect inspiratory (39, 45) and expiratory (40, 44, 59) flow phases of the subject based at least on the signals; an interval module (18) configured to define time intervals (54, 60); a control module (20) configured to control the generator to deliver flow fluctuating between a first pressure range (48) to maintain adequate lung volume and a second pressure range (50) to facilitate C02 exhalation, the control including: delivering the flow in the first range at the beginning (56) of a first time interval (

Abstract: A breathing device comprises a respiratory gas source for generating a gas pressure for a patient, delivered by a respiratory mask, a measuring unit for measuring a measurement quantity characteristic of inhalation or exhalation, and a control unit which determines the patient's tidal volume from the measurement quantity and compares this with a setpoint value of the tidal volume. The control unit regulates the respiratory gas source such that the generated gas pressure is made available until the setpoint value of the tidal volume is reached. In addition, further regulation of a parameter characteristic of the patient's breathing is carried out. The method for controlling a respiratory gas source with a control unit for a patient's breathing comprises regulation of the patient's tidal volume by providing and applying inspiratory pressure and simultaneous regulation of a further breathing parameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides clinical decision support that can be used with non-portable and portable systems when delivering and/or monitoring delivery of a therapeutic gas comprising nitric oxide to a patient. Further, clinical decision support can be used with non-portable and portable systems during delivery and/or monitoring of delivery of therapeutic gas when nebulized drugs may and/or may not be being delivered to a patient (e.g., when nebulizers are delivered upstream in the inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit, into a breathing gas delivery system, etc.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for treating Cheyne-Stokes respiration, periodic respiration and central or mixed apnea. If the respiration waxes and wanes periodically, there is pressure support in phases of periodic respiration, taking into account the natural patient respiration.

Abstract: A mask assembly for therapy of Sleep Disordered Breathing may include: a cushion having a seal forming portion that is structured to form a seal with only the patient's nose in use, the cushion defining at least in part an interior chamber; a shell assembly including a generally rigid shell, the generally rigid shell having a port that opens into the interior chamber, the generally rigid shell including an exhalation vent for venting exhaled gas, an air inlet tube in fluid communication with the cushion to supply breathable gas from a pressurized supply to the interior chamber; and a swivel and an elbow attached to the air inlet tube, the swivel and the elbow configured to be attached to an air supply conduit, wherein the swivel and the elbow are positioned superior to the patient's head in use, and wherein the mask assembly does not contact the patient's forehead in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for controlling insufflation pressure during inexsufflation of a subject. The system inexsufflates the subject such that tidal flow and/or tidal volume are monitored during insufflation, and insufflation pressure is adjusted to maintain the flow rate of the pressurized flow of breathable gas until a target tidal volume is reached for the insufflation. When the target tidal volume has substantially been reached, the system is causes gas to be evacuated from the airway of the subject. This may provide for more precise, customized therapy for the subject than is provided by conventional inexsufflation systems in which inspiratory flow may not be monitored and/or controlled. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, a processor, a user interface, electronic storage, and/or other components.

Abstract: A breath analysis system that includes a handle assembly with an analysis cartridge on an upper end thereof. The handle includes a main body portion with a pressure opening and a pressure transducer therein. The analysis cartridge includes a main body portion with an upper portion that defines a breath chamber, a lower portion that defines a fluid chamber and a filter assembly that is movable between a breath capture position and an analysis position. The filter assembly has an opening defined therethrough. In the breath capture position, the opening partially defines the breath chamber and in the analysis position the opening partially defines the fluid chamber. The system also includes an analysis device with a case, a door, a controller that controls the motor and a fluorescence detection assembly and a rotation assembly positioned in the case interior. The rotation assembly includes a shroud with a funnel portion for receiving the analysis cartridge.

Abstract: Systems and method for determining zero subject flow rate for correcting leak estimation in respiratory devices. Estimating leak in respiratory devices is necessary for proper ventilation of the subject. Correctly estimating leak allows synchronous triggering and enables accurate measurements of respiratory parameters such as tidal volumes and peak flows to be performed. The systems (10) and the method (100) herein provide a solution to correct (116) for errors in leak estimation methods through analysis (108, 110, 112) of flow rate of the pressurized flow of breathable gas generated (104) by a pressure generator (12) of a respiratory device, and identification or estimation (114) of the flow rate of the pressurized flow at which zero subject flow rate occurs, wherein adjustments to the employed leak estimation method can be thereafter made.

Abstract: A system for enhancing secretion removal from an airway of a subject by applying a negative pressure to the airway of the subject just prior to an exsufflation is provided. The negative pressure is applied just after the subject has inhaled under his own power and/or just after generator mechanical insufflation by the system. The negative pressure applied just after inhalation/insufflation and just prior to exsufflation temporarily reduces the cross-sectional area of the airway of the subject. A reduced cross-sectional area User of the airway increases the velocity of air through the airway during a subsequent exsufflation, which results in enhanced secretion clearance. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, a user control interface, one or more processors, and/or other components.

Abstract: A therapeutic gas is administered to a patient. A sample gas is drawn from the therapeutic gas supply, and passed through a water-permeable tubular membrane. Concurrently, a section of the water permeable tubular membrane is maintained as a ventilated water permeable tubular membrane, by exposing outer surfaces of the ventilated water permeable tubular membrane to an ambient air flow. The ambient air flow may in some examples be moved over the tubular membrane via forced air such as for example via a fan associated with a housing surrounding the tubular membrane.

Abstract: A method and a control program for operating an anesthesia apparatus, as well as an anesthesia apparatus (12), which operates according to the method are provided. The anesthesia apparatus includes a breathing gas feed unit (22) intended for displacing a breathing gas volume in a breathing circuit (10). A piston (23) brings about the displacement of the breathing gas. Switching over between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the return of the piston (23) allows for a presetting of a corresponding piston return velocity. The piston return velocity depends on a volume flow in an exhalation branch (34) of the breathing circuit (10) in the first mode of operation. The piston return velocity depends on a minimally necessary piston return velocity in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: Provided is a method that includes automatically providing air/oxygen at a pre-selected maximum pressure limit, breath volume and respiratory-rate. The pre-selected maximum pressure limit, breath volume, and respiratory-rate are automatically set as a function of a size of a mask coupled to an air/oxygen supply system. Further provided is a ventilator system that includes a ventilator mask, a ventilator supply system, and a mask conduit. The ventilator mask is configured in a size that will fit upon a selected range of sizes of human faces. The ventilator supply system includes an air/oxygen source and an air/oxygen regulator system configured to regulate air/oxygen flow parameters as a function of the size of the mask. The mask conduit is configured to couple the ventilator supply to the ventilator mask.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: A respiratory mask can have a frame supporting a sealing arrangement. Various features of the frame and sealing arrangement can improve comfort and reduce the occurrence of pressure sores. The frame can include cheek supports that have a large surface area configured to spread loads over a greater area of the patient's face and therefore reduce the forces applied to the face and the occurrence of point loads. The seal can have a main body that includes a spring with a silicone skin, wherein the spring applies a substantially constant force to the face and/or nares of the patient.

Abstract: Integrated devices for performing external chest compression (ECC) and defibrillation on a person and methods using the devices. Integrated devices can include a backboard, at least one chest compression member operably coupled to the backboard, and a defibrillator module operably coupled to the backboard. The integrated devices can include physiological sensors, electrodes, wheels, controllers, human interface devices, cooling modules, ventilators, cameras, and voice output devices. Methods can include defibrillating, pacing, ventilating, cooling, and performing ECC in an integrated, coordinated, and/or synchronous manner using the full capabilities of the device. Some devices include controllers executing methods for automatically performing the coordinated activities utilizing the device capabilities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breathing assistance system (10) comprising: a ventilator (12), a breathing lumen (14) arranged to communicate a flow of air between the ventilator and a tracheostomy tube (16) in the trachea of a patient, and a sensor (24) configured to generate a vibration signal representing vocal cord vibrations of the patient. The system is configured to facilitate the flow of exhaled air to the atmosphere via the upper airway of the patient in response to detection in the vibration signal of speech or attempted speech by the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance device includes a patient interface for coupling to a patient respiratory passageway, and a selectively regulated therapeutic gas flow source in pneumatic communication with the patient over the patient interface. A ramping controller is connected to the therapeutic gas flow source and is receptive to inputs of a prescription pressure level, an initial pressure level, a total ramp duration, and a numeric value corresponding to a ramping duration. Therapeutic gas flow at an initial pressure level is regulated for a ramp delay duration reciprocal to the ramping duration relative to the total ramp duration. The ramping controller incrementally increases therapeutic gas flow to the prescription pressure level from a ramp start time to a ramp end time at a delivery pressure increase rate derived from the numeric value of the ramping duration and the total ramp duration.

Abstract: A CPAP or other ventilation system includes a mask, a flow generator, a positive or high pressure line to provide positive or high pressure air from the flow generator to the mask and a vacuum or return line provided to actively extract exhaled gas from the breathing chamber and/or the air delivery conduit of the mask. The vacuum or return line includes a vent outlet preferably positioned remote from the mask.