Abstract: The invention is a frameless, disposable cloth body for use with a respiratory mask, such as for continuous positive airway pressure therapy for those having sleep apnea. The cloth body is inflatable and moisture-vapor breathable and has an inner side having a nasal interface portion disposed on it and an outer side, and also has a circular aperture formed in a central location on the body, sized to sealingly receive an air delivery arrangement. The cloth body also has a pair of wings on opposite sides with slits arranged at optimal angles for receiving headgear straps.

Abstract: A breathing mask device, a sealing lip device for a breathing mask device, a molding tool and a method for producing a corresponding breathing mask device and sealing lip device are described. An aspect of the invention is to provide ways that make it possible to create a breathing mask device that, with sufficiently strong tightness is distinguished by particular wearing comfort and which moreover can be produced advantageously in times of industrial production standpoints.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly adapted to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, a fluid coupling conduit fluidly coupled to the patient sealing assembly, the fluid coupling conduit being structured to receive the flow of breathing gas and communicate the flow of breathing gas to the patient sealing assembly, and a headgear component structured to secure the patient interface device to the patient's head, the headgear component including a strap member having a generally C-shaped connector member. The generally C-shaped connector member is structured to at least partially wrap around and be releasably received and held by or within a receiving feature provided on one of: (i) the fluid coupling conduit, and (ii) an extension member extending outwardly from the patient sealing assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a patient sealing assembly having a cushion and a frame member having a faceplate portion and an extension portion extending from the faceplate portion. Te cushion is coupled to the faceplate portion. A forehead member engages the forehead of the patient, and a flexible elongated member is coupled to the extension portion. A drive assembly selectively causes the second end portion of the flexible elongated member to move relative to the extension portion in a first direction. Movement of the flexible elongated member relative to the extension portion in the first direction causes movement of the frame member relative to the forehead member in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a sealing cushion structured to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, a rigid or semi rigid support member coupled to the sealing cushion, the support member including an inner surface, an outer surface and at least one orifice extending therethrough, and a cushion member provided on the inner surface of the support member and structured to engage a portion of the head or face of the patient when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, the cushion member being made of a deformable material and overlapping the orifice such that a portion of the cushion member will flow at least partially through the orifice when pressure is applied to the cushion member.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a mask assembly includes a first vent, a second vent and a selector to switch the flow of exhaled gas from a patient between the first and second vents.

Abstract: An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.

Abstract: A pressurized gas cylinder holder for a respirator includes a holding part (15) and at least one tightening strap for fastening a pressurized gas cylinder to a holding part (15). Pressurized gas cylinders with different external diameters are able to be fastened to the pressurized gas cylinder holder with an identical longitudinal axis. The holding part (15) has at least two support elements (19) as separate components in addition to the rest of the holding part (15) for supporting the pressurized gas cylinder and at least four fixing devices (20) formed on the holding part (15) for the at least two support elements (19). The support elements (19) may be fastened to different fixing devices (20) for adaptation to pressurized gas cylinders (9) with a different external diameter.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a patient sealing assembly (12) adapted to communicate a flow of breathing gas within an airway of a patient, the patient sealing assembly including a cushion (14), a frame member (16) coupled to the cushion, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (26) coupled to the frame member. The adjustable forehead support assembly includes a forehead cushion (30) and an inflatable and deflatable bladder (48) coupled to the forehead cushion, wherein inflation and deflation of the bladder causes the distal end (24) of the frame member to move relative to the forehead cushion in a manner wherein a pressure applied to a bridge of a nose of the patient by the cushion is adjusted.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus including a face piece for covering the whole face or part of the face, an inhale valve and an exhale valve provided on the face piece, a motor fan for supplying external air into the face piece through the inhale valve, a filter for cleaning the external air sucked into the motor fan, a breath monitoring apparatus provided on the face piece and not comprising the inhale valve and the exhale valve, and a controller for controlling the operation of the motor fan synchronously with the breath based on the detection signal from the breath monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a bearing-housing structure provided to the housing and adapted to rotatably support a rotor, a motor provided to the bearing-housing structure and adapted to drive the rotor, and an impeller provided to the rotor. The bearing-housing structure includes a bearing shaft having a bearing surface that rotatably supports the rotor. The bearing shaft provides only a single bearing of the non-ball bearing type for the rotor.

Abstract: A blower filter device (1) is provided for a blower filter system (20). The blower filter device (1) has at least one filter (2), a fan wheel (4) arranged in a fan housing (3), a motor (5) for driving the fan wheel (3) as well as a control unit (6) for actuating motor (5) and for processing device-specific parameters of the blower filter device (1). The blower filter device (1) has a housing (13) with a mounting slot (14) for a communication interface module (7). The contact point (15) is arranged in mounting slot (14) for the data-communicating connection of communication interface module (7) to the control unit (6). The blower filter system (20) includes such a blower filter device (1) and, a head piece (21) and a flexible connection hose (22) providing a fluid-communicating connection between the blower filter device (1) and the head piece (21).

Abstract: A nasal interface device delivers a high flow rate of a gas having a pressure that is adjustable to a patient. The device includes a nasal insert that is adapted to deliver pressurized breathing gas to a nasal cavity of the patient, and to receive expired air. The nasal insert has a pressurized breathing gas delivery port and an expired gas port. The expired gas port has a plurality of openings extending therethrough.

Abstract: A design for a mask capable of use with a breathing therapy machine which allows rotation of the mask portion with respect to the remainder of the mask and provides a connection member for the connection to the hose of the breathing therapy machine which splits into two hoses and allows for the crimping of the connection without obstructing airflow.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for improving the Weight/Duration ratio of Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs) by decreasing the amount of fresh breathing gas required from the system by saving exhaled air that is low in carbon dioxide in a reservoir and reusing it at the subsequent inhalation. Electronic control units (“ECUs”) including conventional oxygen sensors and special types of carbon dioxide sensors are used to monitor and predictably regulate the consumption of breathing gas, further contributing to a significantly lower overall system weight for any given duration of the SCBA.

Abstract: A mask assembly is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body and a breathing circuit interface. The mask body includes an opening for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.

Abstract: A patient interface device is provided that includes a patient sealing assembly and a headgear assembly coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The headgear assembly includes an adjustment mechanism having a first portion, a second portion, and a fastening mechanism. The first portion has a first end and an opposite second end, with the first end being coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The second portion has a first end and an opposite second end, the first end movably coupled to the second end of the first portion and the second end coupled to a portion of the headgear assembly. The second portion is movable among a first position in which the first and second portions are generally aligned and a second position in which the first and second portions are disposed generally parallel. The fastening mechanism fastens the first and second portions in the second position.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway.

Abstract: A mask for use with the administration of CPAP therapy includes a mask body for connection with a supply of breathable gas pressurized above ambient; and a compliant patient contacting element including a multilayered cushioning interface. The interface has an interior layer and an exterior layer provided in spaced relation to the interior layer when the mask is not in use. The exterior layer is elastically and resiliently movable towards and away the interior layer in use. Only the exterior layer forms a contacting seal with the patient in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system comprising: a nasal mask that is tightly attached to the face of a user and serves as means for leading positive-pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user, a frame to keep the nasal mask at a predetermined position, and a headgear that is mounted on the head in order to attach the nasal mask tightly to the face; wherein, the headgear comprises, on the tip thereof, a headgear strap for adjusting the length of the headgear, the headgear strap comprises a headgear fastener that serves as means for connection/disconnection with the frame, the frame comprises a fastener catch that engages with the headgear fastener, and the fastener catch comprises an axisymmetric guide whose (rotation) axis is the insertion direction of the headgear fastener.

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 gas mask is provided for normal-pressure and overpressure operation with at least one breathing port, an expiration valve with a valve spring, an adjusting element affecting the prestress of the valve spring and a pushing element having a first switching position and a second switching position. The pushing element is designed to act on the adjusting element during a translatory motion from the first switching position into the second switching position. A change in the prestress of the valve spring can be brought about and a switchover from a “normal pressure” mode into an “overpressure” mode can thus be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen supply device for aircraft inhabitants, comprising a first On-Board Oxygen System (OBOGS) unit connected to a first set of oxygen masks, wherein a second On-Board Oxygen System (OBOGS) unit connected to a second set of oxygen masks.

Abstract: A nasal mask includes a main body having an annular inner rim and an annular outer rim, two connection members respectively connected to two opposite sides of the main body, and two engaging holes each formed in proximity to a junction between one connect ion member and the main body. The inner rim is formed with an annular shoulder and a seal ring that projects from the shoulder. A head strap unit has two opposite ends connected to the connect ion members. A nose unit includes a main plate having a peripheral edge abutting against the shoulder and the seal ring, two nasal prong members connected to the main plate, and two engaging plates to engage the engaging holes. An air supply unit is connected to the outer rim.

Abstract: A system is structured to provide a regimen of respiratory therapy to a patient having an airway. The system includes a gas flow generator structured to generate a flow of breathing gas, a patient interface device structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a patient circuit structured to couple the gas flow generator to the patient interface device. The patient interface device includes headgear, a cushion structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient, and a fabric pouch holding the cushion. The fabric pouch is supported by or coupled to the headgear.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft passenger emergency oxygen supply device comprising an oxygen mask having a mask body with a first opening for covering mouth and/or nose of the passenger, a second opening connecting said first opening with a source of oxygen, a passenger service unit, a connecting line fixed to the oxygen mask body at one end and having a coupling at the other end for coupling said line to the passenger service unit wherein a chemical reaction component is comprised in the oxygen mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency tubing set, including an oxygen mask adapted to cover a users mouth and nose, a tubing connected at a first end to said tubing set to provide oxygen to said oxygen mask, and a connect or connected to said tubing at a second end opposed to said first end, the connector being adapted to be connected to an oxygen source for supplying oxygen to said tubing. According to the invention the tubing includes an excess tubing section and a connecting tubing section wherein the excess tubing section is stored in a bottom pouch and a first part of an intermediate tubing section is arranged inside the bottom pouch and a second part of said intermediate tubing section is arranged outside said bottom pouch, wherein the intermediate tubing interconnects the excess tubing section and the connecting tubing section.

Abstract: A headgear for a respiratory mask of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: A patient interface device (25) includes a patient sealing assembly (35) including a cushion (40) and a frame member (45) coupled thereto, and an adjustable forehead support assembly (100). The adjustable forehead support assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (102) coupled to a forehead cushion (104), the adjustment mechanism including a forehead cushion support member (108) having a base portion (114) coupled to the forehead cushion, a projecting member (116) extending from the base portion, a rotatable knob member (110) having a surface (128) having a helical groove (130) provided therein, and a post (134) coupled to one of the frame member and the projecting member. The post is received within the helical groove, and rotation of the knob member causes a position of the post within the helical grove to change thereby causing relative movement between the projecting member and the frame member and movement of the frame member and the cushion relative to the forehead cushion.

Abstract: A patient interface device is provided that includes a patient sealing assembly, such as a mask having a rigid shell and a cushion coupled to the rigid shell, and a forehead support movably coupled to the patient sealing assembly. The forehead support is moved by an wedge-type adjustment mechanism such that linear translation of the wedge moves the forehead support among the plurality of positions and fixes the forehead support in a desired position among the plurality of positions.

Abstract: A system of the invention is a housing-liner apparatus complex and/or eye shield comprising an air leak preventing system is provided for use with continuous positive airway pressure devices, e.g. CPAP mask. The system includes a housing-liner and/or an eye shield reversibly or irreversibly attached to a mask, and adjustable straps extending from the housing-liner and/or eye shield to attach onto a mask to create an improved seal between the mask and the user. Beneficially, the system muffles noise associated with air leakage, and reduces other side effects with CPAP masks, e.g. slippage of the lower part of the mask into the user's mouth and/or puffing out of cheeks during sleep. Furthermore, the system may include a chin support to reduce mouth opening of the user during sleep. Overall, the system creates greater user comfort by maintaining the interface between the mask and user's face during sleep.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, an oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve dissipation of heat formed during operation of the oxygen concentrator system.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A ports cap for a mask assembly includes two closure portions adapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respective closure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at least one side thereof.

Abstract: A supplemental gas delivery device is described for a mask assembly having at least one supplemental gas port, the at least one supplemental gas port including an aperture in communication with an interior of the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include an aperture communicating with an interior of the mask assembly, and a cannula for communicating with the supplemental gas port. The cannula is positioned to deliver supplemental gas adjacent to the patient's nares and/or mouth, to increase an efficacy of treatment for the patient by more directly applying the flow of supplemental gas to the patient's nares. An optional bridging portion may be included to provide a connection between supplemental gas port and the cannula.

Abstract: A cushion comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame from which extends a membrane. The membrane is spaced away from the rim of the frame, and its outer surface is of substantially the same shape as the rim. The seal forming portion thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face. The shape of the seal forming portion is particularly suited to effectively seal the difficult region of the facial contour that is the crease between the sides of the nose and the face.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask fame.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device having a hollow body with a proximal wall, a distal wall, and an exhaust port extending through the distal wall. A proximal tubular member extends through the proximal wall of the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the proximal tubular member will exit the proximal tubular member in a first direction and then enter the exhaust port. A nozzle extends through the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the nozzle will exit the nozzle and then enter the proximal tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Method for protecting aircraft occupant comprising the steps of: providing a user (7) with a breathing mask (4) for aircraft occupant,—providing a respiratory gas (62) including a mixture of breathable gas and dilution gas to the user (7),—sensing partial pressure or rate of oxygen or carbon dioxide in exhalation gas (64) generated by the user (7),—adjusting (60) the rate of oxygen in the respiratory gas (62).

Abstract: A full-face mask system for delivery of a supply of gas at positive pressure to a patient for medical treatment includes a shroud, a cushion module adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose and mouth, an elbow, and headgear. The cushion module includes a frame and a cushion. The frame includes an opening that releasably receives a distal end of the elbow with a snap-fit, wherein an inner edge of the opening and the distal end of the elbow together form a retention structure to retain the elbow to the frame.

Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.

Abstract: A mask assembly suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, comprising: a mask to provide pressurized air to a patient; upper and lower slot features located on each side of the mask; a headgear assembly, comprising: a back portion; a pair of upper straps provided to the back portion, each upper strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; a pair of lower straps extending away from the back portion, each lower strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; and a connection region of each loop portion of each strap, the connection region being adapted to receive a respective hook portion, the connection region being wider than each respective hook portion along each respective hook portion's entire length.

Abstract: A breathing mask consists of a housing having a chamber surrounding the user's nose. An air inlet includes a coupling to a hose connected to a source of pressurized air. To each side of the chamber, connections are provided for a strap going around the head of the user above the ears. At the top of the chamber a bracket emanates upwardly and terminates at a short horizontal piece that has a cushion underneath engaging the forehead of the user.

Abstract: A patient interface system (30) that includes a patient interface assembly (40) and a headgear assembly (70). The patient interface assembly (40) includes a frame (42), a patient circuit connector (44), a seal member (46), and a coupling assembly (50) extending from the frame. The coupling assembly (50) is directed toward the users forehead when worn. The headgear assembly (70) includes an elongated pad support (72), a headgear attachment element (78) disposed on the pad support (72), a headgear strap (80) coupled to the headgear attachment element (78), and an elongated headgear pad (74) coupled to the pad support (72). The pad support, pad, or both are configured so as to extend from the forehead of the user generally along a centerline of the head and terminate proximate to a top of a head. In addition, a coupling assembly attachment assembly (100) is operatively coupled to the pad support (72) to couple the coupling assembly (50) of the patient interface device to the headgear assembly (70).

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.

Abstract: A mask system for treating sleep disordered breathing, comprising headgear, a shell/cushion including a channel adjacent a front aperture, a frame, an elbow including at least one undercut on a proximal end, a retaining ring including a rear flange adapted to be retainably insertable in the channel of the shell/cushion, and a front flange adapted to retainably engage with the at least one undercut of the elbow.