Abstract: A tracheal tube, having a machine end and a patient end, includes a tracheal tube tie located between the machine and patient ends of the tube. The tracheal tube tie is elastic, is made from twisted plastic tape that has been heated to make a rounded cord, and has loose ends for securing the tube in a trachea of a patient by tying the ends to the nose or jaw of a veterinary patient. The plastic tape may be made of polyvinyl chloride. The tape is twisted along its length to form a rounded cord. The cord is heat treated so that it keeps the rounded form.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stabilizing at least one medical device such as a tracheal or gastric tube entering or covering at least one facial cavity such as the mouth and/or nose, taking advantage of a stabilization stent to secure to a patient's face the tracheal or gastric tube without the need to apply tape to the face, while maintaining visibility of tube markings, preventing kinking of the tube, and keeping the infant's face visible to parents and caregivers. In one form, the invention comprises a transverse stent comprising a superior border opposed to an inferior border, an inner surface and an outer surface. A first facial interface is attached to a first terminal end of the transverse stent, and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a first side of a patient's face. A second facial interface is attached to a second terminal end of the transverse stent and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a second side of a patient's face.

Abstract: A lightweight oxygen delivery device is provided for a patient is provided, the device comprising an elongated tube bendable to a particular shape and capable of maintaining that shape. The tube is adapted to carry oxygen and has a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably connectable to an oxygen delivery source. To the second end of the tube is secured an end of a rigid elbow. One of those ends being secured to the second end of the tube and an oxygen diffuser connected to the other end of the elbow. An oxygen diffuser is connected to that other end of the elbow. The diffuser comprises a body having a wall, the interior surface of which wall is of generally concave configuration. The wall circumscribes a centrally positioned oxygen outlet communicating with that other end of the elbow so as to receive oxygen from the elbow and direct the flow of oxygen delivered from the elbow generally towards the patient's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A compression element and a retention assembly using the compression element to retain an article on a flexible substrate are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making an assembly including an article retained on a substrate by a compression element. The retention assembly, compression element and method provide replacements for, e.g., mechanical staples. The retention assemblies, compression elements and methods are particularly useful for attaching elastic articles to the surfaces of flexible substrates without piercing the substrate. One example of attaching an elastic article to the surface of a flexible substrate is the attachment of an elastic strap to a respirator.

Abstract: A holder for tracheostomy systems on a patient that can function as a tracheostomy tube holder or as a ventilator tube holder. The holder is a bifurcated strip of flexible material providing a principal portion and a pair of minor portions extending therefrom. The principal portion has a hole therethrough. The strip has portions of a hook and loop fastener adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: An improved therapy for both clearing the blood of unwanted carbon monoxide and anaesthetic chemicals and for rapidly re-oxygenating blood suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation. It also includes a therapy delivery device for carbon dioxide and oxygen metering and mixing apparatus for gases under pressure particularly for respirators and medical devices which has a plurality of compressed gas supply lines which are connected to a mixing device for delivery into a demand regulator (respirator or face mask). It includes a gas selection device, an automatic shut off of the carbon dioxide, a purging system, metering of the gases and a mixing chamber to promote a homogeneous mixture of gases and sized for field use by emergency care operators. The therapy is a mixture of carbon dioxide and oxygen for promoting the rapid oxygenation of the patient's blood supply for cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation or other cases where the blood oxygen level is low.

Abstract: A holder for tracheostomy systems on a patient that can function as a tracheostomy tube holder or as a ventilator tube holder. The holder is a bifurcated strip of flexible material providing a principal portion and a pair of minor portions extending therefrom. The principal portion has a hole therethrough. The strip has portions of a hook and loop fastener adjacent respective opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: A improved interface is disclosed for delivering CPAP therapy to patients. The interface has a sliding engagement to the headgear. The sliding engagement allows substantial relative lateral movement eg: when face is distorted from sleeping on side, while still providing adequate compressive force to avoid side leakage. The sliding engagement also allows easy release from the headgear.

Abstract: A patient ventilator system has a high-frequency oscillation ventilator connectable to a patient circuit and operable to induce oscillations within gas in the circuit at a predetermined high-frequency and a gas supply connectable to the patient circuit for supplying breathing gas thereto. A detection device is also included within the ventilator system and is adapted to monitor during the operation of the high-frequency oscillator ventilator, gas pressure and/or gas flow to detect a variation therein not derived from the induced high-frequency oscillations and to output a trigger signal dependent on the detected variation indicating a spontaneous breathing effort. The gas supply is operable on receipt of the trigger signal to supply breathing gas into the circuit at a level to assist the spontaneous breathing effort.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a headgear and a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a connection device. The connection device allows independent rotation of each of two independently disconnecting headgear connectors. The gas delivery mask includes a shell, a first connector associated with the shell, a second connector connected to a headgear and realeasably and rotateably connected to the first connector.

Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus is provided for use by patients desiring a comfortable arrangement. The nasal cannula apparatus is particularly suited for long-term oxygen users, for extended wear in both standing, resting and supine positions. The nasal cannula apparatus has headgear and retainers for holding the gas supply tubes, which are adjustable to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The headgear and retainers allow the cannula tubes to be held in a position which prevents skin discomfort and irritation, and which promotes healing of such irritation, injuries and sores.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.

Abstract: The maskap is a safety mask that is worn like a cap, It has a thin rubber liner (or airtight material) that covers the inside of the cap. The rubber liner forms a seal when worn as a mask. There are two plastic eye covers that are sealed to the cap, that when worn as a mask will let the user see through them. On the brim of the cap but under the fabric is a filter box. The filter box has two air tubes molded to it. The air tubes run up the front of the cap. The open ends of the air tubes are sealed with the rubber liner. When the maskap is worn as a mask the user will breath through the filter box. There are elastic bands that are sewn to the cap at three or more points to hold the maskap on.

Abstract: A ventilator tube retention strap for releasably securing a medical ventilator tube to a tracheotomy tube apparatus. The ventilator tube retention strap is comprised of an elongate, flexible strap and a sheath or cover, which substantially encloses the elongate, flexible strap. The flexible strap is defined by first and second opposing ends, each of which is configured as a loop enclosing an aperture. The ventilator tube retention strap is wrapped around the neck of a patient, and the loops are coaligned to receive in frictional engagement the medical ventilator tube, which is then attached to an external tube of the tracheotomy tube apparatus and maintained thereon by the ventilator tube retention strap.

Abstract: The present medical tube holder is comprised of a base member, a pair of strap anchors pivotally attached to opposite ends of the base member, a strap connected between the strap anchors, and a clip movably attached to the base member. The ends of the base member are curved upwardly to align with the top of the ears. The strap anchors are pivoted to self-adjust to individual patients. The strap has a cotton inner side for comfort, and hook-and-loop ends for adjusting its length. A bracket behind the clip is engaged on the base member to allow the clip to slide side-to-side along the base member for alignment with either nostril.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stabilizing at least one medical device such as a tracheal or gastric tube entering or covering at least one facial cavity such as the mouth and/or nose, taking advantage of a stabilization stent to secure to a patient's face the tracheal or gastric tube without the need to apply tape to the face, while maintaining visibility of tube markings, preventing kinking of the tube, and keeping the infant's face visible to parents and caregivers. In one form, the invention comprises a transverse stent comprising a superior border opposed to an inferior border, an inner surface and an outer surface. A first facial interface is attached to a first terminal end of the transverse stent, and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a first side of a patient's face.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: A nasal mask is disclosed which is more comfortable for the user to wear and reduces side leakage as compared to masks of the prior art. In a first form headgear for securing a mask to the user's face is disclosed where a section of at least one strap securing a mask to a user's face is substantially more elastic then the remainder of the strap. Headgear of this type allows the user to tilt the head backwards without lateral movement of the mask. In a further aspect, headgear tensioners are disclosed which provides a preset fitting of the mask and ensures that a user cannot over tighten the straps. The tensioners are recalling tension devices attached to the straps and/or mask on either side of the mask. In another form the headgear tensioner is a strap attachment on either side of the mask that allows the straps to move back through the attachment to a predetermined position that provides an appropriate tension between the back of the user's head and mask.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-holder for positioning a tube within a patient's trachea that includes a chin piece shaped to the curvature of the patient's chin and a pair of straps attached to openings in the chin piece for securing the tube-holder in place on the patient. An extension is attached to the chin piece extending perpendicular to and away from the patient's face. The extension includes a vertical member located at the end of the extension opposite the patient and at a fixed distance from the lips of the patient. The vertical member is split into two parts which have mating surfaces shaped for receiving and holding the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A forehead support (10) for a respiratory mask (14). The forehead support (10) includes a pair of arms (22). The arms (22) are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion (30). The arms (22) are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms (22) are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support (10) can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask (14).

Abstract: A retention device and method for retaining a gas delivery system provide improved safety and comfort for the recipient of oxygen or other gaseous mixture. The retention device includes a tube holder for maintaining a tension on a supply tube of a gas delivery system and an ear stop for transferring the tension of the supply tube to the back of an ear of the recipient. The device is generally molded from a flexible plastic material and includes a tube holder portion defining a cylindrical cavity therethrough for receiving and applying tension to a supply tube and an ear stop portion extending downwards from and end of said tube holder portion so that the tube holder portion may be placed over the recipient's ear and the ear stop placed behind the recipient's ear. A pair of the retention devices will generally be used, one for each ear.

Abstract: The CO2 detector has a bottom housing attached to a top housing. The bottom housing contains a rotatable port engageable to an intubation tube and multiple parallel integral filter support ridges on a top surface of a floor. A filter pad overlies the integral filter support ridges and a baffle overlies the filter pad. The baffle has multiple parallel filter support ridges on a bottom surface cooperating with the filter support ridges integral with the bottom housing to maintain the filter pad in position. The baffle has an air flow guide on a top surface and air passages. The top housing has a port connected to a CPR bag and a clear plastic disc overlying a CO2 calorimetric indicator paper. The colorimetric indicator paper is shown through a clear plastic cover after removing backing on the indicator paper through a sealable slot.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube-holder for positioning a tube within a patient's trachea that includes a chin piece shaped to the curvature of the patient's chin and a pair of straps attached to openings in the chin piece for securing the tube-holder in place on the patient. An extension is attached to the chin piece extending perpendicular to and away from the patient's face. The extension includes a vertical member located at the end of the extension opposite the patient and at a fixed distance from the lips of the patient. The vertical member is split into two parts which have mating surfaces shaped for receiving and holding the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A full-face cushion (30B) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30B) is affixed to a mask body (46) to form a full-face mask (60B). The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The member (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A universal respiratory adaptor for connecting medical equipment to a patient respiratory device comprises: i) a machine end comprises at least two male tapers of different diameters; ii) a patient end comprises a first female port concentric within a second female port, wherein the second female port has an outer wall which defines a male fitting, and iii) a tubular body portion interconnecting the machine end and the patient end; wherein the machine end and the body portion comprise a continuous lumen in fluid communication with the first female port.

Abstract: The present invention is a CPAP Headgear for assisting in the treatment of sleep apnea. The present invention uses a standard CPAP respiratory mask with air supplied under pressure by an air blower or other source. The present invention generally includes an improved Headgear, preferably having a head cover, a Lip Strap, and Clips and/or Extenders to hold the CPAP respiratory mask in place. The head cover designed with two side portions, each encircling an ear with an open area where the ear will fit and thereby stay a distance from the ear with material that goes upwards toward the top of the head, one side separating into 2 straps that connect across the top of the head to the second side. Another strap comes from the back of the left side that encircles the ear and around the nape of the neck to the right side that encircles the right ear, up and through, and back over toward the left, connecting upon itself, thereby connecting the two headpieces together across the nape of the neck.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-a-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has a cannula and a neckpiece with bands. The distal ends of the bands are rapidly and releasably connected to one another. At least one of the bands is adjustable in length. The bands and the neck piece may be formed integrally into a unitary member. The bands and neck piece may be formed from a viscoelastic polymer. A method of use is disclosed.

Abstract: A harness assembly (40) for a nasal mask (42) for communicating breathable gas to a patient's airways, for example in the administering CPAP or like breathable gas delivery treatments. The harness assembly (40) includes a cap portion (44) adapted to engage, in use, the occipital region of the skull (43). The cap portion (44) includes a connection means (48) at each end. The harness assembly (40) also includes a pair of upper (52) and lower (54) straps, each of the straps (52, 54) extending between one of the cap connection means (48) and the nasal mask (42).

Abstract: Headgear (20) for securing a respiratory mask (12) to a patient incorporates a quick release arrangement. The headgear has at least one strap (22,24) extending from each side of the mask, the straps being releasably fastened rearwards of the patient's face to secure the mask. The headgear further includes release means in the form of a pull cord (41) attached to an overlying strap (22) at its region of fastening to the underlying strap (24) an guided forward to be gripped at the front of patient. Pulling forward to the pull tab (45) of the cord (41) separates the fastening (28) between the straps (22,24) and pulls the mask away from the patient's face.

Abstract: A securing device for an endotracheal tube preferably includes a shield having an opening through which the endotracheal tube can pass and a clamp mounted on the shield for holding the endotracheal tube. A bite block for preventing occlusion of the endotracheal tube by a patient's teeth may be mounted on an opposite surface of the shield from the clamp.

Abstract: An oxygen mask for use on an infant is provided. The oxygen mask includes a face mask and a strap assembly connected to the face mask and extendable around the head of the infant for holding the face mask snugly against the infant's face. The strap assembly includes an upper rear strap, a lower rear strap, and a plurality of forward straps. The upper rear strap and the lower rear strap are joined so that the upper and lower rear straps form a loop. A first pair of the forward straps extend from the loop at a first juncture and each strap is adjustably connected to the face mask in a spaced apart relation. Similarly, a second pair of forward straps extend from an opposing side of the loop at a second juncture and are adjustably connected to the face mask in a spaced apart relation.

Abstract: A decorative trach tie cover including a flexible tube having opposed open ends. The flexible tube receives the collar tie of the trachea tube therein. The flexible tube has a length about equal to a length of the collar tie of the trachea tube. The flexible tube is constructed of a soft and comfortable fabric.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses a cam latch pivotally attached to a yoke to control the tension in an upper tension strap. In the latched position the upper tension strap traverses the yoke to support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension straps loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. In one embodiment, a guide is provided on the yoke to ensure that the mask may be consistently donned and doffed with minimal effort (e.g., potential one-handed donning and doffing). An opening may also be provided in the face mask and optionally in the yoke, and a filter may be disposed within the opening to provide the desired filtration of inhaled gases.

Abstract: A one-piece medical tube holder apparatus which fastens securely about a medical tube through straightforward interlocking joining of male/female ends, with means for attaching a harness assembly, and an optional notch for securing an auxiliary medical tube, the holder being releasable by deliberate action laterally of the male/female ends.

Abstract: A fastening structure is adapted for use with both tracheal and endo-tracheal assisted breathing device. The fastening structure provides a fastening ring and a fastening bracket. The fastening structures are adapted for connection to prior art assisted breathing components currently adopted in most medical facilities. In an endo-tracheal application, where the endo-tracheal tube passes through the patient's mouth, first and second fastening rings are attached to the auxiliary port and to the ventilator attachment port, respectively, of the ventilator adaptor. The U-shaped opening of a fastening bracket is passed over the endo-tracheal adapter which is attached to the ventilation adapter. First and second legs, extending from the fastening bracket, lock onto the first and second rings. The connection between the fastening bracket and the fastening rings prevents unwanted separation between the endo-tracheal adapter and the ventilation adapter.

Abstract: A bridle system for placing and securing a nasal tube in a patient includes a flexible member having a magnet attached to a first end thereof for insertion into a nare of a patient's nose, a magnetic probe for insertion into a second nare of the nose. The magnetic probe attracts the flexible member magnet to assist in retrieving the first end of the flexible member through the second nare of the nose. The system further includes a receiver for securing the nasal tube and the flexible member externally, adjacent the nose to prevent dislodgement by the patient or otherwise. The receiver includes first and second pivotally connected portions forming a main body. Channels are provided for receiving the nasal tube and flexible member in a snap-fit manner.

Abstract: A full-face cushion (30B) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30B) is affixed to a mask body (46) to form a full-face mask (60B). The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The member (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism and headpiece for use with a respirator. The quick release mechanism uses an over center latch pivotly attached to a yoke to control the tension in a pair of upper tension cords. In the latched position the upper tension cords traverse the yoke and together with a pair of lower tension cords support and seal the respirator mask against the face of the wearer. In the unlatched position the upper tension cords loosely support the mask below the chin of the wearer in a parked position. The upper and lower tension cords are attached to a circular shaped headpiece having a crown piece fitting to the top of the head of the wearer and a base portion fitting to the back of the head of the wearer. The headpiece is advantageously comprised of multiple layers wherein the outer layer is comprised of a rigid material and the inner layer is comprised of a compliant material.

Abstract: Tube securing devices and method of using them are disclosed for immobilizing an endotracheal tube or the like in a body cavity such as in an intubated position. The device includes an elongated tube grasping arrangement having a ribbon securing device for helping to maintain the position of the tube grasping device in place. The tube grasping device includes a gripping portion disposed between its opposite ends to help limit sliding movement relative to the tube grasping assembly.

Abstract: A nasal cannula retainer has a flexible member and cannula grips. The flexible member has a central nose portion with an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's nose and two cheek portions connected to the nose portion, each of the cheek portions having an adhesive backing for adhering to a patient's cheek. The adhesive layers are covered with a peel layer which is removed prior to applying the retainer. The cannula grips are attached to the cheek portions to secure a nasal cannula on each of the patient's cheeks. The grips are releasable and reusable, allowing the cannula to be repositioned or temporarily removed without the need for the retainer to be discarded and replaced, and without the use of tape to secure the cannula to the retainer after the cannula is repositioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stabilizing at least one medical device such as a tracheal or gastric tube entering or covering at least one facial cavity such as the mouth and/or nose, taking advantage of a stabilization stent to secure to a patient's face the tracheal or gastric tube without the need to apply tape to the face, while maintaining visibility of tube markings, preventing kinking of the tube, and keeping the infant's face visible to parents and caregivers. In one form, the invention comprises a transverse stent comprising a superior border opposed to an inferior border, an inner surface and an outer surface. A first facial interface is attached to a first terminal end of the transverse stent, and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a first side of a patient's face. A second facial interface is attached to a second terminal end of the transverse stent and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a second side of a patient's face.

Abstract: A device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient's head is disclosed. The device utilizes a thin round elastic band placed behind the patient's head and is attached to the cannula gas supply tube by cord couplers. The cord couplers are slidably attached to the gas supply tubes to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The device is light, comfortable, inexpensive and simple to use. It prevents painful hair entanglement and allows single handed deployment and adjustment of a nasal cannula, while affording secured placement of the cannula during patient movement or sleep. Additionally, a nosepiece having a downwardly oriented U shape or arcuate fold in its center portion is disclose to prevent the cannula nosepiece from exerting excessive pressure against the patient's septum. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sleep apnea headgear for positioning breathing apparatus on the head of a user includes a T-shaped rear portion and a T-shaped front portion each having latitudinal and longitudinal legs and a chinstrap made from a stretchable, breathable, laminated neoprene substitute having an inner surface of LYCRA® fabric and an outer surface of UBL loop material. The rear portion includes a hook-and-loop fastener at opposite lateral segments of its latitudinal leg for securing opposite ends of the chinstrap to the outer surface of the latitudinal leg, and a hook pad on the inner surface at each lateral end of the latitudinal leg. The front portion includes a slot opening at each lateral end of its latitudinal leg sized for receiving a corresponding lateral end of the latitudinal leg of the rear portion, whereby the hook pads may be attached directly to the outer loop surface of the latitudinal leg of the front portion.

Abstract: A respiratory device is disclosed that optimizes delivery of oxygen and detection of carbon dioxide to a user through the use of a flexible lever arm and mouthpiece which may be adjusted to deliver the oxygen toward the user's oral and nasal cavities, and detect carbon dioxide, exhaled by the user, from a separate orifice of the mouthpiece. The lever is supported by a rotatable adapter attached to a head mounted brace. The adapter can rotate through 180° for placement of the lever on either side of the user's head. The adapter is hinged to eliminate occluding and kinking during rotation. A hose having tubular members therein delivers the gases to and from the user. The hose traverses through the lever arm and adapter, terminating at the lever arm into the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has a plurality of ports for fluid flow. The hose terminates at the other end in gas detection and delivery equipment. The hose may be segmented or one continuous piece.

Abstract: A nasal mask configured to be as unobtrusive as possible while providing an air-tight seal around the nose of a wearer comprises a flexible nasal cup having a nasal opening formed by an inner circumferential edge or rim thereof and opening into a nasal chamber. The cup also includes inner and outer sealing flanges extending around the rim for forming an air-tight seal during use. The nasal cup is sized such that, when the nasal cup is positioned over a wearer's nose, the rim generally extends across the wearer's upper lip, around the alae of the nose, and across the dorsum of the nose. Opposite ends of a malleable strip are secured to the outer sealing flange and the strip extends across the portion of the outer sealing flange adapted to be positioned over the nasal dorsum. The strip is manually adjustable so that a user may selectively adjust the shape of the mask about the nose to improve the seal across the nose.

Abstract: A filter for covering a surgical orifice at a base of the neck of a tracheotomized person and connecting the trachea to the ambient atmosphere. The filter comprises a bib having a cutout neck with a border extended by one or more attachment strips adapted to form with the border a closed loop around the neck of the person by complementary joining elements which may not be separated after being joined, so that the filter cannot be re-used.