Abstract: A respiratory treatment device having an inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the device, an outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the device, a valve moveable in response to a threshold exhalation pressure at the inlet between a closed position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is restricted, and an open exhalation position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is less restricted, and a valve brace configured to support the valve, wherein a position of the valve brace relative to the valve is selectively adjustable to increase or decrease the threshold exhalation pressure.

Abstract: A positive expiratory pressure-generating device for reducing breathlessness in a subject with one or more pulmonary disorders is disclosed. The device is rigid and hollow and can be held in the mouth of the subject. The device has at least one air chamber, at least one opening in the portion of the device that is held in the mouth and at least one additional airflow orifice. The device is configured to increase expiratory resistance and can be supported by the mouth of the subject without the need for additional support by hands, another device or other means.

Abstract: A portable inhalator device includes a housing with a mouthpiece for a user; a gas conduit coupled to the mouthpiece and configured to guide inhaling and exhaling gas flow within the device; a pressure sensor configured to monitor the gas flow in the gas conduit and to provide pressure differential signal for indicating direction of the gas flow through the gas conduit; a detection sensor configured to monitor the gas flow in the gas conduit and to provide characteristics signal for indicating composition of the gas flow through the gas conduit; and a dispenser configured to dispense a drug to the gas conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breathing device (1), comprising a mouthpiece (2) forming a breathing channel to form a connection between a first (3) end and a second (4) end of the mouthpiece (2). The first (3) end is configured for a user breathing into the mouthpiece through a breathing opening (5). An at least partly flexible rebreathing air chamber (6) is arranged in fluid communication with the second (4) end of the mouthpiece, thereby being in fluid connection with the breathing channel through the second end of the mouthpiece (2). The rebreathing air chamber is formed by at least partly flexible wall section(s). A wall member (7) is arranged at the second (4) end of the mouthpiece and/or attached to the rebreathing air chamber (6). The wall member (7) comprises one or more through-going openings (8) provided in the wall member (7) and/or in the breathing channel, allowing fluid communication between the rebreathing air chamber (6) and the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy devices, oscillating positive expiratory pressure assemblies, respiratory therapy assembly kits, and methods of respiratory treatment or therapy are disclosed. An example respiratory therapy device can include an airflow mixing channel including a first inflow opening, a second inflow opening, and an outflow opening. The device can further include a nebulizer fluidly coupled to the first inflow opening. A one-way air intake valve fluidly can be coupled to the second inflow opening and/or a one-way medicament valve fluidly coupled to the outflow opening. The respiratory therapy device can also include an oscillating positive expiratory pressure assembly fluidly coupled to the one-way medicament valve, wherein the oscillating positive expiratory pressure assembly includes a mouthpiece opening and an oscillatory valve. In certain specific examples, the one-way air intake valve or the one-way medicament valve can be an inhalation oscillatory valve.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure system including an oscillating positive expiratory pressure device having a chamber, an input component in communication with the chamber, wherein the input component is operative to sense a flow and/or pressure and generate an input signal correlated to the flow or pressure, a processor operative to receive the input signal from the input component and generate an output signal, and an output component operative to receive the output signal, and display an output.

Abstract: A portable incentive spirometry monitoring device and method of use. The device connected to the base of an incentive spirometer and is capable of monitoring inspiration within the incentive spirometer. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device has a user interface for inputting a variety of different parameters, including a desired air volume, as well as attempt thresholds. Results can be stored such that medical personnel can review attempts by a patient to monitor therapeutic use, as well as encouraging patient use. The portable incentive spirometry monitoring device may be reused with different incentive spirometers without the need for extensive sterilization.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Abstract: A method for assisting a patient in physical rehabilitation, the method being executed by a controller, and the controller being configurable with at least one physical rehabilitation strategy and being communicatively connected with a respiratory device and an exercise device. The method includes controlling at least one of a device setting of the respiratory device and a device setting of the exercise device, based on a target physical rehabilitation strategy among the at least one physical rehabilitation strategy.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device having a diagonal feedback array, and methods for the user thereof.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device includes a housing, an inlet configured to receive air into the housing, an outlet configured to permit air to exit the housing, and a flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet. A restrictor member positioned along the flow path that is configured to move between a closed position, where the flow of air along the flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of air along the flow path is less restricted. A vane in communication with the flow path rotatable in response to the flow of air along the flow path is configured to move the restrictor member between the closed position and the open position. A protrusion extends in to the housing to limit movement of the restrictor member from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions associated with breathing. The instructions, when executed by a processor of a user device, causes the user device to perform the following operations: transmitting to a breathing device a breathing pattern including at least two of the following: an inhale period, an exhale period, and hold period, receiving data from the breathing device associated with the breathing pattern, receiving breathing data from the breathing device associated with a user performing the breathing pattern, and displaying the breathing data in real-time.

Abstract: In an example, a ventilator includes a first container and a second container in fluidic communication with each other via a liquid. The second container includes a second container space surrounded by the second container and a second liquid surface. A hydrostatic pressure in the second container space results from a pressure differential defined by a difference between the first liquid surface elevation in the first container and the second liquid surface elevation. The second container space increases in size with an increase in the breathing gas supplied from a gas supply line to the second container space. An inhalation line is configured to open to permit a flow of the breathing gas from an inhalation inlet in the second container space to an inhalation outlet outside of the liquid and outside of the second container and coupled to a patient, causing the second container space to decrease in size.

Abstract: A distension/compression device for assisting breathing in a subject according to one embodiment includes a first tube having a flexible and elastic material that forms a first tube lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the first tube. Longitudinal expansion of the first tube is restricted less than radial expansion of the first tube. A connection element including a first air supply port is in fluid communication with an open proximal end of the first tube lumen and attached to a proximal end of the first tube. A method for assisting breathing of a patient and a method for assisting the clearing of secretions is also included.

Abstract: A breathing device having an elongated body which may be cylindrical in shape. The body can be hollow so as to form the general shape of a tube. The tube has an opening and an exit. The user may interact with the device by placing their mouth in communication with the opening so that the user may exhale through their mouth into and through the hollow body of the device. The exit can comprise a connective part which may be configured to be coupled to one or more objects such as clothing, strings, necklaces and chains, bracelets, headbands and hair accessories, and the like.

Abstract: A breath control device comprising t least one longitudinal tube with a wall with at least a resilient part, wherein the tube is embodied with a proximal open end and a closed distal end, and that the wall of the tube is provided with one or more at least in part active user-controlled closable openings or slits so that the fidgeting device also embodies a breath exercise device.

Abstract: In an example, a ventilator includes an outer container containing liquid, an inverted container submerged in the liquid to provide inverted container space between a closed top and an inner container liquid level; gas supply line to supply breathing gas to the inverted container space; and inhalation line having an inlet in the inverted container space to provide breathing gas to patient. The inverted container moves upward from a first elevation when the inverted container space reaches a hydrostatic delivery pressure and volume of the inverted container space increases. The inverted container stops moving upward and the gas supply line stops supplying when the inverted container reaches a second elevation above the first. Based on a breath demand signal or preset timing, the inhalation line opens to permit flow of breathing gas to the patient at the hydrostatic delivery pressure, lowering the inverted container due to lost buoyancy resulting in sinkage.

Abstract: A respiratory rehabilitation apparatus includes a housing, an adjustment rod provided in the housing to change a pressure load generated during respiration, a pair of stoppers for selectively adjusting respiration pressure, a pair of pressurization-movement parts configured to be pressurized and moved inwards in a longitudinal direction of the housing by respiration pressure during respiration, a pair of elastic members disposed between the pressurization-movement parts and the stoppers, and a pair of diaphragms disposed so as to be in close contact with outer sides in a longitudinal direction of the pressurization-movement parts.

Abstract: An incentive spirometer medical device having a mouth piece protected by an enclosure when not in use and being able to be operated by one hand to open to access the mouth piece.

Abstract: A breathing device including a housing portion and a mouthpiece portion. The housing portion has external and internal surfaces and a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The mouthpiece portion has external and internal surfaces and includes a flared portion having a narrower distal end portion and extending to a wider proximal end portion, and the flared portion includes a depressed portion adjacent to the wider proximal end portion and configured to contact lips of a user.

Abstract: A breathing device meant to improve the respiratory system of a user includes a mouthpiece, a front piece, an inhale ring, a middle piece, an insert slider, and an exhale ring. The insert slider is slidable between an inhale position and an exhale position. Various grooves, bumps, slots, ribs mate with, engage, slide, and rotate with respect to one another to allow a user to adjust the amount of airflow through the breathing device. The breathing device disclosed herein is easy to assemble, to use, and to adjust to varying levels of resistance.

Abstract: A lung, diaphragm and surrounding muscles/areas of the anatomy instrument training device using a regulator including at least one weighted insert, a hollow chamber having a bottom and a top, wherein the weighted insert is positioned within the hollow chamber, and a tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connected to the hollow chamber, and a user breathes into the proximal end of the tube. A method for exercising diaphragm and lung capacity, strength and control including exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a chamber, moving at least one weighted insert positioned inside the chamber; and regulating the position of one or more weighted inserts within the chamber.

Abstract: A therapeutic device (1) for the treatment of human respiratory illnesses, with a mouthpiece (2) in which a passage duct (3) is worked, a hose (5), formed from a flexible elastic material, attached to the mouthpiece (2) arranged flush with the opening (6) of the passage duct (3), the free end (7) of which facing away from the passage duct (3) is open, a support body (11) connected to the mouthpiece (2) with a curved or bent cross-sectional structure, and an adjusting device (12) provided at a distance from the mouthpiece (2) in the support body (11), which can be moved in relation to the support body (11), which is connected to the hose (5) either directly or via intermediate elements (13), whereby the curvature of the hose (5) can be set independently from the radius of curvature of the support body (11).

Abstract: A portable method and sampling device for collecting aerosols comprising biomarkers from exhaled breath of a subject for further sensor based analysis. The sampling device (41) comprising a housing (406) comprising at least one inlet (407) and at least one outlet (408) for the exhaled breath to exit through, and a sampling membrane arranged in the housing. The sampling membrane is arranged to collect the aerosols from said exhaled breath.

Abstract: Methods for instructing a user to perform head and neck exercises with head and neck apparatuses are disclosed. The apparatus may include a member operatively arranged with a valve mechanism with a threshold pressure. The apparatus may further include an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured to respond when the pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than the threshold pressure. The head and neck exercise apparatus may also include a member operatively arranged with an acoustic apparatus, membrane, chromogenic material, or moveable element that may be configured, without a valve mechanism, to respond when the absolute pressure within the member is greater in magnitude than a threshold absolute pressure.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a device for monitoring patient usage of a medicament inhaler, being adapted to deliver doses of medicament, and including parts which move during the dispensing of a dose of medicament. The device includes a housing, for releasable attachment to the medicament inhaler, and an optical dose counter associated with said housing, being adapted to determine when a dose of medicament has been dispensed by transmitting optical signals through the medicament inhaler. The device is attachable to the medicament inhaler, and is subsequently operable without any modifications being required to be made to the medicament inhaler. The device may also include an electronic control module which is in communication with the optical dose counter, the electronic control module being adapted to monitor and/or store data relating to patient usage of the medicament inhaler.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device having an inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the device and an outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the device. A blocking member is moveable between a closed position where the flow of air through the device is restricted, and an open position where the flow of air through the device is less restricted. A biasing member is configured to bias the blocking member toward the closed position, wherein a level of bias decreases as the blocking member moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: An exercise device, comprising: more than one resistance adjusting inserts wherein said resistance adjusting inserts are selected to change the overall resistance a user exercises against; a chamber wherein one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are capable of being inserted within said chamber; and an inlet to said chamber wherein the one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are movable within the chamber by breath of a user. A method for exercising comprising: using an exercise device comprising a chamber capable of holding at least one resistance adjusting insert where the chamber has an inlet; selecting at least one resistance adjusting inserts from more than one resistance adjusting inserts; and, moving the selected inserts in the chamber by air pressure generated by a user directed through an inlet into the chamber.

Abstract: An airflow indicator providing a visually observable measure of relative airflow through a wind musical instrument which facilitates evaluation proximate the end of the instrument. This allows airflow to traverse the majority of the length of the instrument and particularly to traverse the valve section, so that actions of a player in operating the valves which impair the airflow may be seen. Some examples may be configured to minimize differences in pitch between the wind musical instrument with the airflow indicator in place, relative to the wind musical instrument without the airflow indicator.

Abstract: A method and device for determining respiratory airflow metrics during a single inspiratory breath and using those metrics to calculate indicators of aerobic capacity and athletic endurance as well as a method and device for strengthening the respiratory muscles.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to adjust the tidal volume of the breathing of a subject. The subject is self-ventilating (breathes under her own power). The adjustment of tidal volume accomplished through use of the system and/or method may reduce hypertension (e.g., lower blood pressure), reduce stress and/or anxiety (and related maladies), improve relaxation, decrease sleep latency, improve sleep quality, address other sleep disorders, and/or provide other health benefits. The system and method are effective in adjusting tidal volume while the subject is awake and/or asleep.

Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and an aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An overlaying outer layer has a pair of straps for affixing the face mask about the user's face. An adjustment slide is positioned adjacent the face mask, has an inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the face mask and a second position in which a larger second portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the face mask. An adjustment wheel is attached to the face mask and is movable rotatably between first and second positions to cause the adjustment slide to move between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A pressure regulating oxygen bottle has a bottle body filled with liquid, a cap mounted on the bottle body, an outer tube mounted in the bottle body, and an inner tube mounted through the cap and protruding in the outer tube. The outer tube has multiple flow holes arranged linearly between two opposite ends of the outer tube. The inner tube is connected to an artificial respiration system and has multiple communicating holes arranged spirally between two opposite ends of the inner tube. By turning the inner tube to allow one of the communicating holes to align with a corresponding one of the flow holes of the outer tube, a hydrostatic pressure formed between a liquid surface of the liquid and the communicating hole is changed. Accordingly, gas pressure inside the artificial respiration system can be adjusted.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid flow regulating device is disclosed comprising a fluid flow channel, at least one flow orifice formed in the channel, defining an inlet portion of the channel upstream of the flow orifice, an outlet portion of the channel downstream of the flow orifice, the fluid having a flow direction from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the channel. At least one piston is arranged upstream of the flow orifice, movably suspended in the channel by a spring means such that the piston is movable by the fluid in the flow direction of the fluid, towards the flow orifice, to regulate a fluid flow through the flow orifice. The disclosure further relates to the use of a micromachined flow regulating device in a breath analysis device and to a method of fabricating a flow regulating device.

Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and an aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An insert is disposed within the aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. An adjustment slide is positioned adjacent the insert, has an inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert and a second position in which a larger second portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert. An adjustment wheel is attached to the insert and is movable rotatably between first and second positions to cause the adjustment slide to move between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A back strengthening and therapy device has a frame with two body encircling frame members, each frame member having a front end and a rear end. A handle is located on the front end of each of the frame members and a back impacting element is located at the rear end of each frame member. An expandable, cross member interconnects the frame members. When this cross member is locked, the user can conveniently position the back impacting elements on his or her back and apply selected pressure to the back by manipulating the handles and the back impacting elements. When this cross member is unlocked, allowing the elastic to expand, the user can pull backward, creating resistance, in a repeated motion, for purposes of strengthening the back.

Abstract: A lung instrument training device including at least one weighted insert, a hollow cylinder having a bottom and a top, wherein the weighted insert is positioned within the hollow cylinder, and a tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connected to the bottom of the hollow cylinder, and a user breathes into the proximal end of the tube. A method for exercising lung capacity, strength and control including exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a cylinder, moving at least one weighted insert positioned inside the cylinder; and regulating the position of the weighted inserts within the cylinder.

Abstract: A ventilator, or a breathing assistance apparatus, is disclosed to ventilate patients who may have breathing difficulties, said device comprising a inspiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a first body of fluid; a positive end-expiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a second body of fluid; at least one valve connected to the peak inspiratory pressure control duct and to the positive end-expiratory pressure control duct, and at least one controller communicably connected to the valve to control rate of cycling of the valve, thereby controlling number of breaths per minute, and to control the duration of peak inspiratory pressure also known as inspiratory time.

Abstract: A respiratory training assembly has a main body, an expiratory training device mounted in the main body and a handle formed on the main body. The main body has a volume barrel, an inspiratory training device, an air channel and an output-input entrance. The inspiratory training device is mounted movably in the volume barrel and has a floating element. The air channel is formed on the main body, communicates with the volume barrel, and has a check valve. The output-input entrance is formed in the main body and communicates with the air channel. In use, the inspiratory flow path and the expiratory flow path of the respiratory training assembly are separated to prevent pollution from the patient's saliva. Additionally, the expiratory training device can be adjusted according to the patient's requirement to improve the training result.

Abstract: A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration.

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: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO, sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO, level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An inversion chair and the method of treatment are provided to assist a user in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches by increasing and altering the blood flow within the head. The inversion chair includes a frame having a first and a second side connected to each other by a fixed backrest. The sides of the frame have L-shaped configurations comprising upstanding side and base sections that are connected by a curved member. A rotatable seat is positioned between the sides of the frame. The chair is adapted to transition between a standard sitting position to an inverted position. The chair comprises an upper user support bar and a lower leg support bar for maintaining a user within the chair during inverted use. The support bar is removable and used to either secure the lap of the individual when inverted, or support the chair when in an upright state.

Abstract: A combination spirometer and PEP breathing exercise device is described. The device includes a spirometer with a volumetric air chamber having an atmospheric opening, an exhaust port, and an indicator of inhalation rate or volume; a breathing tube having a proximal end in communication with the exhaust port, a distal end with a mouthpiece, and a conduit between the proximal and distal ends; a one-way check valve adjacent the exhaust port allowing air to flow from the spirometer through the breathing tube to the mouthpiece, but preventing air from being exhausted through the spirometer; and a PEP valve in communication with the breathing conduit, whereby expiration of air from the mouthpiece into the breathing tube above a preset pressure causes the valve to oscillate.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A respiratory training assembly has a main body, an expiratory training device mounted in the main body and a handle formed on the main body. The main body has a volume barrel, an inspiratory training device, an air channel and an output-input entrance. The inspiratory training device is mounted movably in the volume barrel and has a floating element. The air channel is formed on the main body and communicates with the volume barrel and has a check valve. The output-input entrance is formed in the main body and communicates with the air channel. In use, the inspiratory flow path and the expiratory flow path of the respiratory training assembly are separated to prevent pollution from patient's saliva. Additionally, the expiratory training device can be adjusted according to the patient's requirement to improve the training result.

Abstract: A breath biofeedback method and system for encouraging a subject to modify respiration. The system includes a thoracic volume input module measuring thoracic volume data of the subject and a pattern module providing target breathing patterns in communication with a display generator. The display generator producing display information representing a displayable image including a first object having a first position determined as a function of the thoracic volume data and a second object having a second position determined as a function of the target breathing pattern and the thoracic volume data. The displayable image is designed such that when displayed on the display device the displayable image encourages the subject viewing the displayable image to modify respiration.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for facilitating improving health of a user. In accordance with some applications, a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user, is received. A second physiological variable, which is not entirely under the direct voluntary control of the user, is received. Responsive to the first and second variables, the second physiological variable is changed in a desired manner, by using circuitry to direct the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action, by generating an output signal. Other applications are also described.