Abstract: A heater for a window of an optical gas sensor is provided. The heater may be positioned over a portion of the window or may form at least a portion of the window. Alternatively, the heater may be separate from the optical gas sensor and positionable over the window either in contact therewith or in close proximity thereto. In one embodiment, the heater is substantially transparent to the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are used in optical monitoring of respiratory gases, anesthetic agents, or the like. Alternatively, the heater may be configured so as to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the window. Optical gas sensors and complementary transducers that include the heater are also disclosed.

Abstract: A forehead pad that includes a base member having a first side adapted to be coupled to a forehead support member. The pad also includes a patient contacting member having a first side adapted to contact a surface of a patient. A neck portion couples a second side of the base member and a second side of the first patient contacting member. The neck portion includes at least one cutout to allow at least a portion of the first patient contacting member to move relative to the base member so that the patient contacting portion of the pad is self-aligning with the surface of the patient even if the base member is not parallel with the surface of the patient.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A headgear for attaching an object to a head of a user that is defined by a support beam and first and second ear loops coupled to opposite ends of the beam. The support beam generally wraps around a back of a user's neck or head and remains below the external occipital protuberance at all times during use of the headgear. This configuration minimizes the contact between the portions of the headgear and the user's hair. The first and second ear loops each include an upper arm adapted to be positioned above the ear, a lower arm adapted to be positioned below the ear, or both. An interface device is coupled to the headgear and held on the user's head by a tensioning force pulling the interface device toward the user.

Abstract: A sample cell, which is a component of a gas monitoring system, includes a sample cell body and a sample cell core installed therewith. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that communicates with an airway of a patient. Gas from the sampling tube passes through the sample cell such that the flow profile remains substantially undisturbed. Within the sample cell, at least one optical aperture permits radiation to be emitted, pass through the gas in the sample cell core, and detected. In this manner, measurements of the partial pressure or concentration of a gas of interest are determined.

Abstract: A method of modulating an infrared radiation (IR) source that includes applying a time-varying, periodic voltage signal to the IR source, measuring a parameter of the voltage signal, and adjusting the voltage signal to maintain a substantially constant delivered power to the IR source. Adjusting the voltage signal is done based on the measured parameter and a predetermined relationship between the measured parameter of the voltage pulse and a resistance of such an infrared radiation source. Alternatively, the method includes applying a the voltage pulse, measuring a first parameter of the voltage pulse and a second parameter of a current passing through the infrared radiation source resulting from the applying step, and adjusting the voltage pulse to maintain a substantially constant delivered power to the infrared radiation source based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

Abstract: A patient interface device including a cushion assembly having a cushion-in-a-cushion arrangement and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient using such an interface device. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted for receiving a supply of gas. A seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. A support cushion encircles the seal cushion and includes a first end portion that contacts a second area of a patient's face.

Abstract: A swivel exhaust conduit for rotatably connecting a patient mask to the delivery conduit of a positive pressure air supply. The swivel exhaust conduit design provides an exhaust port that utilizes the rotating bearing of the swivel conduit's rotating two-piece design for permitting and directing exhaust of CO2 laden air. A baffle chamber formed in the clearance of the two pieces provides an area where noise is reduced. As CO2 laden exhaust exits the swivel exhaust conduit, it is directed away from the patient mask and down the outside of the delivery conduit via a slit pattern on the swivel conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a breathing disorder and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a pressurized air flow to an airway of a patient to treat congestive heart failure in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration and/or sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. A positive airway pressure ventilator is utilized in combination with an algorithm that adjusts IPAP and EPAP in order to counter a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is detected by monitoring a peak flow of the patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting disordered breathing in a patient and, in particular, to a method and apparatus for detecting patient snoring and/or for dynamically determining a snore detection threshold, and to a pressure support system and method of providing pressure support that uses this unique snore detection and/or snore detection dynamic adjustment technique to control the pressure provided to at patient.

Abstract: A medical device, such as pressure support system, and a method of communicating with such a device using an information storage device. The information storage device, in one embodiment, is adapted to be provided in a slot in the medical device so that information for controlling the operating of the pressure support device can be read from the information storage device, information regarding the usage and/or operation of the pressure support device can be written to the information storage device, or both operations can be performed.

Abstract: An improved optical configuration for use in a gas monitoring system. The optical system uses a high numerical aperture lens that maximizes capture of relatively large angle rays, thereby increasing the measured signal at the infrared radiation detector. In one embodiment of the present invention, a half-ball-type lens is provided proximal to the infrared radiation source in the gas measurement system. To further increase the measured signal at the infrared radiation detector and allow more efficient capture of the larger angle rays, materials that are reflective in the infrared band of interest are used, so that the walls of the sample cell act as a hollow light pipe.

Abstract: A patient interface system having a patient interface and chin support system for supporting the patient interface on the patient and for supplying a flow of gas from a patient circuit to the patient interface. In one embodiment, the chin support is formed from flexible hollow chambered support and extends from either side of the patient interface curving downwardly in front of the patient's cheeks, around the outside of the patient's mouth, to a position beneath the patient's mandible. In another embodiment, the chin support is coupled to a conduit that is coupled to the patient interface. The chin support includes at least a portion that is disposed under the patient's mandible.

Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The controller in the pressure support system operates as a set of prioritized control layers, wherein each control layer competes for control of the pressure generating system to implement a unique pressure control process. The pressure support system also controls the pressure provided to the patient based on the variability of the monitored data and a trend analysis of this data, including an indication of the skewness of the patient's inspiratory waveform.

Abstract: A robust, compact spectrometer apparatus for determining respective concentrations or partial pressures of multiple gases in a gas sample with single as well as multiple and even overlapping, absorption or emission spectra that span a wide spectral range.

Abstract: A muffler assembly for a compressor that suppresses noise that would otherwise escape from the inlet of the compressor during its operation. The muffler assembly includes an intake conduit that has an inlet portion, an outlet portion adapted to couple to an inlet of a compressor, a longitudinal axis defined between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a passage defined through the intake conduit generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A baffle is disposed in the intake conduit generally traversing the passage. The baffle is defined in a plane that is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. An opening is defined at least partially by the baffle and disposed generally proximate to the outlet portion of the intake conduit.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic liner lining the inner perimeter of a housing for wicking moisture from the gases to be monitored prior to the gases reaching a sensing mechanism. The filter further includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism. In one embodiment, the filter further include an absorbent layer positioned between the cylindrical housing and the hydrophilic layer to aid in wicking moisture from the gas stream. In a further embodiment, the hydrophobic disk is eliminated and the hydrophilic member is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly must pass through at least a portion the hydrophilic member.