Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: A headgear, for use in combination with a breathing apparatus, has a plastic or elastomer core and a fabric or textile casing. The headgear, or portions thereof, may also include a length adjustment arrangement that permits adjustment of a length of a section of the headgear. The length adjustment arrangement can comprise overlapping strap portions of the headgear. In some configurations, the overlapping strap portions can be covered by a sleeve. The sleeve can be secured to the headgear by overmolded end caps. A nasal respiratory interface can include a frame having a front surface, a rear surface, and an aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface. The frame can have an oval form with a truncated height portion. The interface can also include a seal for a nasal pillow. The seal can be attached to the frame.

Abstract: A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user.

Abstract: Systems and method for conducting respiratory therapy in a respiratory system can adjust a flow of respiratory gases to a patient based upon a detected patient breath cycle. The respiratory system can include a non-sealed patient interface. The respiratory system can be configured to deliver a high flow therapy. A patient breath cycle may be determined using one or more measured parameters, such as a flow rate, a blower motor speed, and/or a system pressure. A flow source may be adjusted to have a phase matching that of the patient's breath cycle, such that flow in increased in response to the patient inhaling, and decreased in response to the patient exhaling.

Abstract: A humidifier for delivering humidified gases to a patient includes an inlet, an outlet, a gases flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet, a permeable wall, a liquid reservoir, and a heater. The permeable wall separates the gases flow path from the liquid reservoir. The heater heats liquid stored in the liquid reservoir to form vapour, and the vapour passes through the permeable wall to the gases flow path to humidify gases in the gases flow path. Another inline humidifier for delivering humidified gases to a patient includes an inlet and an outlet and holds a tape made of hydrophilic or hygroscopic material. The tape is pre-soaked with water and can include a heating element. The heating element heats the tape and the stored water to release the stored water as vapour and thereby humidify gases passing through the inline humidifier.

Abstract: A filter for an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas, the filter comprising: a filter body, wherein the filter body has a main compartment and a sub-compartment at least partly within the main compartment, wherein the main compartment is in fluid communication with a main compartment gases inlet and the sub-compartment is in fluid communication with a sub-compartment gases inlet; and a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and that is arranged to filter gases in, or exiting, the main compartment and the sub-compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidity of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator, humidifier and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing, while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire, a ribbon of PTC material, or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubing, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics.

Abstract: A flow generator (21) for a respiratory therapy system configured to deliver a breathable gas flow to a patient comprises a housing (27) comprising an inlet (28) and an outlet (25) and a gas flow path between the inlet (28) and outlet (25). An impeller is mounted within the housing (27) for rotation about an axis, the impeller configured to be rotationally driven by a motor to provide a gas flow along the gas flow path. Various embodiments are disclosed in which the flow generator (21) further comprises a sensor (23) mounted in the housing (27) in the gas flow path and configured to detect a property of the gas flow. The sensor (23) may be mounted in the outlet (25) so as to project into the gas flow path. Flow generator may comprise an axial inlet (28) and a tangential outlet (25). In another embodiment the sensor (23) may be mounted in the inlet (28).

Abstract: A bypass adaptor for a respiratory assistance system including an inlet connector configured to connect to a gases source outlet and defining a first gases passageway with a first axis and an outlet connector configured to connect to an inspiratory conduit connector and defining a second gases passageway with a second axis, the second gases passageway being fluidly connected to the first gases passageway, the inspiratory conduit connector being incompatible with direct connection to the gases source outlet, wherein the first axis is separated from the second axis by an angle that allows the inspiratory conduit connector to be connected via the bypass adaptor to the gases source outlet in a space smaller than the length of the inspiratory conduit connector. Also provided are a port cap assembly and a humidifying apparatus including the port cap assembly, wherein the port cap assembly provides for improved assembly and/or usability.

Abstract: A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.

Abstract: A sealing interface includes an inner cushion and an outer sheath. The outer sheath substantially seals against the facial contours of the user. The inner cushion and the outer sheath each have a nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either one of an upper lip region or a chin region. In use these regions are aligned with the corresponding nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either the upper lip region or the chin region of a user. The inner cushion includes a hinged region. The hinged region is adapted to flex substantially independently of the inner cushion cheek regions.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised.

Abstract: A gases flow rate sensing system may be configured to operate in at least two different target temperature modes, based upon a measured temperature of the gases flow. In some embodiments, the gases flow sensing system may have a voltage divider containing a thermistor. The gases flow rate may be determined based upon a voltage output indicating an amount of power needed to maintain the thermistor at a target temperature as specified by the target temperature mode, and a measured temperature of the gases flow.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

Abstract: An adaptor for a respiratory assistance system delivers aerosols to a patient. The adaptor is lightweight with a small footprint to increase patient comfort. The adaptor has a nozzle and a sealing mechanism to maintain pressure therein regardless of whether the nozzle is inserted into the adaptor. The adaptor is configured to connect to medical tubing and a medicament delivery device.