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.

Abstract: A humidification arrangement can be configured to have multiple compartments with each compartment having at least one moisture source and at least one heater. The compartments can be thermally isolated and can be controlled such that the moisture output of both the first and second compartments is set to a function of the same set of input signals.

Abstract: A respiratory system including a dual outlet blower. One of a first and a second outlet of the blower provides a flow of gases to one of a pair of nasal outlets of a nasal interface and the other one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to the other one of the pair of nasal outlets of the nasal interface. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to a nasal outlet of an oro-nasal interface and the other one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to an oral outlet of the oro-nasal interface.

Abstract: Respiratory masks made of thermoformed EVA foam are provided. A mask can include a seal that contacts a user's face in use and a housing permanently joined to the seal. Both the seal and housing can be made of EVA foam. The seal and housing can be made of EVA foam having different densities. The mask can further include a frame removably or permanently coupled the housing. Headgear can be coupled to the frame and can couple the mask to the user's face in use.

Abstract: Several embodiments of straps and headgear assemblies are described. Some of the embodiments provide straps that can had varied elasticity over the length of the straps. Some of the embodiments provide adjustment mechanisms that facilitate customization of headgear to a user.

Abstract: A mask assembly including a mask frame with a central conduit connection aperture and lateral arms having a 3-D curvature. The lateral arms extend: outwardly from a center of the frame, rearwardly, towards the patients ears, and upwardly, along a vector passing from below the nose to a point between the temple the top of the ear. The mask assembly can include an anti-rotation feature which limits or prevents rotation between straps of a headgear, and the mask frame. The mask assembly can include a buckle for a closed loop headgear, the buckle being formed with a plurality of openings and posts configured to form an angled headgear strap path through the buckle through which part of a headgear strap loop can pass.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for humidifier control systems and methods configured to adjust power to a heater plate in a surgical humidifier to account for changes in flow rate to provide a consistent output, to provide functionality for different modes of use, and to provide accurate control over temperature and/or humidity at relatively low flows. The humidifier control system can receive a flow rate reading and determine a power requirement corresponding to the received flow rate reading, wherein the power requirement is one of a plurality of set points which correspond to ranges of flow rates. The humidifier control system can determine a mode of use based at least in part on the flow rate reading. The humidifier control system can provide electrical power to the heater plate according to the power requirement and/or the mode of use.

Abstract: A headgear for a respiratory mask has first and second straps configured to be connected to each other by first and second buckles. The straps are configured to overlap in a region that contacts the rear of a user's head. The overlapping regions of the first and second straps can be positioned in a bifurcated configuration to improve stability on a user's head. The first and second buckles can feature a glider end through which one of the first and second straps can slide and a strap attachment end to which the other strap is permanently connected. In some embodiments, the first and second buckles have two components that are pivotally connected to allow adjustment of the headgear size whilst in a bifurcated configuration.

Abstract: Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in breathing circuits and especially neonatal breathing circuits. The subject patent provides an improved breathing tube component for managing rain-out particularly in neonatal applications. In particular the breathing tube has a smooth inner bore, and an outer insulating layer containing stagnant gas and a heater wire.

Abstract: This invention relates to a patient interface, a system and/or method for providing a dedicated or sole inspiratory line or conduit for provision of inspiratory gases to a patient, and a dedicated or sole expiratory line or conduit for provision of expiratory 5 gases to a downstream device, where the inspiratory line or conduit is sealing engageable with the first of a user's nares and the expiratory line or conduit is sealing engageable with the second of the user's nares.

Abstract: A humidification system has a humidification source and a main gases flow path. The main gases flow path has a low pressure region and a high pressure region. In some embodiments, each of the low pressure region and the high pressure region has an aperture. The pressure difference between the apertures promotes a gases flow between the main gases flow path and the humidification source, and results in humidifying the gases in the main gases flow path.

Abstract: A water dispersing bag for transporting, storing, and/or holding medical equipment is provided. In some configurations, the bag can include a lower portion, an upper portion, a handle, and a shoulder strap. The handle can include a handle strap. The shoulder strap can include a shoulder strap connector. In some embodiments, the bag can include a locking mechanism that can allow access to an interior of the bag.

Abstract: A patient interface mask for use with a breathing assistance apparatus includes a seal that, in use, circumscribes a nose, mouth, or nose and mouth of a patient and defines an interior space of the mask. The mask includes an inlet into the interior space and an outlet from the interior space. A sensor is positioned outside of the interior space and in the path of exit gases exiting the interior space through the outlet. The sensor detects a parameter of the exit gases, such as temperature, humidity or both.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a first body that rests on a first portion of a patient's face, a second body that rests on a second portion of the patient's face, and a bridge linking the first and second bodies. The patient interface includes an attachment structure that couples with a complementary fixation structure positioned on the patient's face to secure the patient interface to the patient's face. The complementary fixation structure can be configured to assist in retaining a feeding tube in position relative to the patient's face or to the patient interface.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (24, 50, 300, 400, 500, 600 or 700) for humidifying gases is provided comprising: a water tub that is configured to receive a volume of water; a gases inlet for receiving a flow of gases into an interior volume of the humidification chamber; and a gases outlet through which a humidified flow of gases may exit the interior volume of the humidification chamber. One or more fill apertures (120) are provided in fluid communication with the water tub such that the water tub can be filled with water through the one or more fill apertures. A sealing closure (850) is also provided and configured to be releaseably mounted on the humidification chamber (24, 50, 300, 400, 500, 600 or 700), the sealing closure (850) being configured to sealingly close each fill aperture (120) when the sealing closure (850) is mounted on the humidification chamber to resist gas and/or vapour escaping from the one or more fill apertures (120).