Abstract: A valve structure for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The valve structure is connected to an air flow generator and is connected to a mask that covers at least the nostrils of a patient. The valve structure includes an inlet pressure port attached to the air flow generator and an expiration valve that includes an expiratory membrane, a primary seat and a secondary seat. During inspiration, the expiratory membrane forms a seal with the primary seat, and during expiration, the expiratory membrane forms a seal with the secondary seat.

Abstract: The system includes an air flow generator configured to deliver an air flow at a positive therapeutic pressure during the treatment, and an expiratory valve with an open pressure connected to the air flow generator. The open pressure is dependent on the therapeutic pressure from the air flow generator. The expiratory valve further exerts a back pressure upon each exhalation from the patient sufficient to create a pneumatic splint in the patient's respiratory tract. The exhalation from the patient has a first half followed by a second half, and the back pressure is varied such that during the start of the first half, the back pressure is between 0 and 50% of a peak back pressure, and increases to a peak back pressure in the second half.

Abstract: A sleep mask valve structure for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The valve structure includes a rigid valve housing comprising an inspiratory valve and an adjustable expiratory valve. The housing defines an outside mask side and an intra-mask side, and further defines an expiratory airflow conduit accommodating airflow from the intra-mask side to the outside mask side and an inspiratory airflow conduit accommodating airflow from the outside mask side to the intra-mask side. The expiratory airflow conduit includes at least two changes of direction, with each direction change greater than or equal to 75 degrees, and the inspiratory airflow conduit includes at least one change of direction greater than or equal to 75 degrees. The two paths share at least one change of direction.

Abstract: A nasal pillow system for treating sleep apnea is disclosed that may include a nasal pillow. The pillow has a cavity wall that defines a cavity, and two nasal interface structures connected to and extending away from the cavity wall. The nasal interface structures are in fluid communication with the cavity. Each nasal interface structure includes a conical nasal interface, a cylindrical trunk structure connected to conical nasal interface, and an annular relief pocket connected to the cylindrical trunk structure and to the cavity wall. The connection between the annular relief pocket and the cavity wall defines substantially a plane, and a first portion of the annular relief pocket extends away from the plane while a second portion extends towards the plane.

Abstract: A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect one another, creating a braid. A longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen, and the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or by expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve structure for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The valve structure is connected to an air flow generator and connected to a mask that covers at least the nostrils of a patient. The valve structure includes a housing with an inlet pressure port connected to the air flow generator, and an ambient pressure port. Within the housing is an expiratory membrane, an expiratory valve seat, an inspiratory membrane, an inlet pressure valve seat, an inspiratory valve seat, and an inspiratory membrane segmentation structure configured to segment the movement of the inspiratory membrane into at least a first portion and a second portion. An expiratory valve in fluid connection with the inlet pressure port is formed by the expiratory membrane and the expiratory valve seat. An inlet pressure valve is formed by the inlet pressure valve seat and the first portion of the inspiratory membrane.

Abstract: A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect each other and create a braid, and a longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen, wherein the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state, where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect each other creating a braid, a longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen and the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.

Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP system with an integrated oximeter sensor is disclosed wherein the sensor communicates with an oximeter processor that controls the blower. A nasal air flow sensor may also be incorporated that provides more data to the processor. A unique lightweight, flexible and stretchable hose for CPAP systems is also disclosed. The hose may have a magnetic connection with the blower.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea may include a mask, a portable air flow generator configured to generate air flow at a relatively low flow rate, and a tube connecting the air flow generator and the mask such that air flow from the generator passes through an air flow generator valve on the mask. The mask may include a contact surface for forming a seal between the mask and the patient's face such that the mask surrounds the patient's nostrils, an expiration valve that opens during expiration, and an air flow generator valve that opens during inspiration. In some embodiments, the mask may further include an inspiration valve that opens during inspiration to allow air from outside the system to enter the mask.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.