Abstract: A mask apparatus for a respiratory treatment can permit delivery of breathable gas to a user. In one example, the mask may employ a frame and cushion to form a seal for both mouth and nose. The frame may be adapted for coupling with a respiratory treatment apparatus so as to permit communication of a pressurized gas from the respiratory treatment apparatus. The cushion, which may be foam, may have a substantially under the nose configuration. The mask may have a common plenum chamber for both nose and mouth. The cushion may further define a centrally open lip superior region. The cushion may be adapted to couple with the frame directly or to the frame in conjunction with a cushion support clip. Various features of the cushion may further promote sealing and comfort for the under the nose design.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The flattening index serves as an obstruction index used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon comparison of values of airflow in different sectors of the inspiratory peak of the wave function and is particularly suitable for distinguishing M shaped or square shaped respiratory patters indicative of partially obstructed airways.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and an elbow assembly. The frame has a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. The elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a gel cushion that is placed on a user's nose bridge before putting on a ventilator mask. The gel cushion is composed of a tacky gel material, such as a viscoelastic polymer gel. The gel cushion is wider than the edges of the ventilator mask and remains in place even if the mask is repositioned. The gel cushion adapts to the user's face in the area on and around the nose bridge to cushion and seal the ventilator mask in that area.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to contain a supply of water and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit provided upon a surface. The first polymer film is electrically insulating and the tub is formed of molded resin and the heater is molded at least partially within the resin. A respiratory apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes the humidifier. A method of humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes passing the flow of pressurized breathable gas over a supply of water contained in a tub. The tub is formed of molded resin and a heater including a first polymer film having an electrically conductive circuit on a first surface is molded at least partially within the resin.

Abstract: A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

Abstract: A mask system including a headgear and cushion module and a seal and frame module provided to the headgear and cushion module. The seal and frame module includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face and a frame portion adapted to form a breathing chamber. The headgear and cushion module includes a cushion region adapted to support and shape the sealing portion and a headgear region adapted to support and stabilize the mask system on the patient's face.

Abstract: Methods and systems estimate cardio-respiratory parameter(s), such as from in-phase and quadrature channels. The channels may represent patient chest movement and may be generated with a sensor, such as a contactless sensor that may sense movement with radio-frequency signals. In the methods/systems, the in-phase and quadrature channels may be processed, such as in a processor(s), using relative demodulation to generate cardio-respiratory parameter estimate(s). Optionally, the processing produces a jerk signal that may be filtered for producing a heart rate estimate, such as from zero-crossings of the filtered signal. Optionally, the processing produces a chest velocity signal that may be filtered for producing a respiratory rate estimate, such as from zero-crossings of the filtered signal.

Abstract: A humidifying apparatus utilizing a semi-permeable membrane portion within a gas conduit where the direction of gas flow within a central lumen is given by an arrow. The humidification apparatus has a helical configuration for the semi-permeable membrane portion, a structural reinforcing member or members, a water channel and a heating element. The helical configuration of an outer wall may be similar to conventional conduits that are in common use in respiratory apparatus. Thus the humidification apparatus may be readily substituted into existing respiratory device by exchanging the gas conduit.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame having a channel and a cushioning element including a clip portion adapted for interference seal and retention in the channel. The cushioning element includes an interfacing portion constructed from foam and having a wider width than the clip portion.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus for supplying pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a blower device including an electric motor, an impeller driven by the motor, and a housing to receive the motor and the impeller, a housing element that defines a blower receiving chamber to receive the blower device, and a suspension device to elastically support the blower device within the chamber of the housing element. The suspension device includes at least one elastic support chamber coupled to both the blower device and the housing element.

Abstract: An elbow assembly for a mask system includes an elbow including a slot and a port, an anti-asphyxia valve adapted to be received within the slot and including a flap portion adapted to selectively close the port depending on the presence of pressurized gas, and a support member to secure the anti-asphyxia valve to the elbow. The support member includes a slot that is adapted to interlock with a protrusion provided to the anti-asphyxia valve.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for use with a patient, and that is suited for use with children, includes a flexible cushion arranged to interface with and deliver air to the patient's nose. The cushion has a tube connection portion at one or both sides adjacent the patient's nares, the tube connection portion being arranged to connect to an air delivery tube. This location, plus the very low profile of the mask, allows a patient (e.g. an infant) to sleep on their face more comfortably. A more rigid support structure adjacent the cushion is provided to stabilize the cushion and prevent it from collapsing. Headgear is also provided and arranged for releasable attachment to the support structure.

Abstract: Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.

Abstract: The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.

Abstract: A forehead support for a patient interface used in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a support post provided to a frame and a pair of arms extending from the support post. At least one of the pair of arms is adapted to rotate relative to the support post about an axis that extends transverse to the support post.