Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

Abstract: A shroud (1020) for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame (1040), a pair of upper headgear connectors (1024) each including an elongated arm (1026) and a slot (1027) at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors (1025) each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

Abstract: A mask assembly suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing may include a mask to provide pressurized air to a patient; upper and lower slot features located on each side of the mask; a headgear assembly including a back portion; a pair of upper straps provided to the back portion, each upper strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; a pair of lower straps extending away from the back portion, each lower strap having a loop portion and a hook portion at a free end thereof for releasably attaching to the loop portion; and a connection region of each loop portion of each strap, the connection region being adapted to receive a respective hook portion, the connection region being wider than each respective hook portion along each respective hook portion's entire length.

Abstract: A system of breathing arrangements for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes at least first and second cushion components, e.g., full-face, nasal, nasal prongs, nose tip, and/or a combination of any of the above, including a nasal or full-face cushion and nasal prongs/nozzles combination, etc., that are different from one another in at least one aspect, and a common frame assembly configured to support each of the first and second cushion components. Various embodiments are directed to a full-face or nasal mask used with a frame having lateral connector portions having a stiffening member. The mask assembly may include a nose height adjustment device for the height of the cushion, or a cushion adjustment member by which the position of the cushion may be adjusted relative to the frame. The mask assembly may include a chin strap assembly.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for use in monitoring/screening/diagnosing sleep or wake state of a subject or patient. The method generally includes monitoring the patient's activity during one or more sleep sessions comprising a plurality of intervals known as epochs. The sleep/wake state of the subject is determined during each epoch of the session using actigraphy data obtained during the monitoring session. The actigraphy data provides information about the activity of a patient during an epoch. The sleep or wake state is determined based on a ratio of the activity count during an epoch to the activity count during a preceding epoch. If the ratio is greater than a first activity threshold, then a “wake” indication may be provided by, for example, the system. Alternatively, or additionally, a “wake” indication may be determined if the activity count during the epoch is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods automate selection of patient interface(s) according to their size, such as with processing in a processor(s) or in a server(s). Image data captured by an image sensor may be received. The captured image data may contain facial feature(s) of an intended user of the patient interface. The facial features may be captured in association with a predetermined reference feature of known dimension(s). The user's facial feature(s) and the reference feature may be detected in the captured image data. Image pixel data of the image may be processed to measure an aspect of the detected facial feature(s) based on the reference feature. A patient interface size may be detected from standard patient interface sizes based on a comparison between the measured aspect of the facial feature(s) and a data record relating sizing information of the standard patient interface sizes and the measured aspect of the facial feature(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus treat a respiratory disorder. For example, a pressure generator supplies a flow of air at positive pressure to a patient's airway through a patient interface. A sensor generates a signal representing respiratory flow rate of the patient. A controller controls the pressure generator to provide to the patient interface a ventilation therapy having a base pressure. The controller computes a measure of ventilation of the patient from the signal. The controller computes a measure of flow limitation from an inspiratory portion of the signal. The controller computes a ratio of the measure of ventilation and an expected normal ventilation. The controller adjusts a set point for the base pressure of the ventilation therapy based on the measure of flow limitation. The adjustment may further depend on a comparison between the ratio and a relative ventilation threshold that increases as the measure of flow limitation increases.

Abstract: A shroud (1020) for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame (1040), a pair of upper headgear connectors (1024) each including an elongated arm (1026) and a slot (1027) at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors (1025) each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

Abstract: A nasal prong for sealing with a nasal passage of a patient includes a head portion structured to seal and/or sealingly communicate with the patient's nasal passage and a column or stalk structured to interconnect the head portion with a base. The nasal prong is structured to redirect air flow direction, diffuse air flow or create turbulence, and/or orient a prong orifice in order to reduce and/or eliminate air jetting effects.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying breathable gas provided to a user includes providing a breathable gas, producing moisture or water derived from ambient environmental surroundings, e.g., via condensation and/or dehumidified air, and directing the breathable gas along an air flow path. The air flow path optionally includes access to at least a portion of the moisture or water for increased humidification of the breathable gas, for delivery to the user.

Abstract: A mask for delivering breathable gas to a patient at positive pressure to treat sleep disordered breathing, may comprise: a rigid mask frame having a bore and an interfacing structure, the interfacing structure being located on the rigid mask frame and along a peripheral edge of the bore, said mask frame having no built-in or integral headgear attachment points; a sealing cushion provided to the rigid mask frame and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, the rigid mask frame and the sealing cushion together forming, at least partly, a breathing cavity; and a headgear connector adapted to engage the interfacing structure with a snap-fit, said headgear connector including a pair of lower headgear clip anchors adapted to be engaged with respective ones of a pair of tower headgear clips to attach a pair of lower side straps, said headgear connector including a fixed forehead support.

Abstract: An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.

Abstract: A CPAP system includes a flow generator (10), a patient interface (50), an air delivery conduit (20) that interconnects the flow generator and the patient interface, wherein the air delivery conduit has an internal diameter of less than 19 mm. Preferably the air delivery conduit has an internal diameter of between about 10 mm and about 18 mm. The CPAP system may also include a controller for compensating for pressure swings and/or increased impedance within the system. Preferably the blower includes a low inertia blower.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for determining the occurrence of a closed or open apnea. Respiratory air flow from a patient is measured to give an air flow signal. The determination of an apnea is performed by applying an oscillatory pressure waveform of known frequency to a patient's airway, calculating a complex quantity representing a patient admittance (12) and comparing its value with ranges (14, 16) indicative of open or closed apneas. The method distinguishes open from closed apneas even when the model used to calculate admittance is not based on details of the respiratory apparatus. In addition the patient admittance may be compared with admittance during normal breathing to avoid having to characterize the airway.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device includes a gas regulating valve (1300). The gas regulating valve is operated by a linear actuator (1330). The linear actuator may include a movable member that moves an obstruction member between an open position and a closed position. The linear actuator is isolated from a gas flow path through the valve.

Abstract: A respiratory augmentation device to assist or augment a user's respiration may include a pressure generator configured to generate a supply of air at positive pressure, a transducer configured to output at least one signal indicative of at least one respiratory characteristic of the user, and a controller coupled with the pressure generator and transducer. The controller may determine a cyclic pressure profile for the pressurised air and control the pressure generator to achieve the pressure profile. The controller may further determine, using the output of the at least one transducer, whether adjustment of the cyclic pressure profile is required.

Abstract: Methods and/or apparatus automate setting of a pressure ramp to permit pressure to gradually arrive at a treatment pressure such as in the initial or pre-sleep stages of use of a respiratory therapy pressure device for treatment of a respiratory disorder during sleep (e.g., sleep disordered breathing). In an example, apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder may include a breathable gas pressure generating device. The apparatus may include a controller, including a processor(s). The controller may be configured to collect historic sleep onset parameter(s) concerning timing of a patient falling asleep. The apparatus may determine, based on the historic sleep onset parameter(s), a pre-sleep limit. The apparatus may determine a pre-sleep profile of pressure versus time having a duration spanning the pre-sleep limit and having a plurality of ramping sub-therapeutic pressures. The apparatus may control, upon initiation of treatment, setting of the pressure generating device according to the pre-sleep profile.

Abstract: A connector arrangement joining a respiratory mask and headgear is adapted for single-handed disengagement by the patient. A first, rigid connector part is formed into the rigid mask frame, with a mating second connector attached to a strap of the headgear. The connectors are held away from the patient's face by the connection to the mask frame.

Abstract: A cushion pad for a mask worn by a patient, comprising a first side to contact skin of the patient, and a second side, opposite the first side, to contact or face the mask. The pad has a main body portion having a central portion shaped to cover a portion of the patient's nose extending from above the nose tip to the nasal bridge region without obstructing the patient's line of sight, and lateral side portions to extend downward and terminate along the sides of the nose or on the patient's cheeks. The main body is made of a breathable material, e.g., foam. The pad may include adhesive and/or an attached portion, e.g., a ring, to couple the pad to the patient and/or portion of the mask.

Abstract: An air delivery system includes an air flow generator to provide a pressurized flow of air, a patient interface to provide a seal with the patient's face in use, an air delivery conduit to interconnect the air flow generator and the patient interface, and a controllable vent valve to control venting from the patient interface. The vent valve is controlled to maintain a substantially constant air flow in the air delivery conduit and the air flow generator.