Abstract: An improved methodology and systems for delivery of breathing gas such as for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea through application of alternating high and low level positive airway pressure within the airway of the patient with the high and low airway pressure being coordinated with the spontaneous respiration of the patient, and improved methods and apparatus for triggering and for leak management in such systems.

Abstract: The ventilator of the invention uses a respiratory effort sensor that does not rely on respiratory airflow or pressure for synchronization, such as a device that measures movement of the suprasternal notch in response to respiratory efforts. This makes the ventilator relatively immune to leaks. Furthermore, the mask pressure may be modulated so as to servo-control the respiratory effort signal to be zero. Because effort is servo-controlled to be near zero, it is not necessary for the effort signal to be either linear or calibrated, but merely monotonic on effort. Similarly, it is possible to achieve near 100% assistance without having to know or estimate the resistance and compliance of the patient's respiratory system, as in those systems that provide proportional assist ventilation.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and breathable compositions for protecting a person from reactive oxygen species in the body are described. The invention involves providing a person with a breathing gas composition comprising at least one fuel gas compound. Apparatus and methods for providing such breathing gas compositions are described.

Abstract: A fluid or powder nasal or oral spray device comprising a body (10), at least one fluid or powder reservoir (20) containing one or more doses of fluid or powder to be dispensed, manually actuated dispenser means (30), such as a pump or a valve, and a manual actuator element (40) adapted for actuating said dispenser means (30) to dispense doses of fluid or powder, said device being characterized in that it further comprises a securing system (50) which is mounted to move between a clutched position, in which said manual actuator element (40) co-operates with said dispenser means (30), and a declutched position, in which said manual actuator element (40) does not co-operate with said dispenser means (30), said securing system (50) being controlled by a parameterizable electronic control unit (60).

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device uses a portion of gas exiting its main valve to interrupt delivery of the gas. Gas is dispensed upon inhalation and is interrupted by means of suitable pneumatic connections between the device's delivery system and its sensing system.

Abstract: A method for monitoring anesthetization of a patient, includes the steps of removably connecting a plurality of electrodes to the scalp of the patient and administering sufficient anesthesia to the patient so that the patient attains a plane of anesthesia selected by an operator. The brain waves of the patient are then amplified and digitized after the patient has been anesthetized, before beginning the medical procedure, to obtain a first set of digital data. The brain waves of the patient are then amplified and digitized during the medical procedure to provide a second set of digital data and the first and second sets of digital data are analyzed in at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain. Separate trajectories are then computed from the data analysis trajectories for at least two different indices of an anesthetic state of the patient during the medical procedure, the indices being selected from a group including a Depth Index (DI), a Memory Index (MI) and a Pain Index (PI).

Abstract: A respiratory mask that conforms to N95 performance and other high performance standards with improved air permeability for improved air circulation. The respiratory mask has a mask body and a headband for putting on the respiratory mask to the face of a wearer, the mask body consisting of an inside mask having two or more filter layers; an outside mask, having two or more filter layers; one or more spacers inserted between the filter layers of the inside mask to generate space between different filter layers of the inside mask; and one or more spacers inserted between the filter layers of the outside mask to generate space between different filter layers of the outside mask so that when air is discharged by the wearer, the spacers together with the filter layers provide a pumping effect mechanism to blow out more carbon dioxide given off by the wearer to the surrounding and to take in more air from the surrounding for the wearer. Various forms and shapes of the spacer have been proposed.

Abstract: The application relates to an anti-snoring device comprising a compressor and a nasal air cannula, the air compressed by the compressor being blown through the nasal air cannula into the nose of a sleeping person. The invention also relates to an optimized nasal air cannula for the anti-snoring device.

Abstract: An Airway Management Apparatus (AMA) and method for easing the breathing and aiding the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the airway of an obese individual in the supine position. The AMA includes an upper-body support, and a head and neck support having a partially concave and partially convex surface coupled to the upper-body support. The AMA eases breathing by raising the individual's upper body at an angle, causing the individual's abdominal mass to fall away from the diaphragm. The AMA provides a support for the individual's neck to be extended, and for the head to be rotated backwards, to aid in the alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes of the individual's airway.

Abstract: A stationary inhalation apparatus for the individual controlled inhalation of therapeutic aerosols comprises a drug-release means 3, at least one drug reservoir 2, a reader 4 for reading out a patient's individual parameters and/or the aerosol parameters stored in a memory means and a control unit connected to the drug-release means 3 and the reader 4 for releasing the drug as a function of the read-out parameters. This stationary inhalation apparatus 1 permits the administration of different drugs to a multitude of patients.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.

Abstract: A small oxygen enriching apparatus which can supply oxygen-enriched gas at high flow rate without imparting unnatural sensation to a user, as well as a controller and recording medium therefore. In step 100, a judgment is made as to whether a flow rate set by use of a flow-rate setting unit 45 is equal to or less than a continuous base flow rate (3 liters/min). When the set flow rate is a low flow rate of not greater than 3 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is not performed (continuous supply is to be performed), and therefore, in step 110, oxygen-enriched gas is supplied continuously at the set flow rate. When the set flow rate is a high flow rate of greater than 3 liters/min, breath-synchronized operation is to be performed, and therefore, in step 120, the orifice is set to an opening that enables supply at 5 liters/min. In step 140, in order to perform breath-synchronized operation, control for opening and closing an electromagnetic valve 47 is performed.

Abstract: A respiration catheter has a sealing cuff (12) which encircles the catheter tube (10) and can be connected through a separate cuff inflation tube (14) with a source of compressed air with a substantially constant pressure. The cuff has a collar at both ends of the cuff. The cuff inflation tube (14) has an opening (17) below the collar of the cuff (13) in the vicinity of the free end of the catheter. A thin-walled part of the collar (15) covers the inlet of the cuff inflation tube into the cuff, and functions as a cut-off valve which is controlled by the pressure of the respiration air and is adapted to prevent air in the sealing cuff from escaping when this pressure exceeds the pressure in the source of compressed air.

Abstract: A full-face cushion (30B) comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame (32) from which extends a membrane (34). The frame (32) has a scalloped edge (36) by which the cushion (30B) is affixed to a mask body (46) to form a full-face mask (60B). The membrane (34) has an aperture (38) into which the wearer's nose is received. The member (34) is spaced away from the rim (40) of the frame (32), and its outer surface (41) is of substantially the same shape as the rim (40). Respective notches (42, 44) receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture (38) into the chamber within the mask body (46). The seal forming portion (45) thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A method for making a filtering face mask that comprises providing a fluid-permeable multi-layered mask body comprising a structural supporting layer and a filtration layer, the multi-layered mask body being configured to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and having an aperture disposed therein; providing an exhalation valve comprising a base portion and a deformable hollow plastic extension member that extends from the base portion to a tip; inserting the tip through the aperture; and deforming the extension member so as to make an effective seal between the exhalation valve and the mask body.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring airflow through nares. One exemplary embodiment comprises: measuring an attribute of an airflow through a first naris; measuring an attribute of an airflow through a second naris; wherein measuring the attribute of the airflow through the first naris is accomplished without blocking the second naris; and wherein measuring the attribute of the airflow through the second naris is accomplished without blocking the first naris.

Abstract: A warning device for a respirator product with a valve (11), which comes into action in a state of warning and releases a gas flow. The warning does not hinder the user of the apparatus and only a very small portion of the gas supply carried with the user is used by the warning device. The gas flow is brought into the range of perception of a person via a scent cartridge (9).

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhalation therapy apparatus comprising an aerosol generating device (1, 6, 7) for atomizing a liquid (3), a connecting device (8, 9) for supplying a control signal, and a control device (10) from which a control signal of the connecting device can be supplied to the aerosol generating device whereby causing the aerosol generating device to atomize the liquid. To this end, an output signal, which is elicited by the breathing of the patient on the connecting device (8, 9) of the aerosol generating device (1, 6, 7) is supplied to the control device (10) for controlling the inhalation therapy apparatus.

Abstract: The system and method for detecting disconnection and occlusion of a tubing system of a patient ventilator detects disconnection of the tubing system, opens the exhalation valve, delivers an idle flow of breathing gas to the tubing system, disables breath triggering, and generates an alarm. A reconnection of the tubing system can also be detected, to initiate resumption of pressure supported inspiration. For occlusion detection, the pressure drop in the tubing system is determined by pressure sensors in the inspiratory and expiratory airways of the tubing system. The two pressure drop values are compared, and once occlusion is detected, an alarm is generated, and the ventilator responds to protect the patient from over distension. Abatement of the occlusion can also be monitored in a pressure based occlusion status cycling mode, and the ventilator can revert back to normal ventilation when the circuit occlusion or exhaust port occlusion are not detected.