Abstract: An improved nasal cannula and cannula support structure. In a preferred embodiment, an integrated nasal cannula and cannula support device comprise a semi-rigid mono-lumen cannula design comprising a generally L-shaped mono-lumen strut terminating at its distal end with an oxygen supply barrel. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention designed for use with conventional delivery tube pair cannula designs, a nasal cannula support device includes a ridge pole retainer comprising a generally L-shaped strut having a long leg and a short leg. The cannula support is anchored to the wearer's nose and/or forehead such that the cannula delivery tubes and supply barrel are maintained in fixed alignment regardless of the wearer's head motion.

Abstract: An adapter couples a patient's breathing circuit to a ventilator. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises an inhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the ventilator and a second end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit; an exhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit and a discharge conduit, the discharge conduit transversely oriented to the inhalation conduit; an exhaust port communicating with the discharge conduit for releasing breathed gas from same; a valve selectively opening and closing the discharge conduit to release gas from same; and a base comprising means for releasably coupling the adapter to the ventilator.

Abstract: A nasal mask for delivering gas to a mammalian nasal passage includes a body portion including an inlet opening and an outlet opening as well as a facial contact portion having an opening in communication with the outlet opening and a shroud positioned over the facial contact portion opening, wherein the shroud expands to contact the face of a user when gas is delivered through the inlet opening. A method for delivering gas includes identifying a user having a mammalian nasal passage to wear a nasal mask, and preparing a facial contact portion. The facial contact portion is placed on the user's face to contour a facial contact surface to the user's face and the facial contact portion is set. The facial contact portion is attached to a gas delivery system; and gas is delivered to the mammalian nasal passage through the gas delivery system via the facial contact portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: Inhalation device and associated method for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device has a chamber for receiving the receptacle. A ring is circumferentially coupled to an inner surface of the chamber to achieve a higher reproducible emitted dose of medicament from the receptacle. The inhalation device also includes an improved implement for puncturing the receptacle, requiring less force and experiencing fewer failures.

Abstract: A spacer for delivering a medication spray from an inhaler includes a first conical body joined to a second conical body, forming a continuous spray conduit through first and second internal chambers of the respective first and second conical bodies. A mouthpiece is formed in the proximal end of the first conical body. A spray inlet for attachment to the inhaler is formed at the distal end of the second conical body. A plurality of air inlets are placed downstream of the medication inlet proximate to, or in, the large diameter distal end surface of the first conical body. Recirculation zones are created in the first and second chambers, to force the medication spray into a central airflow path through the spray conduit, minimizing particle deposition by contract with the walls of the spacer.

Abstract: A method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. A fresh gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate less than or equal to the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The fresh gas flow equal to a baseline minute ventilation minus a dead space gas ventilation of the subject contains a physiological insignificant amount of CO2. An additional reserve gas is provided to the subject when the subject breathes at a rate more than the fresh gas flowing to the subject. The reserve gas has a partial pressure of carbon dioxide equal to an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide of the subject. A breathing circuit is applied to the method to maintain isocapnia for a subject. The breathing circuit has an exit port, a non-rebreathing valve, a source of fresh gas, a fresh gas reservoir and a reserve gas supply.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method of use that will allow a medical professional to change a patient's Tracheostomy dressing in an efficient manner that will cut down both the professional's and patient's discomfort. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a body that includes a handle, a shoulder and two prongs, however, the handle is optional. The entire lower surface of the body has a concave curve in one embodiment. The handle extends and ends at the shoulder. On the end of the shoulder, extending away from the shoulder, and curving in an upward direction relative to the shoulder, are the two prongs. The prongs are parallel to one another and form a “U”-shape, the distance of which is wider than the distance of the diameter of a trach tube. The prongs are designed to fit within the trach drainage sponge. This allows the user of the device to insert the sponge in a simple, smooth manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivery of humidified gases therapy includes a humidifier. A recorder records. An output interface allows for outputting of the recorded data. The recorder may also record data indicative of patient compliance with the humidified gases therapy. The apparatus may determine patient compliance from sensed delivered flow. Recorded humidity and compliance data retrieved from the apparatus are useful in methods for improving the efficacy of humidified gases therapy or diagnosing problems with the efficacy of humidified gases therapy.