Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The article includes a first portion having at least two target strips located on opposite ends of the first portion, at least one visual sizing indicator positioned on the first portion of the article between the at least two target strips, the visual sizing indicator including indicia for indicating that the article is too large for a wearer, a middle portion contoured inwards such that an hourglass shape is formed, and a second portion having at least two fasteners located on opposite edges of the second portion. The absorbent article is formed of several layers including a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and a filler interposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

Abstract: Described here are body liners and methods for treating accidental bowel leakage using one or more body liners. The body liners may be formed from one or more liner layers and in some instances may comprise one or more adhesive regions to connect the body liners to the skin of a wearer. The body liners may be configured to absorb fluid, and may selectively distribute fluid relative to the body liner.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for a respiratory mask includes a housing comprised of an inner receptacle having an open end and an outer cover mounted over said open end of said inner receptacle. The outer cover includes, in a covering surface thereof, an air intake aperture in fluid communication with said inner receptacle. The outer cover is pivotally mounted to the inner receptacle and configured for pivotal movement relative thereto between a first configuration in which there is a gap between said open end of said inner receptacle and said outer cover such that a respiratory airway is defined between said intake aperture and said inner receptacle, and a second configuration in which said outer cover substantially seals said open end of said inner receptacle and said respiratory airway is thereby blocked.

Abstract: An improved tampon has a tampon body and a removal string, having a length (L) between a first end and second end permanently affixed at or along at least one first end of the string to the tampon body and wherein the second end is looped back into the tampon body and attached thereto to form a shortened single loop. The second end can be permanently attached or removably attached to the tampon body and the single loop extends from the tampon body a distance (D) less than half the length (L) of the removal string.

Abstract: A data processing device is provided for an anesthesia device for feeding an intravenously administered hypnotic, a volatile hypnotic, and an opioid such that the volume flow can be adjusted. The device determines and standardizes the effective concentrations of the anesthetics. A pharmacokinetic model adds up the standardized concentrations of the hypnotics to a total hypnotic concentration. An isobole is calculated based on a coordinate plane with a total hypnotic concentration axis and an opioid concentration axis, as a function of the currently determined concentrations. The system displays a two-dimensional action diagram with the y-axis as an indicator of the total hypnotic concentration and the x-axis as an indicator of the standardized opioid concentration. The calculated standardized total hypnotic concentration and opioid concentration and the isoboles determined are displayed. The display is adapted to changes occurring in the isoboles determined in the course of time.

Abstract: A fastening system comprising a nonwoven web material operable to fastenably engage a fastening component is disclosed. The nonwoven web material may comprising multicomponent fibers having a polyolefin component and a polyamide component, and a machine direction bias. The nonwoven web material may bear an impressed pattern of thermal bonds having an average frequency along any line that can be identified in the machine direction, of at least 0.5 bonds per cm.

Abstract: A resistive foil heater for a portable inhaler. A reservoir of vapor material, usually a fluid, has transport by the foil to directly heat the material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the material to the gas phase. The foil may have a dimpled plate shape, or box shape, a capillary or parallel plate shape.

Abstract: The absorbent article of the invention has a liquid impervious backsheet and a liquid pervious topsheet joined to the backsheet. The topsheet has an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin and hair of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least a portion of the topsheet outer surface comprises an effective amount of a lotion coating which is semi-solid or solid at 20 degrees C., the lotion coating comprising: (i) from about 10 to about 95% of a substantially water free emollient having a plastic or fluid consistency at 20 degrees C.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an absorbent article that has an improved ability to transfer menstrual blood from a liquid-permeable layer to an absorbent body and can reduce the amount of the menstrual blood remaining in the liquid-permeable layer. To solve this problem, provided is a sanitary napkin provided with a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body that is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein convex portions formed in an excretion orifice contact region of the top sheet are coated with a blood lubricity-imparting agent that has a kinetic viscosity of 0.01-80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water retention rate of 0.01-4.0 mass % and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing crosslinked polymer fibers, especially micro- or nanofibers, by spinning process, especially electrospinning process and to fibers obtainable by this process.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus includes a source of compressed air and a lung demand valve that receives compressed air from the source. A pneumatic valve assembly is connected between the source and the lung demand valve. The pneumatic valve assembly is moveable between a first closed position that prevents a flow of compressed air to the lung demand valve and a second open position that provides a path for compressed air to flow to the lung demand valve. A mask receives the lung demand valve therein. The mask provides the compressed air to a user and having a first operational mode providing filtered ambient air to the user and a second operational mode providing compressed air to the user. A control device is coupled to the pneumatic valve assembly. The control device detects a condition in the air surrounding the apparatus and controlling the pneumatic valve assembly to move between the first closed and second open position and the mask to operate in a respective one of the first and second operational modes.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing an absorbent article that has an improved ability to transfer menstrual blood from a liquid-permeable layer to an absorbent body and can reduce the amount of the menstrual blood remaining in the liquid-permeable layer. To solve this problem, provided is a sanitary napkin provided with a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body that is interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein convex portions formed in an excretion orifice contact region of the top sheet are coated with a blood lubricity-imparting agent that has a kinetic viscosity of 0.01-80 mm2/s at 40° C., a water retention rate of 0.01-4.0 mass % and a weight-average molecular weight of less than 1,000.

Abstract: The object of providing a cerebrospinal fluid drainage system 1 which reacts precisely to changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, with ease of operation, is achieved by the present invention in that a pump 5 is used for draining the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), wherein operating measured values supplied by sensors act as controlled variable for the operation of the pump. The pressure in the liquor line currently measured by a pressure sensor 10, the liquor pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, measured intracorporeally by a pressure sensor, and/or the volume of liquor already pumped out, as operating measured value, can, for example, serve as the basis for operational control of the pump of the liquor drainage system.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent undergarment is disclosed. It includes an absorbent assembly comprising a core formed of a synthetic tow or of synthetic nonwoven layers and having first section comprising a slow acting but high absorption capacity SAP and a second section comprising a fast acting but lower absorption capacity SAP, all of which is wrapped in a wrapper to hold the SAP in place. The absorbent assembly may be quilted and corrugated. The undergarment also includes releasably securable fasteners to enable it to be readily removed and a suspension system to ensure that the garment fits properly and doesn't leak even when holding a large amount of exudate. Odor removal/masking and treatment features may be provided. It addition the undergarment may include a wetness indicator.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8, 8?) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a grooved adjustment mechanism (20, 58, 78) having a main body (22, 60) formed from an elastic material, the main body having an outer surface having a plurality of convolutions (80) provided therein. Each convolution including a groove (24, 62, 84), and each convolution has a stiffness associated therewith. The stiffnesses associated with the convolutions increase from a first side of the main body to a second side of the main body.

Abstract: An absorbent core assembly for use in a product for absorbing a liquid is disclosed. The core assembly has a first section and a second section. The first section is a quilted porous material that contains a slow acting but high absorption capacity SAP therein. The, second section is a quilted porous material that contains a fast acting but lower absorption capacity SAP therein. The first and second sections are in fluid communication with each other, whereupon a liquid which is exposed to the core assembly flows through the first section to the fast acting SAP in the second section to be absorbed quickly and rapidly by the fast acting SAP therein, while the slow acting SAP desorbs or takes liquid away from the fast acting SAP as well as absorbing the liquid itself to thereby trap the liquid in the core assembly.

Abstract: A pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject is further configured to provide information to a user position, fit or seal between the subject and the patient interface through which the pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered. Such information may include, for example, a location on the patient interface at which the integrity of the seal is compromised, adjustments that could be made by the subject to enhance the interface between the patient interface and the subject, different types and/or sizes of patient interfaces that could be used to enhance the fit and seal between the system and the subject, and/or other information.

Abstract: An automatically self-adjusting variable permeability providing (AVPP) layer is provided over and in operative interaction with a wound site containing a wound to the integumentary system of a living creature such as the skin of a human patient. The AVPP layer has the capability of automatically changing in respective fluid permeability characteristics provided by respective subregions of the AVPP layer where the changes are in reaction to extant or changed conditions in corresponding micro-zones of the wound site. The automatic self-adjusting behaviors of the respective subregions of the AVPP layer can include providing a faster rate of vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too wet and providing a slower rate of vapor removal or essentially no vapor removal for micro-zones of the wound site that are too dry.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) is includes a support frame (14) structured to be fluidly coupled to a pressure generating device, a cushion (12) structured to engage a portion of the face of a patient, and a headgear component (16) structured to secure the patient interface device to the head of the patient. The headgear component has a central interface portion (22), at least one strap member (24A, 24B) extending from the central interface portion, and a frame member (32) provided within central interface portion. The frame member is removeably secured in between the cushion and the support frame and is structured to provide an airtight seal between the cushion and the support frame.

Abstract: Respiratory pressure treatment apparatus include automated methodologies for controlling changes to pressure in the presence of sleep disordered breathing events. In an example apparatus, various levels of expiratory pressure relief can provide different pressure reductions for patient comfort during expiration (333-A, 333-B, 333-C). The control parameters for these levels may be automatically modified based on the detection of an open airway. Similarly, in some embodiments, the levels may be automatically adjusted based on a detection of persistent obstruction. In still further embodiments, control parameters associated with a rise time of an early portion of an inspiratory pressure treatment may be automatically adjusted upon detection of flow limitation to permit a change to more aggressive waveforms from more comfortable waveforms for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing events.