Abstract: Tampon packaging and disposal systems and methods are disclosed. The packaging has a flexible mitten and an optional attached tampon enclosure. The tampon enclosure can package a tampon and the flexible mitten wraps around the tampon enclosure. When unwrapped, the tampon enclosure is detachable from the mitten and the tampon can be used by a user. The mitten is used for removing the used tampon worn by the user and disposing of the used tampon after removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: An folded absorbent sanitary pad having a lower basis weight of superabsorbent polymer in correspondence with the folding lines which helps reducing the stiffness of the article caused by the folding lines.

Abstract: An absorbent sanitary pad with side flaps having a higher basis weight of superabsorbent polymer in correspondence with the wings end points which helps reducing side leakage.

Abstract: A one-piece hygiene article is disclosed for use by a male to absorb moisture in the crotch region, wherein the hygiene article includes an absorbent material. The hygiene article further includes a first absorbing portion, having a V-shape for receiving the genitals of the male. The legs of the V-shape of the first absorbing portion are arranged for being provided along the groin and on either side of the genitals of the male. A second absorbing portion extends from the base of the V-shape of the first absorbing portion and has an elongated shape, wherein the second absorbing portion is arranged for being provided between the buttocks of the male. The hygiene article further includes at least one weakening line for a length adjustment of the hygiene article, and an adhesive material for adhering the hygiene article to the crotch of the male.

Abstract: A film particularly suited for use as a transfer layer in an absorbent article has a plurality of capillaries and a plurality of drains, said capillaries comprising side walls depending from a female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on a male side of the film; said drains comprising side walls that depending from the female side of the film and terminating in an aperture on the male side of the film, wherein the drains are disposed at an obtuse angle relative to a base plane of the film.

Abstract: A tracheal coupling for interfacing between a patient and a gases source, the connector comprising a patient port (33) for connecting to the trachea interface/insert, an outlet port (36), and inlet port (31) between patient port and outlet port for receiving a flow of gases from the gases flow source, the connector restricting expiratory flow in use to produce PEEP of at least 1 cm H2O when flow to the inlet port is 50 liters per minute. A system or method for supplying gases to a patient using the connector is also disclosed. Flow restriction is implemented using an orifice that can be adjustable, jetting or turbulence induced by a directed flow nozzle (30). PEEP can also be varied by flow control of gas source.

Abstract: An absorbent article has: a leak preventer sheet form; an absorber arranged above the leak preventer and absorbs bodily fluid in at least one layer; and a pair of right and left floating leg gathers arranged, above the absorber, from front end to rear end part in length direction of the absorbent article via a front body, a crotch part and rear body. Floating leg gathers have head and hanging parts connecting to the head parts, respectively. A front end and a rear end parts of each of the hanging parts respectively coupled near a front end part and rear end part of the body of the absorbent article, each hanging part hangs down from the head part toward the absorber; hanging parts of floating leg gathers fixed to the absorber at a lower end part of the hanging part in the crotch part without fixing to the absorber.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an absorbent article includes a moisture-impervious outer layer, an inner layer substantially co-extensive with the outer layer, and an absorbent layer interposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial booster. The absorbent layer is treated with at least one antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing tracheal aspiration as described where a cuff assembly having an inflatable member with an inflation tube fluidly coupled may be placed over a proximal end of an endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask and inserted into the patient trachea with the endotracheal tube or separately after the endotracheal tube has already been positioned. In either case, the inflatable member may be positioned distal (or inferior) to the vocal cords and proximal to the endotracheal balloon via a delivery instrument which automatically positions the balloon in proximity to the vocal cords.

Abstract: An inhaler for inhalation into the airway of a user, the inhaler having a housing at least partially defining a flow passageway extending through the inhaler from an air inlet to an outlet, the inhaler including a valve for selectively restricting the flow passageway.

Abstract: An absorbent article, e.g. a diaper, having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between them, the core having absorbent material provided in 3 regions of the core in certain amounts. The backsheet has a certain basis weight and is provided with a printed surface area. The topsheet has a minimum opacity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a nasal cannula assembly (10) adapted to deliver gases to a patient comprising a first compartment (1) and a second compartment (2) separated by a separation wall (6); a pair of nasal prongs (5) in fluid communication with the first compartment (1); the first compartment (1) comprising a first inlet (11) for introducing a first gas into said first compartment (1); the second compartment (2) comprising a second inlet (2) for introducing a second gas into said second compartment (2); and the separation wall (6) comprising at least one valve element (3) for controlling the passage of gas from the second compartment (2) to the first compartment (1). The invention concerns also a breathing assistance apparatus comprising a source of NO gas, and said nasal cannula assembly (10) in fluid communication with said source of NO gas.

Abstract: A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter. An indicating element coupled to the respiratory component sensor is adapted to output a representation of the orientation related characteristic.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a plurality of granular particles placed between two liquid-permeable non-woven fabric sheets, the article including: a high-strength bonded portion formed in a loop-shaped pattern on the article such that the two non-woven fabric sheets are not separated even if the granular particles swell to thereby apply a separating force to a bonded position between the two non-woven fabric sheets; and a low-strength bonded portion formed in an inner area surrounded by the high-strength bonded portion such that the two non-woven fabric sheets are separated from each other at a bonded position when the granular particles swell to thereby apply a separating force to the bonded position between the two non-woven fabric sheets.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes: a pair of leg stretch units formed along a leg hole openings and being stretchable in at least a product longitudinal direction; and a cushioning unit provided adjacent to each of ends of the leg stretch units in the product longitudinal direction. Each of the leg stretch units is configured from a stretchable sheet member. A ratio of expansion and contraction of each of the cushioning units is lower than a ratio of expansion and contraction of the leg stretch units. At least a part of each of the cushioning units has a dimension in a product widthwise direction greater than a width of the leg stretch units in the product widthwise direction.

Abstract: A breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, a cartridge, and a pulmonary drug delivery system are provided. The dry powder inhaler can be provided with or without a unit dose cartridge for using with the inhaler. The inhaler and/or cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, peptides and proteins such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity. The dry powder inhaler is compact; can be provided in various shapes and sizes, colors, and comprises a housing, a mouthpiece, a cartridge placement area, and a mechanism for opening and closing the medicament cartridge. The device is easy to manufacture, provides a pre-metered single unit dose, it is relatively easy to use, and can be reusable or disposable.

Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed for providing end of service life indication for an air purification filter. The sensor device has a cylindrical housing for insertion into a sorbent bed of a filter, and can be removed from the bed and reused at the end of the filter service. One or more sensors inside the housing are configured to sense physical/chemical characteristics of air passing through the sorbent bed, and to provide associated data to a sensor conditioning board within the housing. The sensor conditioning board processes the received data and conditions the data as desired. The housing is receivable in a cavity formed in the filter bed. A receiving structure receives the housing therein. Data from the one or more sensors can be used to calculate predicted end of service life of the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mask assembly including a frame, a cushion provided to the frame, and optionally an elbow provided to the frame. Headgear is removably attached to the mask assembly to maintain the mask assembly in a desired position on a patient's face. The headgear includes a top strap, crown straps which cooperate to form a round shape adapted to accommodate a crown of the patient's head, and bottom straps.

Abstract: A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.