Abstract: A face mask has a mask body, at least one supporting strip, and two ear loops. The mask body has a top edge and a bottom edge disposed opposite each other, and has two lateral edges disposed opposite each other. Each one of the at least one supporting strip is elongated, is bendable, is disposed at a middle position on the mask body, and extends toward the two lateral edges. The two ear loops are respectively connected to the two lateral edges of the mask body. The at least one supporting strip holds up the mask body to form a space between the mask body and the wearer's face. The at least one supporting strip keeps the mask body from collapsing, and keeps the mask body from contacting the wearer's face during breathing.

Abstract: A mask (100), such as a filtration mask, with multiple strap configurations is provided. For example, such mask might be worn in either a head strap (240) or an ear strap (110) configuration. The mask comprises two ear straps each with a connector support element (130) allowing removable attachment of a separate head strap.

Abstract: An articulated Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) with an upper boot member and a lower boot member hinged to one another is made more flexible and effective by having a dorsi-flexion control member attached thereto. The dorsi-flexion control member has a main body with upper portion which is attachable to a predetermined position on the upper boot member, and a lower portion which is attachable to a lower boot member. The main body is fabricated from a material having a predetermined set of elasticity characteristics, which will limit dorsi-flexion movement in a predetermined manner, depending on the material used and the specific configuration. In this manner, the elasticity characteristics of the control member can provide both dynamic and static dorsi-flexion control.

Abstract: The interchangeable mouth shields disclosed herein include a lip-anterior portion and teeth tray that can be releasably coupled together. The lip-anterior portion includes a panel positioned anterior to a lip shield. The panel can be customized to be different shapes and have decorative features. The interchangeable mouth shield includes a vent enabling a user to breathing through the interchangeable mouth shield during use. The teeth tray can be selectively flavored.

Abstract: A mask apparatus including a mask body that defines a communication hole, a sensor mounting portion that extends from a front surface of the mask body, that surrounds the communication hole, and that defines an installation space therein, a seal coupled to a rear surface of the mask body and configured to define a breathing space between the mask body and a user, a pressure sensor accommodated in the installation space and configured to sense air pressure inside the breathing space that is in communication with the communication hole, and a film disposed in the installation space and configured to restrict permeation of moisture from the breathing space into the installation space through the communication hole.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: Provided are high-filtration reusable face masks with replaceable filters. Reusable face masks can comprise a single piece mask body configured to cover a nose and a mouth of a human face and comprising at least one filter attachment port, wherein the at least one filter attachment port comprises a filter support structure, defines an opening in the mask body, and extends from the exterior surface of the mask body; wherein the at least one filter attachment port is configured to connect to a replaceable filter and support the replaceable filter by separating portions of filter media of the replaceable filter when the replaceable filter is attached to the at least one filter attachment port.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a composition for application to a wound comprising: a first layer comprising a skin adhesive, wherein the first layer has a wound-facing side and a non-wound-facing side and, in a first area, apertures extend through the first layer from the wound-facing side to the non-wound-facing side; and a second layer disposed on a non-wound-facing side of the first layer, the second layer comprising a polymeric film that is continuous in that it extends over and covers each of the apertures of the first layer, the second layer having a moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 500 g/m2/24 hours, measured in accordance with BS EN 13726-2:2002, wherein the composition further comprises a third layer disposed between the first layer and second layer, the third layer being a supporting layer for the first layer, the third layer having apertures therethrough, substantially corresponding to the apertures in the first layer. A method of making such a composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheterization sleeve is provided for radial access catheterization. The sleeve includes a closed distal end, and open proximal end and a tubular sidewall extending between the ends. An access opening is formed in the tubular sidewall to permit access to a catheterization site on the arm of the patient.

Abstract: A head immobilization system for immobilizing a patient's head in a supine position of the patient includes a support rail structure adapted to be coupled to a patient rest. The system can further include a mask frame adapted to be coupled to at least one deformable upper mask sheet. The mask frame is releasably connected to the support rail structure via a first interface section and a second interface section, with at least two pins protruding from the first interface section in a first direction, and at least two pin-receptions provided at the second interface section. Each one of the pin-receptions receives one of the pins. A catch-mechanism for each pin-reception and each corresponding pin allows the pin to be pushed further into the pin-reception in the first direction, but interlocks in case of an attempted withdrawal of the pin from the pin-reception in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A brace and kit of braces with a method of use. The multi-digit brace includes first and second arcuate members coupled together by top and bottom bridge members. There are raised rails disposed about the circumference of the brace that form a band track within which an elastic band may be disposed to secure the brace to the fingers/toes of a hand/foot. The arcuate members are thinner near the bottom to allow for greater flex/bend of adjacent joints. The arcuate members are spaced from each other and form an hourglass shaped void therebetween. The arcuate members may form complete circles or may have gaps. The kit may include a plurality of braces and a plurality of bands/wraps/straps. The method includes installing a plurality of braces so that they face back-to-back towards a middle joint with thinner regions of each brace near the palmar side of the middle joint.

Abstract: A therapeutic device comprises an upper massage surface having a generally central spinous channel, a first domed portion on a first lateral side of the central spinous channel and a second domed portion on a second lateral side of the central spinous channel. The device has a lower base surface, a front edge, and a rear edge, with the upper massage surface extending between front edge and the rear edge. The device further has a first lateral edge on one side of the therapeutic device and a second lateral edge on an opposing side of the therapeutic device, such that the distance between the first and second lateral edges is greater than the distance between the front edge and the rear edge.

Abstract: A compression appliance includes a textile-based wrap, an electronic assembly, and wiring comprising a single wire looped through the length of the wrap. The wiring comprises shape changing materials that are used to apply controllable intermittent sequential compression or constriction pressure to a body portion of a person when the compression appliance is wrapped around the body portion. The appliance can incorporate a pre-tensioning element that applies a known initial tension to the shape changing material prior to activation of a compression cycle. The wire can be then actuated according to a compression protocol to sequentially contract and release the wire. The proposed wiring and component configuration will need access to lower power and a reduced volume of hardware as compared to conventional compression appliances.

Abstract: A knee brace includes a support module including a first body, a second body, and a hinge movably coupling the first body to the second body. The hinge includes a pin and a receptacle in the first and second bodies. The pin defines a plurality of teeth thereon and the receptacle defines a plurality of teeth therein. The plurality of teeth on the pin are configured to engage with the plurality of teeth in the receptacle such that the pin is rotatable and translatable within the receptacle. The knee brace also includes a fastener configured to releasably attach the knee brace to a leg. The first and second bodies couples with a first portion of the leg and with a second portion of the leg via the fastener. The first and second portions of the leg are separated by a knee joint of the leg.

Abstract: A device for alleviating obstructive sleep apnea includes: a base fixed to a user's head and having a passage; a suction member having a channel passing through the passage to enter the user's oral cavity and move within the passage, with the channel connected to a tongue fixing portion disposed at the tip of the user's tongue, wherein the suction member has a stopping portion disposed outside the oral cavity to limit forward displacement of the tongue fixing portion; a resilient element for providing the tongue fixing portion with an elastic force required to approach the base and being weaker than a suction force between the suction member and the tongue and weaker than a pulling force generated by the tongue in tongue motion; and a negative pressure source communicating with the channel to provide negative pressure to the tongue in contact with the tongue fixing portion.

Abstract: A flexible compressive orthopedic knee sleeve of stretchable fabric having an exterior surface webbing material at least partially covering the sleeve to provide targeted compressive force similar to athletic taping and to also provide kinetic retention.

Abstract: A knee brace includes: an elastic sleeve; first and second stiffening members coupled together to crisscross to form an X-shape, and secured to a medial side of the sleeve; third and fourth stiffening members similarly coupled together and secured to a lateral side of the sleeve; and a plurality of slits in the sleeve into a corresponding pockets that receive a thermal pack. The thermal packs and pockets are triangular shaped, with two triangular-shaped pockets on the medial side of the sleeve, and two on the lateral side, each disposed in a respective triangular shape positioned between the x-shape of the stiffening members. The pairs of stiffening members are either: fixedly coupled together to store energy when the user bends at the knee, and to expend the stored energy to assist in lifting the user upward; or pivotally coupled together to pivot according to movements of the wearer's knee joint.

Abstract: A single-splint or two-splint device may be slid onto the finger(s) of a person to help reduce a finger fracture. The device may include a ring coupled to the single or double-splint. The ring may also be coupled to a connector that connects the ring to a wrist band to hold the splinted finger(s) in a desired flexion. Modular pads may also be used across various spaced-apart surfaces of the splint(s) to increase comfort while maintaining stability should swelling increase or decrease. Various combinations of right and left-hand splints of different sizes may even be provided in a kit, with pads of different thicknesses also being provided in the kit. The kit may also include the ring, connector, and wrist band in some examples.

Abstract: A surgical monitoring system including a machine vision sensor, an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the machine vision sensor, the electronic controller including a processor and a memory storing a computer readable instruction set, where, when the computer readable instruction set is executed by the processor, the electronic controller, detects a position of a subject with the machine vision sensor, detects a position of a person support apparatus, compares the detected position of the subject with the detected position of the person support apparatus, and determines if the detected position of the subject and the detected position of the person support apparatus indicates that the subject is not aligned with the person support apparatus.

Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus for supporting a user in a semi standing position on a surface includes first and second support extension beams that to attach to the surface, also included is a channel having a base with first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs extend in the same direction from opposing sides of the base, the first leg is affixed to the first support structure and the second leg is affixed to the second support structure, the channel can be lockably positioned along the first and second beams. In addition, a saddle seat with a midpoint extension portion, the saddle is attached between the first and second legs and positioned such that the midpoint extension extends opposite of the base, wherein operationally the user partially rests their buttocks on the saddle and leans their back against the base to assume a semi supported standing posture.