Abstract: Gas-pressure-based testing, in some embodiments, features a self-leak-testing module (120) that includes an internal sensor and is configured for measuring, using the sensor, gas leakage (179, 180) from a set of walls that defines respective gas passageways that both exist within the module and are incident to the gas pressure measured. One or more walls of the set may extend outside the module. The module can be configured for deciding, based on a result of the measuring, whether a magnitude of the leakage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A source for applying the pressure may be internal (138) or external (104, 132, 135). Gas pressure based pattern recognition can be used to identify, optionally during treatment and in real time, one or more leak sites responsible for the leakage. The module is implementable as a ventilation monitoring module that measures differential flow of a breathing circuit, the testing serving to prevent cross-contamination of patients.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a lateral axis defining a front portion and a back portion in the absorbent article, a topsheet, and a backsheet. The absorbent article further comprises an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The backsheet comprises a first backsheet zone positioned at least partially in the front portion, and a second backsheet zone positioned in the back portion. The first and second backsheet zones differ from each other in at least one physical property. The physical property is basis weight, thickness, density, and/or tensile modulus. The second backsheet zone overlaps a portion of the absorbent core in the back portion. The second backsheet zone is not bonded to the absorbent core in the area of overlap.

Abstract: A method for controlling mechanical lung ventilation is described. The method may include intermittently switching the airway pressure of the patient from a substantially constant high baseline pressure level to a substantially constant low baseline pressure and vice-versa such that the patient is able to breathe spontaneously in both high and low baseline pressure levels; detecting an inspiration effort by the patient inside a trigger time window that immediately precedes a switching event of the intermittently switching the airway pressure; maintaining a baseline pressure at the level in which the inspiration effort was detected so that the patient can complete the inspiration-exhalation cycle; and switching the baseline pressure level after a delay time.

Abstract: Devices and systems provide methods of detecting a severity change in respiratory insufficiency (RI) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) condition of a patient. In an example embodiment, a detection monitoring device determines one or more severity change indicators based on a measure of supplied pressure or other representative measure determined by the device. The supplied pressure may optionally be determined during pressure treatment that satisfies a target ventilation. The supplied pressure or representative data may be compared to one or more thresholds that are selected to represent a change in the condition of the RI or COPD patient such as an exacerbation of a prior condition. Results of the comparisons may trigger one or more warnings or messages to notify a patient or physician of a pending change to the patient's RI or COPD condition so that the patient may more immediately seek medical attention to treat the condition.

Abstract: A nasal breathing apparatus with multifunction has two nasal inserts and one tubular chamber. In one embodiment, the first nasal insert forms an airtight barrier inside one nostril for delivering gases. The second nasal insert does not block the other nostril and is for sampling gases. The tubular chamber is in fluid communication with the first nasal insert but not the second nasal insert and has an outlet for discharging and delivering gases and for providing continuous positive airway pressure and ventilation. In another embodiment, both nasal inserts form an airtight barrier in the corresponding nostrils. The first nasal insert is dedicated for delivering gases and the second nasal insert for sampling gases. The tubular chamber is in fluid communication with both nasal inserts and has an outlet for discharging and delivering gases and for providing continuous positive airway pressure and ventilation.

Abstract: A diaper structure with enhanced softness attributes is disclosed. The diaper structure may include an innermost layer formed of a first nonwoven web, and an outermost layer formed of a second nonwoven web. The first and second nonwoven webs may have a combined basis weight of at least about 30 gsm. The ratio of the first web basis weight to the second web basis weight may range from 30/70 to 70/30.

Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article includes an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. A shell is provided for supporting the absorbent structure at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. The body-facing surface has an adhesive thereon for adhering the shell directly to the wearer's body. The adhesive has a non-uniform adhesive pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.

Abstract: An improved patient interface assembly and pressure support system integrate a pressure sensor and a valve into the patient interface assembly and employs closed loop control between the sensor and the valve in order to limit delay between the time at which a condition indicative of abnormal breathing or flow load during normal breathing is experienced by a patient and the time at which altered pressure support is received by the patient.

Abstract: The present application discloses and claims an individually packaged, absorbent article of enhanced length, and including at least two sets of wings, which article is folded into a compact package form, and which package in being unfolded by a consumer, results in less operation steps by the consumer for donning of the article, and for disposal of the package.

Abstract: The present application is concerned with an improved wound dressing for use in the treatment of skin wounds with some level of exudation, especially for use in those wounds which are infected or under risk of being infected by microorganisms.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a patient sealing assembly (12) including a cushion (14) and a frame member (16), and an adjustable forehead support assembly (26) provided at the distal end (24) of the frame member. The assembly includes an adjustment mechanism (28) coupled to a forehead cushion (30), the adjustment mechanism including a housing (32), a forehead cushion support member (52) having a base portion (58) and an elongated post member (60) extending from the base portion and received within the housing, and a locking member (54, 56) structured to be selectively coupled to the elongated post member. In the locked condition, the locking member engages the elongated post member and prevents the elongated post member from moving relative to the housing, and in the unlocked condition the locking member does not engage the elongated post member such that the elongated post member and the housing are freely linearly movable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A vaporization device and its method of use, where the device can accommodate a plurality of formulations for dispensing by selecting the desired source. Such formulations can include different drug formulations for providing different effects on the user. Also, an indicator with specialized indicia can be provided to identify the source being dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an insufflated air inlet (2a), an outlet (3a) for said insufflated air provided at the lower end of an air conveying tube (3) designed to penetrate the throat of the victim through the mouth, at least a first one-way valve (4) interposed between said air inlet (2a) and air outlet (3a) to allow the flow of air from said inlet (2a) to said outlet (3a) and prevent the flow of a fluid exhaled by the victim in the opposite direction, the body of said valve (4) including an outlet aperture (4a) for the exit of the fluid exhaled by the victim, and characterized in that the upper end of said insufflated air conveying tube (3) comprises a portion (3b) of tube (3) which is configured for internally receiving the body of said valve (4), the wall of said tube (3) including at least one outer hole (6) communicating with the aperture (4a) of the body of the valve (4) to allow discharging the fluid exhaled by the victim to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent pad comprising multiple layers. In particular, the absorbent pad of the present invention maintains skin dryness by absorbing moisture while preventing leakage to the skin or the bed linens, allowing air circulation at the surface of the patient's skin to prevent heat buildup, and is strong enough to allow the patient to be repositioned, even when the pad is wet. In a particular embodiment the first layer is comprised of a fluid-permeable, porous material, the second layer is disposed under the first layer and is comprised of at least one super absorbent material, and a base layer disposed under the second layer.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes an insertable container and a counter device for counting operations of the nebulizer. The nebulizer can be opened for replacing the container. The counter devices blocks opening of the nebulizer until a predetermined number for operations has been reached.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol inhalation device (10), comprising the steps of transporting a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside said device (10) and vibrating the transported aerosol when it has reached said desired location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device (10) comprising a pump (1) for flowing a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside the device (10), a vibrator (2) for vibrating the transported aerosol in a vibration mode and a control configured to actuate the vibrator (2) for vibrating the flowed aerosol only when it has reached said desired location.

Abstract: An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device.

Abstract: A personal airway humidification apparatus includes means for generating a heated air laden with gaseous (molecular) water. The personal airway humidification apparatus further includes an accumulator coupled to the generating means for retaining a volume of the gaseous water-laden heated air prior to being delivered by natural breathing to a user and a delivery tube coupled to the accumulator. The delivery tube has a sufficiently large diameter bore to enable the user's natural breathing to draw the gaseous water-laden heated air from the accumulator and through the delivery tube. The personal airway humidification apparatus also includes a one-way valve coupled to the delivery tube for venting exhalations of the user to atmosphere and preventing the exhalations from being exhaled back into the delivery tube and an interface device by which the gaseous water-laden heated air enters the user's mouth from the delivery tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dose counter. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a dose counter for use with a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). The dose counter comprises a rotary counting element (26) and an actuator (2). The actuator (2) is movable relative to the rotary counting element (26) and comprises a shaped part (17) which can move into and out of engagement with a complementary feature (33) of the rotary counting element (26) when the actuator (2) moves between first and second positions. When the shaped part (17) of the actuator (2) is engaged with the complementary feature (33) of the rotary counter element (26), rotation of the rotary counter element (26) is resisted.