Abstract: In order to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, the inner respiratory tract is subjected to atmospheric pressure and the outer surrounding area of the respiratory tract is subjected to artificial low-pressure, the difference between the inner atmospheric pressure and the outer low-pressure remaining constant. The respiratory therapy device consists of a pressure stable hollow body which surrounds the human body while keeping free the natural respiratory opening. Set hollow body forms the low-pressure chamber (7) is connected to a suction pump (3) by a suction tube (2). The invention method and respiratory therapy device make it possible to breathe in a free atmosphere.

Abstract: A joint protecting brace includes a cuff member. The cuff member includes a pair of upper lateral and lower lateral tightening portions positioned on opposed sides of a cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a liner disposed between and coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and lower lateral tightening portions and extending along the cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a connector coupled to a latitudinal strap. The cuff member further includes a first adjuster coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and the connector. The cuff member further includes a second adjuster coupled to the lower lateral tightening portions and the connector. The first and second adjusters are disposed in tension for adjusting a distance between the upper and lower lateral tightening portions respectively. The first and second adjusters are communicable via the connector.

Abstract: A protective breathing hood comprising a hood made of a stretchable fire resistant material and which is also impermeable to gases and biologic material. The hood is sized and shaped for placing over a head of a user in an airtight manner with an opening of the hood scalingly engaging a neck portion of the user. At least a visor portion of the hood is transparent and a pair of respiratory units are disposed offset with respect to the nose location. Each respiratory unit comprises a housing formed with an inhalation flow path accommodating activated charcoal particles, and an exhalation flow path fitted with a one way exhaling valve, wherein at a donned position of the hood a chamber is formed at a mouth/nose location thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible and transportable spica chair to be used by toddler, juvenile, and adult patients fitted with a spica cast. Foldable rigid frame supports mutually inclining and individually adjustable rest surfaces including a torso pad assembly and an adjustable leg support assemblies. The patient is supported at the stomach/torso region and at the legs so that the patient is able to “sit” comfortably in a semi-upright position for extended periods of time. An optional tray assembly permits the patient to place items of interest, such as food or toys, within easy reach.

Abstract: A mouthguard for allowing medical instruments to be passed into a patient includes an integrally formed or removable locking device. The locking device includes one or more mechanisms for preventing the movement of a guidewire or other medical devices during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A patient interface system having a patient interface and chin support system for supporting the patient interface on the patient and for supplying a flow of gas from a patient circuit to the patient interface. In one embodiment, the chin support is formed from flexible hollow chambered support and extends from either side of the patient interface curving downwardly in front of the patient's cheeks, around the outside of the patient's mouth, to a position beneath the patient's mandible. In another embodiment, the chin support is coupled to a conduit that is coupled to the patient interface. The chin support includes at least a portion that is disposed under the patient's mandible.

Abstract: A spacer unit inlet member integrally constructed of rigid or non-flexible material and capable of selectively mounting about its opening any one of a plurality of metered dose inhaler (MDI) actuators having different outlet size or shape. The inlet member includes a channel providing an opening of the inlet member and being formed by a wall substantially parallel to its rotational axis A peripheral edge of the wall is shaped substantially as a truncated oval. The inlet member further includes a pair of opposing curved walls surrounding and substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the channel and having an outermost edge comprising a substantially oval shape, and a wall substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the channel and positioned between the walls of the channel and the opposing curved walls.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for advancing an endotracheal tube through and along the length a patient's larynx with a laryngeal mask airway in place and without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: Regulator for underwater breathing devices including a relatively hard material box-like body having a pipe for the connection with a mouthpiece, at least one air inlet duct and at least one opening on which-it is positioned one air exhaust valve. The regulator box-like body is externally covered by at least one layer of a suitably shaped relatively soft material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for nebulizing liquids. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a thin shell member having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of apertures extending therebetween. The apertures are tapered to narrow from the rear surface to the front surface. A liquid supplier is further provided which delivers a predetermined unit volume of liquid to the rear surface. A vibrator vibrates the thin shell member to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the thin shell member.

Abstract: An anti-asphyxia valve includes at least one flap having a first portion adapted for mounting to the housing and a second portion adapted to flex between a first open position allowing gas to pass from the patient side to the housing interior through the at least one port, and from the blower side through the at least one port, to atmosphere when a difference in gas pressure in the housing interior and atmosphere is below a predetermined operating threshold, and a second forcibly closed position substantially occluding the at least one port when the difference in gas pressure between the housing interior and atmosphere is substantially equal to or above the operating threshold.

Abstract: A wrist brace is provided for supporting a hand and a wrist of a wearer. The wrist brace includes first and second rigid support members that define a cavity therebetween for receiving at least a portion of the hand and the wrist of a wearer. A removable pillow is operatively connected to the first rigid support member to protect the wrist from possible discomfort due to the impact of the wrist with an external item.

Abstract: A mask includes a filter layer and a support base supporting the filter layer. The filter layer has first and second complimentary portions that together form a rim, where the first portion is connected to the second portion at first and second seams. The first seam extends from the rim to a first pleat, while the second seam extends from the rim to a second pleat. The first pleat is connected to the second pleat by an unpleated central portion. The first pleat, second pleat and unpleated central portion are formed by the first and second portions of the filter layer.

Abstract: A splash protector mounted at top of snorkel is disclosed and includes a tube-shaped adapter unit secured to the snorkel and including a passage; a float unit pivotably secured to the adapter unit and including a projected lever and two upper engagement members (e.g., tabs) at two sides of the lever; a closure unit pivotably secured to the adapter unit and including two mating engagement members (e.g., indents) at both sides, and a closure member adapted to close the passage when the lever pivots upward; and a splash guard secured to the adapter unit for receiving both the float and closure units and including windows for fluid communication. The engagement members are adapted to lockingly engage with the mating engagement members for stopping the closure unit from further pivoting upward and thus preventing the passage from being closed by the closure member undesirably.

Abstract: A nasal spray with a container for rinsing fluid, which has a delivery aperture, with a valve body kept movable in the region of the delivery aperture with a tube attached to said valve body, such that different swivel positions of the valve body in co-operation with the delivery aperture determine an open position (FIG. 2), in which the tube is in communication with the container, and a closed position (FIG. 1), in which the container is sealed, wherein the valve body can be swivelled into a ventilation position (FIG. 3) which is different from the open and closed positions, in which the container is ventilated and residue can be emptied.

Abstract: A disposable aerosol generator for use with an inhaler device, which includes a heater adapted to volatilize liquid stored in the disposable aerosol generator and a method of using the inhaler, is provided. The disposable body includes a sealed chamber and an openable outlet. The chamber is located between first and second layers of material. The chamber holds liquid, which is expelled through the opened outlet when the fluid in the chamber is volatilized by the heater. The disposable body can include a series of spaced apart aerosol generators, each of which can be advanced to a release position at which the heater can heat one of the fluid containing chambers. Prior to heating the liquid, the outlet can be opened and the volatilized fluid can be expelled from the opened outlet into a passage of a dispensing member.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: An oral airway, which is used by being inserted into the mouth of a patient who is suffering from unconsciousness or has lost consciousness to secure an airway of the patient, is adapted to be used with a tube to be inserted into the trachea of the patient through the mouth thereof. The oral air way includes a main body, and an insertion part provided on the main body. The insertion part is adapted to be inserted into the trachea of the patient through the mouth thereof so that an appropriate portion of the insertion part at the side of the distal end thereof comes into contact with the root of the tongue of the patient to secure the airway of the patient. The insertion part includes a guide groove for guiding the tube when the tube is inserted into the trachea of the patient, and the guide groove has a structure from which the tube can be separated after the distal end of the tube has been inserted into the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to face masks to control and improve the quality of inhaled air. Claimed and described is a respiratory face mask comprising a flange and a filter layer, the flange having an inner periphery and an outer periphery and a first and a second width measured perpendicular to the inner periphery between the inner periphery and the outer periphery, characterised in that the first width is greater than the second width. Preferably, such face masks are strapless and rely on a hydrogel adhesive for attachment and sealing. Further claimed and described is an improved cover layer for an adhesive of such a face mask.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing a breathing gas are provided. The method includes, for example, sensing a parameter associated with the delivery of a breathing gas, changing a valve position in response to a change in the sensed parameter, determining a breathing state based on the valve position, and causing a change in the sensed parameter of the breathing gas based on the determined breathing state.