Abstract: Methods, systems and/or apparatus for slowing a patient's breathing by using positive pressure therapy. In certain embodiments, a current interim breathing rate target is set, and periodically the magnitude of a variable pressure waveform that is scaled to the current interim breathing rate target is increased if the patient's breathing rate is greater than the interim breathing rate target in order to lengthen the patient's breath duration. The magnitude of the pressure increase may be a function of the difference between the interim breathing rate target and the patient's breathing rate. The interim breathing rate target may be periodically reduced in response to the patient's breathing rate slowing down toward the current interim breathing rate target. The variable pressure waveform cycles from an inhalation phase to an exhalation phase when the patient airflow decreases to a cycle threshold, the cycle threshold being a function of flow versus time within a breath and generally increasing with time.

Abstract: A massaging device to be mounted in a hole of an inner wall of a bath, having a casing mountable in a watertight manner in the hole, a flexible member mounted in a watertight manner on the casing, the flexible member having a surface accessible to a user in the bath when the massaging device is mounted in the bath and an electrically operated vibrator mounted inside the casing, for vibrating the flexible member. A bath massaging system having massaging devices as described above.

Abstract: An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for monitoring a patient's compliance with an asthma inhaler treatment regimen. The device may monitor an inhaler's motion to determine whether the motion is characteristic of typical inhaler use. Additionally, the device may monitor a temperature of the inhaler or in proximity to the mouthpiece to determine whether a patient has used the inhaler. The devices and methods may incorporate a smart phone application that provides notifications and alerts to aid in compliance with the asthma medication regimen.

Abstract: A device for irrigating a body cavity is disclosed. The device comprises a first pump and a second pump being operatively linked via a manually-operated actuator member. The actuator member has at least a mode in which the actuator member activates the first pump to eject an initial volume of fluid out of the device, and a mode in which the actuator member activates the second pump to eject fluid out of the device and simultaneously activates the first pump to withdraw fluid into the device.

Abstract: An irrigator handle to be used with a water jet apparatus for cleaning gums and teeth includes a visual indicator to let a user know when a tip has been properly attached to the handle. The handle in some embodiments also includes an audible indicator to let the user know when the tip has been properly attached. The handle has a pause button attached to plunger to restrict water flow when the pause button is depressed.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory mask includes a strap arrangement including front strap portions adapted to be disposed over a patient's cheeks and having front ends adapted for attachment to an airway interfacing portion, top strap portions connected to respective front strap portions and adapted to be disposed over the top of a patient's head and to connect to each other, and a back strap extending rearwardly from and connecting respective junctions of the front strap portions and top strap portions or regions adjacent these junctions and adapted to locate underneath a patient's occiput. In use with a patient having long hair, the back strap is adapted to extend under the patient's hair and urge upwardly on the patient's hair and against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In use with a patient having short hair, the back strap is adapted to urge against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In an embodiment, front strap portions of the headgear may be provided with a sleeve or cover (e.g.

Abstract: An adjustable stretching system for stretching a leg of a user comprises a base, an adjustable elevation board configured to be adjustable in length, a seat cushion attached to the base, and a cushioned platform connectable to the base. The adjustable elevation board may be configured to be connected between the base and the cushioned platform.

Abstract: An inhaler is instantly activated upon its removal from a cover or cover unit, and by rotating a cartridge component of the inhaler with respect to a mouthpiece portion, so as to create a flow pathway for ambient air and particles. The cartridge component includes a chamber, whose contents typically include dry powders or the like. Upon creation of the flow pathway, the contents of the chamber are instantly accessible for immediate inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece portion.

Abstract: A low profile CPR mask shaped to fit under the face mask of a victim allows immediate emergency ventilation without requiring the helmet be removed. The mask may be molded to fit ergonomically to a rescuer's palm and be pliable upon the application of moderate force to obtain a tight-fitting mask seal against the victim's face.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular, portable, air purifier and mask device capable of supplying filtered or otherwise conditioned airflow to an individual. More specifically, the present invention provides a modular air purification system that allows for the selection of multiple types of air treatment modules, power modules and mask devices. Through selective combination of a variety of modules, a desired air quality and condition is achieved.

Abstract: An indexed drug delivery device (70) comprising a valve assembly (13) comprising a housing (26) and a valve, the valve disposed within the housing, one or more keys (34,38) integral to the housing, the keys complementary to corresponding openings on a collar (12), a pressurized canister (28) in fluid communication with the valve assembly, the canister containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient and an inactive carrier gas, a receiving assembly comprising a receptacle adapted to engage at least a portion of the housing, a seat adapted to engage the valve, and, a plunger assembly adapted to linearly actuate the valve assembly and canister along an axis and to engage the valve and seat, the plunger assembly comprising a carriage fixed to the collar, and, a lever having a cam adapted to engage a spring, the spring adapted to linearly actuate the carriage, valve assembly, canister and collar along the axis.

Abstract: A method for mobilizing an occlusion from a breathing tube is presented. The method includes automatically mobilizing the occlusion from the breathing tube by regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow, or a combination thereof, where the breathing tube is configured to operationally couple a patient to a ventilation system, and where the ventilation system is configured to provide artificial respiration to the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support structure, a pivot arm pivotably coupled to the support structure and structured to pivot about an axis, a patient coupling member, such as a mask or a forehead support, coupled to the pivot arm, and a cam wheel rotateably coupled to the support structure and engaging the pivot arm, wherein rotation of the cam wheel relative to the support structure and the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot about the axis and the patient coupling member to move either forward or backward along a path of movement. Also, an alternative patient interface device includes a cam wheel rotatable about a cushion member that changes a position of a main body portion of the cushion member relative to a headgear frame member of the patient interface device.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An extendable lighted intubation stylet enables a clinician or emergency medical personnel to introduce a breathing tube into a person's trachea. The extendable lighted intubation stylet includes a handle, a switch, a sheath, an extension member, and a light source. The extension member can be extended or retracted relative to the sheath thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the extendable lighted intubation stylet. The light source provides for superior visualization of the airway compared to a standard laryngoscope bulb. In its extended configuration, the extendable intubation stylet is immediately available in the case of an unanticipated difficult airway and can be used as a bougie. The extendable stylet is lightweight and convenient because it can be folded and placed in a pocket or in a space critical location such as a field kit or portable airway bag.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described which control blood pressure and nervous system activity by stimulating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors and/or nerves, the present invention reduces blood pressure and alters the sympathetic nervous system; thereby minimizing deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature and other organs and tissues. A baroreceptor activation device or other sensory activation device is positioned near a dermal bone to provide the treatment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of flange members and tracheostomy tube assemblies including such flange members are provided. An embodiment of a flange member includes a base portion adapted to receive a proximal end of a cannula, a first flange disposed on a first side of the base portion, and a second flange member disposed on a second side of the base portion opposite the first side. The first flange and the second flange are adapted to rest against a patient's neck to maintain the flange member outside of a patient's airway. The flange member also includes a biocompatible pad reversibly integrated with at least one of the base portion, the first flange, and the second flange.

Abstract: A device for humidifying respiratory gases. The device includes: a humidification component that holds a water volume; and a heating element that converts received electrical energy to electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is transferred to the water volume, thereby heating the water volume to achieve a heated water volume.