Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a housing with a recess. A guard is mounted to the housing, the guard having a base and a barrier. At least part of the base is flexible. The barrier is movable between a covering position in which the barrier partly covers the recess and an access position in which the recess is less covered or is uncovered by the barrier. Said at least part of the base is configured to flex as the barrier is moved between the covering position and the access position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a humidifier for a respiratory assistance device, a respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier and related methods and apparatus. The invention particularly provides arrangements for generating vapour by impinging light on metallic and/or carbon based material, particularly in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a housing with an engagement feature and an electrical component in the housing and a removable component. The electrical component has a receptacle. The removable component has an electrical connector that is a close or tight fit in the receptacle of the electrical component to assist with holding the removable component in connection with the electrical component. The removable component has a tab with a terminal end portion that can be flexed relative to the rest of the removable component. An engagement feature is provided on the terminal end portion of the tab and engages with the engagement feature of the housing to inhibit disconnection of the removable component from the housing in the absence of actuating the terminal end portion of the removable component to flex the tab.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a breathing assistance apparatus has a base, a mount, and a handle. The mount is configured to releasably couple the support apparatus with the breathing assistance apparatus by lowering the breathing assistance apparatus relative to the mount. The handle is configured to enable the support apparatus and a releasably coupled breathing assistance apparatus to be lifted and carried by a user.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for an inspiratory limb for a breathing circuit that includes a first segment that comprises a first heater wire circuit and a second segment that comprises a second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can include an intermediate connector that includes a connection circuit that electrically couples the first heater wire circuit to the second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can be configured to operate in two modes wherein, in a first mode, electrical power passes through the first electrical connection to provide power to the first heater wire circuit without providing power to the second heater wire circuit, and in a second mode, electrical power pass through the first electrical connection to provide power to both the first heater wire circuit and the second heater wire circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a flow of gas has a housing, a cover, and a magnetic coupling system arranged to magnetically couple the cover—to the housing. Each of the housing and cover having complementary locating features, the locating features being adapted to locate and align the cover and the apparatus relative to each other to allow for the magnetic coupling. The apparatus also has a handle movably connected to the housing and is movable from a first position to a second position. The housing and the handle comprise complementary interlock features arranged to engage with each other when upward force is applied to the handle in the second position, and the interlock features are disengaged from each other when the handle is in the second position but upward force is not applied to the handle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a humidifier for a respiratory assistance device, a respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier and related methods and apparatus. The invention particularly provides arrangements for generating vapour by impinging light on metallic and/or carbon based material, particularly in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) for a patient interface is provided. The tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) comprises a first portion (11) arranged to connect to a patient interface, in use, a second portion (12) attached to the first portion and configured to be in fluid communication with the patient interface and/or the first portion (11), in use. The second portion (12) comprising at least one first member (121) and/or second member (122) forming at least one aperture in fluid communication with the ambient environment, wherein the aperture (13) has a size that is variable in response to a force applied to at least part of the second portion, in use. An assembly (100) comprising the tracheostomy guard, a valve unit, a valve component, and a kit of parts, are also provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a humidification system includes a heater base having a heater plate, a humidification chamber, and circuit. The circuit can include various conduits, including an inspiratory conduit, expiratory conduit, Y-piece, patient conduit, and/or dry conduit. In use, the chamber contains a quantity of liquid. The heater base heats the heater plate, which in turn heats the liquid to a temperature that causes at least some of the liquid to become vapor, thereby humidifying the gases within the chamber. The gas is delivered to the patient via the inspiratory conduit. Various features can help control the system and ensure the patient receives gases having the desired conditions. These features can be used individually or in various combinations and subcombinations both in existing humidification systems and improved systems for respiratory humidification, laparoscopy, and other purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a respiratory support apparatus are disclosed comprising features configured to minimize, reduce or contain aerosols carrying pathogens that can cause diseases such as COVID 19, SARS, MERS, Tuberculosis, or any other infectious diseases. Embodiments of a respiratory support apparatus are also provided configured to at least reduce the amount of oxygen required, during use of the apparatus, from an external oxygen supply such as an oxygen tank or hospital wall supply. Embodiments of such apparatus are provided with means to recirculate expiratory gases, and/or redirect leak flow. Embodiments of such apparatus are provided in which expiratory gases are sucked away from the patient. Embodiments of such apparatus are provided comprising a first flow generator for delivering inspiratory gases, and a second flow generator for removing expiratory gases.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for an inspiratory limb for a breathing circuit that includes a first segment that comprises a first heater wire circuit and a second segment that comprises a second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can include an intermediate connector that includes a connection circuit that electrically couples the first heater wire circuit to the second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can be configured to operate in two modes wherein, in a first mode, electrical power passes through the first electrical connection to provide power to the first heater wire circuit without providing power to the second heater wire circuit, and in a second mode, electrical power pass through the first electrical connection to provide power to both the first heater wire circuit and the second heater wire circuit.

Abstract: A gases humidification system includes a measuring chamber and a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has one or more mixing elements that improve a mixing of gases before reaching the measuring chamber. Ultrasonic sensing is used to measure gases properties or characteristics within the measuring chamber. A baffle or a vane may be used to control and direct the gases flow through the mixing chamber as the gases flow moves into the measuring chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a patient interface for non-invasive ventilation. The patient interface is configured to seal about the mouth and nares of a patient and includes an outer wall defining an interior volume which includes a first chamber having one or more oral openings to communicate gas with the mouth and a second chamber having one or more nare openings to communicate gas with the nares. The patient interface further includes a dividing wall that separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The patient interface further includes one or more flow directors which enable gas to flow into the second chamber from the first chamber the first chamber from the second chamber. The one or more flow directors are configured to direct the gas flow through the one or more nare openings.

Abstract: A respiratory flow therapy apparatus including a sensing chamber which measures a flow of gases provided to a patient. The sensing chamber can be located after a blower and/or mixer. The sensing chamber can include an ultrasonic transducer, a temperature sensor, a heated temperature sensing element, and/or a gas concentration sensor. A flow path of gases used in conjunction with the sensor system prevents unwanted vorticity in the flow of gases that can create anomalies in measuring flow.

Abstract: A flow of gases in a respiratory therapy system can be conditioned to achieve more consistent output from sensors configured to sense a characteristic of the flow. The flow can be mixed by imparting a tangential, rotary, helical, or swirling motion to the flow of gases. The mixing can occur upstream of the sensors. The flow can be segregated into smaller compartments to reduce turbulence in a region of the sensors.

Abstract: A flow of gases in a respiratory therapy system can be conditioned to achieve more consistent output from sensors configured to sense a characteristic of the flow. The flow can be mixed by imparting a tangential, rotary, helical, or swirling motion to the flow of gases. The mixing can occur upstream of the sensors. The flow can be segregated into smaller compartments to reduce turbulence in a region of the sensors.

Abstract: A respiratory flow therapy apparatus including a sensing chamber which measures a flow of gases provided to a patient. The sensing chamber can be located after a blower and/or mixer. The sensing chamber can include an ultrasonic transducer, a temperature sensor, a heated temperature sensing element, and/or a gas concentration sensor. A flow path of gases used in conjunction with the sensor system prevents unwanted vorticity in the flow of gases that can create anomalies in measuring flow.