Abstract: A flexible hose has a length of hollow tubing and a closed cuff. A method for manufacturing a flexible hose, has the steps of providing a length of flexible tubing, providing a closable cuff, aligning the closable cuff with the hollow tubing at a closed cuff location, and affixing the closable cuff to the length of hollow tubing by closing the closable cuff around the length of hollow tubing at the closed cuff location, thereby forming a flexible hose having a closed cuff. The method does not include the step of screwing the closable cuff onto the length of hollow tubing. Devices may also contain such a flexible hose.

Abstract: A germ-repellent plastic for use in a gas pathway of a respiratory device contains an anti-biofouling compound, and a basic plastic. The anti-biofouling compound is optionally selected from the group of a polyol, a polyether polyol, a polyol derivative, and a combination thereof; or the anti-biofouling compound is selected from the group consisting of a polyether, a poly(ethylene glycol) ether, a polysorbate, and a combination thereof; or the anti-biofouling compound is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitan monolaurate, poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitan monooleate, poly(ethylene glycol) sorbitol hexaoleate, ceteareth, and a combination thereof. The basic plastic is selected from the group of a blend of a low-density polyethylene polymer and an ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer, a blend of a polypropylene polymer and an ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer, a blend of polyolefin elastomer polymers and a polyvinyl chloride polymer.

Abstract: A micro-humidifier for operably-connecting to a breathing circuit contains a liquid feed, a liquid chamber operably-connected to the liquid feed, and a vapour generator operably-connected to the liquid chamber. The liquid chamber has a volume of from about 0.01 mL to about 30 mL. The micro-humidifier is operably-connected to and/or is designed to be operably-connected to a breathing circuit upstream of the patient. When the micro-humidifier is operably-connected to a breathing circuit, the vapour from the vapour generator enters into the breathing circuit. A respiratory humidification system contains the a breathing circuit and the micro-humidifier as described herein. The micro-humidifier is operably-connected to the breathing circuit upstream of the patient, and the vapour from the vapour generator enters into the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A medical cast includes an inflatable air cushion, a foam material within the inflatable air cushion, a closable supporting structure external to the inflatable air cushion, and a sealable air intake connected to the inflatable air cushion. The closable supporting structure is of a size and shape sufficient to enclose a body part.