Abstract: An inspiratory exerciser apparatus has a loop shape housing with a mouthpiece 1, an air inlet 2, an outlet 3 and a spring-loaded valve 4 that provides a restriction to inhalation through the inlet. The apparatus includes an electronics unit 60 that records use of the apparatus for download to a remote computer, such as via a connector port 65 or by wireless means. The electronics unit 60 also causes lamps 63 in a translucent part of the housing 11 to flash during the prescribed exercise period to encourage the patient to inhale and exhale at a prescribed rate and for a prescribed time.

Abstract: Patient breathing apparatus comprises a hood having a front single-layer, transparent sheet and a rear two-layer section. An inflatable cuff extends around the lower end of the hood and is connected to a recirculating heliox gas supply unit. The cuff has perforations in its upper surface around the front part of the hood so that the gas supplied to inflate the cuff flows into the inside of the hood to provide at least a part of the breathing gas. The inner layer of the rear section is permeable so that the gas can flow from the inside of the hood into a space between the two layers and there to a gas outlet. A hose connects the gas outlet to an inlet of the gas supply for recirculation.