Abstract: A method for coupling ventilator breathing circuit tubing to a respiratory ventilator using a compression coupler. The tubing has a corrugated or ribbed portion and a non-corrugated cuff. The cuff is inserted into the coupler, which is in turn coupled to the ventilator. The coupler has inner and outer tubular members that compressively engage the cuff between them when they are rotated with respect to one another.

Abstract: A coupler having a releasable compression fitting connects a length of tubing to a ventilator fitting. The compression fitting allows the tubing to be made of economical and re-usable materials that would otherwise be difficult to attach to a ventilator fitting. The coupler may have a conical end that can be directly attached to a ventilator fitting, or it may have a barbed end over which an elastomeric endpiece is attached, which in turn can be attached to a ventilator fitting. The tubing and coupler may be sterilized and re-used.

Abstract: An exhalation system for connection in the exhalation path of a ventilator for assisting a patient's breathing includes a heated bacteria filter for heating exhaled gas passing through it to a temperature high enough to substantially avoid condensation in the filter. A connecting passageway on the downstream side of the filter for connection to a monitoring device is also heated along at least part of its length to add additional heat to the gas passing through it so that condensation in the connecting passageway and monitoring device is substantially avoided.