Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (10), a frame member (16), and nasal pillows (18,20). A first side (12) of the cushion member forms a seal with a patient's mouth. The nasal pillows are structured to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nasal pillows are attached to the frame member. The frame is attached to a second side (14) of the cushion member. The frame member includes a connecting portion (228), a first aperture (240), and a second aperture (242). The nasal pillows include a first nasal pillow element (218) and a second nasal pillow element (220). The first nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the first aperture. The second nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the second aperture. The connection portion is connected to the second side of the cushion member.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the oribicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (10), a frame member (16), and nasal pillows (18,20). A first side (12) of the cushion member forms a seal with a patient's mouth. The nasal pillows are structured to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nasal pillows are attached to the frame member. The frame is attached to a second side (14) of the cushion member. The frame member includes a connecting portion (228), a first aperture (240), and a second aperture (242). The nasal pillows include a first nasal pillow element (218) and a second nasal pillow element (220). The first nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the first aperture. The second nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the second aperture. The connection portion is connected to the second side of the cushion member.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member via a snap assembly associated with the support member and the sealing assembly. The snap assembly allows the sealing assembly to selectively attach to the support member.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, a spring biases the patient interface device against the patient's face when in use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness assembly and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear. In one embodiment, a spring biases the interface device against the face during use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion having a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. An adjustment assembly on the headgear provides a gross adjustment of the position of the interface relative to the patient and a biasing force to urge the patient interface device against the patient's face. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: A flexible connector that couples a delivery conduit to a patient interface device and a pressure support system that includes such a flexible connector. The flexible connector of the present invention prevents disruption of the seal between the patient interface and the patient's face. The flexible connector may have a bellows portion with a longitudinally directed portion, a narrowed neck portion, or a plurality of corrugations. The flexible connector may further have a swivel portion and/or an exhaust member, and/or a hinge member.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a pressure support system. The humidifier includes a body having an inlet, a fluid holding chamber, and an outlet. The inlet is positioned upstream and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. The outlet is positioned downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid holding chamber. A back-flow preventing valve is positioned upstream of the fluid chamber. The back-flow preventing valve is movable between an open position, in which the inlet is unblocked, and a closed position in which the inlet is blocked. In the closed position, the back-flow preventing valve prevents fluid, fluid vapor, or both from entering the pressure support via the inlet to the humidifier.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a substantially rigid support and a patient interface device coupled to a first end of the support. A first arm is coupled to a first side of the support and a second arm is coupled to a second side of the support. A cross member spans between the first arm and the second arm such that the cross member is disposed under a patient's mandible when the patient interface assembly is worn by a user. An addition, a conduit is coupled to a second end of the support.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member via a snap assembly associated with the support member and the sealing assembly. The snap assembly allows the sealing assembly to selectively attach to the support member.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: A patient interface that includes a support body having a cushion and cheek interfaces. Collectively, the cushion and cheek interfaces operate to distribute compressive forces exerted on the user's face. The support body of the patient interface is constructed from a flexible material to impart additional adjustability to the cheek interfaces. The support body also has arcuate eyelets designed to provide a hinge between the headgear assembly and the support body.

Abstract: A patient interface system having a patient interface and chin support system for supporting the patient interface on the patient and for supplying a flow of gas from a patient circuit to the patient interface. In one embodiment, the chin support is formed from flexible hollow chambered support and extends from either side of the patient interface curving downwardly in front of the patient's cheeks, around the outside of the patient's mouth, to a position beneath the patient's mandible. In another embodiment, the chin support is coupled to a conduit that is coupled to the patient interface. The chin support includes at least a portion that is disposed under the patient's mandible.