Abstract: A respiratory mask can include one or a plurality of force sensors configured to detect a force imparted to a user's skin. Output from the one or more sensors can be represented in a way useful to the patient or healthcare provider for adjusting the mask to achieve a desired fitment. A representation of the detected forces can be displayed on a separate display device or on the mask.

Abstract: A respiratory system provides conditioned respiratory gases to a patient within a controlled temperature environment. A humidification apparatus has an inspiratory tube that may extend to a patient interface. The inspiratory tube may have a reduced length. A thermal insulation component may insulate at least a portion of the inspiratory tube. As a result, less of the inspiratory tube may be exposed to the surrounding ambient environment, which may reduce condensate formation within the inspiratory tube and heat loss to the surrounding ambient environment. The humidification apparatus may be directly coupled to the controlled temperature environment.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy system configured to deliver gases to a patient can have a non-sealed gas flow generating arrangement configured to deliver a high flow of positive gas to an airway of a patient and a negative flow of gas away from an airway of the patient. The positive and negative flows of gas can be generated simultaneously. The flow of positive and negative gases reduces exhaled gases in anatomical dead spaces of the patient.

Abstract: Patient interfaces for respiratory therapy in the form of nasal interfaces or nasal masks include features that enhance or provide lateral stability of the interface. At least some of the embodiments provide multiple facial contact points or areas located in the general areas of the user's cheeks and/or upper lip. Some embodiments of the nasal interfaces provide advantageous sealing characteristics. The nasal interfaces may provide a controlled expiratory flow to reduce noise. Some embodiments include nasal pillows instead of or in addition to nasal prongs. The nasal pillows can have exhaust vents or can change in length in response to a pressure level within the nasal pillow.

Abstract: Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly are disclosed herein. The connection port assembly has a ball joint connection with the mask assembly and includes a quick release button for easily disconnecting the gases source conduit from the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include a bias flow vent that is formed separately and attached to the mask assembly. The headgear assembly encircles the rear region of the user's head and may include at least some portions that are substantially non-stretchable.

Abstract: An adjustable heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for use with a breathing apparatus to humidify air comprising: an inlet for coupling to a source of air, and an outlet for delivering air to a patient and an air flow path between them, HME material in the flow path with two or more surfaces exposed to the air flow path to exchange humidity between patient air flow and an inlet air flow, at least one adjuster for adjusting the configuration of the HME material and/or the air flow to alter the air flow over the surfaces of the HME material to alter the exchange of humidity.

Abstract: A respiratory mask can have a frame supporting a sealing arrangement. Various features of the frame and sealing arrangement can improve comfort and reduce the occurrence of pressure sores. The frame can include cheek supports that have a large surface area configured to spread loads over a greater area of the patient's face and therefore reduce the forces applied to the face and the occurrence of point loads. The seal can have a main body that includes a spring with a silicone skin, wherein the spring applies a substantially constant force to the face and/or nares of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy system configured to deliver gases to a patient can have a non-sealed gas flow generating arrangement configured to deliver a high flow of positive gas to an airway of a patient and a negative flow of gas away from an airway of the patient. The positive and negative flows of gas can be generated simultaneously. The flow of positive and negative gases reduces exhaled gases in anatomical dead spaces of the patient.

Abstract: A system provides warm, humidified pas to a patient via a patient interface. Horizontal connections can be used between the humidification chamber and conduit. To reduce the likelihood of condensate flowing back to the humidification chamber, or dead space or gases recirculation regions occurring within the gases flow path, a raised portion is positioned inside of the flow path to improve flow characteristics and to provide a barrier for condensate back flow. The raised portion also reduces the amount of condensate that is formed in the system and provides better flow characteristics for sensing purposes.

Abstract: Patient interfaces for respiratory therapy in the form of nasal interfaces or nasal masks include features that enhance or provide lateral stability of the interface. At least some of the embodiments provide multiple facial contact points or areas located in the general areas of the user's cheeks and/or upper lip. Some embodiments of the nasal interfaces provide advantageous sealing characteristics. The nasal interfaces may provide a controlled expiratory flow to reduce noise. Some embodiments include nasal pillows instead of or in addition to nasal prongs. The nasal pillows can have exhaust vents or can change in length in response to a pressure level within the nasal pillow.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: Breathing assistance apparatus includes a gases supply unit adapted to, in use, deliver a stream of pressurised gases from an outlet. The gases supply unit is adapted to vary the pressure of the stream of pressurised gases. A supply path includes a flexible self-supporting gases transportation pathway having a first end connected to the outlet so that the gases transportation pathway receives the stream of gases and conveys the gases to a patient. A patient interface is connected to the second end of the gases transportation pathway receives a stream of gases. At least one sensor measures at least one information parameter of the supply path. A control system associated with the gases supply unit receives the information parameter. The control system contains reference data, and compares the received data to reference data, and determines a supply path based on the comparison.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical smoke evacuation system for use in removing gases and smoke created in surgical procedures form within an insufflated surgical cavity.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: An adjustable heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for use with a breathing apparatus to humidify air comprising: an inlet for coupling to a source of air, and an outlet for delivering air to a patient and an air flow path between them, HME material in the flow path with two or more surfaces exposed to the air flow path to exchange humidity between patient air flow and an inlet air flow, at least one adjuster for adjusting the configuration of the HME material and/or the air flow to alter the air flow over the surfaces of the HME material to alter the exchange of humidity.

Abstract: A system provides warm, humidified gas to a patient via a patient interface. Horizontal connections can be used between the humidification chamber and conduit. To reduce the likelihood of condensate flowing back to the humidification chamber, or dead space or gases recirculation regions occurring within the gases flow path, a raised portion is positioned inside of the flow path to improve flow characteristics and to provide a barrier for condensate back flow. The raised portion also reduces the amount of condensate that is formed in the system and provides better flow characteristics for sensing purposes.

Abstract: A respiratory mask can have a frame supporting a sealing arrangement. Various features of the frame and sealing arrangement can improve comfort and reduce the occurrence of pressure sores. The frame can include cheek supports that have a large surface area configured to spread loads over a greater area of the patient's face and therefore reduce the forces applied to the face and the occurrence of point loads. The seal can have a main body that includes a spring with a silicone skin, wherein the spring applies a substantially constant force to the face and/or nares of the patient.