Abstract: An augmented reality apparatus for facilitating a patient interface device fitting process includes a device or system for providing a real-time image of the patient, and a processor apparatus structured to: (i) store a plurality of augmented reality component data files, each of the augmented reality component data files relating to either a structure or an aspect of one or more particular patient interface devices or a problem that may be encountered in the fitting process, and (ii) cause an augmented real-time image to be created and transmitted by the augmented reality apparatus by augmenting the real-time image using at least one of the augmented reality component data files.

Abstract: A pressure support device for providing pressure support therapy to a patient includes an airflow generator structured to generate pressure to provide pressure compensation to the patient via a patient circuit, one or more sensors structured to gather data related to effectiveness of the pressure compensation, and a processing unit structured to analyze outputs of the sensors while pressure support therapy is provided to the patient to determine if the pressure compensation provided to the patient is improper and to initiate action to confirm whether components of the patient circuit have been changed in response to determining that the pressure compensation provided to the patient is improper.

Abstract: An interface device is structured to be connected in fluid communication with a source of breathing gas and to provide a flow of breathing gas to the airways of a patient. The interface device includes a support (24), a deformable portion (28) situated on the support, and an interface portion (32) situated on the deformable portion and being structured to be engaged with the patient in the vicinity of the airways, with the deformable portion including a plurality of deformable elements (36) that form a lattice structure and that are connected with the support at a plurality of spaced apart points of connection (44) on the support. The interface device may be formed via an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A frame for use in an interface device for delivering a flow of treatment gas to the airway of a patient includes a first and second frame members, each having a first end structured to be coupled to a conduit supplying the flow of treatment gas and an opposite second end structured to be coupled to a sealing assembly. Each frame member has a passage defined therein which extends between the first end and the second end thereof. The first frame member is disposed on a first side of a reference plane which passes through the sealing assembly and the second frame member is disposed on a second side of the reference plane opposite the first side. At least one of the first frame member and the second frame member is biased toward the other of the first frame member and the second frame member.

Abstract: A system for capturing a 3D image of a subject includes a detection device which is structured to capture images of the subject and surrounding environment, a projection device which is structured to provide a source of structured light, and a processing unit in communication with the detection device and the projection device. The processing unit is programmed to: analyze an image of the subject captured by the detection device; modify one or more of: the output of the projection device or the intensity of a source of environmental lighting illuminating the subject based on the analysis of the image; and capture a 3D image of the subject with the detection device and the projection device using the modified one or more of the output of the projection device or the intensity of the source of environmental lighting illuminating the subject.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a compilation unit structured to receive a plurality of different 3-D models of a patient's face, to compare the different 3-D models of the patient's face and to determine additional information about the patient's face based on the comparison, wherein the additional information includes at least one of a location of hard tissue, a depth of soft tissue, and a compliance of soft tissue, and wherein the patient's face is manipulated between the different 3-D models.

Abstract: A conduit (14A) for conducting a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device (4) to a cushion (10) of a patient interface device (8) includes a housing (22) that defines a passage (24) therethrough. The conduit further includes a first magnetic element (30A) disposed on a first side of the passage and a second magnetic element (32A) disposed on a second side of the passage opposite the first side. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned such that the magnetic fields produced by each magnetic element interact in a manner such that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are repelled away from each other in a manner which resists collapse of the passage.

Abstract: A method of improving delivery of a pressure support therapy provided by a pressure support device to a patient via a patient interface device includes begins by receiving current data regarding details of one or more of the patient and the delivery of the pressure support therapy. The current data is then compared to stored data. If a change is determined between the current data and the stored data which is indicative of a poor mask fitment, an indication is provided of a need for a new patient interface device fitting for the patient.

Abstract: A method for identifying a mask for a patient includes: receiving a plurality of images of a patient's face; analyzing the plurality of images to generate a temporal model of the patient's face, determining a mask for the patient using the temporal model of the patient's face, and identifying the mask to the patient.

Abstract: A cushion is for use in a pressure support system for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The cushion includes a body having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. The body defines a space therein. The cushion further includes a sealing portion defining a single opening into the space. The single opening is adapted to surround both a first nostril and a second nostril of a patient. The sealing portion is located between the first end and the second end. The sealing portion includes a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion each extending outwardly from the body and being adapted to sealingly engage against an interior surface of a corresponding one of the first nostril and the second nostril.

Abstract: A method of detecting stroke in a patient receiving a pressure support therapy includes: receiving data from one or more sensors structured to gather data related to patient respiration while receiving pressure support therapy from an airflow generator via a patient circuit; analyzing the data from the one or more sensors while pressure support therapy is provided to the patient; determining that the analyzed data from the one or more sensors is indicative of a patient experiencing respiratory changes indicative of a stroke; and responsive to said determining, triggering at least one alarm.

Abstract: A coupling for use in a system (2) for communicating a flow of gas from a pressure generating device (4) to an airway of a patient includes a first portion (16, 16?, 16?) adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the pressure generating device and a second portion (10) selectively coupled to the first portion. The second portion is adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the airway of the patient. At least one of the first portion and the second portion includes an illuminated portion (18, 20), the illuminated portion being adapted to be visible to a patient when the first and second portions are uncoupled and adapted to be not visible to a user when the first and second portions are coupled. The illuminated portion assists a user in locating and recoupling the first and second portions of the coupling in a darkened room.

Abstract: A method for the concurrent treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension in a patient, the method comprises: a) providing a flow of treatment to an airway of the patient in accordance with an initial set of flow parameters; b) determining that the patient has achieved stable breathing while receiving the provided flow of treatment gas in accordance with the initial set of parameters; c) increasing the flow parameters; d) providing the flow of treatment gas to the airway of the patient in accordance with the increased flow parameters until it is determined that a predetermined period of time has elapsed; e) further increasing the flow parameters; and f) providing the flow of treatment gas to the airway of the patient in accordance with the further increased flow parameters for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A customized mask is manufactured by the process of: generating surface geometry data of a face of a patient, the surface geometry data corresponding to and representing a surface geometry of the face of the patient; generating original cushion geometry data using the surface geometry data; generating modified cushion geometry data using the original cushion geometry data; producing a rigid support member using the modified cushion geometry data such that it is shaped according to the modified cushion geometry data, the support member being made of a unitary material; and coupling a sealing flap to the support member, the sealing flap being structured to engage the face of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device (10) is provided that includes a cushion (30) and a faceplate (12). The cushion is structured to be coupled to the faceplate. The faceplate includes a peripheral end (18) and a number of custom features (60). The cushion is coupled to the faceplate adjacent the faceplate peripheral end.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a manifold assembly including a manifold body and a rotational coupling. The manifold body includes an elastic portion. The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion. The rotational coupling and the elastic portion decouple the remaining portions of the manifold body from external forces applied to the rigid conduit.

Abstract: Provided are systems (100) for control of or determining the effectiveness of a neck suction device using one or more secondary metrics. A sensor device (101) may be used to measure or determine one or more secondary metrics relating to the neck of a patient in response to the application of suction to the neck of the patient proximal to the hyoid bone of the patient by a neck suction device. A processing device (107) may then determine whether to adjust the suction intensity in response to the measured/determined metrics. The metrics may also be use do determine whether neck suction is likely to be effective for a specific patient.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes at least one elongated support member structured to contact a user. The support member has at least one conduit portion and at least one porous portion. The conduit portion is structured to allow the passage of gas therethrough. The conduit portion is structured to be in fluid communication with a pressure generating system and with the porous portion. The porous portion is structured to allow for axial passage of gas therethrough and for radial exhaust of gas therefrom.

Abstract: A method of providing a range of different sized masks for fitting to a patient includes providing a first mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a first concavity and a first nasal envelope and providing a second mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a second concavity different than the first concavity and a second nasal envelope.