Abstract: A support apparatus for a breathing assistance apparatus has a base, a mount, and a handle. The mount is configured to releasably couple the support apparatus with the breathing assistance apparatus by lowering the breathing assistance apparatus relative to the mount. The handle is configured to enable the support apparatus and a releasably coupled breathing assistance apparatus to be lifted and carried by a user.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for delivering a stream of heated, humidified gases to a user, comprising a humidifier unit which holds and heats a volume of water, and which in use receives a flow of gases from a gases source via an inlet port, the flow of gases passing through the humidifier and exiting via an exit port, the system further having a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of the gases exiting the humidifier unit, an ambient temperature sensor which measures the temperature of gases before they enter the humidifier unit, and a flow sensor which measures the flow rate of the gases stream, the system also having a controller which receives data from the temperature and flow sensors, and which determines a control output in response, the control output adjusting the power to the humidifier unit to achieve a desired output at the humidifier unit exit port.

Abstract: A nasal interface has a first nasal delivery element and second nasal delivery element, each configured to seal with a respective naris of a patient. A gases manifold comprises a gases inlet for delivery of respiratory gases to the gases manifold. The first nasal delivery element and second nasal delivery element are in fluid communication with the gases inlet via the gases manifold. The first nasal delivery element is proximal to, and the second nasal delivery element is distal from, the gases inlet. The nasal interface comprises a bypass restriction to provide a pressure drop through the nasal interface between the first nasal delivery element and second nasal delivery element when gases are delivered from the gases inlet to the first nasal delivery element and second nasal delivery element such that pressure at the first nasal delivery element is higher than pressure at the second nasal delivery element.

Abstract: A nasal interface 100 has a cannula body 118 with a first prong 111 and a second prong 112. The first prong 111 and the second prong 112 are asymmetrical to each other. A gases manifold 120 has a gases inlet 121. The first prong 111 and the second prong 112 are in fluid communication with the gases inlet 121. The gases manifold 120 is reconfigurable relative to the cannula body 118 between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration corresponds to the gases manifold 120 being inserted into the cannula body 118 from a first side. The second configuration corresponds to the gases manifold 120 being inserted into the cannula body 118 from a second side.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurised gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurised gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream.

Abstract: A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and related systems for data capture, processing, storage and rendering. The data may related to a personal health enquiry presented to a patient of a breathing assistance apparatus on a display screen of the apparatus. The responses to a set of queries in the enquiry may be captured as answer data. The answer data may then be transmitted and/or processed relative to baseline data for access and rendering as one or more data reports and/or time-series charts.

Abstract: A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides to graphical user interfaces for controlling a flow therapy apparatus. The graphical user interface can provide a display of flow therapy treatment information and indicators of a patient's health. The graphical user interface can be configured to display the information associated with the patient on one or more user interface screens.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow rate of gases supplied to a patient by a respiratory assistance device includes controlling the supply gases flow rate so as to deliver gases to the patient according to a predetermined gases pressure/flow rate profile for at least a portion of the breathing cycle. A profile may be achieved that provides the patient with a particular benefit or therapy.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus user interface is described which presents animated information related to the management of the apparatus. The user interface is provided on a display screen of the apparatus. The animated illustrations can correspond to operational modes, warnings, user instructions, fault conditions, status, menu options, and the like. The animations can include a sequence of images shown in rapid succession which depict moving icons or objects, scrolling text, flashing colors, or any combination of these or the like. The user interface can combine static information along with animations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a breathing assistance apparatus has a base, a mount, and a handle. The mount is configured to releasably couple the support apparatus with the breathing assistance apparatus by lowering the breathing assistance apparatus relative to the mount. The handle is configured to enable the support apparatus and a releasably coupled breathing assistance apparatus to be lifted and carried by a user.

Abstract: A flow therapy apparatus can provide a hypoxic flow of gases to a user, for altitude training, athletic performance training, and other indications. The system can include an apparatus that can include a gas conduit, an ambient air inlet, and a hypoxic gas source inlet configured to connect to a hypoxic gas source and configured to create a hypoxic gas composition upon mixing of ambient air and the hypoxic gas. The system can also include a user interface, and a gas flow generation element configured to deliver the hypoxic gas composition to nares of the user at a predetermined flow rate of at least about 10 liters/minute. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.

Abstract: Systems and method for conducting respiratory therapy in a respiratory system can adjust a flow of respiratory gases to a patient based upon a detected patient breath cycle. The respiratory system can include a non-sealed patient interface. The respiratory system can be configured to deliver a high flow therapy. A patient breath cycle may be determined using one or more measured parameters, such as a flow rate, a blower motor speed, and/or a system pressure. A flow source may be adjusted to have a phase matching that of the patient's breath cycle, such that flow in increased in response to the patient inhaling, and decreased in response to the patient exhaling.

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: A connector is used to connect a gases supply to a user. The user can be fitted with an interface, such as a cannula, while the gases supply can include a conduit. The connector interfaces between the conduit and the interface. The connector has a female assembly and a male assembly that connect together, such as by push fit. The male assembly includes an inner portion sized and configured to mate with a first female connector and an outer portion sized and configured to alternatively mate with a second female connector.

Abstract: The breathing assistance apparatus of the present invention includes a manifold that is provided with or retrofittable to gases supply and humidifying devices. The manifold allows gases from an oxygen concentrator to be combined with the flow through a gases supply and humidifying device, most usually air. The combined output of oxygen and other breathing gases (air) is then humidified. The breathing assistance apparatus and manifold of the present invention provides a safe method to add oxygen to the input air stream of a gases supply and humidifying device and reduces the amount of accumulation of oxygen within the gases supply device, reducing fire risk should sparking occur within the device.

Abstract: A tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) for a patient interface is provided. The tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) comprises a first portion (11) arranged to connect to a patient interface, in use, a second portion (12) attached to the first portion and configured to be in fluid communication with the patient interface and/or the first portion (11), in use. The second portion (12) comprising at least one first member (121) and/or second member (122) forming at least one aperture in fluid communication with the ambient environment, wherein the aperture (13) has a size that is variable in response to a force applied to at least part of the second portion, in use. An assembly (100) comprising the tracheostomy guard, a valve unit, a valve component, and a kit of parts, are also provided.