Abstract: Devices and methods to prevent airway collapse are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece featuring a positioning aid adjustable by inflation accomplished via a gas exchange port attachable to a source of pressure and a breathing tube. Inflation causes an asymmetric protrusion on the mouthpiece, preferably above the breathing tube so that the positioning aid fits into the roof of the mouth. Preferably, tongue movement is at least partially restricted. An additional device featuring a wearable battery operated compressor is further disclosed. A device in the form of a pacifier is disclosed as a preferred embodiment for use in young patients. Preferably, devices are supplied as articles of manufacture. Use of disclosed devices constitute methods of preventing collapse of the upper airway.

Abstract: Devices and methods to prevent airway collapse are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece featuring a positioning aid adjustable by inflation accomplished via a gas exchange port attachable to a source of pressure and a breathing tube. Inflation causes an asymmetric protrusion on the mouthpiece, preferably above the breathing tube so that the positioning aid fits into the roof of the mouth. Preferably, tongue movement is at least partially restricted. An additional device featuring a wearable battery operated compressor is further disclosed. A device in the form of a pacifier is disclosed as a preferred embodiment for use in young patients. Preferably, devices are supplied as articles of manufacture. Use of disclosed devic3es constitute methods of preventing collapse of the upper airway.

Abstract: A system and method for aerosol delivery of a drug. The system includes: a disposable cassette containing a dose of the drug. The dose of the drug is supplied within a breakable container. The system further includes a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release dose of the drug. Air from the airflow generator flows into the cassette via a first opening and outward via a second opening insuring aerosol delivery of the drug. The method includes supplying a disposable cassette as in the system and operating a drug release mechanism to break the breakable container and release the dose of the drug. The method further includes generating a flow of air top cause aerosol delivery of the drug. An additional method including supplying at least two breakable packets each containing a portion of a pre-measured dose of the drug within a disposable cassette, opening the packets within the cassette and aerosol delivery of the single pre-measured dose of the drug.

Abstract: A dual-purpose medical device for upper airway treatment and methods for using the device are disclosed. The device for upper airway treatment includes two primary components. The first component is a cassette connectable to an airflow generator. The second component is the airflow generator. The airflow generator is manually operable and relies upon ambient air to create a flow of air. The airflow generator is capable of generating airflow through the cassette for either aerosol delivery of a drug or for suction of unwanted secretions. Further disclosed is a method for aerosol delivery of a drug using the disclosed device. The method includes at least two steps. In the first step, the airflow generator is connected to the cassette. In the second step, air is caused to flow through the cassette so that aerosol delivery of a drug in the cassette is accomplished. Further disclosed is a method for suction of unwanted secretions from an airway. The method includes at least two steps.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for preventing collapse of the upper airway are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece and a breathing tube. The method includes the steps of inserting a mouthpiece and allowing inhaled air to flow through a breathing tube. A first disclosed system includes a CPAP device which maintains sufficient pressure in an upper airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source. The system includes, a mouthpiece, a breathing tube containing a bi-directional pressure sensitive valve and a mechanism for transforming kinetic energy of air flowing in a first direction to potential energy and transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy of air flowing in a second direction. Further disclosed is a method employing the system. An additional system includes a self contained CPAP for maintaining sufficient pressure in an airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source.

Abstract: A self contained CPAP device is disclosed. The device includes, a mouthpiece, a breathing tube, an inflatable body and a mask. The mouthpiece is insertable in a mouth of a patient and is attachable to the breathing tube which contains at least one bi-directional valve. The inflatable body functions to adjust an internal cross sectional area of the breathing tube and further serves to regulate air pressure within the patient's mouth. The mask is in fluid communication with the inflatable body and covers the nose of the patient so that exhaled air is routed thereto. Further disclosed is a system for prophylactic treatment of a breathing disorder which includes a sell contained CPAP device. Further disclosed is an improved method of preventing a breathing disorder by means of CPAP. The method includes the steps of inserting a mouthpiece and allowing inhaled air to flow through a bi-directional valve contained within a breathing tube.