Abstract: Disclosed is a headgear for an interface, comprising a rear loop, a lower side strap extending from the interface to the rear loop, and a pivotable connection. The pivotable connection is located between the lower side strap and the rear loop, or on the lower side strap. The pivotable connection is configured to allow for lateral movement of the lower side strap.

Abstract: A mask assembly is provided comprising a cushion with a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall between the proximal face contacting portion and the distal inlet aperture, a frame; and an inlet connector configured to connect to a source of pressurised gas. The frame comprises upper and lower headgear connectors both of which are below the cushion uppermost portion. The frame comprises a central connection portion removably connected to the cushion and the inlet connector. The central connection portion is relatively inflexible, whilst the remainder of the frame may be relatively flexible. The inlet connector comprises an inlet port for connection to a gas delivery conduit, and comprises a downwardly directed central axis.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system comprising a mask interface comprising a frame for a headgear assembly. The frame comprises a body comprising a first surface and a substantially opposing second surface. The body further comprises a gas inlet and optionally an outlet vent. The gas inlet may be substantially elliptical in shape. The frame may comprise a recessed region for receiving a yoke of a headgear assembly to attach the headgear to the mask interface. The respiratory mask system may also comprise a yoke for attaching to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustment assembly for headgear for use in respiratory therapy, for example in the treatment of sleep apnea. The assembly includes an adjustment mechanism in communication with one or more tension elements, and actuation of the assembly may adjust the effective length or tension of the tension elements. Also disclosed are assemblies including an adjustment assembly and one or more of headgear, patient interfaces, seals, frames, and gas supply.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system comprising a mask interface comprising a frame for a headgear assembly. The frame comprises a body comprising a first surface and a substantially opposing second surface. The body further comprises a gas inlet and optionally an outlet vent. The gas inlet may be substantially elliptical in shape. The frame may comprise a recessed region for receiving a yoke of a headgear assembly to attach the headgear to the mask interface. The respiratory mask system may also comprise a yoke for attaching to the frame.

Abstract: A mask assembly is provided comprising a cushion with a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall between the proximal face contacting portion and the distal inlet aperture, a frame; and an inlet connector configured to connect to a source of pressurised gas. The frame comprises upper and lower headgear connectors both of which are below the cushion uppermost portion. The frame comprises a central connection portion removably connected to the cushion and the inlet connector. The central connection portion is relatively inflexible, whilst the remainder of the frame may be relatively flexible. The inlet connector comprises an inlet port for connection to a gas delivery conduit, and comprises a downwardly directed central axis.

Abstract: A headgear assembly for a full-face under-nose respiratory mask can include a flexible headgear connector element. A free end of each of upper straps of the headgear is coupled to the headgear connector element, which is configured to extend laterally across and be removably fastened to a frame of the respiratory mask below a tip of a user's nose. A respiratory mask assembly can include a bias vent in communication with a cushion module and configured to allow air to be exhausted from the cushion module through the bias vent. The bias vent can be provided with a diffuser including a diffuser material configured to extend over the bias vent. The diffuser material provides a tortuous air path from the bias vent through the diffuser. The bias vent and/or the diffuser can be provided on various components of the assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments there is provided a headgear assembly for a full-face under-nose respiratory mask comprising a strap assembly including a rear panel, a crown strap, a pair of opposing upper side straps, and a pair of opposing lower side straps. The assembly further comprises a flexible headgear connector element, wherein a free end of each of the upper straps is coupled to the headgear connector element, and wherein the headgear connector element is configured to extend laterally across and be removably fastened to a frame of the respiratory mask below a tip of a user's nose. There is also provided a respiratory mask assembly comprising a mask frame and a cushion module, the mask frame comprising a breathing gas inlet configured to receive a supply of breathable gas and to deliver the breathable gas to the cushion module, the cushion module being configured to form a seal with a user's face.

Abstract: A headgear assembly can include a pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms. Each side arm can be pivotally coupled to an interface at a single location. Each side arm can extend from the single location across the user's cheeks and above the user's ears in use. The headgear assembly can include a top strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the top strap configured to extend around the top of a user's head. The headgear assembly can include a rear strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the rear strap configured to extend around the rear of a user's head. The headgear assembly can include a chin strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the chin strap configured to extend around the user's chin.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a headgear for a patient interface, where the headgear includes a first and second lapped panels. The lapped panels define a lapped region in which the first and second panels respectively overlap and underlap each other. The lapped panels also define a non-lapped region in which the first panel is not lapped. At the lapped region, adjacent surfaces of the respective lapped panels are fused together.

Abstract: A patient interface comprises a blower, a cushion for contacting a user's face, and a mask body and/or a frame for supporting the cushion on a user's face. The cushion and/or the mask body or frame define an interior space for receiving a flow of gases from the blower. The blower is mounted to the mask body or frame so that the blower is at least partially within the mask body or frame. The blower substantially separates a high pressure side of the mask body or frame from a low pressure side of the mask body or frame and/or the mask body or frame is substantially without a wall between the blower and the interior space.

Abstract: A headgear assembly can include a pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms. Each side arm can be pivotally coupled to an interface at a single location. Each side arm can extend from the single location across the user's cheeks and above the user's ears in use. The headgear assembly can include a top strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the top strap configured to extend around the top of a user's head. The headgear assembly can include a rear strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the rear strap configured to extend around the rear of a user's head. The headgear assembly can include a chin strap coupled to the pair of opposing, semi-rigid side arms, the chin strap configured to extend around the user's chin.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus including a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop when the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Abstract: A headgear assembly for retaining a respiratory mask on a user's face includes arrangements or components that allow for variation in a size of the headgear assembly. In some configurations, the headgear assembly includes one or more hubs, each of which are configured to connect a top and rear strap together. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size or configuration of the hub. In other configurations, the headgear assembly comprises one or more spacer elements within one or more straps of the headgear. The size of the headgear assembly can be determined by the size of the spacer element or a relative position between the strap and the spacer element.