Abstract: An improved connection apparatus is structured to extend between a mask (8) and a headgear (12). The headgear has a first strap (16) and a second strap (20) structured to overlie the patient's head. The connection apparatus can be generally stated as including a clip apparatus (24) and a face plate. The clip apparatus can be generally stated as including a clip (32A,B) having a first mount (44) that is structured to be connected with the first strap and a second mount (48) that is structured to be connected with the second strap. The face plate is structured to overlie at least a portion of the mask. The face plate (28) can be generally stated as including an attachment apparatus having a connection upon which the clip is structured to be disposed. At least a portion of the clip is removable from at least a portion of the connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for fitting and determining the size of a patient interface, said device (10) comprising a sizing gauge(12), wherein the shape of the gauge (12) is configured to replicate the shape of a contacting surface of a patient interface with the portion of a patient's face, and a support (14) including a grip (16) for holding the device (10) by hand during use, which support (14) is mechanically coupled to said gauge (12).

Abstract: A device (10) for capturing a surface of an object (30) is provided, wherein the device (10) comprises a flexible membrane (14), which is configured to be deformed from a first shape to a second shape, when at least a part of the flexible membrane (14) is brought into contact with the surface of the object (30), wherein the device (10) comprises a plurality of strain-gauges (18) coupled to the flexible membrane (14), wherein the strain-gauges (18) are configured to measure a plurality of strain signals that depend on the shape of the flexible membrane (14), and wherein the device (10) comprises an output unit (24) for outputting the strain signals for reconstruction of the surface of the object (30) as a function of the strain signals.

Abstract: A cushion assembly (16) for use in a patient interface device (10) includes a cushion member having a sealing flap (24) adapted to sealing engage a user's face about at least one of an oral orifice or nasal orifices of the user. The cushion member defines a cavity (30) therein accessible via an opening generally defined by the sealing flap. The cushion assembly further includes a stabilizing member (16b) having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end and the second end being selectively coupled to the sealing flap such that the stabilizing member spans across at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: A method of providing a semi-custom patient interface device is disclosed. The semi-custom patient interface device is based upon both generic facial parameters and the facial parameters of a specific individual.

Abstract: A cushion assembly for use in a patient interface device includes a first end portion adapted to engage a user's face; a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the second end portion being adapted to be coupled to a mask shell; a cushion portion having a wall portion extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, the wall portion including a stiffened portion; and a dampening portion including a dampening material disposed about the second end portion and adapted to be disposed between the stiffened portion and the mask shell.

Abstract: A headgear assembly (30) includes a first sub-portion (D1) formed from a generally planar first material and a second sub-portion (A1, B1, C1) formed from a generally planar second material. The second sub-portion is coupled along an edge face to an edge face of the first sub-portion without overlapping the first sub-portion. The second material differs from the first material by at least one physical property.

Abstract: A method for geometrically forming a portion of a headgear to conform to a selected portion of an intended user's head. The method includes determining a triangular region on the portion of the headgear that generally coincides with the selected portion of the intended user's head. The triangular region being defined by a first side, a second side and a third side. The method further includes forming a curved and cupped region in the portion of the headgear by bringing together and coupling the second and third sides of the triangular region.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient interface device, such as a mask, nasal pillow, or nasal cannula, that includes an adhesive layer provided on a surface thereof that is structured to temporarily bond to the skin of a user of the patient interface device. The adhesive layer may include a bonding agent, such as a polymer gel, having a residual extraction force of between about 50 grams and about 200 grams.

Abstract: A system configured to deliver pressurized gas to an airway of a subject in accordance with a predetermined therapeutic algorithm. The system includes a pressure generator that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas and a circuit that communicates the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the pressure generator to the airway of the subject. In order to facilitate the delivery of the pressurized gas to the airway of the subject in accordance with the predetermined therapeutic algorithm, a resistance of the circuit to gas flow is supplemented so that the overall resistance of the circuit is at or near a predetermined level.

Abstract: A patient interface that reliably and comfortably seals a user's face by providing an oral-nasal mask that includes an integrated nasal interface. The patient interface includes a seal member having an oral cushion portion configured to surround the user's mouth and a nasal interface portion that provides an interface with the user's nose. The seal member, including the oral cushion portion and the nasal interface portion, is a unitary member. Finally, the nasal interface portion remains below the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the oribicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly having an improved support for use in securing a patient interface device to the head of a patient overcomes the shortcomings of conventional headgear. The improved support provides a self-adjusting anchor point situated anterior to the ear of the patient that provides enhanced stability in mounting the patient interface device to the patient.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: An improved headgear is structured to secure a mask to the head of a patient and comprises a parietal support, an occipital support, and a zygomatic support connected together. The zygomatic support comprises a pair of zygomatic braces that are each structured to engage the face of the patient and to support the mask in fluid communication with the patient. The zygomatic braces each comprise at least one of a cephalic element structured to engage the face cephalic to the crest of the zygomatic bone, and a caudal element structured to engage the face caudal to the zygomatic bone.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient interface device, such as a mask (10, 46), nasal pillow (42), or nasal cannula (54, 76, 76?, 78, 82, 90 96), that includes an adhesive layer (40) provided on a surface thereof that is structured to temporarily bond to the skin of a user of the patient interface device. The adhesive layer may include a bonding agent, such as a polymer gel, having a residual extraction force of between about 50 grams and about 200 grams.

Abstract: A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.