Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a shell with a central opening configured to receive the pressurized flow of air, a foam cushion, and an elastomeric support portion that is attached to the shell, supports the foam cushion, and forms at least part of a chamber together with the shell and the foam cushion. The elastomeric support portion includes a side wall that forms a continuous perimeter around the chamber and a resiliently flexible lip that supports the foam cushion and extends from the side wall toward an interior of the chamber. The resiliently flexible lip has an outer perimeter that is anchored to the side wall and an unsupported inner perimeter. The foam cushion overhangs the inner perimeter of the resiliently flexible lip, and the shell is more rigid than the elastomeric support portion. In addition, the foam cushion is configured to directly contact and engage a portion of the patient's skin in use.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a shell with a central opening configured to receive the pressurized flow of air, a foam cushion, and an elastomeric support portion that is attached to the shell, supports the foam cushion, and forms at least part of a chamber together with the shell and the foam cushion. The elastomeric support portion includes a side wall that forms a continuous perimeter around the chamber and a resiliently flexible lip that supports the foam cushion and extends from the side wall toward an interior of the chamber. The resiliently flexible lip has an outer perimeter that is anchored to the side wall and an unsupported inner perimeter. The foam cushion overhangs the inner perimeter of the resiliently flexible lip, and the shell is more rigid than the elastomeric support portion. In addition, the foam cushion is configured to directly contact and engage a portion of the patient's skin in use.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a cushion and frame assembly with a cushion portion and a frame portion that together form a breathing chamber. The frame portion includes an anterior aperture configured to receive the flow of breathable gas. Headgear includes a back portion, a pair of upper headgear straps extending from the back portion, and a pair of lower headgear straps. The patient interface assembly also includes a shroud in the form of a contoured plate. The shroud is removably mounted on the frame portion by way of a snap-fit connection and includes a pair of lower headgear connectors. The patient interface assembly also includes a forehead support extending from the shroud and having a free end with an upper headgear connector. The forehead support has a first curvature that curves in a first direction around an axis that is offset from the patient interface assembly and extends along a length of the forehead support.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder, m one aspect, include an apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a sustained timed backup rate that is a function of the patient's spontaneous respiratory rate. Other aspects include apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a rate that gradually increases from a spontaneous backup rate to a sustained timed backup rate or, alternatively, apparatus that oscillates a treatment pressure in antiphase with the patient's spontaneous respiratory efforts when a measure indicative of ventilation is greater than a threshold. Other aspects include apparatus configured to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration by computing the treatment pressure so as to bring a measure indicative of ventilation of the patient towards a target ventilation that is dependent on the measure indicative of ventilation or, alternatively, by periodically elevating the treatment pressure to a high level for a short time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder, in one aspect, include an apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a sustained timed backup rate that is a function of the patient's spontaneous respiratory rate. Other aspects include apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a rate that gradually increases from a spontaneous backup rate to a sustained timed backup rate or, alternatively, apparatus that oscillates a treatment pressure in antiphase with the patient's spontaneous respiratory efforts when a measure indicative of ventilation is greater than a threshold. Other aspects include apparatus configured to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration by computing the treatment pressure so as to bring a measure indicative of ventilation of the patient towards a target ventilation that is dependent on the measure indicative of ventilation or, alternatively, by periodically elevating the treatment pressure to a high level for a short time.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a cushion and frame assembly with a cushion portion and a frame portion that together form a breathing chamber. The frame portion includes an anterior aperture configured to receive the flow of breathable gas. Headgear includes a back portion, a pair of upper headgear straps extending from the back portion, and a pair of lower headgear straps. The patient interface assembly also includes a shroud in the form of a contoured plate. The shroud is removably mounted on the frame portion by way of a snap-fit connection and includes a pair of lower headgear connectors. The patient interface assembly also includes a forehead support extending from the shroud and having a free end with an upper headgear connector. The forehead support has a first curvature that curves in a first direction around an axis that is offset from the patient interface assembly and extends along a length of the forehead support.

Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder, in one aspect, include an apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a sustained timed backup rate that is a function of the patient's spontaneous respiratory rate. Other aspects include apparatus that delivers backup breaths at a rate that gradually increases from a spontaneous backup rate to a sustained timed backup rate or, alternatively, apparatus that oscillates a treatment pressure in antiphase with the patient's spontaneous respiratory efforts when a measure indicative of ventilation is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: A headgear for a respiratory mask of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during a treatment period. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during a learning period preceding the treatment period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during the treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure (506) based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.