Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: A method and CPAP apparatus characterizes different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors that measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing one, a method calibrates the generator for the mask system. The method includes determining air flow characteristics using flow measurements from a first test period when flow through the mask system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the mask system during a second test period when flow through the mask system is blocked and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser of the mask system using the air flow characteristics of the air delivery hose determined during the first period and the pressure measurements made during the second period.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors for measuring flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new system, or changes are made to an existing system, mask or patient interface, and/or hose, a method of calibrating the flow generator is provided. The method includes determining air flow characteristics of the hose using flow measurements made during a first test period when flow through the system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the system during a second test period when flow through the system is blocked, and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser using the air first test period flow characteristics of the air delivery hose and the second test period pressure measurements.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing mask systems provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure. When the flow generator is fitted to a new or changed mask system, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new or changed mask system. The method includes determining air flow characteristics using flow measurements made during a first test period when the flow through the mask system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the mask system during a second test period when the flow through the mask system is blocked and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser of the mask system using the air flow characteristics of the air delivery hose determined during the first test period and the pressure measurements made during the second test period.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors for measuring flow and pressure at a flow generator of the apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new system, or changes are made to an existing system, mask or patient interface, and/or hose, a method of calibrating the flow generator is provided. The method includes determining air flow characteristics of the hose using flow measurements made during a first test period when flow through the system is open, measuring or estimating pressure in the system during a second test period when flow through the system is blocked, and determining air flow characteristics of the diffuser using the air first test period flow characteristics of the air delivery hose and the second test period pressure measurements.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the CPAP apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing mask system, mask or patient interface and/or hose, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new mask system, mask and/or hose is provided.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the CPAP apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing mask system, mask or patient interface and/or hose, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new mask system, mask and/or hose is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying breathable gas includes a main housing, a sub-housing removably connected to the main housing, and a vent valve assembly provided to the sub-housing. The sub-housing has a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The vent valve assembly includes a gas venting conduit in fluid communication with the gas flow path. The gas venting conduit is adapted to be selectively restricted by a cam abutting an exterior of the gas venting conduit, whereby a position of the cam is variable to vary gas passing through the gas venting conduit which varies a flow rate of gas leaving the gas outlet.

Abstract: A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus for supplying breathable gas, includes a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet and an impeller in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A sub-housing received within a housing of an apparatus for supplying breathable gas, includes a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet and an impeller in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is structured and configured to be releasably engaged with a shaft associated with an electric motor that is disposed exterior to the housing, whereby rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the CPAP apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing mask system, mask or patient interface and/or hose, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new mask system, mask and/or hose is provided.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus (10) for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems (14), e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus (10) can be calibrated for different mask systems (14) and hoses (16) by including sensors (13,15) configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator (12) of the CPAP apparatus (10). When the flow generator (12) is fitted to a new mask system (14), or any changes are made to an existing mask system (14), mask or patient interface (34) and/or hose (16), a method of calibrating the flow generator (12) for the new mask system (14), mask (34) and/or hose (16) is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supplying breathable gas is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a main housing (12), a sub-housing (14), having a gas flow path (28) between a gas inlet (16) and a gas outlet (18), a motive power source (22) within the main housing (12) and an impeller (30) within the sub-housing (14) in fluid communication between the gas inlet (16) and the gas outlet (18). The impeller (30) is adapted to releaseably engage the motive power source (22) external the gas flow path (28) and the sub-housing (14) is releasably connectable to said main housing.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for supplying breathable gas is disclosed. The apparatus (10) includes a main housing (12), a sub-housing (14), having a gas flow path (28) between a gas inlet (16) and a gas outlet (18), a motive power source (22) within the main housing (12) and an impeller (30) within the sub-housing (14) in fluid communication between the gas inlet (16) and the gas outlet (18). The impeller (30) is adapted to releaseably engage the motive power source (22) external the gas flow path (28) and the sub-housing (14) is releasably connectable to said main housing. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning, sterilising or disinfecting the gas flow path (28) of the breathable gas supply apparatus (10). The method of cleaning comprising the steps of removing the sub-housing (14) from the main housing (12) cleaning, sterilising, disinfecting or replacing the sub-housing (14) and connecting the sub-housing (14) to the main housing (12).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the supply of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation by motor-driven blowers, and having fast acceleration between treatment pressures, are described. A blower (12) supplies treatment pressure of air or breathable gas to a patient mask (16) via a conduit (14) at a first pressure and at a second, higher pressure. The blower (12) receives its power from a power supply (22) and cascaded motor controller (20). The power supply (22) has the capacity to supply sufficient power for the first pressure to be achieved. A static capacitor (24), that is charged by the power supply (22), provides the energy to the blower (12) to achieve the second pressure, during which period the power supply (22) is effectively shut down.

Abstract: The pressure of breathable gas exiting a flow generator is controlled by adjusting the efficiency of the flow generator. In one embodiment, a baffle plate of a control element can restrict the open entry area of a motor driven turbine of the flow generator. In another embodiment, the degree of opening of the mouth of the flow generator inlet is automatically adjustable in response to the needs of the user, hence creating a pneumatic impedance, and which simultaneously controls, in the same manner, the impedance of the outlet of the device.

Abstract: The present invention has been developed primarily for a flow diverting valve used in controlling the pressure and flow rate, and measuring the flow rate, of a breathable gas supplied to the airways of a patient by a breathable gas supply apparatus during, for example, nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and ventilatory assistance treatments such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying breathable gas wherein the apparatus includes a main housing, a sub-housing having a gas flow path between a gas inlet and a gas outlet, a power source within the main housing and an impeller within the sub-housing in fluid communication between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The impeller is adapted to releasably engage the motive power source external the gas flow path and the sub-housing is releasably connectable to said main housing. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning, sterilising or disinfecting the gas flow path of the breathable gas supply apparatus. The method includes removing the sub-housing from the main housing, cleaning, sterilising, disinfecting or replacing the sub-housing and connecting the sub-housing to the main housing.