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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining airflow through a PAP device while applying PAP therapy. The actual speed of a blower 6 is measured. The desired motor current I DES required for the actual speed to approach or maintain a desired speed is used, together with the actual speed RPM ACT, in a flow estimation algorithm to determine flow through the PAP device. The estimation algorithm consists of a two-dimensional look-up table, where the inputs are the desired motor current and actual motor speed, and the output is the flow through the PAP device.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus and method in which a leak is determined by using an averaging window. The window starts at the present time and extends back in time to a point determined according to a current one of progressively detected phase measures of a first respiratory cycle and a corresponding phase measure attributable to a preceding second respiratory cycle. In another aspect, a jamming index indicates whether the leak is rapidly changing. To the extent that jamming is high, the leak estimate used progressively changes from that using sliding breath-window averaging to a more robust and faster responding low-pass filter method, and adjustment of ventilatory support based on measures employing estimated respiratory flow is slowed down or stopped.

Abstract: A full-face mask assembly includes a frame, a cushion provided to the frame, the cushion adapted to form a seal around the patent's nose and mouth and a skeleton frame to maintain the cushion to the frame, the skeleton frame including at least one of an upper support member adapted to support a forehead support, lower headgear clip receptacles adapted to be engaged with clips provided to straps of a headgear assembly, and an annular elbow connection seal adapted to engage an inlet conduit.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus is provided that determines the presence of a snore by the simplified method of using filtered expiratory noise as the measure of intrinsic device noise and comparing that to filtered inspiratory noise. The filtering time constants for inspiratory and expiratory noise are adjusted such that treatment pressure does not cause false snore detection.

Abstract: A tub for a humidifier includes an inner tub configured to hold a supply of water; an outer tub configured to receive the inner tub, the outer tub comprising a bottom and a cavity being formed between the bottom and the inner tub when the inner tub is received in the inner tub; and a valve configured to control a flow of the supply of water from the inner tub to the cavity. The valve is closed to prevent the flow when the inner tub is received in a first position in the outer tub and open to permit the flow when the inner tub is received in a second position in the outer tub.

Abstract: A method of controlling treatment of respiratory conditions of a patient includes determining a signal representative of patient respiratory flow. The signal is analysed to determine (i) the presence of an apnea and a hypopnea and (ii) if present, a type of the apnea or hypopnea. A motor driven blower is controlled to increase a treatment pressure of an airflow delivered toward the airway of the patient upon determination of the presence of an apnea or a hypopnea depending on the type of the apnea or hypopnea, and otherwise to decrease the treatment pressure.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. An elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.

Abstract: A mask system includes a mask component including one or more openings for gas washout and a vent component provided to the mask component. The vent component includes one or more tracks or grooves along its outer surface adapted to guide gas washout. The vent component is adapted to cover the one or more openings in the mask component so that gas washout escapes along the one or more tracks or grooves between an outer surface of the mask component and the vent component.

Abstract: A method for attaching a removable, washout vent insert to a CPAP mask, the CPAP mask comprised of a rigid plastics shell having an inlet tube, the rigid plastics shell having an opening bounded by a rim, the vent insert being made of a material more flexible than the rigid plastic shell, the vent insert having a plurality of orifices, the vent insert, in a cross-sectional view, having a recess located at its periphery, includes: squeezing the vent insert along its longitudinal axis; aligning the vent insert so it is oriented to match the shape of the opening; inserting the vent insert into the opening; and releasing the vent insert once it is within the opening, the vent insert resiliently expanding to engage the rim of the opening.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: Methods and tools for producing a filled hollow structure, comprising producing an open hollow structure from a first material, providing a closing structure to at least partially close the open hollow structure, filling the hollow structure with a filler medium, and overmoulding the filled hollow structure with a second material as well as hollow structures obtainable by said methods and the use of said tools.

Abstract: A cushion module provided to a frame module for delivery of a supply of gas at positive pressure to be delivered to a patient's airways, the cushion module comprising a main body and a cushion, the main body defining a breathing chamber and having an exterior surface adapted to directly engage with a surface of the frame module, wherein the main body and the cushion together comprise a co-molded, integrated component, the main body comprising a molded polycarbonate material adapted to directly contact the frame module and the cushion comprises a molded silicone material adapted to interface with patient's face, and wherein the molded polycarbonate material of the main body is a more rigid material than the molded silicone material of the cushion.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask with an inflatable bladder. The internal pressure of the inflatable bladder can be set to be higher than the delivered therapeutic pressure. The pressure offset may be constant, or it may vary over the range of therapeutic pressures. Thus, the force necessary to maintain a contact seal between the mask and the patient can be reduced, thereby providing a system that is more comfortable to the patient, which increases patient compliance.

Abstract: A mask includes a shroud; a cushion module that engages the shroud, the cushion module including a frame and a full-face cushion adapted to engage the patient's face generally along nasal bridge, cheek, and chin regions of the patient's face, the frame at least partly defining a breathing chamber; an elbow connected to the frame in a releasable and rotatable manner, the elbow being adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the shroud, wherein: the frame includes an opening, the elbow including a distal end releasably inserted into the opening of the frame with a snap-fit, thereby connecting the elbow to the frame, whereby the connection between the elbow and the frame also maintains the shroud in engagement with the frame.

Abstract: A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.

Abstract: A full face mask system for treatment of respiratory disorder with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure equipment suitable to generate a supply of gas at positive pressure to be delivered to a patient's airways, the mask system comprising a frame module; a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face; an elbow module provided to the frame module and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the frame module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder. Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base.