Abstract: This invention relates generally to a blower assembly for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient. A centrifugal blower is contained inside a compartment within a container which is designed to operate with minimal noise and vibration. A separately contained muffler system at the gas inlet to the blower dissipates the turbulence of the incoming gas to convert the flow characteristics to approximately laminar flow. A muffler system may also be provided at the gas outlet. The pressurized gas may be ambient air, oxygen or a mixture thereof. The power source may be direct or alternating current. Controls are provided for adjusting air flow.

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a hemispheric cap with biasing means support at the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from the high forehead to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support to form a loop around a face mask. The hemispheric cap is formed of an elastic material or is provided with adjustibility and the biasing means may be adjusted to accommodate facial configurations and to vary the pressure with which the face mask is apposed to the face. In an alternative embodiment, the support is open and is comprised of a circumferential band extending from the high forehead to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck and a medial band extending along the medial line of the head and connecting to the circumferential band at the high forehead and below the inion protrusion.

Abstract: A respirator mask seal and shell are provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The respirator mask seal and shell includes a mask shell having a face opening, a slot for air passage, and at least one attachment portion spaced around the face opening. They also include a movable interface having a hose connector and a contoured opening adapted to fit against the mask shell. The contoured opening is slidable over the slot and is capable of being positioned on the mask shell. The mask seal has a flexible sidewall having distal and proximal ends and includes a rounded outer seal portion located on the distal end of the sidewall, a rounded inner seal portion located between the distal and proximal ends, and a support ring embedded in the sidewall. The inner seal portion is thicker than the outer seal portion and is non-continuous. The support ring includes at least one attachment portion adapted to engage the at least one attachment portion of the mask shell.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system in combination with a device for positioning a breathing apparatus over a breathing orifice in the head of a person, the person having an occipital lobe and an axis of symmetry, the device including an occipital anchor for anchoring against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe of the person. The device further including a forward anchor for anchoring against a forward portion of the person's head. A spring connector connects the forward anchor and the occipital anchor, and biases the occipital anchor against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head so as to attach the device to the person's head. The occipital anchor, the forward anchor and the spring connector are substantially aligned along the axis of symmetry of the person's head.

Abstract: A respirator mask includes an inner plenum with a gas inlet and a manifold adapted to fit under the nose of a wearer, a pair of nasal inserts projecting from the manifold to define primary seals with the nasal passages of the wearer, an outer plenum adapted to surround at least the nose of the wearer, a secondary seal mounted on an outer edge of the outer plenum and adapted to contact the face of the wearer around the nose in air tight relation, and at least one opening formed in the inner plenum to permit gas to flow into the outer plenum. By pressurizing the outer plenum, the mask decreases the pressure differential between the interior of the mask and the outside atmosphere to reduce the gas flow rate out of the mask in the event of a leak. Diversion of gas into the outer plenum also allows use of an inflatable secondary seal to maintain air-tight contact with the face of the user.

Abstract: A device for positioning a breathing apparatus over a breathing orifice in the head of a person, the person having an occipital lobe and an axis of symmetry, includes an occipital anchor for anchoring against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe of the person. The device further includes a forward anchor for anchoring against a forward portion of the person's head. A spring connector connects the forward anchor and the occipital anchor, and biases the occipital anchor against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head so as to attach the device to the person's head. The occipital anchor, the forward anchor and the spring connector are substantially aligned along the axis of symmetry of the person's head. The mount is connected to the spring connector for mounting the apparatus so as to locate the apparatus over the orifice.

Abstract: A device for positioning a breathing apparatus over a breathing orifice in the head of a person, the person having an occipital lobe and an axis of symmetry, includes an occipital anchor for anchoring against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe of the person. The device further includes a forward anchor for anchoring against a forward portion of the person's head. A spring connector connects the forward anchor and the occipital anchor, and biases the occipital anchor against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head so as to attach the device to the person's head. The occipital anchor, the forward anchor and the spring connector are substantially aligned along the axis of symmetry of the person's head. The mount is connected to the spring connector for mounting the apparatus so as to locate the apparatus over the orifice.

Abstract: A disposable respiratory mask is provided according to the invention. The disposable respiratory mask includes a bag having a first opening and a second opening and may have an optional vent hole, adhesive strips around a perimeter of the first opening, the adhesive strips being capable of attaching the mask to a face region around a nose, an interface tube having an optional vent hole, the proximal end of the interface tube capable of being inserted into the second opening of the bag, the distal end of the interface tube capable of connecting to a gas supply hose, and a retainer ring capable of being positioned over the bag and the interface tube to hold the bag on an outer surface of the interface tube when the interface tube is inserted into the second opening of the bag, wherein a gas is supplied to the mask through the gas supply hose, with the bag being inflated by the gas and the bag is therefore positioned away from a wearer's face.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system in combination with a device for positioning a breathing apparatus over a breathing orifice in the head of a person, the person having an occipital lobe and an axis of symmetry, the device including an occipital anchor for anchoring against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe of the person. The device further including a forward anchor for anchoring against a forward portion of the person's head. A spring connector connects the forward anchor and the occipital anchor, and biases the occipital anchor against the head of the person beneath the occipital lobe and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head so as to attach the device to the person's head. The occipital anchor, the forward anchor and the spring connector are substantially aligned along the axis of symmetry of the person's head. The mount is connected to the spring connector for mounting the apparatus so as to locate the apparatus over the orifice.