Abstract: This disclosure provides a directional adjustment unit for a headgear for a respiratory mask The directional adjustment unit provides an increased resistance to extension of one or more straps of the headgear when the headgear is under tensile forces, as compared to a lower resistance to retraction of the one or more headgear straps. The directional adjustment unit comprises a movable frictional engagement member comprising an aperture, wherein the aperture is arranged to receive a filament of a strap of the headgear therethrough, wherein the frictional engagement member in a first configuration provides a disengaged or pre-activated configuration with respect to the filament, and in a second configuration provides an engaged configuration with respect to the filament. Features are provided which improve the operation of such a directional adjustment unit.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a mask to a user's face is described. The headgear requires a first load force to elongate the headgear and, when fitted to a user, applies a balanced fit force that substantially equals a load force applied to the headgear during respiratory therapy. In some embodiments, the headgear includes an elastic portion configured to provide a retraction force, a non-elastic portion configured to be inelastic in comparison to the elastic portion, and a restriction mechanism connected to the non-elastic portion and to the elastic portion. The restriction mechanism is configured to apply a first resistance force to the user's head on elongation of the headgear and a second resistance force to the user's head on retraction of the headgear.

Abstract: Mask assemblies, breathing circuits and related components include configurations for reducing condensation within the mask and/or inhibiting or preventing condensation from coming into contact with a user of the mask. The mask assemblies can incorporate heating elements (such as heating coils), insulating spaces or barrier layers.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a mask to a user's face is described. The headgear requires a first load force to elongate the headgear and, when fitted to a user, applies a balanced fit force that substantially equals a load force applied to the headgear during respiratory therapy. In some embodiments, the headgear includes an elastic portion configured to provide a retraction force, a non-elastic portion configured to be inelastic in comparison to the elastic portion, and a restriction mechanism connected to the non-elastic portion and to the elastic portion. The restriction mechanism is configured to apply a first resistance force to the user's head on elongation of the headgear and a second resistance force to the user's head on retraction of the headgear.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus comprising a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus including a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Abstract: According to this disclosure there is provided various embodiments of directional adjustment unit for a headgear for a respiratory mask, comprising a housing, at least one frictional engagement member arranged to be movable with respect to the housing, the at least one frictional engagement member having an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a filament of a strap of the headgear therethrough, wherein the at least one frictional engagement member in a first movable configuration provides a disengaged configuration with respect to the filament, and in a second movable configuration provides an engaged configuration with respect to the filament. Also disclosed herein are various headgear, yoke assemblies, mask assemblies, mask frames and headgear filaments, some of which are for use with such a directional adjustment unit.

Abstract: A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core, a substrate and a textile casing. The substrate and textile casing have retaining structures to attach the textile casings to the substrates and the substrates to each other.

Abstract: FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus comprising a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Abstract: A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core, a substrate and a textile casing. The substrate and textile casing have retaining structures to attach the textile casings to the substrates and the substrates to each other.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system is provided comprising a respiratory mask and a head engaging portion, wherein the head engaging portion is configured to couple to the respiratory mask to engage a wearer's head via a disengageable mechanism. The dis-engageable mechanism may comprise a linking member attached to the head engaging portion, a disengagement member attached to the respiratory mask and configured to receive the linking member, wherein the disengagement member is configured to be moveable between a first position and a second position, a control configured to allow a wearer of the mask to move the disengagement member towards the first position and one or more surfaces defined by the disengagement member and configured to exert a frictional force on the linking member.

Abstract: A respiatory mask includes a frame and a cushion module. The frame can include a front wall having a vent and/or a gas inlet opening and a collar extending away from the front wall. The collar surrounds the vent and/or the gas inlet opening. The cushion module comprises a cushion and a housing, which is made of a material more rigid than the cushion. The housing defines a connection opening. A friction coupling selectively couples the cushion module to the frame and comprises an elastomeric friction member coupled to a portion of the housing that defines the connection opening. In some arrangements, an outer surface of the friction member is exposed when the cushion module is coupled to the frame. In some arrangements, the housing extends through the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods are provided for supplying gases to a user. The supply includes a sub-therapeutic mode and a pressure support mode for delivering therapy to a user. A flow diversion device or valve switches from a first mode corresponding with the sub-therapeutic mode of the system to a second mode corresponding with the pressure support mode of the system. In the first mode, the valve opens a larger flow path between the interior of the user interface and ambient air than in the second mode.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a frame and a cushion module including a housing and a cushion that seals on a user's face in use. The housing includes a first connector, for example, a female connector, and the frame includes a second connector, for example, a male connector. The first and second connectors are coupled together in use. The housing includes one or more fasteners that secure the male connector to the female connector. Each fastener includes a base portion coupled to the housing and a moveable portion pivotally connected to the base portion. To assemble the mask, the male connector is inserted into the female connector such that the male connector engages the fasteners. Advancement of the male connector into the female connector causes the fasteners to change orientation from a neutral position to a toggled position and compress. The compressed fasteners apply a retention force to the male connector.

Abstract: A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask interface and a headgear assembly. The mask interface includes a housing and a seal that seals around a user's nose and/or mouth in use. The headgear assembly secures the mask interface to the user's face in use. The headgear assembly can include a top strap, a rear section, and side arms. The top strap can be manually adjustable. The rear section can be temporarily expanded to allow for donning and/or doffing of the mask assembly. The side arms can be automatically adjustable.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size.