Abstract: A valved nasal cannula adapted to provide a positive pressure in the airway using the breathing of the intended user as a source of positive pressure without the need for an external source of energy and/or compressed air. The cannula is designed so as to be relatively easily insertable and retractable into and from the nasal vestibule portion of the nose of the intended user without requiring manual dexterity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a barrier includes two side panels extending on parallel planes and spaced laterally apart. Each side panel including a back end, a front edge opposed to the back end, a bottom edge, and an engagement feature on the bottom edge of each side panel. A back panel connects the side panels at the back ends, and a shield extends from an upper end of the back panel at an oblique angle in an upward and forward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus employing a wound dressing for negative pressure wound therapy and methods of using the same. Some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressing to be applied to a wound site, for example a wound dressing including a three-dimensional filter element, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting breathing in a subject are described. In one embodiment, a device includes a splint that can be used to apply negative distending pressure, i.e., outward pull, to one or both of the chest walls and/or the abdomen of a subject. The splint may include an air bladder that can be attached to the skin of the subject's chest and/or abdomen. When the air bladder is inflated, negative distending pressure is applied to the subject's chest and/or abdomen, thereby assisting or promoting respiration. The inflated air bladder may also apply a compressive force on the chest to facilitate expiration, and the removal of secretions in the airways.

Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: Quantitative colorimetric carbon dioxide detection and measurement systems are disclosed. The systems can include a gas conduit, a colorimetric indicator adapted to exhibit a color change in response to exposure to carbon dioxide gas, a temperature controller operatively coupled to the colorimetric indicator and configured to control the temperature of the colorimetric indicator, an electro-optical sensor assembly including a light source or sources adapted to transmit light to the colorimetric indicator, and a photodiode or photodiodes configured to detect light reflected from the colorimetric indicator and to generate a measurement signal, and a processor in communication with the electro-optical sensor assembly. The processor can be configured to receive the measurement signal generated by the electro-optical sensor assembly and to compute a concentration of carbon dioxide based on the measurement signal.

Abstract: A dynamic gas-flow wound dressing assembly and method for enhancing the effect of generated gas flow across a wound creates spacing between a medical dressing cover and the wound to enhance ventilation. The assembly provides a medical dressing cover that covers a wound. The medical dressing couples to a gas flow framing structure having a gas inlet and enclosed gas outlets. A high rate gas flow is introduced through gas flow framing structure. The gas discharges to cross the wound. A scaffolding partition member serves as a resilient spacer between the gas flow framing structure and wound, enhancing ventilation by forces on the skin and directing gas flow. The scaffolding includes intake ports and outlet ports in fluid communication with inlets and outlets of gas flow framing structure. The scaffolding carries generated gas flow from the gas flow framing structure to wound, covering a larger gas flow volume across wound.

Abstract: Provided is a blister pack for a dry powder inhaler configured to deliver a first powder medicament and a second powder medicament different from the first powder medicament. The first and second powder medicaments are contained within blister pockets defined in a strip. A series of blister pockets is defined in the strip, which series extends linearly along the length of the strip. The first and second powder medicaments are contained in blister pockets of the series. Alternatively or additionally, each of the blister pockets is elongated such as to have a largest dimension parallel with the length of the strip. These measures, either individually or in combination, enable minimizing of the width of the strip in spite of the strip accommodating both the first and second powder medicaments.

Abstract: A medical gauze and gas flow assembly and method of applying a medical gauze with gas flow over a wound, provides a medical dressing cover that couples to a gas flow framing structure. The gas flow framing structure provides a flow of gas over a wound. A medical grade gauze material adheres to the lower surface of the medical dressing cover, so as to create spacing between the medical grade gauze material and the wound treatment area. The gas flow is directed between the medical grade gauze material and the wound treatment area. The gas flow vents to ambient though the gas permeable medical dressing cover. When degraded, the assembly is replaced or only the medical dressing cover and medical grade gauze material is replaced. The synergistic combination of a medical grade gauze material that is a gas permeable, with a gas flow structure that discharges gas over the wound enhances healing the wound.

Abstract: A device and method for creating and/or maintain an obstruction free upper airway passage. The device configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device including structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the cushion element. The structural elements of the cushion may include a fluidly sealed chamber that may vary in thickness and width, a compressible elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber a ribbon layer backing the elastic foam contained within the fluidly sealed chamber and an adhesive layer disposed on the outer surface of the fluidly sealed chamber of the therapy device designed to contact the skin of the subject.

Abstract: An oral device for treating obstructive sleep apnea is generally described. In an embodiment, the oral device includes an anchoring member, a lip sealing member and an air transmission member configured to receive and transmit air to a user. The air transmission member may divide and distribute the air to multiple locations within the user's oral cavity. The anchoring member is configured to receive a dentition of the user. According to some embodiments, the lip sealing member may include an inner lip seal and an outer lip seal. The inner and outer lip seals are customized to the user's lips and may be slidably received on the air transmission member. Thus, the lip sealing member is configured to provide a substantially airtight seal for the user's lips, thereby limiting and/or inhibiting air exchange between the user's lips.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an oscillating expiratory therapy device and pressure and flow sensors in the patient inlet connected to supply signals to a processor. The processor includes artificial intelligence software to correlate the output signals with prescribed values and control a feedback device that prompts the patient accordingly to adjust use of the device as necessary. The feedback device may be of a visual, audible or tangible kind. The processor may also automatically adjust a setting dial of the therapy device by means of an actuator.

Abstract: A positive pressure airway device for providing resistance in an air pathway for a patient exhaling. The device includes a central tube region, a inspiratory air passageway for passing air into the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device inhales, and an expiratory air passageway for passing air out of the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device exhales, A valve in the expiratory air passageway allows air to flow out only when a patient using the device exhales with an expiratory air pressure greater than a selected pressure, and includes a stopper and a coil spring with an interior portion that is free from any structure that would inhibit the “side-to-side” movement of the spring within the housing. The stopper has a cone-shaped air-stopping surface providing a valve angle that is different from the valve-seat angle so that either laminar or oscillating flow may be obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an improved method of determining a water out condition in a humidified gases supply apparatus. The method includes a two-step process including a primary determination of a water out condition and a secondary determination of a water out condition. This primary determination is made during observation of the normal operation of the apparatus. During the secondary determination the method takes temporary control over the humidifying part of the apparatus. The secondary determination confirms or contradicts the primary determination.

Abstract: A system and method for recording video healthcare information of an individual under care without deleting data, includes a device for capturing data and configured to transmit a signal identifying the device, a memory for storing rules, a buffer, a database; and a processor. The processor receives the device identification signal and said data, and retrieves the rules from the memory. Based on the rules, the processor determines, whether the data is to be stored in the database or the buffer. Based on the content of the data, the processor determines the device location, the data recordation time and date, whether the individual under care is identified, and the individual's activity, and based on the rules and the location, time and date, individual identification, and activity, whether the data is proof of service delivery data to be stored in the database or eliminated from the buffer.

Abstract: A respiration sensor is described of a respiration implant system for an implanted patient with impaired breathing. A sensor body is made of electrically insulating material and is configured to fit between two adjacent ribs and between the pectoralis muscle and the parasternal muscle of the implanted patient, with the bottom surface adjacent to an superficial surface of the parasternal muscle and the top surface adjacent to a profound surface of the pectoralis muscle. At least one parasternal sensor electrode is located on the bottom surface of the sensor body and is configured to cooperate with the electrically insulating material of the sensor body to sense a parasternal electromyography (EMG) signal representing electrical activity of the adjacent parasternal muscle with minimal influence by electrical activity of the nearby pectoralis muscle.

Abstract: Various improvements are provided to breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance devices. A portable device is provided which optionally includes a gas canister, a feedback system for implementing pressure control, and a visual output for indicating adherence to a breathing exercise to the user. The pressure control may provide regulation of different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing heat exchange in the lungs of the mammal during partial liquid ventilation are provided. The apparatus and method can control delivery and removal of partial liquid ventilation to the lungs of a mammal by responding to pressure change in the lungs to minimize danger of causing barotrauma to the patient.

Abstract: A mask seal test method, device, and system of using the same are described herein. One method for testing a mask seal can include blocking a respirator cartridge to create pressure within a mask, wherein the mask includes a pressure sensor, measuring pressure values within the mask using the pressure sensor, and notifying a user in response to an increased pressure decay value among the pressure values received by the mask identification reader.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving airflow distribution in treatment of respiratory conditions are disclosed. According to various embodiments, blocking devices may be used to redirect air away from healthy portions of the lung to diseased portions so that inhaled medication may be more effectively delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Nasal dilators with improved comfort are formed as a laminate of layers: a resilient layer including a plurality of resilient members; and an engagement layer including one or both of a base layer and a cover layer. A portion of the dilator occupied by all of the resilient members plus the gap(s) between the resilient members has a total area, and the proportion of that area that is occupied or covered by the resilient members does not exceed 57%. Preferably, the proportion is lower than about 50%, and it may be as low as 30% in some embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for snore disrupting and prevention are disclosed. One apparatus includes: an inflatable bladder assembly configured to inflate and deflate to move a head of a user; a conduit connected to the bladder assembly and configured to extend at a distance from the bladder assembly; an air inflator connected to the conduit for inflating the bladder assembly through the conduit, the air inflator being at the distance from the bladder assembly when in use to minimize noise, radiation or discomfort for the user a controller in communication with the air inflator to actuate the air inflator to inflate the bladder assembly; and an audio processor in communication with the controller, the audio processor being configured to detect sound waves and transmit control commands to the controller to trigger cyclical actuation of the air inflator upon a trigger event.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.

Abstract: A method for calculating the remaining usage time of a gas cylinder equipped with a pressure reducer, the method comprising the following steps: (a) measuring the pressure of the gas in the cylin-der; (b) calculating the variation of pressure of the gas in the cylinder over time while gas is out-putted; (c) calculating a remaining usage time Tr based on the measured pressure in the cylinder and the calculated variation of pressure. Step (c) takes into account characteristics of the pressure reducer relative to variations of its nominal flow rate along the decrease of its inlet pressure while emptying the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow rate of gases supplied to a patient by a respiratory assistance device includes controlling the supply gases flow rate so as to deliver gases to the patient according to a predetermined gases pressure/flow rate profile for at least a portion of the breathing cycle. A profile may be achieved that provides the patient with a particular benefit or therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are biofeedback methods and devices suitable for providing biofeedback useful for helping a user control an own breathing, for example, to help in inducing deep breathing, and such biofeedback devices further comprising a dispenser for dispensing an inhalable substance.

Abstract: A ventilation tube unit (2), for connection to a medical ventilator, includes an outer tube (4) with a tubular connection device (18) with a jacket-side branch (24, 28), for connecting a medical unit such as a water trap, arranged between a first outer tube part (20) and a second outer tube part (22). An inner line (6) is arranged within and extends with the outer tube (4) between two port connectors (8). Each outer tube part (20, 22) includes a variable-length outer tube part that can be varied between a compressed state and an expanded state. The connection device (18) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction (A) relative to the inner line (6) by a compression of one outer tube part (20) and a corresponding expansion of the other outer tube part (22). A ventilation system with at least one such ventilation tube unit is also provided.

Abstract: A mask is provided that includes a shell with an aperture. A fan assembly is positioned in the aperture and secured to the shell. The exhaust fan functions to dispel contaminants from the surface of the mask. A method of using the mask includes fitting the mask to the face and covering the nose and mouth and not the eyes. The mask is secured to the head. The fan is then activated to dispel contaminants from the surface of the mask.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a diving mask, including: a mask having a breath cavity corresponding to a mouth and a nose of a user; a vent tube connected to the mask and provided with an inlet passage, the inlet passage communicating the breath cavity with external air; and an exhaust device communicating the breath cavity, the exhaust device including an exhaust fan configured to discharge air in the breath cavity into an external environment, thereby enabling the external air to flow into the breath cavity through the inlet passage.

Abstract: The system includes an air flow generator configured to deliver an air flow at a positive therapeutic pressure during the treatment, and an expiratory valve with an open pressure connected to the air flow generator. The open pressure is dependent on the therapeutic pressure from the air flow generator. The expiratory valve further exerts a back pressure upon each exhalation from the patient sufficient to create a pneumatic splint in the patient's respiratory tract. The exhalation from the patient has a first half followed by a second half, and the back pressure is varied such that during the start of the first half, the back pressure is between 0 and 50% of a peak back pressure, and increases to a peak back pressure in the second half.

Abstract: A CPAP mask cover and method for making the same are presented. The CPAP mask cover includes first and second material sections arranged in different orientations, such as with the bias of the first material section substantially perpendicular to the bias of the second material section. A first and second seam and opposite ends of the cover connect the first and second material sections along an overlap or abutment of the inner edges of the first and second material sections. A portion of the edges of the first and second material sections between the first and second seams remain unconnected and capable of forming an opening when the mask cover is stretched to fit onto a CPAP mask.

Abstract: A system includes an access cannula, a deployment cannula having a plurality of engagement arms, and a containment bag. The deployment cannula is slidable within the access cannula between an initial condition, wherein the engagement arms are retained in a contracted configuration, and a deployed condition, wherein the engagement arms are disposed in an expanded configuration. The containment bag includes an open end portion configured to receive the first elongated tubular member and the second elongated tubular member. In the initial condition, a portion of the containment bag towards the open end portion is positioned adjacent at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member. In the deployed condition, the portion of the containment bag is expanded such that the portion of the containment bag is spaced-apart from the at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for creating and/or maintain patency of the upper airway passage. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device includes structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the therapy device.

Abstract: An anti-explosion gas generator for health use is provided. The anti-explosion gas generator for health use includes an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water to produce a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator for health use further includes a gas mixing system coupled to the electrolysis device for receiving the gas mixture. The gas mixing system mixes the gas mixture with water vapor, an atomized medicine, a volatile essential oil or a combination thereof to produce a health gas. The health gas is provided for being inhaled by a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an assistance implement for ameliorating sleep apnea syndrome which is set in an oral cavity of a user to retain an airway of the user. The assistance implement includes: an oral cavity insertion elastic body formed into an arching plate when viewed end-on from the front or rear; and a lip clamping elastic body shaped into a plate, and provided to a front end of the oral cavity insertion elastic body to oppose the oral cavity insertion elastic body from below.

Abstract: There is provided an electronically controlled, motor-driven, breath actuated metered dose inhaler for delivering aerosolized medicament or other matter to a user. The inhaler may comprise a base housing including a motor-driven actuator and other system components and a removable aerosol cartridge insertably receivable in the base housing. The inhaler may be paired with a smart phone or other client computing device to provide additional functionality, such as to provide instructional information and feedback regarding usage of the inhaler, to generate and display dosage tracking information, and to provide alerts and reminders to a user of the inhaler or others.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device sensory system is provided. The system may include an outer body, an atomizer, and an infrared sensor. The atomizer, which may be received in the outer body, may include a heating element. The infrared sensor may be configured to measure infrared radiation produced by the atomizer. The infrared sensor may be located inside or outside of the outer body. In this regard, by way of example, the infrared sensor may be configured to provide feedback for control purposes, or the infrared sensor may be employed for testing purposes. A fiber optic cable may extend from the infrared sensor to a component to sense the radiation being emitted therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid trap is disclosed herein. The fluid trap has a tube connector defining a first interior passageway and a second interior passageway. The tube connector is adapted for connection with a dual lumen tube such that the first interior passageway is in fluid communication with one of the dual lumen and the second interior passageway is in fluid communication with the other of the dual lumen. The fluid trap also includes a reservoir operatively connected to the tube connector. The reservoir is in fluid communication with only one of the interior passageways, and is configured to retain fluid from that passageway.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating excess mucus accumulation in mammals by administering gaseous inhaled nitric oxide or nitric oxide releasing compounds as a mucolytic agent or expectorant are provided. Delivery of gaseous nitric oxide can be made nasally or orally and is preferably substantially coincident with inhalation of the mammal or based on a synchronous parameter of the mammal's respiratory cycle. Varying therapeutic profiles may be used for the delivery of gaseous nitric oxide depending on the severity of the excess mucus accumulation. Parameters for the therapeutic profiles may include flow rate of nitric oxide containing gas, duration of administration of nitric oxide containing gas, number of breaths for which nitric oxide containing gas is to be administered, and concentrations of therapeutic NO delivered to the airways.

Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a bag body and supporting components. The bag body is configured to contain a reactive liquid, a reactant and a catalyst, and the bag body includes a bag piece, a circumferential sealing part and separation parts. The circumferential sealing part is bound with a part of the periphery of the bag piece, so as to define a range of an inner space, and a range of the rest part of the periphery of the bag piece defines an opening. Both ends of each separation part are connected to the circumferential sealing part so as to separate the inner space into a plurality of separate spaces, and the plurality of separate spaces respectively contain the reactant and the catalyst. The supporting components are contained in one of the plurality of separate spaces, and the positions, corresponding to the supporting components, of the bag body are incompressible.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a breathing apparatus, a touch screen unit and a processing unit. A first content (30) is displayed at a first screen location (30) of the touch screen. Upon a user input, comprising a gesture (35) of one or more gestures, at the first screen location (31), a second content related to the first content (30) is selected and displayed in dependence of the gesture (35) and the first content (30). The first content (30) is free of an indication of the second content, such as an indication comprised in the list of an icon, soft-button or a menu configured to activate the second content upon user selection on the touch screen.

Abstract: A moisture removal apparatus for a breathing circuit includes a breathing gas conduit for receiving a flow of breathing gas having a first humidity level. A dry gas conduit is provided adjacent to at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit for receiving a flow of dry gas having a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. A heating element extends from an upstream end of the breathing gas conduit to a downstream end of the breathing gas conduit. The heating element provides heat to the flow of breathing gas such that the breathing gas at the downstream end is heated to a higher temperature than the breathing gas at the upstream end. A moisture transmission pathway enables transfer of moisture from the breathing gas to the dry gas based on the humidity differential.

Abstract: A heads-up display comprises a housing, a pressure sealed optical element disposed at a front end of the housing, and a dive computer disposed within the housing. The dive computer includes a display panel. There is a lens disposed in the housing between the infrared cut-off filter and the display panel.

Abstract: A respiratory assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base engaged with at least one connector and in fluid communication with a hose or fluid source for allowing the gaseous flowthrough between the at least one connector, the base and the hose or fluid source. The assembly further includes a pair of sockets engaged with the at least one connector, and a pair of posts, each post selectively engageable with at least one of the pair of sockets. Each post includes a flange that defines an opening therethrough, the openings in fluid communication with each corresponding socket of the pair of sockets. Each post further includes an adhesive adhered to each flange and configured for sealably engaging a patient's nare.

Abstract: An external nasal dilator comprises resilient and engagement elements, and includes end regions adapted to engage tissues overlaying and adjacent first and second nasal passages of a human nose. Each end region includes a plurality of resilient spring finger components separated therebetween by engagement element tab extensions. The end regions are further adapted to extend around the anatomical depression formed by the alar crease adjacent each nostril. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands said tissues and prevents or inhibits the nasal outer walls from drawing inward during breathing.

Abstract: The present system (10) comprises a subject interface (22), a segmenter (12), a loosener (14), sensors (18), and computer processors (28). The segmenter is configured to selectively control gas flow through the subject interface to provide high amplitude pressure oscillations (44) during exhalation such that the high amplitude pressure oscillations aid cough productivity in the subject. The loosener controls gas flow through the subject interface to provide low amplitude pressure oscillations (43, 63) during inhalation (48, 68) and exhalation (49) such that the low amplitude pressure oscillations loosen respiratory secretions.

Abstract: A breathable gas supply apparatus has a flow generator configured to pressurize a flow of breathable gas and a humidifier base unit configured to be coupled to the flow generator. A water container is configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier base unit and includes an air inlet and an air inlet passage extending into an interior of the water container from the air inlet. The air inlet passage is configured to direct the pressurized flow of breathable gas in a direction that is substantially parallel to a base of the water container. A barrier wall is provided across an outlet end of the air inlet passage and extends downward from the air inlet passage toward the water container base. In addition, a curved wall opposes both the outlet end of the air inlet passage and the barrier wall and extends downward toward the water container base.

Abstract: A filter device includes a distal housing comprising a distal inner port and a distal outer port; a proximal housing comprising a proximal inner port and a proximal outer port, the proximal housing being sealingly affixed to the distal housing to form an inspiratory pathway between the distal inner port and the proximal inner port and to form an expiratory pathway between the distal outer port and the proximal outer port that is fluidly sealed from the inspiratory pathway, the inspiratory pathway being laterally adjacent the expiratory pathway; and a first filter in the inspiratory pathway or in the expiratory pathway to filter gases flowing through the inspiratory pathway or the expiratory pathway.

Abstract: A system and method for completing fit tests on a respirator mask, and indicating end of service life for one or more elements of the respirator mask. The system includes an electronics module mounted on the interior of the face mask. The module includes a pressure sensor, and possibly other sensors, such as gas sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The module may detect the pressure on the interior of the mask during fit tests to detect any leaks in the mask. The module may be used for positive and negative pressure fit tests. Additionally, the module may include one or more indicators (lights, sounds, vibrations) for alerting a user during a fit test. The module may also detect end of service life by analyzing the sensor data, and may indicate end of service life to the user.