Abstract: An HME has a housing (10) moulded in two parts (26 and 27) of a thick, thermally-insulative foamed plastics to form an enlarged central region (13) and opposite end walls (24 and 25). Separate patient and machine end couplings (11 and 12) are bonded to openings (37 and 47) in the end walls. The two housing parts (26 and 27) are bonded end to end about an HME element (14) formed by a strip of treated corrugated paper wound about a support sleeve (50).

Abstract: An HME device, used in a closed breathing circuit of a ventilation system, has a housing with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening, an HME chamber (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for receiving an HME medium and a switching mechanism (70a; 70b; 70c; 70d; 70e; 70f; 70g; 70h; 70i). The HME device can be switched over between an HME mode (M1), in which an HME fluid passage is provided from the inlet opening through the HME chamber to the outlet opening, and a bypass mode (M2), in which a fluid bypass passage is provided from the inlet opening past the HME chamber through a bypass channel (80a; 80b; 80d; 80e; 80f; 80h) in the housing to the outlet opening. The bypass channel is blocked with respect to the HME chamber in the bypass mode (M2).

Abstract: A vent assembly for a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system. The vent assembly may include a vent housing having a first orifice configured to receive the flow of pressurized gas from the RPT device and the vent housing having a plurality of holes to discharge pressurized gas to atmosphere; a vent housing connector having a second orifice configured to direct the flow of pressurized gas to the patient interface; and a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) comprising an HME housing and an HME material within the HME housing, wherein the vent housing and the vent housing connector are configured to be connected to, at least in part, form a cavity, and wherein the HME is positioned in the cavity when the vent assembly is assembled.

Abstract: The present technology relates to one or more of the screening, diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, prevention and amelioration of respiratory-related disorders. The present technology also relates to medical devices or apparatus, and their use. The present technology also relates to components formed from nonwoven composites for use in medical devices or apparatus.

Abstract: A wound therapy device includes a wound dressing and a humidifier configured to deliver humid air to a wound site to which the wound dressing is applied. The humidifier may be a remote structure that is fluidly connected to the wound dressing applied about a patient's skin at a wound site. Alternatively, the humidified may be integrated with the wound dressing to define an integral, portable therapy device that may be worn by the patient. The wound therapy device may be a standalone wound treatment device, or may be used in conjunction with other wound treatment devices, such as, e.g., negative pressure wound therapy devices.

Abstract: A humidifier for humidification of air to be delivered to a patient's airways may include a humidification chamber, a reservoir and a water delivery mechanism. The humidification chamber may include a water retention feature such as a wick, a heating element for heating the humidification chamber, and an air flow baffle configured to promote humidification. The humidifier may be further configured to execute one or more algorithms, for example to determine a condition of the humidifier and/or to mitigate any detected faults. In some forms, the humidifier may also comprise algorithms for controlling one or more components of the humidifier.

Abstract: A smart face mask comprising a mask body; a temperature sensor; a respiration sensor; and a transmitter for transmitting information from the temperature sensor, the respiration sensor and a geotracker to a smart phone or smart watch.

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 patient module (10) is intended for use when ventilating a patient with a pressure source (24) that can be fluidically coupled via the patient module (10) to a patient interface (26), which can be connected to the airways of a patient. The patient module (10) includes a housing (12) and a valve section (14) in the housing (12) as well as an HME filter (30) spaced apart from the valve section (14). The HME filter (30) is located upstream of the valve section (14) in relation to an expiratory volume flow, so that the HME filter (30) divides an interior of the housing (12) into a dry area and an area coming into contact with the moisture carried along by the exhaled breathing gas. The valve section (14) is located in the dry area. A process for operating the patient module (10) includes calibration steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a face mask comprising (a) a mask body portion configured to surround the mouth and at least part of the nose of a wearer; (b) a sealed compressible cushion formed on the inner face of said mask body portion wherein the middle of said cushion is placed in close proximity to the middle of the superior perimeter of said mask body portion, and wherein said cushion is at least partially filled with a fluid.

Abstract: A sleeping bag may include a top flap with a head opening for the user's head to fit through and the opening may form a comfortable seal around the user's neck. The top flap may transition over the user's shoulders, transition down underneath the user's head, and extend beyond the top of the user's head. Advantageously, the sleeping bag may offer a unique way to comfortably close the top of a sleeping bag to prevent air draft and heat loss. The sleeping bag may allow users to more comfortably sleep in multiple positions, including side sleepers, stomach sleepers, back sleepers, fetal sleepers, etc. The sleeping bag may provide a soft place to lay one's head while allowing the user to sleep in a position with their hands and arms above their shoulders, while still keeping them under cover of the top layer of the sleeping bag.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system. The vent assembly may include a vent housing having a first orifice configured to receive the flow of pressurized gas from the RPT device and the vent housing having a plurality of holes to discharge pressurized gas to atmosphere; a vent housing connector having a second orifice configured to direct the flow of pressurized gas to the patient interface; and a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) comprising an HME housing and an HME material within the HME housing, wherein the vent housing and the vent housing connector are configured to be connected to, at least in part, form a cavity, and wherein the HME is positioned in the cavity when the vent assembly is assembled.

Abstract: An HME device, used in a closed breathing circuit of a ventilation system, has a housing with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening, an HME chamber (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for receiving an HME medium and a switching mechanism (70a; 70b; 70c; 70d; 70e; 70f; 70g; 70h; 70i). The HME device can be switched over between an HME mode (M1), in which an HME fluid passage is provided from the inlet opening through the HME chamber to the outlet opening, and a bypass mode (M2), in which a fluid bypass passage is provided from the inlet opening past the HME chamber through a bypass channel (80a; 80b; 80d; 80e; 80f; 80h) in the housing to the outlet opening. The bypass channel is blocked with respect to the HME chamber in the bypass mode (M2).

Abstract: A tracheostoma device holder for holding a tracheostoma device superimposed of a tracheostoma of a person is provided. The tracheostoma device holder includes a flexible skirt for attachment over a tracheostoma via a skin adhesive proximal side thereof, and the skirt is provided with a through hole. A tubular tracheostoma device fitting is arranged circumferentially of the through hole, and the tubular tracheostoma device fitting extends distally from the distal side of the skirt. The skirt has at least two sheets, in form of a distal end sheet comprising a skin adhesive hydrogel or hydrocolloid, and a support sheet proximally of the distal end sheet. The support sheet includes polyurethane.

Abstract: A filter for an apparatus for delivering a flow of gas, the filter comprising: a filter body, wherein the filter body has a main compartment and a sub-compartment at least partly within the main compartment, wherein the main compartment is in fluid communication with a main compartment gases inlet and the sub-compartment is in fluid communication with a sub-compartment gases inlet; and a filter medium associated with both the main compartment and the sub-compartment, and that is arranged to filter gases in, or exiting, the main compartment and the sub-compartment.

Abstract: A self-adhesive nasal mask includes a main body shaped to form to and cover a contour of a nose on a face of a user, the main body including peripheral tabs, each of the peripheral tabs including a lateral self-adhesive strip on an underside facing the face of the user, the main body constructed from a material that impedes unfiltered exhales from the user.

Abstract: The present technology relates to respirator devices including source control features. In some embodiments, a source control mask device can include a shield that substantially covers the mouth and nose of a user and a mechanism that can actively extract air as it is exhaled by the user. The extracted exhaled air can then be sanitized before the mask device discharges it into the atmosphere. The mask device may selectively form a seal to the user's face dependent on air flow conditions.

Abstract: A self-contained re-humidification mask that can be supported in an operative position on a user is provided. The mask has a wall shaped as a moulded domed mask configured to cover the face of a user from the nose to the chin. An endless peripheral edge is shaped and configured to generally anatomically follow the contours of a face of a user to define, with the face of a user, an air pocket. The mask has a single inlet-outlet aperture located generally opposite a position occupied in use by a mouth of a user, and at least one re-humidification assembly located in the inlet-outlet aperture such that it substantially fills the aperture. The re-humidification assembly includes a coil of corrugated hygroscopic paper having an axis of the coil extending in the direction of fluid flow through the inlet-outlet aperture. The re-humidification mask preferably has a wall formed from a non-woven synthetic fibre sheet that is press moulded and heat set to the domed shape.

Abstract: A mask includes a housing defining (1) an inner layer, an outer layer, and a volume in between, (2) a mouth aperture to be disposed about a mouth of a user, (3) a side aperture to allow fluid flow into and out of the housing, (4) an oral fluid pathway extending from the mouth aperture to the side aperture, and (5) a nasal aperture to be disposed adjacent to nostrils of the user. The mask also includes a nasal channel extending from the nasal aperture and to a nasal exit aperture. The housing is configured to route (1) fluid flow received at the mouth aperture distally through the oral fluid pathway, and (2) fluid flow received at the side aperture proximally through the oral fluid pathway. The nasal channel is configured to route fluid flow received at the nasal aperture distally through the nasal fluid pathway.

Abstract: A tracheostoma device for cooperation with a tracheostoma device holder superimposed on a tracheostoma of a person includes a tubular body and a container. The tubular body is at the proximal end of the tracheostoma device. The tubular body includes at least one inlet upon exhalation through the tracheostoma device, and is adapted for cooperation with the tracheostoma device holder. The container being at the distal end of the tracheostoma device, includes at least one outlet upon exhalation through the tracheostoma device and is adapted for housing a heat and moisture exchanging foam. The tubular body and the container have a hardness of 100 Shore A or less.

Abstract: A filter structure includes a blower having a gas suction opening, the blower compressing gas taken from the gas suction opening and supplying the compressed gas to respiratory organs of a patient; a housing that contains the blower and has air passage openings connected to the gas suction opening; a bag at least part of which is made of a nonwoven paper as a filter material, for covering the housing; and a chamber forming member disposed between the housing and the bag, for forming a chamber CAM between each air passage opening and the nonwoven paper. Thus, effort for maintenance of a filter is reduced.

Abstract: A near-patient humidification system provides vapor to a respiratory breathing circuit. The system includes an expiratory gas conduit and an inspiratory gas conduit. A patient coupling member is provided for coupling the expiratory and inspiratory gas conduits to a patient interface. A vapor injection unit is located at least partially within the housing of the patient coupling member. The vapor injection unit heats a supply of fluid into vapor and injects the vapor into the inspiratory gas passage of the patient coupling member at a vapor injection location for providing moisture to the inspiratory gas flow. A method of simultaneously and independently controlling the temperature and humidity of inspiratory gas in a respiratory breathing circuit is performed by injecting vapor having a temperature determined as a function of measured temperatures and measured humidities of the breathing gas at different locations along the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A device is provided that humidifies breathing gas. The device has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A chemical heater is positioned within the chamber and a trigger activates the heater. The chamber can be a conduit with an inner wall and an outer wall with a reservoir defined therebetween. The chemical heater can be positioned within the reservoir.

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: The present disclosure discloses a humidification device, a humidifier and a ventilator, overcoming the deficiency that when the structure of a water tank of a current ventilator causes the water tank to tilt or sway, it is easy for a large amount of water to enter a heating portion. The humidification device comprises a heating portion and a liquid inlet structure adding liquid to the heating portion. The heating portion comprises an accommodating chamber and a transition chamber limiting the amount of liquid in the accommodating chamber, and the liquid inlet structure is communicated with the transition chamber and allows the liquid to enter the transition chamber. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a large amount of stored water may be prevented from entering the heating portion and thus affecting the heating efficiency when a water tank or a similar humidification device tilts.

Abstract: Disclosed are a respirator and a head-mounted protection apparatus. The respirator includes a respirator body. A breathing passage is formed in the respirator body for airflow when a user breathes. The respirator further includes a filter layer switching device and at least two filter layers of different filtering properties, and the filter layer switching device is installed on the respirator body and is configured to switch filter layers below the breathing passage according to requirements. In use of the respirator, the user can transfer a filter layer of a required performance to a region below the breathing passage using the filter layer switching device based on his requirement for air filtration.

Abstract: An air revitalization system may include a humidity control device configured to remove water vapor from air within a pressurized enclosed volume. The system may further include an inlet duct configured to transport the air from the pressurized enclosed volume to the humidity control device. The system may also include an outlet duct configured to transport the air from the humidity control device to the pressurized enclosed volume. The system may include a sublimator configured to cool the air within the pressurized enclosed volume while generating additional water vapor. The system may further include a vacuum vent duct configured to transport the water vapor from the humidity control device and the additional water vapor from the sublimator to an exterior of the pressurized enclosed volume.

Abstract: Dispensing systems for a ventilator circuit having a ventilator flow circuit with a normal inhalation flow path with a heat and moisture exchanger (HME), a flow sensor in communication with the ventilator circuit, an automated drug dispensing system with an actuator and a pressurized canister residing upstream of the HME, a bypass inhalation flow path residing downstream of the pressurized canister, and at least one electromechanical valve residing in the inhalation flow path to selectively open the valve which can be normally closed to define a closed bypass path. At least one controller opens the at least one electromechanical valve to open the bypass inhalation flow path and close the normal inhalation flow path through the HME only when the flow sensor indicates air flow is in an inhalation direction. Once the valve is open, the actuator dispenses medication through the bypass inhalation flow path to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speaking valve for laryngectomized or tracheotomized persons, comprising a cover part, a housing part, and a filter arranged in the housing part. The cover part comprises a closure part which is arranged on an inner face of the cover part and which faces the filter. The cover part consists of an elastic material, and the closure part closes the speaking valve distally to the filter by deforming at least one region of the cover part. The closure part has a circular shape and has a central part surface which rises starting from a lower end surface of an outer edge to a centrally arranged securing region.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for coupling a tracheostomy tube to a source of humidified breathing gas are disclosed. An adaptor includes a housing, a tracheostomy tube connection device, and a baffle. The housing has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a breathing gas port. The tracheostomy tube connection device is positioned within the housing and includes an input port for receiving a flow of humidified breathing gas from the breathing gas port and an output port for coupling with the tracheostomy tube. The tracheostomy tube connection device has an internal surface defining a breathing gas passage and an external surface spaced from the interior surface of the housing to create a condensation passage. The baffle may be positioned between the breathing gas port and the input port to cause controlled condensation from the flow of humidified breathing gas by disrupting the flow of humidified breathing gas.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a mask having a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient headgear adapted to secure the mask to a head of the patient and an adjustable strap assembly including a pair of straps connected to one another in a length adjustable manner.

Abstract: A high-pressure passthrough apparatus and protective suit having a high-pressure passthrough is provided. A high-pressure passthrough having a penetrator body is connected to a protective suit, wherein a first half of the penetrator body is positioned exterior of the protective suit and a second half of the penetrator body is positioned interior of the suit. A high-pressure passthrough valve is positioned on the second half of the penetrator body, wherein high-pressured air is supplied to an interior space of the protective suit. Releasing the quantity of high-pressure air to the interior of the protective suit with the high-pressure passthrough valve may act to cool the interior of the protective suit.

Abstract: A breather filter for reducing water in a data storage device housing includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an intermediary layer positioned between the inner and outer layers. The outer layer includes an outer layer of hydrophilic material. The inner layer includes at least one of an inner layer of hydrophobic material and an inner layer of hydrophilic material. The intermediary layer includes a water adsorbing material, and fibers that promote water permeation from the inner layer to the outer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a nanofiber sheet that has a high mechanical strength, is excellent in durability, and has a high specific surface area. The nanofiber sheet includes: a plurality of nanofibers; and a bulk portion produced by bonding of the nanofibers, in which 7×10?3 portion/?m2 or more of the bulk portion satisfying the following formula is contained: 0.5?X2?Y?5 ?m2??(1) where X represents a diameter (?m) of each of the nanofibers and Y represents an area (?m2) of an inscribed circle of the bulk portion when viewed from a surface.

Abstract: Reinforced filter media are prepared by adhering discrete, non-intersecting strands of thermoplastic or thermoset materials to the filter media web. The filter media may be a fabric, a nonwoven web or a filtering foam. The reinforced filter media can be used to prepare respirators, including flat-fold respirators or molded respirators.

Abstract: The application relates to a water transfer compound, preferably for use for the humidification of process gases for fuel cells, comprising:—a water-permeable and essentially gas-impermeable water transfer layer as well as—at least one thermoplastic protection layer which is water- and gas-permeable at least in sections, where—the water transfer layer and the thermoplastic protection layer overlap each other at least in sections and comprise a first and a second overlapping area, where—the water transfer layer in the first overlapping area is accessible for humid gases through the thermoplastic protection layer and the water transfer compound is thermocompressed in the second overlapping area so that the water transfer layer in the second overlapping area is not accessible for humid gases through the compressed thermoplastic protection layer.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier for vaporizing water and delivering water vapor to humidify the gas; a gas flow path leading from the flow generator to the humidifier and from the humidifier to a patient interface; and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater includes an elongate heating filament in the form of a tape. A humidifier for respiratory apparatus includes a first respiratory gas passage for receiving gas from a flow generator, a humidifier chamber, a second respiratory gas passage for delivering humidified gas to a patient interface, and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater includes an elongate heating filament extending along at least part of both said first and second respiratory gas passages.

Abstract: An airway circuit has two modes of operation, dependent upon the presence or absence of a nebulizer in a nebulizer port. When the nebulizer if absent, a patient port is in fluid communications with a ventilation circuit port through a heat and humidity exchange element. When the nebulizer is inserted into the nebulizer port, the nebulizer port (and nebulizer), patient port, and ventilation circuit port are in fluid communications with each other and the heat and humidity exchange element is isolated, thereby protecting the heat and humidity exchange element from medicines emanating from the nebulizer. After the nebulizer is removed from the nebulizer port, the patient port is again placed in fluid communications with the ventilation circuit port through a heat and humidity exchange element.

Abstract: A PAP system adapted for treatment of respiratory disease or sleep disordered breathing includes headgear adapted to engage a patient's head, a patient interface adapted to be secured to and sealed against a portion of a patient's face, in use, by the headgear, a flow generator adapted to be connected to the patient interface, and wherein the flow generator is adapted to be secured by a portion of the headgear to the patient's head, and an outlet tube to interconnect the flow generator and the patient interface. The patient interface includes a frame and a sealing arrangement supported by the frame. The sealing arrangement includes a seal portion, a body portion, and an inlet tube in communication with the outlet tube. The frame and the outlet tube are constructed of a relatively rigid material.

Abstract: A wearable breathing apparatus includes a thermal capacitor that a user inhales and exhales through. Inhaled air is cooled as it passes through the thermal capacitor, and exhaled air cools the material of the thermal capacitor for the next breathing cycle. The breathing apparatus may be used by a firefighter, for example, as a lightweight apparatus to enable the firefighter to safely breathe dangerously heated air, for example while in a fire shelter, that may otherwise cause injury to the user. The breathing apparatus advantageously does not require external power for cooling. The thermal capacitor may also be used as a part of a rebreather that uses a scrubber that removes carbon dioxide from exhaled air, for rebreathing. Further, the thermal capacitor may be used for other purposes, such as in recirculation of building air.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

Abstract: A method and use of Zeolite coated nasal mask and disposable particulate respirator filtration media that will absorb air pollutants such as NOx, Ozone, PM2.5 and radioisotopes of cesium, strontium and polonium (the progeny of radon gas) and protect the wearer from inhalation of said deleterious agents.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame, a forehead support, and an adjustment mechanism including a single finger-operated push button to allow selective adjustment of the forehead support relative to the frame. The frame includes a support arm and a housing provided to a free end of the support arm. The housing includes a front side including a closed configuration, a rear side, and a receiving space extending from the rear side and structured to slidably receive a slider of the forehead support. The forehead support is slidably mounted for linear movement in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support arm. The single finger-operated push button includes a portion that extends through an opening provided in a top side of the housing.

Abstract: A plaster for attaching a trachestoma valve in connection with a traceostoma on a person's neck. The plaster comprises a socket and an annular flange, communicating with a central opening of the flange which is connected with a single-coated adhesive tape, which extends radially beyond the edge of the flange. The connection includes a first annular joint at or inwardly of the outer periphery of the flange, and a second annular joint located between the outer periphery of the flange and the inner periphery of the flange spaced radially from the first annular joint. A protecting liner covers the adhesive on the tape.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to various tubing arrangements and an associated Y-connector which may be used to facilitate the operative interface of the mask to a ventilator within a ventilation system. The tubing arrangement may comprise a pair of bi-lumen tubes. One end of each of the bi-lumen tubes is fluidly connected to the mask, with the opposite end being fluidly connected to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is in turn fluidly connected to one end of either a tri-lumen tube or a quad-lumen tube also included in the tubing arrangement, the opposite end of such tri-lumen tube or quad-lumen tube being fluidly connected to the ventilator. The Y-connector is uniquely configured to fluidly connect certain lumens of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube to dedicated, corresponding ones of the lumens included in respective ones of the bi-lumen tubes, and to further allow for the selective detachment of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube from the bi-lumen tubes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: A breathing protector may include a filter housing having a central axis, a distal end, a proximal end, a first opening and a second opening. The second opening may be located in a proximal end of the filter housing and the first opening may be located distally of the second opening, such that the first opening is located upstream of the second opening. An exchanging filter may be disposed in the filter housing and a valve seat may extend around the first opening. A rail, located circumferentially of the valve seat, may extend axially and distally away from the first opening. The rail may include a distal end and at least one rib. A valve member may be arranged in a transversal plane to the central axis and engage the valve seat in a closed position. A return spring may press the valve member into the open position.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve for attachment to a tracheostoma valve plaster may include a tubular base portion with a proximal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. A distal lid portion may be arranged distally of the tubular base portion. The distal lid portion may have a distal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. The tracheostoma valve may have a valve flap member for closing the distal opening via interaction between a front side of the valve flap member and an edge of the distal opening. A valve retaining arm may be included for interaction with the valve flap member to prevent the valve flap member from interacting with the distal opening.

Abstract: A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.