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 tool for use in conjunction with a pressure support system that is structured to provide therapy to a patient to treat a condition of the patient by delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient. The tool may be implemented on a portable electronic device or a PC and is configured to, among other things, provide customized/personalized education and feedback to the patient based, at least in part, on data that is measured by the pressure support system during the provision of therapy to the patient. The tool utilizes certain patient/therapy metrics, wherein each patient/therapy metric comprises raw data that was measured by the pressure support system and that has been processed (e.g., summarized and/or otherwise manipulated) to form the patient/therapy metric.

Abstract: A sealing interface forms part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user. The sealing interface comprises a foam or gel inner cushion and a thin resilient rubber outer sheath. A face side of the inner cushion resiliently supports the outer sheath. The inner cushion has a toothed profile formed on the face side of the inner cushion. The toothed profile consists of at least one tooth having an apex on the perimeter of the inner cushion. The apex is positioned between two valleys in the perimeter of the inner cushion. In use the apex of each tooth of the toothed profile is in supporting contact with the outer sheath.

Abstract: A therapy system configured to wash out or flush out the oral and/or nasal cavity to reduce the effective dead space and reduce the work of breathing. The system may displace the expired air in the oral and/or nasal cavity with atmospheric air, or air with altered concentrations, for example, increased humidity, or oxygen levels. A sealed oral interface is provided to the mouth of a patient to supply a volume of pressurized gas. A control system to synchronize the supply of pressurized gas with the patients respiratory cycle. The supply of respiratory gas may be provided during only a portion of the respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a mask including a interface element (12) structured to engage a portion of the face of a patient and a headgear assembly (14) coupled to the mask. The headgear assembly has a top surface member (28) and a bottom surface member (30), the top surface member being coupled to the bottom surface member to form a fluid delivery housing (20) having an airtight internal chamber (32). The fluid delivery housing is structured to receive a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device and is fluidly coupled to the interface element. Also, the headgear assembly has a plurality of spaced support members (34) provided within the internal chamber to define a plurality of flow paths through the internal chamber around the support members, the support members being structured to support the top surface member relative to bottom surface member and prevent the internal chamber from collapsing.

Abstract: A washout vent for a mask for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to an airway of a mammal for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a solid mask section and a vent orifice extending through a thickness of the solid mask section and adapted for gas washout. The vent orifice includes opposed side walls providing a flow passage that allows gas to flow along the opposed side walls from an interior of the mask to atmosphere in use, and the opposed side walls defining at least a portion of a conic section having a length substantially greater than its width. The vent orifice includes an orifice inlet at the interior of the mask and an orifice exit open to atmosphere, and the opposed side walls converge from the orifice inlet to the orifice exit to reduce noise of gas washout.

Abstract: A respiration appliance (10), system (40), and method (62, 72, 86) for supporting the airway of a subject (12) as the subject (12) breaths. The flow of gas from the lungs of the subject (12) during exhalation is leveraged to provide support to the airway. In particular, a body (14) that encloses one or more external orifices of the subject (12) provides a resistance differential between inhaled gas flows and exhaled gas flows that supports the subject's airway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patient interface, comprising a patient interface (12; 112) for delivering a gas to a user arranged to be tightened towards the user's face, and at least one tightening indicator (48; 148) for indicating an optimum tightening position of the patient interface (12; 112), wherein the at least one tightening indicator (48; 148) is arranged at the patient interface (12; 112) and configured to indicate the optimum 5 tightening position at a predetermined position of the patient interface with respect to the user's face.

Abstract: An inspiratory exerciser apparatus has a loop shape housing with a mouthpiece 1, an air inlet 2, an outlet 3 and a spring-loaded valve 4 that provides a restriction to inhalation through the inlet. The apparatus includes an electronics unit 60 that records use of the apparatus for download to a remote computer, such as via a connector port 65 or by wireless means. The electronics unit 60 also causes lamps 63 in a translucent part of the housing 11 to flash during the prescribed exercise period to encourage the patient to inhale and exhale at a prescribed rate and for a prescribed time.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly including a nasal mask with a dome shaped body. The dome shaped body has an inner rim and an outer surface. The inner rim has a rounded triangular shape and a tube connector extends from the outer surface. The inner rim is configured such that a bottom portion thereof sits on or above the patient's upper lip while an upper portion thereof extends across the bridge of the patient's nose.

Abstract: The system supplies oxygen for a flight crew member of an aircraft and has an oxygen source, an oxygen mask, and a circuit connecting the oxygen source to the oxygen mask. The system is integrated into an aircraft seat, which has at least one foot bearing a sitting surface and a back. The oxygen source may be a cylinder of gaseous oxygen under pressure. The oxygen mask can be housed in a compartment inside the sitting surface of the seat.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A breathing mask includes an elastomeric cushion with a sealing lip having an outer engagement surface configured to sealingly abut against the patient's face. The sealing lip has a plurality of zones. A first zone has an elastomeric wall and comprises a portion of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against a bridge of a patient's nose. A second zone has an elastomeric wall and comprises a portion of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against the patient's face at a location opposite the first zone. A pair of intermediate zones comprise portions of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against the patient's face between the first and second zones and have relatively thick elastomeric walls compared to the elastic walls of the first and second zones so that the pair of intermediate zones has a higher load-bearing capability than the first and second zones.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes at least one elongated support member structured to contact a user. The support member has at least one conduit portion and at least one porous portion. The conduit portion is structured to allow the passage of gas therethrough. The conduit portion is structured to be in fluid communication with a pressure generating system and with the porous portion. The porous portion is structured to allow for axial passage of gas therethrough and for radial exhaust of gas therefrom.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly includes a breathing gas supply lumen assembly splitting into a first inspiratory gas lumen and a second inspiratory gas lumen. An inspiratory gas nasal end portion is in fluid communication with the first inspiratory gas lumen and a second inspiratory gas lumen. The inspiratory gas nasal end portion has a pair of nasal prongs extending outwardly therefrom. An expiratory gas assembly splits into a first expiratory gas lumen and a second expiratory gas lumen. An expiratory gas nasal end portion is in fluid communication with the first expiratory gas lumen and a second expiratory gas lumen. A passage is disposed across the inspiratory nasal end portion from the pair of nasal prongs. The passage provides fluid communication between the inspiratory nasal end portion and the expiratory nasal end portion.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a lung demand valve, including a chemical, biological, radiological and/or nuclear (CBRN) layer which is sufficiently resistant to the permeation of at least some CBRN agents and a resilient layer which is resiliently deformable. The CRBN layer is arranged to restrict the permeation of at least some CBRN agents through the diaphragm, and the resilient layer is arranged to allow the diaphragm to be resiliently deformed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for supplying a fluid, including but not limited to oxygen and/or medications to a non-human animal in a configuration that does not require a human to hold a component on the animal.

Abstract: A respiration assist mask having an input gas feed tube, a ventilation interface, a facial interface and nasal inserts. The gas feed tube can connect to the ventilation interface and form a seal. The ventilation interface may be joined with the facial interface to form a seal between the ventilation interface and the facial interface, as well as between the facial interface and the face of a user. Additionally, nasal inserts may be inserted into a portion of the facial interface and form a seal between the inserts and the facial interface.

Abstract: A mask system for delivering air to a user includes a suspension mechanism to allow relative movement between a face-contacting cushion and a mask shell. The suspension mechanism also provides a predetermined force to the cushion that is a function of mask pressure, displacement of the cushion or both.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit includes a tube including a plurality of corrugations. The corrugations vary along a length of the tube to change flexibility and/or stretch characteristics of the tube in one or more specific zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface, The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a stationary component provided to the housing, an impeller positioned between the inlet of the housing and the stationary component, and a motor adapted to drive the impeller. The housing and the stationary component cooperate to define a volute that directs air towards the outlet. The housing includes a separating wall constructed and arranged to divide the volute into a high speed airpath region and a low speed airpath region.

Abstract: An exhaust port assembly (10) for use in a system for delivering a flow of gas from a pressure generating device (4) to the airway of a patient includes a first member structured to be in communication with the flow of gas and a second member moveably coupled to the first member. The first member and the second member define a cross-sectional area of an exhaust port which is structured to allow the passage therethrough of exhaust gases (12) from the flow of gas. The second member is moveable among a first position in which the exhaust port has a first cross-sectional area and a second position in which the exhaust port has a second cross-sectional area different than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A patient interface for treatment of a user having a respiratory disorder includes a nasal portion having at least one nasal portion aperture adapted to be in communication with a supply of pressurized gas for delivery to at least one nasal opening of the user, and a mouth portion having at least one mouth portion aperture also adapted to be in communication with the supply of pressurized gas to deliver the pressurized gas to an oral cavity of the user's mouth. The at least one mouth portion aperture is separate from the at least one nasal portion aperture, and the patient interface is adapted to limit a flow of the pressurized gas out of the at least one aperture of the mouth portion to be no greater than a flow of the pressurized gas out of the at least one nasal portion aperture.

Abstract: A patient interface system includes a nasal seal of flexible material to communicate with at least one airway of the patient, and a primary headgear from which the nasal seal is suspended, said primary headgear having at least one aperture though which at least a portion of the nasal seal is inserted with the primary headgear wrapping about at least one portion of the nasal seal in a sling-like fashion.

Abstract: A washout vent for a mask for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to an airway of a mammal. The washout vent includes a vent orifice adapted for gas washout. The orifice includes one or more features that contribute to noise reduction, such as a channel with converging walls towards atmosphere, and/or a channel having one or more walls provided with surface treatment and/or contouring, such as roughening and/or scalloped portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for respiration which consists at least of one body that delimits an inner chamber from an outer chamber, a region for sealing the device against parts of the face of a patient, fastening elements for positioning the device on the patient's head and a connection for supplying respiratory gas. The device is equipped with an actuator, which when adjusted, changes the distance of at least one part of the device from at least one part of the body of the patient.

Abstract: A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points and at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame. Each of the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear. The at least first and second headgear connectors are different from one another in at least one aspect.

Abstract: A versatile, intubation-facilitating oxygen mask is provided including at least one diaphragm configured with a continuous, flexible, modifiable membrane from which an instrument-access port may be manually constructed, when and if needed. The novel oxygen mask preferably includes a multiple-inlet port having a standard oxygen tube connector and an interchangeable breathing-therapy device connector, a carbon dioxide sampling port, an exhaust port, and a nose clip. The mask can be worn as a standard oxygen mask during traditional oxygen therapy, yet quickly converted into an intubation mask. The clinician manually perforates the nasal and/or oral membranes of the one or more diaphragms to create a point and size of entry perfectly matched to the requirements for a variety of procedures that may be performed involving nasally or orally introduced scopes or probes—without disturbing the ongoing benefits of increased oxygen saturation and continuous monitoring of expired gases.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a mask (10) having a faceplate (12) and a patient contacting cushion (15), the patient contacting cushion coupled to, and extending about, the faceplate, a brace assembly (40) having a brace body (42) with at least one mask coupling, the mask and the brace assembly coupled at the mask coupling, wherein the mask coupling. The mask soft coupling utilizes a flexible membrane assembly, the flexible membrane assembly being disposed between the mask and the brace body.

Abstract: A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob includes a resilient prong having a ratchet bump. The ratchet bump is adapted to selectively engage a series of ridges provided to the frame connector to provide indexed incremental adjustment.

Abstract: A respiration system includes a regulator including an inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and an outlet for delivery of the gas to the user, and a respiration facepiece for use in connection with the regulator including an interface removably attachable to the regulator, at least one seal system adapted to form a sealing engagement with the face of a user, an inhalation port in fluid connection with the regulator interface and with the facepiece interior, an inhalation check valve in fluid connection between the inhalation port and the facepiece interior; an exhalation port in fluid connection with the facepiece; an exhalation check valve in fluid connection with the exhalation port; and an ambient port separate from the inhalation port and from the exhalation port, which is in fluid connection with the facepiece interior without an intervening check valve.

Abstract: A number of user interface device embodiments are disclosed that provide for increased cooling of the skin covered by the mask and/or increased flushing of gasses, including CO2, from the mask.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a system for the oxygen supply of persons in an aircraft. In order to provide the simplest possible system, which is suitable in particular for a reconfiguration of the seat devices (12), the system has at least one oxygen line, one oxygen feed, and multiple attachment points for oxygen masks (24), the oxygen line extending in the longitudinal direction and the attachment points being connected to the oxygen line. The attachment points are preferably situated linearly and are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A patient interface device (e.g., nasal pillows, a nasal mask or a full-face mask) for delivering breathable gas to a patient has a frame with a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, each side frame member including a first connector portion, and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame, the headgear assembly having a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured for rotationally locking engagement in a plurality of different rotationally locked positions in which the first and second connector portions may not rotate relative to one another, such that the headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a retention portion, and a connector portion. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The retention portion is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The connector portion is for connecting delivery tubes to the mask. The connector portion is configured such that the connector only couples with compatible components.

Abstract: A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob includes a resilient prong having a ratchet bump. The ratchet bump is adapted to selectively engage a series of ridges provided to the frame connector to provide indexed incremental adjustment.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, an exhaust gas vent port, and a filter media disposed in the exhaust gas vent port. The fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The exhaust gas vent port is configured for allowing expulsion of exhaust gas from the patient interface in response to exhalation of a patient. The filter media is configured for filtering contagious from the exhaust gas, diffusing the exhaust gas, and controlling an expulsion flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas vent port.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask frame including a lower portion and a neck extending from the lower portion, a cushion provided to the mask frame and adapted to contact a patient's face, a forehead support assembly provided to the neck of the mask frame, the forehead support assembly including a forehead support and a forehead pad provided to the forehead support, and an elbow assembly provided to the mask frame. The neck includes a pair of side walls spaced apart from one another along an entire length of the neck, the side walls providing an open space therebetween along the entire length of the neck that opens towards a front side of the mask assembly. The pair of side walls comprise an upper converging section wherein the pair of side walls converge towards one another in a downward direction.

Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways including: a cushion member that includes a face contacting portion, a retaining structure and a resiliently flexible lip; and a frame member, wherein the retaining structure and the frame member are repeatedly engageable with and disengageable from one another, wherein a gas chamber is formed at least in part by engagement of the cushion member and the frame member, and wherein the resiliently flexible lip is configured to provide a sealing force between the cushion member and the frame member.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, an exhaust gas entry port, and a facial skin interface. Fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The exhaust gas vent port is configured for allowing expulsion of exhaust gas from the patient interface. The facial skin interface is configured for eliminating fluid from within the patient interface and for eliminating fluid from facial skin which is covered by the patient interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency oxygen supply device for aircraft inhabitants, comprising a container, wherein an oxygen mask is positioned inside said container, a releasable cover and a latch mechanism comprising a latch locking said cover lid. According to the invention said latch mechanism comprises a permanent magnet interacting with a magnetisable element an exerting a magnetic holding force onto said magnetisable element to hold said latch in a locking position, wherein a solenoid is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet, said solenoid being connected to a control unit said control unit being adapted to receive an opening signal and to provide a current flowing through said solenoid in response to such opening signal, wherein said solenoid is arranged and dimensioned such that the current flowing through said solenoid reduces said magnetic holding force to such a level that the latch is released in a n unlocking position.

Abstract: A full-face mask system for delivery of a supply of gas at positive pressure to a patient for medical treatment includes a shroud, a cushion module adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose and mouth, an elbow, and headgear. The cushion module includes a frame and a cushion. The frame includes an opening that releasably receives a distal end of the elbow with a snap-fit, wherein an inner edge of the opening and the distal end of the elbow together form a retention structure to retain the elbow to the frame.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is provided a tubing arrangement and associated connectors, including a delivery adaptor and a Y-connector, which may be used to facilitate the operative interface of a patient interface to a ventilator within a ventilation system. The delivery adaptor is connected between the outlet connector of the flow generator and the main delivery tube (i.e., the quad-lumen tube) in the ventilation system. The delivery adaptor functions to retain the pneumatic isolation of a sense line of the ventilation system from certain other lumens of the quad-lumen tube, and further connects one of the small lumens of the quad-lumen tube to an external oxygen source or an external humidification source. The oxygen or humidification is delivered to such lumen through the adaptor. The oxygen or humidification is then bled into the air stream at the outlet of such lumen which is at the Y-connector.

Abstract: Described herein is a mask for delivery of gas, such as oxygen, to a patient and useable in a naso-gastric intubation procedure without disruption of the seal between the mask and the patient's face. The body of the mask includes a fenestration or opening through which the naso-gastric tube may be inserted. The fenestration is preferably shaped to support the tube in a manner that is comfortable for the patient and that eliminates or minimizes the amount of gas lost to the atmosphere outside the mask. In at least some embodiments, the fenestration is closed when a tube is not inserted therethrough so that the mask may be used normally without loss of the gas through the fenestration.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing positive airway pressure therapy to the airways of a patient includes a mask, a gas delivery conduit coupled to the mask, and a vent located in the mask or near the mask in the gas delivery conduit, to allow washout of exhaled carbon dioxide. The vent includes a plurality of vent orifices, the vent orifices being constructed and arranged to be open in use at least during the inhalation and exhalation phases of the user's breathing cycle. Each of the vent orifices being molded into a surface as a curved flow path from an interior of the mask or gas delivery conduit to atmosphere so that a vent flow from each of the orifices is directed in different directions, into one another, and/or slightly offset from one another to create diffuse air flow.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a front portion, a retention strap, and a gas delivery orifice. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The front portion is coupled with the frame portion and covers the respiratory opening region. The retention strap is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The gas delivery orifice is coupled with the frame portion and configured such that the gas delivery orifice is lateral to the front portion.