Abstract: A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient interface device and system for delivering continuous airway pressure to a patient (14). The patient interface system comprises a patient interface device with a patient interface (12) and at least one connector pair (22), comprising itself two connector parts, attached to the patient interface (12) and the patient (14) via a tissue anchor, respectively. One of the connector parts comprises a magnet and the other one a magnetically responsive element. Both connector parts are attracted to one another through the magnetic forces.

Abstract: A closure for use during Positive Airway Pressure treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea for controlling air leakage through the lips and mouth of a person. The closure includes a first member formed of an air-sealing layer for extending over the lips of and to an adjacent region on the skin of the person. The closure includes a second member formed of an adhesive layer adhered to the first member for placement on at least the adjacent region on the skin for adhering the closure to the skin to form an air seal over the mouth. The closure includes a quick-release member for breaking the air seal.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, a frame, and a zygomatic facial interface. The fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The frame is configured for coupling with a head strap system, wherein the head strap system is configured for supplying a securing force to secure the patient interface in a position over a respiratory opening of a patient. The zygomatic facial interface is coupled with the frame and configured for spreading the securing force away from a nasal bridge of the patient and onto left and right zygomatic arch regions of the patient.

Abstract: Ergonomic protective air filtration devices and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. An ergonomic protective air filtration device includes a stack of at least two layers of an air permeable material, the stack forming a body, a periphery, and a back; a plurality of intersecting three-dimensional V-shaped pleats extending from the periphery and into the stack of layers, so the back of the device defines a breathing chamber adapted to cover a mouth and a nose of the wearer; and a retaining means engaging the body of the device to secure the device to a face of the wearer and to create the breathing chamber. The ergonomic protective air filtration device provides protection against contaminated droplets, fluid splashes, solid particulates, pathogenic microorganisms, or aerosoled air pollutions.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) mask is provided. The CPAP mask includes a mask support that includes a cavity provided within the mask support. The CPAP mask further includes a mask cushion that is received within the cavity. The mask cushion and the mask support each include an opening. Air can pass from an air delivery tube through the openings and into the mask cushion. The mask cushion can be placed around a patient's breathing orifice to deliver the air to the patient. The CPAP mask further includes a forehead support that is spaced apart form the mask support. A neck portion attaches the forehead support to the mask support. The neck portion is flexible and is molded to both the mask support and the forehead support. The flexible neck portion allows the mask support to move with respect to the forehead support.

Abstract: An accessory cap for a respiratory cartridge includes a housing having a front wall and a side wall which cooperate to define an interior cavity. The side wall includes a retaining formation configured and arranged to releasably engage and hold the housing on the respiratory cartridge. The housing includes a downwardly facing air passage configured to allow air to pass from an exterior environment to the interior cavity. The accessory cap further includes a pre-filter support web removably received within the interior cavity and spaced inwardly from the front wall. The housing and the pre-filter support web form a pre-filter cavity within the interior cavity adjacent to the front wall. The accessory cap can function as a standalone shower cap, or a pre-filter media can be optionally inserted into the pre-filter cavity so that the accessory cap functions as a combination pre-filter and a shower cap.

Abstract: A mask for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to human or animal's airways includes a mask shell which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit and a gas washout vent assembly. The gas washout vent assembly includes at least one gas washout orifice extending from a first side of the vent assembly positioned, in use, adjacent to human or animal's face and a second side positioned, in use, adjacent the atmosphere. The cross-sectional area of the orifice at the first side is larger than the cross-sectional area of the orifice at the second side.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion assembly (100) that is customizable to compensate for anatomical variances from patient-to-patient and, therefore, provides an effective seal with the patient's face. The cushion assembly includes a cushion member (102) having a first side structured to engage the patient's face, and a second side disposed opposite the first side, a plurality of plate members (108, 110, 112, 114, 116), and an adjustment mechanism (120, 122, 124). The adjustment mechanism is structured to adjust the position of the plate members, thereby changing the shape of the cushion member to gener ally conform to the patient's face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory mask comprising a mask body and an articulated connection piece that can be connected to a respiratory tube. On the mask body, at least one exhalation gap is located in the vicinity of a connection that holds the articulated connection piece. Preferably, the exhalation gap terminates in an umbrella-shaped outflow channel that runs away from the patient. Preferably, at least two components of the respiratory mask are interconnected without play.

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 ventilation mask for sealing on a face of a patient comprises a nasal passage opener configured for facilitating in opening the nasal passage of the patient. The nasal passage opener is disposed over a nasal valve of the patient when the ventilation mask is sealed on the face of the patient.

Abstract: A nose adapter (2) and system, for use in noninvasive respiratory support, has a proximal end, for coupling to the nose, and a distal end for coupling to a ventilation device. An inspiratory channel (6) and an expiratory channel (7) extend between the proximal and distal end. The distal ends of the channels terminate in a respective connection adapter (30, 31) for connecting ventilation tubes (4). The proximal ends of the inspiratory and the expiratory channels are bent inwards 90° such that the openings of the channels face each other. A cylindrical tube element (34), rotatably held between the openings, has a through-opening in the cylindrical circumferential surface of the tube element. A connection nozzle (13) connects to a prong or a nose mask and is formed on the outer face of the rotatable tube element (34), in alignment with the through-opening, such that the connection nozzle can pivot.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system is provided, in which while wearing a respiratory mask system, force generated by movement of a user's head and the like to induce laterally slipping a mask cushion may be reduced or absorbed. The respiratory mask system is provided with a mask cushion covering a nose, a nose and a mouth, or a full face. A first frame is connected with the mask cushion to supply respiratory gas under positive pressure. A second frame is connected with a headgear strap, in which the mask cushion is placed on a face side of the first frame and the first frame is placed on a face side of the second frame. The first frame is connected slidably with the second frame along a slide surface.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway.

Abstract: A method of relieving pain resulting from breathing in a patient with fractured ribs, wherein the pain interrupts the sleeping of the patient. A positive airway pressure machine is attached to the nose or nose and mouth of the patient. The patient turns the machine on to produce a positive airway pressure in the airways of the lungs and adjusts the positive airway pressure to a level where the patient feels that the pain is reduced or eliminated. The method allows a patient with fractured ribs to sleep comfortably without the pain associated with breathing in and out, and without interruption of sleep. The method also promotes the healing and recovery of the fractured ribs.

Abstract: The present inention provides a cost effective customization of user interface devices for use with respiratory ventilation systems, such as face masks that may be used for CPAP therapy. By integrating a user specific customize element (15) into a pre-fabricated user interface device (10), increased confort for a user during use of the interface device (10) is provided. The customized element (15) is adapted to affect the shape of the user interface device making it compliant with at least one user specific body feature, for example, a facial feature of a particular user. The shape of the customized element may be computed from a user specific data set representing an e.g. three-dimensional shape at least one body feature of a user.

Abstract: An application device for a breathing mask arrangement includes a base portion, a holding portion structured to support a mask and pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, a right arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, and a left arm element pivotally mounted to the base portion for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis. The right and left arm elements are each provided with a contact portion for bearing against a right and a left forehead zone respectively of a mask user. The holding portion, the right arm element, and left arm element can be pivoted with respect to the base portion about the respective first, second, and third pivot axes.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a patient sealing assembly (12) structured to engage a face of the patient when the patient interface device is donned by a patient. The patient sealing assembly has a bottom region (36), a top region (38) opposite the bottom region, and a side region (40, 42) extending from the bottom region to the top region, wherein one or more orifices (48a, 48b) are provided in the side region, the one or more orifices each extending from an interior of the patient sealing assembly to an exterior of the patient sealing assembly and being structured to allow a liquid that condenses within the patient sealing assembly to drain from the patient sealing assembly.

Abstract: A full-face cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a frame connector adapted to attach the cushion to a mask frame and an interface provided to the frame connector. The interface is constructed of foam and defines a cushion cavity. The interface includes a foam contact surface adapted to interface or contact with surfaces of the patient's face in use.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a custom medical mask formed for a particular user from a three-dimensional electronic model includes a body formed from a polymerized photopolymer material. An interior surface of the body is configured to seat on the particular user's face and comprises a physical embodiment of a three-dimensional electronic model corresponding to unique facial features of the particular user. According to another embodiment, a method of creating a three-dimensional electronic model for use in forming a custom medical mask for a particular user includes scanning a portion of the particular user's face using an electronic scanning device, generating a three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face based on the scanning, and transmitting the three-dimensional electronic model of the portion of the particular user's face for use in forming the custom medical mask for the particular user from a photopolymer using a stereolithography apparatus.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a stowage box for a breathing mask that includes a frame forming a receptacle for the mask, the frame having an open face for inserting and extracting the mask, and a pneumatic assembly to control the feed of a breathing gas under pressure to the breathing mask. The pneumatic assembly is adapted to close the feed of breathing gas when the mask is inserted into the frame and to open the feed of breathing gas when the mask is extracted from the frame.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly which are adapted to being remove ably magnetically coupled to one another at a desired angular orientation therebetween.

Abstract: An exchanger conduit permits temperature and/or humidity conditioning of a gas for a patient respiratory interface. In an example embodiment, a conduit has a first channel and a second channel where the first channel is configured to conduct an inspiratory gas and the second channel configured to conduct an expiratory gas. An exchanger is positioned along the first channel and the second channel to separate the first channel and the second channel. The exchanger is configured to transfer a component (e.g., temperature or humidity) of the gas of the second channel to the gas of the first channel. In some embodiments, an optional flow resistor may be implemented to permit venting at pressures above atmospheric pressure so as to allow pressure stenting of a patient respiratory system without a substantial direct flow from a flow generator of respiratory treatment apparatus to the patient during patient expiration.

Abstract: A hose management system (30) for use with a system adapted to provide respiratory therapy. The system includes an elongated, flexible second hose (22). The hose management system (30) includes a housing assembly (32), a rotatable spool assembly (34), and a rotatable coupling (36). The housing assembly has a sidewall assembly (40) defining a substantially enclosed space. The rotatable spool assembly has a spool body (50). The spool body (50) is disposed in the housing assembly (32) enclosed space and rotatably coupled to the housing assembly (32). The rotatable coupling (36) defines a passage (90), the rotatable coupling (36) being a rotatable conduit extending through the housing assembly sidewall and spool body. Wherein the second hose (22) may be substantially wrapped about the spool body (50) and substantially concealed within the housing assembly (32) enclosed space.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (10), a frame member (16), and nasal pillows (18,20). A first side (12) of the cushion member forms a seal with a patient's mouth. The nasal pillows are structured to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nasal pillows are attached to the frame member. The frame is attached to a second side (14) of the cushion member. The frame member includes a connecting portion (228), a first aperture (240), and a second aperture (242). The nasal pillows include a first nasal pillow element (218) and a second nasal pillow element (220). The first nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the first aperture. The second nasal pillow element is at least partially removably disposed in the second aperture. The connection portion is connected to the second side of the cushion member.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include a small system integrated within a tubing for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The system may include a tube with an inlet opening, an expansion section with a gas flow generator, and an outlet opening. The systems and methods described herein provide improved mobility, comfort, and usability for patients.

Abstract: A medical device may include a patient interface for use in a breathing assistance system, an electronic device coupled to the patient interface, and one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface. The patient interface may include a connection end configured for receiving gas communicated by a gas delivery apparatus, and a patient end configured for insertion into or more breathing passageways of a patient. The one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface may be capable of facilitating communication of electrical signals between the electronic device and the gas delivery apparatus when the patient interface is communicatively coupled to the gas delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a filled hollow structure includes producing an open hollow structure of a first material, positioning the open hollow structure on a tool adapted to hold the open hollow structure, filling the open hollow structure with a filler medium, and closing the filled open hollow structure with a second material. A hollow structure may be produced by such method, and a tool may be structured to perform such method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a breathing device includes an oral appliance arch, a post, and first and second masks that are separately adjustable relative to the oral appliance arch. The first mask defines a first interior space and is configured to deliver gas to a user's nose when the first mask is connected to a gas delivery device. The second mask defines a second interior space and is configured to be adjustably secured to the post and to form a substantial seal around the user's oral cavity when pressed against a portion of the user's mouth. The post is coupled to the oral appliance arch and is configured to adjustably secure the first mask relative to the oral appliance arch.

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

Abstract: A connector arrangement joining a respiratory mask and headgear is adapted for single-handed disengagement by the patient. A first, rigid connector part is formed into the rigid mask frame, with a mating second connector attached to a strap of the headgear. The connectors are held away from the patient's face by the connection to the mask frame.

Abstract: A medical device and method for combination lung ventilation and mucus clearance of a patient is disclosed. The medical device may be configured to provide lung ventilation with intermittent, on-demand mucus clearance, freeing the patient's mouth for activities of daily living such as when the patient is awake; and, in another configuration, the device can provide lung ventilation with automated mucus clearance, such as when the patient is sedated or asleep. The medical device may comprise a pressure generation source, a ventilation portion, and a mucus clearance portion. The mucus clearance portion may be separable from or separate from the ventilation portion such that the medical device is capable of maintaining lung ventilation with the mouth interface removed from the patient.

Abstract: A cushion (16) for use with a mask (10) in delivering a flow of breathing gas to a user includes a first portion adapted to contact a surface of a user, a second portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell (18), and a wall portion extending between the first portion and the second portion. The wall portion includes a chamber formed therein, the chamber having one of an electro-rheological fluid or a magneto-rheological fluid disposed therein. The cushion further includes a means (44, 50) for selectively varying the apparent viscosity of the fluid disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

Abstract: A vent assembly includes at least one vent having a first end configured to face atmosphere and a second end opposite the first end, and a central portion provided between the first and second ends including a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape, wherein the second end includes a counter bore.

Abstract: A positive-pressure respiratory mask can be used during medical procedures to provide oxygen to a patient while the instruments and devices used in the procedure remain in place. A flap system that includes a flexible diaphragm is used on the mask to create an airtight seal around the instrument.

Abstract: A face mask for extended wear by a user including a customized, contoured facial mask face surface portion constructed and configured to cover and to contact a corresponding contoured surface area of a human face, preferably formed by 3-D printing methods and materials.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface configured to sealingly engage the patient's face. A mechanism may be provided to ensure that an effective seal is maintained between the patient interface and the patient's face by preventing, reducing, minimizing or limiting effects of disruptive forces, such as tube drag, on the patient interface.

Abstract: An improved patient interface (4) having a cushion (12) and a headgear (16), with the headgear having a pair of engagement elements (24) that each engage the patient with an engagement force, and with the engagement forces being directed generally toward one another. The engagement forces result in frictional forces between the headgear and the patient which resist the cushion from becoming disengaged with the patient. In one embodiment, the engagement elements each include a circumferential brace (44) that engages the head and extends about the ears. In another embodiment, the engagement elements engage the ears of the patient. In a free state, at least a portion of the headgear is of a spiral configuration which makes the patient interface collapsible and relatively easy to pack, such as for traveling.

Abstract: An improved resilient cushion of a patient interface is structured to engage the face of a patient and includes a deformable bellows portion having a pair of deformable elements. One of the deformable elements has an indentation formed therein that provides a localized region of reduced stiffness and which results in an improved fit on the face of the patient.

Abstract: A system of breathing arrangements for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes at least first and second cushion components, e.g., full-face, nasal, nasal prongs, nose tip, and/or a combination of any of the above, including a nasal or full-face cushion and nasal prongs/nozzles combination, etc., that are different from one another in at least one aspect, and a common frame assembly configured to support each of the first and second cushion components. Various embodiments are directed to a full-face or nasal mask used with a frame having lateral connector portions having a stiffening member. The mask assembly may include a nose height adjustment device for the height of the cushion, or a cushion adjustment member by which the position of the cushion may be adjusted relative to the frame. The mask assembly may include a chin strap assembly.

Abstract: An integrated nasal mask is adapted for delivering gas to a patient and comprises a mask body and a pair of elongate nostril-engaging stems. The mask body is generally triangularly shaped and includes a nasal opening sized and configured to substantially envelope a patient's nose. The nasal opening opens to a nasal cavity. The nostril-engaging stems extend outwardly from the nasal cavity. Each one of the stems defines a fluid passageway for delivering gas to the patient's nose and for allowing discharge of exhalation gasses during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a cover for a CPAP mask formed from an insulating material. The cover is adapted to fit over a frame of a CPAP mask without contacting a wearer of the CPAP mask and to mitigate the formation of condensation on an interior of the CPAP mask.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for inhibiting mouth breathing and/or improving nasal breathing, e.g., for PAP users or users with other sleeping problems. In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive device is provided that includes an elongate membrane comprising first and second ends and side edges extending between the first and second ends, a first surface comprising an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be a low tack adhesive that is adherent to skin, yet is also easily removable without leaving significant residue. Optionally, the device may include one or more valves to provide one-way flow across the membrane, one or more weakened regions in the membrane, and/or one or more tabs to facilitate removal of the membrane from over a user's mouth.

Abstract: Condensation management techniques for a gas flow delivery system. The techniques include providing a radiant barrier associated with patient circuit and/or a patient interface, providing a water trap and/or an absorbent insert in the patient interface device, or a combination of these techniques. The radiant barrier prevents condensation from forming in the patient circuit and/or the patient interface. The water trap and absorbent insert in the patient interface control condensation that reaches or forms in the interior of the patient interface to prevent it from interfering the user of the gas delivery system.

Abstract: An elbow assembly for use in a respiratory mask, which includes an elbow, an inlet port, an exhaust port, and a baffle separating the inlet port from the exhaust port. A mask assembly includes a cushion comprising at least one gusset and an aperture for connection to the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A respiratory face mask is provided suitably sized and configured to engage the nose portion, mouth portion and chin portion of a patient's face. The face mask is characterized by a cup-like shell or receptacle member defining a peripheral flange and a flexible inflatable hollow sealing cushion on the shell member flange. Headstrap fastener projections extending upright on the flange are adapted to accommodate an elastic headstrap that adjustably may be removably slidingly coupled to the projections to hold the mask in place on a patient's face and head.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides an apparatus and associated methods for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, which can be utilized to treat breathing problems such as sleep apnea. In at least one embodiment, an airway interface mask and headgear assembly includes a mask shell housing to cover the patients nose and mouth and a pillowed, non-collapsible air cushion consisting of a continuously sealed, generally circular, and hollow cylinder which is limited in compression and which is disposed upon the mask shell housing sealingly in a generally circular manner on an underside of the mask housing to engage the patient's face. The pillowed, non-collapsible air cushion provides the sealed, cushioned engagement to the patient's face necessary, with conformity to the shape and contours of the patient's face, in the CPAP system without allowing for compression of the mask shell housing to allow the mask housing to touch the patient's face.