Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: Systems for use in assisted respiration can permit insertion of one or more elongated medical instruments into the proximal and/or distal airway of a patient during administration of assisted respiration, which may, in some instances, proceed with a patient awake or only minimally sedated. In some systems, a bite block is coupled with a mask and is movable relative to the mask such that the system is capable of accommodating differing patient anatomies.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for storing breathing masks in a tall and narrow space and deploying the masks from that space. The apparatus may be embodied as a removable cartridge containing a breathing mask assembly housed within a frame. The cartridge is comprised of a first side and second side which can move relative to the frame. The first side includes a hinge. In operation, the cartridge slides relative to the frame and rotatably opens via the hinge after the cartridge substantially exits the frame. A breathing mask is released to a user after the first and second halves rotatably separate.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a frame, a cushion, and a reinforcing member. The cushion has a non-face-contacting portion connected to the frame and a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face in use. The face-contacting portion includes a side wall and a flexible membrane extending from the side wall. The reinforcing member is provided to at least a portion of an interior and/or exterior surface of the side wall of the cushion. The reinforcing member provides reinforcement to the side wall of the cushion to at least limit lateral expansion of the cushion in use. The reinforcing member may have a stiffness that is selectively varied along its length.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A mask assembly (10) is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body (12) and a breathing circuit interface (16). The mask body includes an opening (13) for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure (20) for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion (17) rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion (19) that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit (18) for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.

Abstract: A seal and a mask using a seal that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a seal support, a second end portion adapted for sealing engagement with a face of a user, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion, second end portion, sidewall, or any combination thereof is formed from an elastomeric material having an elongation of at least 1000%. The seal preferably formed from a unitary piece of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A patient interface having a forehead support adjustably. The forehead support assembly includes a support arm that is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patients of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. The pivoting forehead support bracket is self-aligning to allow the forehead pad to remain parallel to the patient's forehead at all times, thus enhancing comfort and stability. The forehead support bracket is removable from the support arm, allowing the headgear (with support bracket attached) to be donned separately from the mask and support arm. The forehead support bracket in one embodiment has a forehead pad formed from the headgear itself.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: Mask ports 180 for attaching supplemental oxygen tubes 510 or measurement devices to a respiratory mask are downwardly directed and recessed into the base 110 of the mask frame 100. The ports may comprise a pair of downwardly extending tubular spigots 185 each housed in a respective recess 190 in the base 110, with a shallow bridging recess 290 therebetween for receiving a bridging piece 300 of a closure cap 280.

Abstract: Applicants have disclosed an “Articulating Headgear Connector for Respiratory Masks” which allows three-dimensional movement of the headgear connector to alleviate the mechanical forces incurred from a wearer's head movement, and thus maintain an effective seal. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises: a CPAP mask having a plastic shell; the mask has a stub tube extending outwardly from the shell; a headgear connector mounted loosely onto the stub tube; a T-shaped nib on the elbow guides the headgear's movement; whereby the headgear connector can slide forward on the stub tube (i.e., move along the Z axis), guided by the nib; and, whereby the headgear connector can rock (i.e., about the X-Y axes) and its sides seesaw on the stub tube (i.e., along the Z-axis), with the amount of rotation and seesawing limited by the nib.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering a flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient includes a structure configured to contact a) at least one point on the patient's forehead, b) two points on the patient's temples, the two temple points being on opposite sides of the patient's face, and c) two points on the patient's cheek, the two cheek points being on opposite sides of the patient's face; a frame, being part of the structure, rigidly connected to other elements of the structure and configured to support a cushion in contact with the patient's face; and a plurality of straps connected to the other elements of the structure and configured to hold the frame against the at least one forehead point, the two temple points, and the two cheek points in a fully constrained manner.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A support element (50) for use with a patient interface system (42) includes a first portion (52) adapted to be coupled to the patient interface system and a second portion (54) having a support face (56) adapted to contact the patient. The first and second portions define a cavity (58) therein. The support face includes an aperture (60) disposed therein that provides access to the cavity.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

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 mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a mask body having an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to the interior of said mask body. A mask seal assembly comprising a seal of flexible material and a clip of rigid material is attached to the body. The seal has a first side and a second side. The first side of the seal is shaped to approximately match the contours of a user's face and in use substantially seal against a user's face. The second side is attached to the clip. The clip provides an interface extending substantially the full perimeter or periphery of the mask seal assembly for releasably attaching the mask seal assembly to the mask body. The clip comprises a bridging portion spanning outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body to space at least a portion of the second side of the seal outwards from the perimeter or periphery of the mask body.

Abstract: A flow regulation vent includes a fixed portion adapted to engage a gas supply conduit and a spring force biased movable portion connected by a hinge to the fixed portion and flowingly connected to the pressurized gas supply. The fixed portion includes a gas flow orifice. The movable portion is pivotably movable between 1) a relaxed position, wherein at a specified minimum operating pressure, the movable portion is pivoted by the spring force away from the fixed portion to a position to establish a first gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice; and 2) a fully pressurized position, wherein at a specified maximum operating pressure, the pressurized gas offsets the spring force to pivot the movable portion to a position adjacent the fixed portion to establish a minimum gas washout flow area between the movable portion and the gas flow orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical energy includes at least one generator connected to a drive device. The drive device includes at least one guide element for transforming the energy of a flowing medium into a rotational movement. The guide element is arranged in the flow path of the heated exhaust air coming from at least one heat exchanger.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a mask body for covering a part of a user's face; left and right wing portions, extending respectively from two opposite sides of the mask body and each having a rear surface adapted for attachment to the user's face; and an adhesive layer formed on the rear surfaces of the wing portions.

Abstract: A mask assembly adapted for use with a positive airway pressure device includes a mask frame, a cushion provided to the frame, a forehead support assembly, and a neck to connect the frame to the forehead support assembly. The neck includes at least one wall including a first edge and a second edge, wherein lower ends of the first edge and the second edge converge towards one another in an upward direction and upper ends of the first edge and second edge diverge from one another in an upward direction. The mask assembly is configured so that a relatively narrow portion of the neck overlies the bridge of the nose or is between the eyes of a user. The relatively narrow portion is a portion of the neck where a distance between the first edge and second edge is smallest.

Abstract: A strapless nasal interface device is disclosed. The device is used in conjunction with CPAP, BIPAP, ventilators, or any other suitable device. The device includes a body with a passageway to a ventilating tube, exhalation holes, and a passageway to nostril interface tubes. The nostril interface tubes include a nasal interface element which is an expandable, compressible material such that the user can compress the element, insert it into the end of the nostril and allow it to expand to hold the tube in place. Alternatively, the nasal interface elements are held against the outer edge of the nostrils. Optionally, a skirt is included at the outer side of the nostril to aid in sealing against air leaks. Optionally, flaps are included to assist in holding the device in place, such as side flaps, a front flap, or both. The front flap may be adherable to the exterior of the nose and optionally includes resilient strips to open the nasal passageway.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and an elbow assembly. The frame has a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. The elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask frame.

Abstract: Improved respirator fit-test methods and apparatus featuring an automated, respirator wearer-controlled, air-leak measurement system. For fit testing of a respirator positioned on a test subject's face and connected to a controlled negative pressure testing apparatus, the test subject simply holds his breath and then activates a switch in electrical connection with said apparatus, which results in the automatic closure of the breathing port on the respirator and the initiation of a complete fit-testing protocol. The fit-testing apparatus includes a single, self-contained, automated unit that includes a vacuum source, an air-flow measuring device, and an air-pressure transducer for connection to a respirator being tested. By measuring the rate of air exhausted from the respirator in order to maintain a constant challenge pressure, an air leakage rate is determined.

Abstract: A mask includes a shroud; a cushion module that engages the shroud, the cushion module including a frame and a full-face cushion adapted to engage the patient's face generally along nasal bridge, cheek, and chin regions of the patient's face, the frame at least partly defining a breathing chamber; an elbow connected to the frame in a releasable and rotatable manner, the elbow being adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the shroud, wherein: the frame includes an opening, the elbow including a distal end releasably inserted into the opening of the frame with a snap-fit, thereby connecting the elbow to the frame, whereby the connection between the elbow and the frame also maintains the shroud in engagement with the frame.

Abstract: A supplied air respirator (10, 50) that includes a clean air source (16, 54), a facepiece (18, 18?), a hose (12, 52), and a hose adjustment mechanism (14, 34). The clean air source (16, 54) is designed to be carried by a user of the (10, 50), and the face piece (18, 18?) is sized to fit at least over the user's nose and mouth. The hose (12) extends from the clean air source (16, 54) to the facepiece (18, 18?). The hose adjustment mechanism (14, 36) enables the hose length to be controlled so that slack is eliminated between the clean air source (16, 54) and the facepiece (18, 18?). The supplied air respirator (10, 50) is beneficial and that it reduces opportunities for the hose (12, 52) to become inadvertently caught on an article located in the work environment.

Abstract: A headgear (200) for a respiratory mask (202) of a ventilator or CPAP device is provided. The headgear includes a strap portion (204, 206) formed of a substantially inextensible material. The strap portion has formed on one end thereof a connecting structure configured to connect to a mask of the ventilator or CPAP device. One advantage is that the mask will not or at least will be less inclined to lift off the face as mask pressure is increased.

Abstract: A full face mask system for treatment of respiratory disorder with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure equipment suitable to generate a supply of gas at positive pressure to be delivered to a patient's airways, the mask system comprising a frame module; a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face; an elbow module provided to the frame module and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the frame module.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for managing a gas delivery conduit (14) of a respiratory therapy includes a socket member (28) having a main body portion (32) and a first coupling portion (40). The main body portion is structured to receive and hold a portion of the gas delivery conduit in a manner such that the gas delivery conduit slides along the main body portion. Main body portion include an attachment member having clip member (46) and a second coupling portion (48). The socket member and the attachment member attach to one another through coupling of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. The socket member and the attachment member rotate relative to one another when the socket member and the attachment member are attached.

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 respiratory equipment (1) comprising: a respiratory mask (10) adapted to be applied in a use position around a nose and a mouth to a user, an inflatable harness (20), a gas supply tube (2) connected to the respiratory mask at a downstream end (2b), a storage element (30) comprising a housing (32) adapted to store the respiratory mask (10) in a storage position, and a retaining device (40) including a leash (46) and a releasably holding portion (42, 44) connected to the leash (46), the leash having a connecting portion (47) connected to the harness (20) and a securing portion (45) connected to the storage element (30).

Abstract: An oxygen supply system for an aircraft includes a control valve, a reservoir bag, a respiration device and a sensor device, wherein the control valve is designed in such a way that oxygen can be supplied to the reservoir bag until a predetermined quantity of oxygen is adjusted in the reservoir bag. The respiration device may be designed in such a way that breathing gas can be provided for a passenger. The sensor device may be designed in such a way that an exhalation is detectable. The reservoir bag may be designed in such a way that a predetermined quantity of oxygen can be metered into the reservoir bag during the exhalation. The reservoir bag may be designed in such a way that breathing gas can be supplied to the respiration device in a pulse-like fashion. The oxygen supply system may include a first and a second operation mode.

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 patient interface device (2, 60, 160, 204) includes a cushion (8, 66, 210), a frame (10, 68, 162, 206) having a faceplate portion. The cushion is coupled to the frame. The faceplate portion has a main orifice and holes adjacent the main orifice. The device further includes a coupling conduit (6, 64, 164, 212) having an inlet end, an outlet end coupled to the inlet end, and a hood member having openings provided on an outer periphery thereof. The inlet end is structured to receive a flow of breathing gas. The outlet end is coupled to the main orifice to deliver the flow of breathing gas to the main conduit. The hood member surrounds the outlet end and is disposed over the holes such that exhalation gasses will through the holes and be captured by the hood member and directed through the openings.

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 respiratory half-mask, including a mask body having a front or side filters, and exhalation valves, a head support with two side straps emanating from support, and a strap guide part fastened on the mask body for sliding the mask body along the side straps from a usage position for covering a mouth and a nose of the user into a position for exposing the face of the user. At least one clamping element is adjustably attached to the strap guide part for clamping the side straps to the strap guide part and for fixing the mask body on the two side straps in a usage position.

Abstract: A mask system for treating sleep disordered breathing, comprising headgear, a shell/cushion including a channel adjacent a front aperture, a frame, an elbow including at least one undercut on a proximal end, a retaining ring including a rear flange adapted to be retainably insertable in the channel of the shell/cushion, and a front flange adapted to retainably engage with the at least one undercut of the elbow.

Abstract: A fluid coupling conduit (6, 50, 70, 104, 134) includes an inlet end (28, 52, 76, 110, 140) structured to receive a flow of breathing gas, an outlet end (32, 56, 78, 112, 142) fluidly coupled to the inlet end and defining an outlet opening, a central chamber portion (36, 60, 80, 124, 145) positioned between the inlet end and the outlet end, the central chamber portion having an outer wall (38, 62, 82, 116, 146) positioned opposite the outlet opening. The outer wall has a plurality of exhaust gas orifices (40, 64, 84, 118, 148) extending therethrough. A number of sound attenuating structures are disposed in the central chamber portion between the outlet opening and the outer wall. The sound attenuating structures including a plurality of surfaces structured to reflect sound waves associated with exhaust gas flow through the fluid coupling conduit.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: A breathing mask arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a reinforcement element, a mask engaged with the reinforcement element and having a mask base body defining a mask interior and a sealing lip structured to engage a patient's face, a forehead rest including forehead padding that is structured to engage a patient's forehead, and a fixing mechanism to fix the forehead rest relative to the reinforcement element. The mask base body and the sealing lip are two pieces that are fixedly attached to one another. The forehead rest is moveably coupled to the reinforcement element to allow movement of the forehead rest relative to the reinforcement element. The forehead rest includes a pair of coupling structures structured to be coupled to an upper head band arrangement and the reinforcement element includes a pair of coupling structures structured to be coupled to a lower head band arrangement.

Abstract: A flow-inflating respiratory face mask is disclosed that includes a thin, pliant skirt that surrounds the base of the face mask. The skirt inflates automatically when the face mask receives external pressurized air. The skirt is compliant, soft, and adapts easily to the topography of the face which produces a good fit and adds to the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: A diversion device is provided for diverting breathing gas, which is laden with CO2, from a pressurized region of an arrangement that includes a breathing mask and serves for delivering a breathing gas at a pressure level that is above the ambient pressure. The device has a tubular stub structure which defines a breathing gas conduit that extends between an inlet cross section on the hose side and an outlet cross section on the mask side, and which is provided, in a region located between the inlet cross section and the outlet cross section, with an outflow orifice portion by way of which the breathing gas to be carried reaches the environment. In a region located between the outflow orifice portion and the outlet cross section on the mask side of the breathing gas conduit, a double-walled structure that surrounds the breathing gas conduit is embodied for sampling the breathing gas to be carried away from a mask interior, while largely circumventing the breathing gas conduit.

Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respirator mask with hygienic protection. More specifically, the invention relates to a respirator face mask (2) which provides physiological protection, comprising: an oronasal face piece (10), a semi-flexible lip element (6) which is used to position the oronasal face piece (10) on the user's face (1), and hygienic protection means (4) which are removably-positioned at least partially inside the mask (2). The aforementioned removable protection means (4) comprise (i) a first part (4a) which provides hygienic protection and (ii) a second part (4b) which maintains the hygienic protection means (4) inside the mask (2), said second part (4b) co-operating elastically with the above-mentioned semi-flexible lip element (6) or the face piece (10).