Abstract: A mask for the delivery of a medical gas under positive pressure. The engagement surface is generally circular in shape and is sufficiently rigid that operatively, when a suitable retention force is applied to the mask, an effective seal is produced at the interface of the engagement surface and the surrounding tissue primarily by deformation of the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A cup for capturing droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing, the cup has a sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall has a lip portion of sufficient size for a snug substantially circumferential location over a nose and mouth of an intended user. The sidewall is configured and sized to be hand-held. An absorbent liner is located against the inner surface of the sidewall, the absorbent liner being sufficiently absorbent to capture and hold the expelled droplets during coughing or sneezing.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to form a seal with a region of the patients face surrounding an entrance to the patients airways. The seal-forming structure comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is constructed from a first material. The first section is configured to sealingly engage against a first region of the patients face. The second section is constructed from a second material that is different than the first material. The second section is configured to sealingly engage against a second region of the patients face. The second material is foam. The patient interface also includes a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold a seal-forming structure in a therapeutically effective position on a patient's head.

Abstract: A ballooning patient interface has a frame that supports a sealing member. The frame and/or the sealing member is secured to the head of a user with headgear, such as a strap. Various features of the sealing member improve comfort for the user in the nares of the users as well as on facial surfaces in contact with the sealing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory mask (1) having a mask unit (2) and having an emission device (3) for discharging exhaled gas from the respiratory mask (1). The mask unit (2) comprises a mask body (4) and a connection unit (5) which can be connected to the mask body (4) for connection of a respiratory gas feed line (101). The emission device (3) comprises a plurality of flow channels (6), which are arranged in at least one part of the mask unit (2). Here the emission device (3) comprises at least one flow channel.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure respiratory therapy includes a mask assembly having a mask seal and a mask shell. The mask assembly is positioned lower than and exposes a bridge of the user's nose. The mask seal includes first and second portions on respective first and second sides of a nasal region that contact opposing sides of the user's nose. The first and second portions each include supports that help maintain a shape of the mask seal. A pair of covers can be supported relative to the mask assembly and adjacent a respective one of the first and second portions of the mask seal. The covers limit expansion of the first and second portions of the mask seal in response to pressurized air within the mask seal. The supports of the first and second portions can transfer load from the mask seal to the covers.

Abstract: A patient interface may include a plenum chamber pressurisable to a therapeutic pressure; a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to form a seal with a region of the patient's face; a positioning and stabilising structure to provide an elastic force to hold the seal-forming structure on the patient's head, the positioning and stabilising structure may include a tie; a vent structure; a decoupling structure configured to provide a fluid connection between the plenum chamber and an air circuit for the flow of air at the therapeutic pressure for breathing by the patient; and a frame having at least one tie attachment structure to receive the tie, wherein the frame is configured to be resiliently movable in any direction having at least one of a component parallel to the patient's sagittal plane, a component parallel to the patient's coronal plane, a component parallel to the patient's Frankfort horizontal plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including identifying that a subject suffers from sleep apnea. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is applied to the subject via a mask placed on a face of the subject. A respiratory-related parameter of the subject is sensed, while the mask is on the face of the subject, and a need of the subject for respiratory support is assessed, responsively to the respiratory-related parameter. In accordance with the assessed need, the mask is configured to regulate the PAP provided to the subject's face. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A patient interface structure includes a cushion configured to sealingly engage the patient's face and a front that is more rigid than the cushion. The cushion includes a forward opening, a rearward opening that is opposite the forward opening and a continuous sealing surface. The continuous sealing surface has a mouth sealing portion configured to seal around the patient's mouth and a nasal sealing portion configured to seal around both of the patient's nasal airways. The front plate includes an air inlet configured to both receive the pressurized respiratory gas and secure headgear to the patient interface structure. In addition, the nasal sealing portion includes at least one aperture that is separate from the rearward opening. Also, the front plate, the mouth sealing portion and the nasal sealing portion together form a common chamber.

Abstract: A nasal mask having a seal housing and a flexible nasal seal connected or connectable to the seal housing to define a mask cavity. The nasal seal extends between a face-contacting side and an outer side. The nasal seal has a contacting surface having an edge that defines a nose-receiving opening into the mask cavity and which is configured to seal about the user's nose. The nasal seal also has an under-nose support fixedly connected into the seal and which is configured to extend within the mask cavity and having a contact surface that is oriented to contact at least a portion of the under-nose surface of the user.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways includes a frame member, a cushion assembly provided to the frame member, and an anterior wall member repeatedly engageable with and disengageable from the cushion assembly. The frame member includes connectors operatively attachable to a positioning and stabilizing structure. The cushion assembly includes a seal-forming structure and a void defined by an anterior surface of the cushion assembly. The anterior wall member has a predetermined surface area to seal the void of the cushion assembly and form a gas chamber when the anterior wall member and the cushion assembly are engaged. The void of the cushion assembly is sized such that the patient's nose and/or mouth is substantially exposed when the anterior wall member is disengaged from the cushion assembly thereby improving breathing comfort of the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: A mask assembly can include a mask seal. In some configurations, the mask assembly can be configured to be fully positioned lower than a bridge of a nose of a face of a user and to provide an exposed bridge of the nose of the user. The mask seal can comprise a nasal region comprising at least one nasal opening, a first paddle on a first side of the nasal region and a second paddle on a second side of the nasal region. The first paddle is configured to contact one side of the nose of the user and the second paddle is configured to contact the other side of the nose of the user.

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: A mask apparatus for a respiratory treatment can permit delivery of breathable gas to a user. In one example, the mask may employ a frame and cushion to form a seal for both mouth and nose. The frame may be adapted for coupling with a respiratory treatment apparatus so as to permit communication of a pressurized gas from the respiratory treatment apparatus. The cushion, which may be foam, and a frame component may be made in an overmoulding process that moulds the frame onto a pre-formed foam cushion. Such a moulding process may form a mechanical and/or chemical bonding of the foam and mask frame component. The mask frame component may be a shell of plenum chamber, such as for both nose and mouth. Various features of the cushion may further promote sealing and comfort for the under the nose design.

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 respirator mask includes a facepiece configured to create a seal with a face of a user and a mask frame coupled with the facepiece. A port assembly is coupled with the mask frame and an inhalation path including a filter, a first valve seat and a first valve member, the filter and first valve member coupled with the first valve seat on opposed sides. An exhalation path includes a second valve seat and a second valve member, the second valve member surrounding the first valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tub configured to receive a volume of liquid for a humidifier, comprising at least one plastic component and at least one metal component, which together form a space for receiving said volume of liquid, wherein the at least one metal component and the at least one plastic component are attached to each other by means of a silicone seal. Furthermore, the invention relates to method for manufacturing a tub for a humidifier.

Abstract: A cushion for a respiratory mask is provided. The cushion includes a face contacting portion, a non-face contacting portion and an intermediate region. The face contacting portion is formed from an open cell foam material and includes an opening to provide, in use, a source of breathing gas to a user's airways. The non-face contacting portion is formed from an elastomeric material. The intermediate region is formed between the face contacting portion and the non-face contacting portion. Open cells of the open cell foam material in the intermediate region are filled with the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A shroud for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame, a pair of upper headgear connectors each including an elongated arm and a slot at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

Abstract: An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.

Abstract: A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper respiratory passages. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

Abstract: A respiratory mask can be used to provide therapy to patients who also require a nasogastric (NG) tube. The mask seal can include a path that is designed to deform around an NG tube or other without lifting the mask away from a patient's face. The deforming path can help to minimize gaps that form between the patient's face and the mask seal as a result of the tube, thus reducing leaks and improving the efficacy of the treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

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 cushion assembly for a patient interface includes a foam cushion and an elastomeric support portion configured to support the foam cushion. The foam cushion is more compliant in a nasal bridge region than other regions of the cushion assembly, the nasal bridge region being a region configured to engage the patient's nasal bridge when the cushion assembly is mounted on the patient's face.

Abstract: A full face respirator mask includes a ring-shaped frame, a transparent face plate connected to an inner periphery of the frame, an air inlet extending through the face plate, and a cushion integrally molded to the frame and having an abutment portion. The frame has top, bottom, left and right parts. At least one protruding plate extends rearwardly and horizontally from the top part. The at least one protruding plate is embedded in the cushion body to push the abutment portion to abut tightly against the face of a user when the full face respirator mask is positioned on the face of the user.

Abstract: A sealing interface includes an inner cushion and an outer sheath. The outer sheath substantially seals against the facial contours of the user. The inner cushion and the outer sheath each have a nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either one of an upper lip region or a chin region. In use these regions are aligned with the corresponding nasal bridge region, left and right cheek regions and either the upper lip region or the chin region of a user. The inner cushion includes a hinged region. The hinged region is adapted to flex substantially independently of the inner cushion cheek regions.

Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways comprising: a cushion member that includes a retaining structure and a seal-forming structure permanently connected to the retaining structure; a frame member attachable to the retaining structure; and a positioning and stabilising structure attachable to the frame member.

Abstract: A cushion for a breathing mask and a breathing mask. The cushion includes a connection portion for connecting to a frame or an elbow assembly of the breathing mask; a face contact portion for getting in contact with the face of a patient, wherein the face contact portion is formed by a thin membrane; and a support portion which is connected between the connection portion and the face contact portion, wherein the face contact portion has an outwardly extending portion which extends from the support portion to the exterior of the cushion and an inwardly extending portion which extends from the outer circumference side of the outwardly extending portion to the interior of the cushion in at least partial area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting device for a patient interface on the forehead of the patient. The supporting device has an adjustment by means of a self-acting, incorporated spring element and, depending on the tightening force of the harness, the forehead pad presses onto the forehead of the user as a result of the spring force and thus provides the patient interface at a spacing which is suitable for the patient and provides optimum, fault-free adaptation.

Abstract: A filtering facepiece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a filtering structure 16 that contains one or more layers of filter media 62 and that has a perimeter 24. The mask body also has first and second flanges 30a, 30b located on opposing sides of the filtering structure 16. The first and second flanges 30a, 30b each have a leading edge 33 and are each folded inwardly in contact with the filtering structure 16. The in-contact configuration exists when the mask body 12 is open in an in-use configuration. The leading edge 33 of each flange 30a, 30b is configured to match the mask body perimeter 24 when the flanges 30a, 30b are folded inwardly in contact with the filtering structure 16.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for use with a patient, and that is suited for use with children, includes a flexible cushion arranged to interface with and deliver air to the patient's nose. The cushion has a tube connection portion at one or both sides adjacent the patient's nares, the tube connection portion being arranged to connect to an air delivery tube. This location, plus the very low profile of the mask, allows a patient (e.g. an infant) to sleep on their face more comfortably. A more rigid support structure adjacent the cushion is provided to stabilize the cushion and prevent it from collapsing. Headgear is also provided and arranged for releasable attachment to the support structure.

Abstract: A sealing cushion for a respiratory mask assembly has a patient interface portion having a resiliently deformable membrane for engagement with a patient's face, and an aperture formed therein for receiving a nasal and/or mouth region of the patient's face. An inner surface of the deformable membrane comprises a plurality of projections arranged in separate groups of projections positioned in a plurality of localized regions of the deformable membrane. The projections in each of the separate groups of projections are arranged such that each projection in the group of projections engages with an adjacent projection in the group of projections when the deformable membrane is deformed during engagement of the deformable membrane with the patient's face, in use, thereby providing the deformable membrane with an increased resistance to further deformation.

Abstract: A mask apparatus for a respiratory treatment can permit delivery of breathable gas to a user. In one example, the mask may employ a frame and cushion to form a seal for both mouth and nose. The frame may be adapted for coupling with a respiratory treatment apparatus so as to permit communication of a pressurized gas from the respiratory treatment apparatus. The cushion, which may be foam, may have a substantially under the nose configuration or over the nose configuration. The mask may have a common plenum chamber for both nose and mouth. The cushion may further define a centrally open lip superior region. The cushion may be adapted to couple with the frame directly or to the frame in conjunction with a cushion support clip. Various features of the cushion may further promote sealing and comfort for the under the nose design.

Abstract: A mask for supplying gas under pressure to an airway of a human including a flexible manifold shell, an air inlet connected to an air delivery pipe, and at least two side walls which are at least partially formed by portions of the manifold shell. A flexible face contacting element defines an orifice to accommodate the nose of the human. Straps connected to the mask allow forces exerted by the straps to deform the manifold shell at least along X and Y axes, creating a variety of different orifice shapes. The face contacting part includes a flexible membrane allowing X and Y axis movement of the mask and movement of the mask along a Z axis between the user's face and the manifold shell. The flexible membrane may deform while retaining a gas seal against the face of a wearer.

Abstract: A patient interface device is includes a cushion and a frame assembly coupled to the cushion, the frame assembly including a main frame member and a stiffening structure coupled to the main frame member, the stiffening structure having a main arm, a first Y-portion coupled to a first end of the main arm having first and second front branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the first end of the main arm, and a second Y-portion coupled to a second end of the main arm having first and second rear branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the second end of the main arm.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a cushion having a body with a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a lower opening structured to receive a flow of a treatment gas and a coupling mechanism. The rear portion is structured to engage a user's face and provide a generally continuous seal therewith. The patient interface further includes a frame having a torus shaped portion defining an opening. The opening has at least a portion of the coupling mechanism disposed therein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a carbon dioxide inhalation treatment device for central sleep apnea comprising a blower, a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide (CO2), an airbag, a mask, and a detection mechanism for detecting the central apnea by measuring the electromyographic activity of the chest wall muscles. The mask is provided with multiple holes providing a communication between the inside and outside of the mask in order to prevent any sense of resistance of breathing and to provide greater control of inspired CO2. Inspired CO2 from a gas mixture containing also a minimum 20% O2 is driven by air using a blower into a mixing chamber. This carbon dioxide inhalation treatment device for central sleep apnea can provide a stable, mild level of carbon dioxide for patients with central sleep apnea, thus by preserving respiratory drive correcting central sleep apnea without increasing the arousal and microarousal frequency.

Abstract: Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having various vent designs are disclosed herein. The interfaces include a bias flow vent with design geometries that help reduce and/or minimize draft and noise levels of the fluids exiting the vents. Some of the vent designs include particular vent hole geometries, plenum spaces, diffusers and fibrous media.

Abstract: A patient-contacting element for a patient interface for delivering a flow of gas to a user is being configured to provide a substantially air-tight seal with the user's skin during use. The patient-contacting element includes an inlet for receiving at least part of the flow of gas, at least one gas-permeable element that is disposed within the patient-contacting element and arranged in fluidic communication with the inlet, and a first layer of an air-tight material that is arranged between the at least one gas-permeable element and an inner space of the patient-contacting element for receiving a nose and/or a mouth of the user. The air-tight material has at least one opening therein.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a 3D scan of a patient's face includes receiving a request for a 3D scanner from the patient, sending the 3D scanner to the patient, receiving the 3D scan of the patient's face obtained from the 3D scanner from the patient, receiving the 3D scanner from the patient, and using the 3D scan of the patient's face to make, select, or customize a patient interface device for the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and an intermediate portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face-contacting portion. The intermediate portion includes a gusset portion that applies a first component of force to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. A spring structure is coupled with the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The spring structure applies a second component of force to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. The first and second components of force applied by the gusset portion and spring structure, respectively, determine a contact force of the cushion applied to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. The intermediate portion may also include an elastic cuff portion.

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 nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose.

Abstract: A cushion assembly for a patient interface includes an elastomeric seal-forming portion that includes a dome-shaped superior region (3180A); a saddle-shaped inferior region (3180G); a first support region (3180E) having a consistent wall thickness, preferably 2 mm, that is greater than the wall thickness of the dome-shaped superior and the saddle-shaped inferior regions, preferably 0.3 mm; a second support region (3180D) having a varied wall thickness and is bounded by the first support region (3180E) on a proximal side and having a distal side opposite the proximal side. In claim 1, the wall thickness in the second support region (3180D) increases from the distal side to the proximal side, preferably 2 to 1.3 mm. Preferably, wall thickness of a third support region (3180F) is 1.3 mm, a compliant region (3180C) is 0.85 mm and a flap (3180H) is 0.5 mm. Preferably flap (3180H) moves independently of a loop connection (3110).

Abstract: A wearable device (8,60,70,86) structured to exert a contact pressure between the wearable device and a skin surface of a wearer, such as a patient interface device for delivering a flow of breathing gas to a patient, includes a first member (18,72,96), such as a faceplate member, structured to have a first pressure applied thereto, a contact member (14,74), such as a sealing cushion, structured to exert the contact pressure against the skin surface in response to the first pressure, and a support member (20,62,78) positioned between the first member and the contact member, the support member including a plurality of compression members (40,52,54,64,84), wherein each of the compression members is structured to buckle in response to a compression force having at least a first predetermined level being applied to the support member.

Abstract: A mask system has a shroud module with headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear; and a cushion module, including a frame defining a breathing chamber; and a cushion to form a seal with the patient's face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient's face. The cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, and a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module. The shroud module and the cushion module are configured to be removably coupleable to one another.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.