Abstract: A patient interface that reliably and comfortably seals a user's face by providing an oral-nasal mask that includes an integrated nasal interface. The patient interface includes a seal member having an oral cushion portion configured to surround the user's mouth and a nasal interface portion that provides an interface with the user's nose. The seal member, including the oral cushion portion and the nasal interface portion, is a unitary member. Finally, the nasal interface portion remains below the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

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

Abstract: Patient interface components and/or associated head gear and adjustment systems improve sealing and/or patient comfort and/or ease of use. The interface comprising an inflating or ballooning seal. The headgear assembly can be connected to the interface with an elastic component and an inelastic component. The elastic component enabling a course fitting of the interface to the patient and the inelastic component enabling a final fitting of the interface to the patient.

Abstract: A forehead cushion for a forehead support of a breathing mask arrangement includes a cushion element including a contact surface adapted to contact a patient's forehead and provide a distribution of contact force and a coupling element provided to the cushion element. The coupling element is adapted to couple the cushion element to the forehead support. The cushion element is movable with respect to the coupling element to achieve different contact positions on the patient's forehead.

Abstract: A mouth cushion for a mask system includes a side wall, an undercushion extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use. The side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs, and at least a portion of the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration when in cross-section.

Abstract: A full-face mask assembly includes a frame and a cushion provided to the frame. The cushion is adapted to form a seal around the patient's nose and mouth. A flexible lip is provided to an interior wall of the cushion. The flexible lip is adapted to engage the frame to provide a seal in use.

Abstract: A vent arrangement is provided to a mask or associated conduit to discharge exhaled gas from the mask to atmosphere. The vent arrangement is structured to diffuse the exhaust vent flow to produce less air jetting, thereby increasing the comfort of the patient and their bed partner. For example, the vent arrangement may include one or more grill components and/or media constructed and arranged to diffuse vent flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the surface structure of a plastic material and particularly of silicone surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to the surface structure of the surfaces of a breathing mask assembly or a patient interface to be used for supplying breathing gas to a patient. Such patient interface for providing respiratory gas to a patient comprises a contact surface for contacting a patient's skin, wherein at least a part of said contact surface is a structured surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a symmetrical face mask suitable for use with one hand that allows an operator to provide a reliable seal with the patient's face with his/her hand and arm in an anatomically favorable position for application of a user's physical strength. In general, a user may reach at an acute angle to the plane of their chest and engage the invention mask with their hand in a manner the user may shake another person's hand, i.e., with a distal portion of their radius and ulna arranged essentially vertically so that side to side motion of the hand translates to forward and rearward motion of a mask shell while a user reserves full bi-directional rotational capability of their arm for forward or rearward rotation compression of the mask shell while, at the same time, reserving full and lever-efficient, bi-directional pushing and pulling range of a user's arm for greater pressure of the mask shell to a right or left side of a user's fleshy cheek.

Abstract: A forehead pad for a breathing mask includes a substantially dimensionally stable first wall element and an elastomer second wall element coupled to the first wall element. The second wall element has a contact zone adapted to contact a surface of a user in use. The first and second wall elements define a filling-material-receiving chamber adapted to receive a filling material.

Abstract: The present face mask may have a double seal, a triple seal or a quadruple seal, with distinct spacing between each of the seals within a set of seals. Each of the seals within a double seal, triple seal, or quadruple seal may stand alone or may be interconnected to other seals by bridging, where such bridging is formed of the same adhesive as the seal itself. Also disclosed is an after market embodiment where a multiple seal by itself is housed between two sheets of release paper to be applied to a face mask by the user himself when needed. Further disclosed is a multiple seal with bridging applied to a clothing combination, such as to seal sleeve cuffs to a glove.

Abstract: A cushion for a full facial respiratory mask assembly includes a frame-connecting portion, a face-contacting portion, and a gusset portion disposed between and joining the frame-connecting and face-contacting portions. The gusset portion is structured to allow relative movement of a mask frame to occur towards and away from a patient's face, and the gusset portion includes a nasal bridge perimetrical region, a mouth perimetrical region and a transition perimetrical region. The nasal bridge perimetrical region comprises a w-shaped or concertina-type fold having little or no projected area relative to the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The mouth perimetrical region extends laterally outwardly to form an increased projected area relative to the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The transition perimetrical region extends laterally outwardly an amount intermediate of the nasal bridge perimetrical region and the mouth perimetrical region.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a mask body including a mask shell, and a mask cushion connected to a rear side of the mask shell; a front cover disposed in front of and hinged to the mask shell, and having a support arm extending upwardly; a forehead support unit having a forehead frame connected to a top end of the support arm, and a forehead pad connected to a rear side of the forehead frame; and an adjustment unit connected to at least one of the mask shell and the front cover, and operable to produce relative movements of the mask shell and the front cover so that the mask body can abut against the user's nose with an appropriate abutment pressure.

Abstract: A liner for use with a respiratory mask having a face-engaging portion, such as a CPAP mask, includes a body constructed from an absorbent material, the body having an outer edge, an inner edge, and an opening bounded by the inner edge. A perimeter of the outer edge is larger than a perimeter of the face-engaging portion of the respiratory mask for forming an extending portion of the body, and the liner is configured to be releasably held by the mask and a user's face such that the outer edge extends beyond the face-engaging portion.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a mask with an inflatable bladder. The internal pressure of the inflatable bladder can be set to be higher than the delivered therapeutic pressure. The pressure offset may be constant, or it may vary over the range of therapeutic pressures. Thus, the force necessary to maintain a contact seal between the mask and the patient can be reduced, thereby providing a system that is more comfortable to the patient, which increases patient compliance.

Abstract: Gel and non-gel structures for interfacing with various portions of an organism's body are disclosed. A gel structure such as a web-like structure is configured to encircle a portion of the human body. The gel structure can be adapted to encircle virtually any exterior or interior portion of the human body. The gel structure can interface with an external medical device for delivery of medicine or for extracting substances and fluids from the human body.

Abstract: A cushion for a respiratory mask assembly includes a breathing chamber forming portion and a face contacting portion formed in one piece of an elastomeric material, and a gusset portion including one or more folds. The breathing chamber forming portion includes a mask interior breathing chamber and the face contacting portion is structured to engage a patient's face. The gusset portion is structured to provide flexibility to the face contacting portion. The breathing chamber forming portion includes a front side of the mask and the face contacting portion includes a rear side of the mask. The breathing chamber forming portion, when provided to a mask frame, includes an exterior surface exposed at the front side of the mask.

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 forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob, forehead cushion support, and frame connector are constructed and arranged such that over-rotation of the adjustment knob beyond the extended position of the forehead cushion support is adapted to release the adjustment knob from the forehead cushion support and the frame connector.

Abstract: This invention is a respiration-related mask with a user interface for custom fitting the mask to a person's face. It comprises: a respiration-related mask that directs a breathable gas into a person's nose, mouth, or both; two or more differentially and selectively movable members that are part of the mask, wherein differential and selective movement of these members changes the face-contacting contour of the mask; and a remote user interface that allows the person to differentially and selectively adjust the movable members so as to better fit the face-contacting contour of the mask to the person's face while the person is wearing the mask. The resulting mask can conform to the contours of a person's face so that there are no places around the mask that fit too tightly (causing irritation, skin marks, and pain) and no places that fit too loosely (causing air leaks). This can increase patient tolerance of wearing a mask and can improve the therapeutic efficiency of wearing a mask.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system designed for the rapid preparation of anatomically customized mask employing data from a patient. The data may take the form of a multidimensional image of a target area of a patient's face obtained by optical 3 dimensional imaging, or a dot or line scan form laser imaging, pattern laser photography or stereo photography. Also disclosed is a mask that is designed so as to be unobtrusive and comfortable for the user. The body of the mask is made of a thin layer, so it is lightweight and closely hugs the targeted region upon which it rests (e.g. the nasal region). Methods for producing anatomically customized masks are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial respiration device that includes a tubular element, which forms a main channel having an upstream part at the proximal end of the tubular element and a downstream part at the distal end of the tubular element. Auxiliary channels open into the main channel and deflecting means are located internal to the main channel. The deflecting means are configured to deflect jets of respiratory gas injected into the main ckannel through the auxiliary channels so as to converge the gas at a point of convergence inside the main channel. The tubular element also includes at least one lateral safety orifice that extends through a lateral wall of the tubular element at a location sustantially opposite the point of convergence, and which is configured to communicate air from outside the tubular element to the downstream part of the main channel.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A ventilation mask comprises a corrugated flexible seal, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal. The corrugated flexible seal is configured for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and a patient, and for allowing facial movements of the patient while maintaining the fluid seal. The plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal is configured for physical contact with the patient.

Abstract: A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a frame, a facial skin interface, and a self-sealing tube insertion region. The frame is configured for coupling with a head strap system, where 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 facial skin interface is coupled with the frame and configured for interfacing with facial skin of the patient and sealing the patient interface about the respiratory opening in response to the securing force. The self-sealing tube insertion region is coupled with the facial skin interface and configured for self-sealing about a tube disposed between the facial skin and the facial skin interface, such that the securing force is diverted around the tube while the tube is inserted in the self-sealing tube insertion region.

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: In a method for adjusting a ventilation mask, a ventilative state is measured of a ventilation mask that is placed over a respiratory opening of a patient A sealing portion of the ventilation mask is for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and the patient. The sealing portion comprises a plurality of bladders. An unintentional leak of the fluid seal is determined based on a measured change of the ventilative state. A bladder of the plurality of bladders is adjusted to seal the unintentional leak.

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

Abstract: A 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: A mask assembly for use in providing a supply of air at positive pressure to the airways of a patient includes a frame and an elbow. The elbow is rotatable with respect to the frame when assembled. The frame includes an elbow-receiving portion. The elbow and elbow-receiving portion of the frame are adapted to include respective interlocking sealing portions and one of the elbow and elbow-receiving portion includes a flexible element that upon assembly flexes to introduce a preload that effects a seal between the respective interlocking sealing portions.

Abstract: Cushions for respiratory face masks have a frame-connecting portion, a face-contacting portion, and a gusset portion disposed between and joining the frame-connecting and face-contacting portions. The gusset portion preferably includes at least one perimetrical region which having a laterally projecting exterior gusset section and a laterally projecting interior gusset section. According to one aspect, the laterally projecting exterior and interior gusset sections are disposed about the entire perimeter to the gusset portion so as to establish a substantially constant widthwise dimension thereof about the gusset's entire perimeter.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's nares; a pair of strips configured to be connected to opposite sides of the patient interface structure; and adhesive configured to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's nares. The adhesive may be provided on the strips, and the strips are configured to be adhered to sides of the patient's nose by the adhesive. Another patient interface system includes a first component including adhesive on a first side and hook or loop fastener material on a second side, wherein the adhesive is configured to adhere the component to the face of the patient; and a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's airways.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask includes a headband adapted to extend in an application position from a forehead portion of a patient around a back head portion of the patient. A strengthening element is releasably coupled to the headband to add flexural strength to the headband. The strengthening element is adapted to extend from the forehead portion laterally to respective ear portions and to descend behind the respective ear portions towards the patient's neck. The strengthening element has bracket sections positioned below respective ear portions adjacent the back head portion. A support is coupled to respective bracket sections to support the bracket sections in the back head portion.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a cushion for a ventilation interface is disclosed. A ventilation mask can include a mask body adapted to matingly engage with the cushion. The cushion can be a double-membrane cushion having an outer sealing membrane and an inner membrane, both of which can extend from a frame. The outer sealing membrane can have a face-contacting portion. The inner membrane can be outwardly oriented from the frame.

Abstract: A respiratory mask has an adjustable forehead support member that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The forehead support member may be adjusted by rotating a forehead pad about an off-center bore or by bending an angular adjustment beam. The mask has a mask cushion with an accordionate membrane having at least two hinged portions. The mask may be constructed with a mask frame, the mask cushion, and the forehead support member molded as one piece.

Abstract: This invention is a respiratory mask for delivering pressurized gas with a perimeter that can be custom fitted to the contours of a person's face by active and individual adjustment of multiple shape-changing members in the body of the mask. In different embodiments of this invention, the shape-changing members may be located around the perimeter of the mask and individually adjusted by inflation, other pneumatic means, hydraulic means, electric means, or magnetic means. The resulting mask can conform to the contours of an individual's face, even while they sleep, so that there are no places around the mask that fit too tightly (causing irritation, skin marks, and pain) and no places that fit too loosely (causing air leaks).

Abstract: A mask system includes a frame and a cushion provided to the frame. The frame provides a brace or fulcrum like structure about which the cushion may pivot, bend, and/or flex.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a mask shell and a cushion assembly. The cushion assembly includes a seal cushion and a support cushion. The seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. The support cushion defines a second area over a face of such a patient when the patient interface device is being worn. The second area overlaps at least a portion of the first area.

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 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 mask system includes a cushion adapted to seal with a face of a patient. In one form an unobtrusive full-face masks system is provided which is comfortable and has a wide fit range. The cushion may include a sealing structure (127-10) and a supporting structure (127-20). The supporting structure may include gaps or spacing in a nasal bridge region (NBR) and/or a lip region CHN.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder is provided. The endotracheal tube holder includes an adjustable securing clamp, an adjusting unit, a bite block, and a securing strap. The adjustable securing clamp includes a first clamping unit having a first clamping portion, and a second clamping unit having a second clamping portion. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are oppositely and correspondingly aligned for holding an endotracheal tube. The adjusting unit includes an elastic member, coupled between the first clamping unit and the second clamping unit. The bite block is configured at one side of the first clamping portion and includes an endotracheal tube accommodation portion. The endotracheal tube accommodation portion covers over the endotracheal tube for providing a protection to the endotracheal tube. The securing strap includes two ends respectively coupled to two lateral sides of the first clamping unit.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four-sided dustproof mask including: an upper filter adapted to surround a wearer's nose area; a lower filter adapted to surround the wearer's chin area; and a protruded center filter adapted to attach the upper filter and the lower filter thereto in such a manner as to make the both ends of the upper filter and the lower filter correspond to center points formed at the both ends of a curved folding line dividing the protruded center filter into two sides, the curved folding line having a straight line portion having a predetermined length protrudedly extended from the center points thereof, whereby while the upper filter and the lower filter are being developed, the protruded center filter is protruded to a dome-like shape.

Abstract: An interfacing structure for a mask system includes a cushion component adapted to contact the patient's face in use and a cushion-to-frame component provided to the cushion component. The cushion-to-frame component is structured to secure the cushion component to a mask frame of the mask system. The cushion-to-frame component includes a cushion side adapted to interface with the cushion component and a frame side adapted to interface with the mask frame. The cushion side includes a platform to engage and support the cushion component. The platform provides an engagement surface to engage the cushion component and inner and outer flanges provided to opposing ends of the platform to guide, support and/or retain the cushion component on the platform.