Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing MAD therapy via an adjustable mandibular advancement device structured to advance the position of the patient's lower jaw, providing CPAP therapy via a mask system structured to deliver a supply of pressurized air to a patient, and selectively adjusting the mask system and/or the mandibular advancement device to alternate and/or balance between CPAP therapy and MAD therapy.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly having an improved support for use in securing a patient interface device to the head of a patient overcomes the shortcomings of conventional headgear. The improved support provides a self-adjusting anchor point situated anterior to the ear of the patient that provides enhanced stability in mounting the patient interface device to the patient.

Abstract: A CPAP device and a method for treating sleep apnea use a head appliance with an oral adaptor comprising a tube partially inserted in a person's mouth and a diaphragm applied over the tube against the mouth, such that the lips are formed into a tight seal with the tube. A nasal seal is described comprising two rollers to which a strap is attached, so that the nasal seal is easily put in place, adjusted and maintained by rolling the rollers on the nose sides or pulling the straps.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient may include one or more of the following improvements: rigidizer provided to headgear strap, locking clip/clip receptacle headgear connection, keyed headgear buckles, lotion dispenser on frame, rotatable prongs to adjust orientation, alignment indicators provided to prong, cushion and/or frame, chin flap with bellows arrangement, vent holes positioned away from gas entry port, and vent holes to direct washout gas at an angle.

Abstract: A forehead support for a patient interface used in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a support post provided to a frame and a pair of arms extending from the support post. At least one of the pair of arms is adapted to rotate relative to the support post about an axis that extends transverse to the support post.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a support structure, a pivot arm pivotably coupled to the support structure and structured to pivot about an axis, a patient coupling member, such as a mask or a forehead support, coupled to the pivot arm, and a cam wheel rotateably coupled to the support structure and engaging the pivot arm, wherein rotation of the cam wheel relative to the support structure and the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot about the axis and the patient coupling member to move either forward or backward along a path of movement. Also, an alternative patient interface device includes a cam wheel rotatable about a cushion member that changes a position of a main body portion of the cushion member relative to a headgear frame member of the patient interface device.

Abstract: The invention provides a patient interface arrangement which has a forehead support which is adjustable by a rotary knob. A sound damping means is provided for damping sounds generated when there is rotational adjustment or clattering of the adjustable components.

Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask. The forehead support includes a pair of arms. The arms are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion. The arms are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask frame and a forehead support provided to the mask frame. The forehead support includes a base extending from the frame. The base includes a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length including a material and/or physical characteristic that allows the base to flex from an original, unloaded position.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a nasal cannula comprising a pair of oxygen tube holders connected via a strap, the nasal cannula securing device being positionable behind the head of a patient and slightly below the patient's ears so as to secure the nasal cannula in place.

Abstract: A securement device used to secure an anesthesia mask or an endotracheal tube to an animal patient during surgery, includes an elongated flexible element having two ends. A first slidable connector is threaded through the two ends and is movable along the elongated flexible element. The first connector creates a first loop in the elongated flexible element such that the first loop is wrappable around the anesthesia mask or the endotracheal tube. The first connector is slidable for securing the first loop around the anesthesia mask or endotracheal tube. A second slidable connector is threaded through the two ends, and creates a second loop in the elongated flexible element. The second connector is positioned such that the second loop is securely attachable to a head of the animal patient using the second connector sliding along the elongated flexible element.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a forehead support having a base provided to a frame and at least one, and preferably two upwardly extending support arms. The arms define a fixed or an adjustable included angle that is preferably less than 180° and, in the range of about 100°-150°. The arms can be attached either directly to headgear straps, or the arms can be connected to headgear straps via clips.

Abstract: A face mask which has a fabric body of folded filter material that defines an expandable face pocket, an interior face, an exterior face, a top edge, a bottom edge and opposed side edges. A bendable strip of metal defines a nosepiece that is centrally positioned between the opposed side edges along the top edge. The nosepiece has a length that is not less than 3.50 cm and not more than 6.00 cm, and a width that is not less than 0.30 cm and not more than 2.00 cm. Straps are used to secure the fabric body to a person's head.

Abstract: A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks.

Abstract: A manual lung ventilation device and method suitable for acute manual respiratory resuscitation and lung ventilation of a person are disclosed. The manual lung ventilation device includes a nasal interface in fluid communication with a flexible chamber. The nasal interface being held in the proper position on the person by a headgear and at least one securing device adapted to connect the nasal interface to the headgear. The device may be formed as a single component to allow an operator to rapidly position the device on the person to be ventilated and operate the device with one hand.

Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask. The forehead support includes a pair of arms. The arms are each adapted to locate a forehead cushion. The arms are also adapted to pivot relative to each other. The arms are also selectively lockable at two or more angular positions relative to each other. The forehead support can thus be adjusted to suit the facial topography of the wearer of the respiratory mask.

Abstract: The mask includes: a mask main body; cords that are stretched around both ears or a head of a wearer to fix the mask main body to a predetermined position on a face of the wearer; and a nose grip portion that stands up from a surface of the mask main body on a side in contact with the face of the wearer toward the face of the wearer and covers a nasal bridge of the wearer from above when the mask is worn.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective cover assembly, pattern, and method for use for installation upon an external orthodontic headgear protraction appliance having a chin cup interface and a forehead pad interface. The present invention includes two aspects of a protective cover assembly, a protective chin cup cover assembly and a protective forehead pad cover assembly. Each protective cover assembly provides an absorbing soft cushioning fleece membrane between the facial skin of an orthodontic patient wearer and the hard surfaces of the orthodontic protraction headgear interfaces to prevent against a plurality of discomforts which result from wearing the orthodontic protraction headgear appliance during treatment of Class III Malocclusion; and configured to improve compliancy of use of the orthodontic protraction appliance in the orthodontic population, especially among growing children and adolescents.

Abstract: Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.

Abstract: A user interface (22) with headgear (29) is disclosed where a flexible conduit (24) supplies gases to the patient interface and the conduit is connected to the headgear by a sliding connection or support portion (26). In one form headgear may include a transverse strap which the conduit is attached to. In other forms various sliding straps constrain the conduit such that forces on the conduit are transferred to the headgear not the interface. Interface vertical height and angular adjustment mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal respiratory mask system comprising: a nasal mask that is tightly attached to the face of a user and serves as means for leading positive-pressure breathing gas to the nose of the user, a frame to keep the nasal mask at a predetermined position, and a headgear that is mounted on the head in order to attach the nasal mask tightly to the face; wherein, the headgear comprises, on the tip thereof, a headgear strap for adjusting the length of the headgear, the headgear strap comprises a headgear fastener that serves as means for connection/disconnection with the frame, the frame comprises a fastener catch that engages with the headgear fastener, and the fastener catch comprises an axisymmetric guide whose (rotation) axis is the insertion direction of the headgear fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.

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: A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.

Abstract: A patient interface system (30) that includes a patient interface assembly (40) and a headgear assembly (70). The patient interface assembly (40) includes a frame (42), a patient circuit connector (44), a seal member (46), and a coupling assembly (50) extending from the frame. The coupling assembly (50) is directed toward the users forehead when worn. The headgear assembly (70) includes an elongated pad support (72), a headgear attachment element (78) disposed on the pad support (72), a headgear strap (80) coupled to the headgear attachment element (78), and an elongated headgear pad (74) coupled to the pad support (72). The pad support, pad, or both are configured so as to extend from the forehead of the user generally along a centerline of the head and terminate proximate to a top of a head. In addition, a coupling assembly attachment assembly (100) is operatively coupled to the pad support (72) to couple the coupling assembly (50) of the patient interface device to the headgear assembly (70).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a protective hood is provided for protecting a wearer's head and face from environmental elements. The hood includes a hood body, a lens, a nose cup disposed inside of the hood body and harness assembly. The harness assembly is attached to the outside of the hood body for securing the hood body and nose cup to the wearer's head and face. The hood further includes at least one nose cup link. Each nose cup link having a portion that is internal to the hood body, a portion that is external to the hood body and a mid-section portion that is connected to the hood body at a plurality of points along mid-section portion. The harness assembly is connected to the external portion of the hood cup link for adjusting the nose cup.

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: An improved head harness is disclosed for use with full face respirators. The head harness may include an elastomeric core having a central portion and a plurality of radiating arms. The plurality of radiating arms may be connected to a plurality of non-elastic straps. A fabric cover may completely enclose the elastomeric core, including the plurality of radiating arms. The cover may include a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of straps, so that when assembled, only the straps protrude from the openings. As described, the elastomeric core and elastomeric radiating arms are separated from a user's hair by the fabric cover. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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 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 respiratory auxiliary device includes a first conduit provided with a pair of nasal prongs and having two opposite end portions, two second conduits connected fluidly and respectively to the end portions, and a pressure-measuring pipe adapted for connection with a pressure-measuring device. One of the second conduits is adapted for discharging air exhaled by a patient. The other one of the second conduits is adapted to be connected to an air supply device. The pressure-measuring pipe is disposed within said one of the second conduits, and has one end extending into the first conduit in proximity to the nasal prongs.

Abstract: A headgear for securing and positioning a mask suitable for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing is constructed from a composite including polyurethane foam. It includes a back portion with upper and lower straps connected to the back portion. The straps have relatively narrow strap ends the lower straps are displaced downward with respect to the back portion. A quick release mechanism near the front of the face attaches the headgear to the mask. Additional components can be attached to the straps to alter their elasticity and stiffness.

Abstract: An oxygen tubing holder may support oxygen tubing away from a person's ears by providing a clip that may attach to a hat, headband or the like. The oxygen tubing holder may be placed near the ears, thereby permitting standard oxygen tubing to be used with the oxygen tubing holder. The oxygen tubing holder may include a clip end for attaching onto, for example, a hat or headband, and a U-shaped tubing holding end.

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 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: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear includes a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal tube holder having a conformable body with a nose section and a forehead section. At least one nasal tube inserted into a patient's nose is held to the conformable body, and the conformable body is held to a patient's forehead. Also disclosed is a method for securing at least one nasal tube to a patient's nose and forehead.

Abstract: An ergonomic chin support is designed for use in combination with medical headgear. The headgear has flexible straps adapted for locating a ventilation interface on a patient. The ergonomic chin support comprises a generally arcuate and substantially rigid chin cradle. First and second substantially rigid extensions are formed at opposite ends of the chin cradle, and are adapted for being pulled by respective straps of the headgear to urge the chin cradle against the mandible of the patient. Retaining posts are provided for retaining the ergonomic chin support at a fixed location along respective lengths of the straps.

Abstract: A breathing mask (1) for aircraft crewmember or passenger comprises a rigid portion (3) to be fit against the face of an user, said rigid portion comprising elements to bring a breathable gas to the user. The breathing mask further comprises an extensible harness (4) having end portions (5) connected to said rigid portion and including an inflatable element (6) connected to a source (7) of pressurized gas through a manually operable valve which delivers the pressurized gas to the inflatable element for extending the harness when actuated, and which reduces the pressure in said inflatable element to retract the harness and to cause the rigid portion to engage the face of the user when released. The source of pressurized gas is an autonomous container (7) supported by the rigid portion and containing the pressurized gas.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user's nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user's nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Abstract: A patient treatment system that comprises a gas delivery system, a patient interface, and a control interface to provide a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The patient interface is in communication with the gas delivery system, and is constructed to interface with a patient to provide the breathable gas to the patient. The control interface is carried by the patient interface, and enables the patient to control at least one aspect of the patient treatment system.

Abstract: A forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask includes a support element made from an elastomer material. The support element forms a support face which in an application position is adapted to seat on a forehead area of a user. The support element includes a jacket that defines a hollow chamber adapted to be filled with a viscous medium.

Abstract: The adjustable mouth shield device provides an adjustably fitted mouth shield with adjustable headband for secure fit. The adjustable headband is fastened to the padded earpiece. The straight first extension from the earpiece is angled downwardly and forwardly to terminate in a swivel joint providing almost 360 degrees of swivel. The second extension is arced both downwardly and forwardly. The u-shaped mouthpiece is fitted to the adjustable spring mount for horizontal pivot of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may, by virtue of the swivel joint and the spring mount, be moved completely away from a user's mouth and, in turn, pivoted and swiveled to be directly in front of the user's mouth. The inward curves at the distal end of the mouthpiece aid in sliding on the disposable pads that shield a user from objects, foods and other materials.

Abstract: A device used for ventilation includes a ventilation mask that can be connected to a respiratory gas hose. The ventilation mask has a respiratory gas hose coupling that is movably connected by a joint with the base of the ventilation mask. The joint is a ball-and-socket joint, which has an inner part that is shaped like a spherical segment and an outer shell for guiding the inner part. The outer shell is constructed from at least two shell segments that can be connected with each other.

Abstract: A patient mask assembly for positive pressure ventilation includes a brace which clips to the mask and provides attachment locations for headgear straps in alternative positions to those attachment locations which may be provided by the mask. The brace may also provide a mask stabilizing portion.

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 headgear suitable for wearing a respiratory mask system wearing on the head of a user is provided, wherein it can be easily manufactured, the leakage of the positive pressure gas when pressurized is reduced, and a good wearing feel is achieved. The headgear is adapted to secure a respiratory mask, which contacts the face of the user to supply a positive pressure gas for respiration to the user, to the head of user. The headgear has a head mounted portion which is worn on the occipital of the user and a strap (3) connecting to this head mounted portion. The head mounted portion has at least one closed curved belt (1) which has thereon at least one junction (2). At least one junction provides the closed curved belt with a nonplanar structure adaptable to the shape of the head of the user.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a single-piece first cushion ring defining an airflow channel and having a front cover-engaging end portion and a rear abutment end portion adapted to abut against a user's face below the forehead, a cover shell having a cover plate engaged to the front cover-engaging end portion and provided with a connecting hole that is adapted to be connected to an air supply source, a resilient forehead support connected to a top end of the front cover-engaging end portion and bendable toward the rear abutment end portion, a resilient forehead abutment body connected to a top end of and supported by the resilient forehead support and including a second cushion ring adapted to abut against the forehead of the user, and an adjustable head strap unit connected to the first cover shell and the resilient forehead abutment body.