Abstract: Buckle and respirators having such buckles. The buckle has a movable cinch bar allowing a strap to be inserted into and be secured by the buckle by opening the cinch bar and inserting the strap. The cinch bar then returns to a closed position and supports the strap over the cinch bar. The cinch bar may be deformable through the use of a living hinge connecting the cinch bar to the body of the buckle. The cinch bar may be split into two members, each being deformably coupled to the buckle body, perhaps with living hinges.

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: An airway tube holder (10) has a face plate assembly to fix an airway tube (24). The assembly comprises a face plate (20) for placement over the mouth of a patient. The face plate (20) has a channel (22) including an open end (23) and a closed end (26) in which the tube (24) is fixedly positioned. A tube holding block (30) is integrally mounted to the face plate (20). The block (30) has a securing means (38, 40, 41) mounted in the tube holding block (30). A clamp (41) is secured to a screw (40) of the securing means by a loop (44) encircling the screw (40). A folded strip (106) is attached to the end of a headband (18) so secure the holder to a patient, and forms hooked portions facing in opposite directions. The block (30) is flexible enough to absorb an over-tightening of the screw (40).

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 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: A device for respiration with a half mask (4) and with a strap (6) for pressing the half mask (4) onto the face of a mask user (7). Wearing comfort is facilitated by providing the strap (6) of a one-piece cut made of an elastic material and having at least one four-point connection with straps (9, 10) to the half mask (4).

Abstract: A patient interface for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion and a head strap system. The frame portion is for surrounding oral and nasal regions of a patient. The head strap system is configured for coupling from a left lateral portion of the patient interface, around a posterior skull of a patient, and to a right lateral portion of the frame portion such that in response to donning of the patient interface, the head strap system supplies a securing force to secure the frame portion in a position over nasal and oral cavities of the patient, the head strap is also configured to retain a head-shape when not in use to enable intuitive donning on the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of a person lying prone or on a side includes a base member that is configured to be worn on the head of the person and to rotate between a plurality of positions relative to a support surface upon which the base member rests. The base member defines at least one support member configured to contact the face of the person. A front support structure is mounted to the base member. The front support structure and the base member are cooperatively arranged to define a space between the front support structure and the face of the person wearing the apparatus. The at least one support member is configured to support the head of the person away from the front support structure when the person is lying prone or on a side and with the base member in any of the plurality of positions.

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 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 mask system for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mask assembly including a frame, a cushion provided to the frame, and optionally an elbow provided to the frame. Headgear is removably attached to the mask assembly to maintain the mask assembly in a desired position on a patient's face. The headgear includes a back headgear section providing a top strap, a pair of side straps attached to the back headgear section, and an elastic strap attached between the back headgear section and the pair of side straps.

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 headgear connection assembly for a mask assembly includes a pair of clip receptacles provided to respective sides of a mask frame and a pair of locking clips adapted to be removably interlocked with respective clip receptacles. The locking clips are adapted to be removably connected to headgear straps in use. Each clip receptacle includes an upper wall. The upper wall has a recess and a lip adjacent to the recess at the edge of the upper wall.

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 respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a respiratory mask including a mask shell and a mask cushion, a forehead support adjustably coupled to the mask, and an angular adjustment member. The forehead support includes a joining member provided to the mask shell and a cushion frame pivotally mounted to the joining member. The cushion frame is adapted to be selectively locked against pivotal movement in at least three predetermined angular positions relative to the joining member by a tongue and slot arrangement. The angular adjustment member allows relative angular adjustment between the cushion frame and the joining member. The angular adjustment member includes a pair of flexible arms that are adapted to be flexed towards one another to disengage the tongue from a respective one of the slots, and releasing the flexible arms allows the flexible arms to resiliently flex away from one another to engage the tongue and the respective slot.

Abstract: A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which 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 patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.

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 invention is a method for padding CPAP face and full face masks forehead and nose bridge area to prevent skin irritation, discomfort, indentions, allergies and ulcers. The pad is attached to the forehead part of the CPAP face mask by way of pockets sewn into the body of the pad. The pad protects the forehead area of the wearer as well as the nose bridge by way of a flap of material that fits between the seal of the mask and the wearer's nose bridge area distributing the pressure from the mask seal. Persons with sleep apnea rely on CPAP therapy to prevent the obstruction in order to continue to breathe while sleeping. The CPAP masks appear medical and strange, especially to a new user of the device. By making the CPAP mask more comfortable with soft padding and also preventing marks and sores, it is more likely that the person will continue their therapy and improve their health.

Abstract: A flexible support for holding endotracheal and nasotracheal tubes in place on the face of a patient includes a pair of oppositely disposed adhesively mountable flanges for releasable mounting to the face of the patient, wherein the flanges are interconnected by a single narrow adhesive-backed elongate bridge-piece spanning between the opposite flanges, and wherein the bridge-piece is shaped so as to be mountable on either the filtrum or mandible of a patient, and wherein a pair of adhesive-backed wings are pivotally mounted by a flexible hinge to the bridge-piece for releasable adhesive mounting of the wings to a portion of the tracheal tube once intubated.

Abstract: A respiratory mask device includes a mask body that has a front gas inlet and a rear abutment end to contact a patient's face, left and right upper connectors disposed on left and right sides of the front gas inlet for connection with an upper head strap, left and right lower connectors respectively disposed beneath the left and right upper connectors, and left and right cantilever arms fixed at a top side of the mask body. The left and right cantilever arms extend downward and sideward from the top side and have bottom free ends carrying respective left and right upper connectors. With the cantilever arms, pulling forces can be dispersed uniformly on the mask body, and uncomfortable pressure experienced by a user may be eliminated.

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 patient's 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 medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.

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

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device having a first fastening element and a second fastening element and a headgear for attaching the patient interface device to a head of a user. The headgear includes a headgear member having a first headgear attachment portion and a second headgear attachment portion, and an attaching mechanism coupling the first headgear attachment portion to the first fastening element and coupling the second headgear attachment portion to the second fastening element. One adjustment of the attaching mechanism controls a tension in the connection between both (i) the first headgear attachment portion and the first fastening element and (ii) the second headgear attachment portion and the second fastening element simultaneously.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a respiratory mask and a forehead support secured to the mask via a joining member. The forehead support includes a cushion frame pivotably mounted to the joining member so as to be pivotably movable relative to the mask when the cushion frame is secured to the mask. At least one cushion is mounted on the cushion frame. A finger-operated adjustment control member is provided to the cushion frame. The finger-operated adjustment control member is manually manipulable to adjust a position of the cushion frame relative to the joining member along a predetermined path generally towards and away from the patient's forehead.

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 respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable respiratory mask includes: a mask body including a rear side, and a front cover having a connecting hole and projecting upwardly; an adjuster housing formed on top of the front cover, and having a sleeve that extends within the adjuster housing in a front-to-rear direction and that has a rear opening exposed from the adjuster housing; a forehead abutment member having a shank projecting forwardly from the forehead abutment member and extending into the sleeve through the rear opening; and an adjusting unit for adjusting a distance of the forehead abutment member from the adjuster housing. The shank is movable relative to the sleeve so that the forehead abutment member is movable toward and away from the adjuster housing.

Abstract: A respirator that includes a mask body and a nose clip. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the nose clip is placed on the mask body to extend over the bridge of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The nose clip has a predefined shape that comprises first and second wings. These wings exert a force resiliently inward on each side of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The invention eliminates the need for the wearer to individually shape the nose clip to the wearer's nose.

Abstract: A forehead pad including a coupling portion for attachment to a forehead support member, and a contact portion for contacting a patient's forehead. The contact portion includes a contact portion shell formed as an outer wall, which defines a single, continuous inner cavity. The contact portion shell is formed from a substantially deformable material, such that the wall of the contact portion shell is deformable and deflectable upon contact with the patient's forehead. The continuous inner cavity does not include any support structure positioned within the cavity. A forehead support assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiration mask assembly including: a mask body having a front part that defines a front opening adapted to communicate fluidly with a gas supply, and a rear part that defines a rear opening opposite to the front opening in a horizontal direction; a forehead support beam extending outwardly from and pivoted to the front part of the mask body so as to rotate relative to the mask body about a first axis transverse to the horizontal direction; and a worm pivoted to the front part of the mask body. The forehead support beam has a toothed pivot end engaging the worm such that rotation of the worm about a second axis transverse to the first axis results in rotation of the forehead support beam about the first axis.

Abstract: A mask system includes a frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips that are configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system are configured to promote single patient use, e.g., by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a headband means (1) used for applying a breathing mask (2) in a user's facial area. Said headband means (1) comprises a flexible band body that is provided with upper and lower band portions (3, 4) and is used for transmitting the mask holding forces required for applying the breathing mask. At least some portions of the band body are made of a foamed plastic material. The invention further relates to an application device (102) for a breathing mask, comprising a headband means which extends around the back of a user's head. The headband means encompasses a supporting structure (S) made of a material that can at least once be temporarily brought into a state in which at least some portions of the headband means can be individually adjusted to the shape of the back of the user's head.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and pivoting coupling member joining the interface device to a headgear assembly. In one embodiment, a spring biases the patient interface device against the patient's face when in use. In a further embodiment, the patient interface device is a nasal cushion that includes a formable support mounted to the nasal cushion for providing support and adjustment of the nasal cushion to improve fit and comfort. The headgear assembly in one embodiment is a semi-rigid, minimal contact harness assembly and includes an adjustment assembly that allows for a simultaneous adjustment of multiple straps. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members couple the patient interface device to the headgear.

Abstract: A patient interface that is comfortable for a user to wear is disclosed. The patient interface includes a forehead rest and cushion. In particular the cushion includes a deformable resilient member that when compressed creates a uniformly and gradually increasing force while evenly distributing the pressure on the forehead of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system may include a patient interface configured to interface with a patient to communicate gas received from a gas delivery apparatus to the patient, and a securing system configured to secure the patient interface against the patient's face. The securing system may include one or more walls forming a generally tubular structure open at least at one end. At least a portion of the one or more walls may be elastic such that at least a portion of the generally tubular structure can be stretched over the patient's head.

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: 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 respiratory mask (10) that comprises a mask body (12) and a harness (21) that includes a carriage (22) and a strap (24). The mask body (12) lacks a rigid insert, is non-elastomeric, and is adapted for fitting over a person's nose and mouth. The mask body (12) has a nose portion (14), a chin portion (16), first and second cheek portions (18 and 20), and an axis (32) that extends from the nose portion (14) to the chin portion (16). The mask body (12) is constructed to deform such that the first and second cheek portions (18 and 20) move towards each other about the axis (32). The carriage (22) is joined to the mask body (12), and the strap (24) is joined to the carriage (22) for supporting the mask body (12) over a person's nose and mouth. When tension is applied to the strap (24) and an opposing force acts at the nose and chin portions of the mask body, the first and second cheek portions (18, 20) exhibit movement about the axis (32) towards each other.

Abstract: A system for securing a mask onto a subject's head is provided. The system may include a mask base, a mask latch, and a mask head strap. The mask base may be configured to support a gas delivery conduit for delivering gas to the subject. The mask latch may be pivotally coupled to the mask base about an axis extending generally laterally across the mask base. The mask head strap may be configured to be positioned around a subject's head and coupled to the mask latch such that rotation of the mask latch about the axis and relative to the mask base adjusts the mask head strap.

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

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a circumferential band with biasing means support at the crown of the head on the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from just below the forehead of a patient to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support hold a nasal or face mask apposed to the face of a patient. The circumferential band is stabilized by a band extending from the circumferential band at the region of the ear to the biasing means support.

Abstract: A nasal mask system includes an interface (80) adapted to form an air interface with a patient's nose, and a mouth seal (10) adapted to form a seal (20) with the patient's mouth. The mouth seal (20) is communicated with the interface (80) via a one-way air path (40) that allows exhausted air from the mouth seal to pass into the interface (80) but prevents air from the interface (80) from passing into the mouth seal (10).

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes: a rigid mask frame having a ring portion, a loop portion spaced apart from the ring portion, and rib portions interconnecting the ring portion and the loop portion, the rigid mask frame defining a frame space; and a single piece of a flexible mask body having a flat central portion, a surrounding portion extending outwardly and curvedly from the flat central portion, and a peripheral end portion flaring from the surrounding portion. The flat central portion is formed with an annular flange sleeved on the ring portion. The peripheral end portion is disposed outwardly of the frame space. The surrounding portion extends into the frame space and is restrained by the rib portions and the loop portion of the mask frame.

Abstract: A system for supporting a breathing passage of a patient may include a cannula and an insertion apparatus. The cannula may be configured to be at least partially inserted into a breathing passage of a patient for supporting the breathing passage during sleep. The cannula may include an insertion end configured to be inserted through a nasal passageway portion of the breathing passage. The insertion apparatus may include a nasal applicator operable to guide the cannula through the nasal applicator and into the nasal passageway, and a support frame coupled to the nasal applicator and configured to be releasably coupled to the patient to position the nasal applicator proximate to the nasal passageway.

Abstract: Mask assembly (110, 300, 400, 500) includes a forehead support (120, 220, 316, 416, 520) having a base provided to a frame and two upwardly extending support arms (130, 230, 318, 418, 518). The arms define a fixed or adjustable included angle that is less than 180 degrees and in the range of about 100-150 degrees. The arms can be attached either directly to headgear straps, or the arms can be connected to headgear straps via clips (150, 506). Also claimed is an embodiment with one arm.