Abstract: A flexible positive airway pressure (PAP) mask body, frame, and cushion are described. The mask body includes prongs that insert through and act upon apertures of the mask frame to connect the mask frame to the mask body. An airtight seal may be created between the mask body and the mask frame by a ball and socket connector, of the mask frame, having an elongated portion that extends through and has an outer perimeter commensurate with an aperture located in the mask body. The mask body may be configured with elongated portions that extend from the mask body chamber and to ends of eye sockets of the user. Headgear may couple to end portions of the mask frame corresponding to the elongated portions of the mask body. When pulling pressure by the headgear, additional contact is created between elongated portions of the mask cushion and the user's face.

Abstract: A patient interface may include a plenum chamber pressurisable to a therapeutic pressure, a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to form a seal with a region of the patient's face surrounding an entrance to the patient's airways, a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal-forming structure in a therapeutically effective position on the patient's head, and a vent structure to allow a continuous flow of gases exhaled by the patient from an interior of the plenum chamber to ambient, wherein the patient interface is configured to leave the patient's mouth uncovered during therapy, wherein the seal-forming structure comprises two lateral support regions, each located at a lateralmost side of the seal-forming structure, and a medial region positioned between the lateral support regions, the hole passing through the medial region, and wherein the lateral support regions are thicker than the medial region.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a cushion defining a cavity therein, the cushion having a first side and an opposite second side. An aperture is formed in the second side and provides access to the cavity, the aperture having a periphery adapted to sealingly engage about the nostrils of a patient when the cushion is disposed on the face of a patient. The patient interface device further includes a pair of stabilizing members coupled to, and extending from, the cushion, each stabilizing member being adapted to contact the face of the patient in the adjacent nasal region below the orbital bone ridge in such a manner that strapping forces, which would otherwise be directed near the nares of the patient, are instead concentrated onto the patient's maxilla.

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. Each prong support structure includes an alignment indicator to aid correct assembly of the respective nasal prong.

Abstract: A nasal seal, mask or an interface assembly have a seal body defining a breathing chamber. A nasal port is provided in the seal body. The nasal port has a central portion straddled by a pair of lateral portions. The nasal port further has an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge defines an inwardly projecting portion within the central portion. The lower edge defines an inwardly protection portion within the central portion. Thus, the nasal port can be generally bean-shaped or bowtie-shaped. The mask can include a frame having a central portion that supports the seal and a pair of arm portions that extend rearwardly of the seal and are configured to connect to headgear. The central portion can be more rigid than the arm portions. The mask can be configured to reduce noise transmitted through a bias flow vent.

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

Abstract: A patient interface has a single loop headstrap and a mask for covering at least the nostrils of the user. The single loop headstrap extends from the mask at either end. A short length of supple conduit is coupled to the mask by a swivel or ball joint to allow rotation of the conduit relative to the mask through different angles and orientations.

Abstract: Described herein is a nasal cannula apparatus. The apparatus is configured to detect the pressurized flow of breathable gas to and/or from the airway of a subject through the nose of the subject. The apparatus comprises a body, a first nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a first nostril of a first nasal passage, and a second nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a second nostril of a second nasal passage of the subject. The second nasal cannula system is joined to first nasal cannula system by a bridge such that the first nasal cannula system engages the first nostril and second nasal cannula system engages the second nostril at the same time. The apparatus is configured to transmit expiratory and inspiratory nasal pressurized flow to connective conduits.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface for use in delivering a flow of breathable gas to an airway of a patient includes a first seal adapted to contact the patient's face and seal a first space between the patient interface and the patient's face at a first positive pressure; and a second seal adapted to contact the patient's face and seal a second space between the patient interface and the patient's face at a second positive pressure. The first seal also seals the first space from the second space. A leak reducing element may be provided on a seal to reduce and/or diffuse leakage of gas. A vacuum line configured to create a negative pressure may be provided in the second space to remove any gas leaking from the first space to the second space. A seal may be connected to a conduit for delivering the flow of gas that is incorporated into a frame of the patient interface.

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

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

Abstract: A flexible transparent multiple use face mask that encloses a user's face allowing the user's airway to be ventilated that includes a transparent flexible airway mask that encloses and ventilates a user's airway, an airway adaptor that directs a quantity of ventilation to the transparent flexible airway mask, a manual resuscitation bag valve that receives the airway adaptor and controls the quantity of ventilation directed to the transparent flexible airway mask and a manual resuscitation bag that produces the quantity of ventilation transmitted through the airway adaptor to the transparent flexible airway mask. The multiple-use airway mask can also be turned inside out and be used in combination with an endotracheal tube or a tracheotomy tube and also includes an attachment strap to prevent losing the transparent flexible airway mask as an added safety measure to keep the mask and bag connected.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for air delivery. A cannula having a low velocity airflow and efficient air delivery system. The cannula includes at least one compartment to reduce airflow velocity and nostril inserts. The cannula may further include moldable components and materials to increase comfort and minimize chafing of a wearer. The cannula further may include a head strap to hold the mask in position on a user's head, where said harness minimizes chafing of the user.

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: The disclosure is directed to various tubing arrangements and an associated Y-connector which may be used to facilitate the operative interface of the mask to a ventilator within a ventilation system. The tubing arrangement may comprise a pair of bi-lumen tubes. One end of each of the bi-lumen tubes is fluidly connected to the mask, with the opposite end being fluidly connected to the Y-connector. The Y-connector is in turn fluidly connected to one end of either a tri-lumen tube or a quad-lumen tube also included in the tubing arrangement, the opposite end of such tri-lumen tube or quad-lumen tube being fluidly connected to the ventilator. The Y-connector is uniquely configured to fluidly connect certain lumens of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube to dedicated, corresponding ones of the lumens included in respective ones of the bi-lumen tubes, and to further allow for the selective detachment of the tri-lumen tube or the quad-lumen tube from the bi-lumen tubes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly including a nasal mask with a dome shaped body. The dome shaped body has an inner rim and an outer surface. The inner rim has a rounded triangular shape and a tube connector extends from the outer surface. The inner rim is configured such that a bottom portion thereof sits on or above the patient's upper lip while an upper portion thereof extends across the bridge of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user.

Abstract: A nasal interface including a hard base and a soft pad portion with angled butterfly wing portions. The soft pad portion is connected to the hard base portion, and in some arrangements, can be removed from the hard base portion. The soft pad portion includes a bellows positioned between a lower boarder and the butterfly wings.

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: This invention relates to a headgear component as a part of a headgear. The component comprising a backstrap, a first ear loop extending from one end of the backstrap, the first ear loop following a path defining a first ear opening, and a second ear loop extending from another end of the backstrap, the second ear loop following a path defining a second ear opening. A first pair of connection zones is on the first ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance from the backstrap and spaced from each other, and a second pair of connection zones on the second ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance apart from the backstrap and spaced from each other. A connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a first side of the backstrap, and a connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a second (other) side of the backstrap, wherein the headgear component is substantially of a symmetrical shape.

Abstract: A mask system including a frame module and a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The cushion module includes a main body defining a breathing chamber and adapted to interface with the frame module and a cushion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The main body and the cushion are comolded with one another.

Abstract: A patient interface device (e.g., nasal pillows, a nasal mask or a full-face mask) for delivering breathable gas to a patient has a frame with a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, each side frame member including a first connector portion, and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame, the headgear assembly having a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured for rotationally locking engagement in a plurality of different rotationally locked positions in which the first and second connector portions may not rotate relative to one another, such that the headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for humidifying ventilation gas. Systems and methods may include a nasal interface apparatus for receiving ventilation gas from gas delivery tubing and for humidifying ventilation gas. The nasal interface apparatus may have one or more channels within the nasal interface to deliver gas from a gas delivery circuit to a patient's nose; one or more structures in fluid communication with the one or more channels to direct ventilation gas to the patient's nose; and a hygroscopic material within the nasal interface in the flow path of the ventilation gas.

Abstract: A sealing lip device for a breathing mask includes a receiving opening for receiving at least the nose tip region of a mask wearer, a sealing lip which is formed from an elastomeric material and which surrounds the receiving opening and which is configured to cross the bridge of the nose and which has a contact zone provided for bearing against the face of a mask wearer in use. The sealing lip is elastically and yieldingly arranged in such a way that a first sealing lip zone which in use seals the region of the bridge of the nose has a higher degree of flexibility than a second sealing lip zone which in use is adjacent to at least one of the nostrils and the upper lip of the mask wearer in the application position of the breathing mask. The sealing lip includes a folding bellows structure that suspends the sealing lip in the region of the first zone provided for sealing of the region of the bridge of the nose. The folding bellows structure includes a fold indentation having zones of differing wall thickness.

Abstract: An elbow assembly for use in a respiratory mask, which includes an elbow, an inlet port, an exhaust port, and a baffle separating the inlet port from the exhaust port. A mask assembly includes a cushion comprising at least one gusset and an aperture for connection to the elbow assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.

Abstract: A patient interface system includes a nasal seal of flexible material to communicate with at least one airway of the patient, and a primary headgear from which the nasal seal is suspended, said primary headgear having at least one aperture though which at least a portion of the nasal seal is inserted with the primary headgear wrapping about at least one portion of the nasal seal in a sling-like fashion.

Abstract: An inhalation device which entrains air to modify a source gas, such as pure oxygen, down to different selected levels of lower gas concentrations, with a high total gas flow being achieved for inhalation. The inhalation device allows eating and suctioning without interference while maintaining a constant uninterrupted gas supply at high volumes. The inhalation device is adapted for disposal adjacent to the nose and mouth of a person, and includes a nose hood connected to a chamber. The chamber has a central portion defining a longitudinal axis orientated perpendicular to the nose hood and also defining an opening aligned with and facing the nose in a configuration such that gas is inhalable from the central portion to the nose without the gas directly impacting the breathing orifices of a patient wearing the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a patient interface coupled to the first conduit and the second conduit. The first and second conduits each include a first end that is disposed proximate to a top of a head of a user, and a second end that is disposed proximate to an airway of such a user when the patient interface assembly is being worn by the user. The first and second conduits also each include a central portion that extends along the sides of a face between the user's eye and an ear a head strap is coupled between the first and second conduit, and a patient interface is coupled to the second ends of the first and second conduits.

Abstract: A mask system includes a mask component including one or more openings for gas washout and a vent component provided to the mask component. The vent component includes one or more tracks or grooves along its outer surface adapted to guide gas washout. The vent component is adapted to cover the one or more openings in the mask component so that gas washout escapes along the one or more tracks or grooves between an outer surface of the mask component and the vent component.

Abstract: A medical device may include a patient interface for use in a breathing assistance system, an electronic device coupled to the patient interface, and one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface. The patient interface may include a connection end configured for receiving gas communicated by a gas delivery apparatus, and a patient end configured for insertion into or more breathing passageways of a patient. The one or more electrical conductors at least partially integrated with the patient interface may be capable of facilitating communication of electrical signals between the electronic device and the gas delivery apparatus when the patient interface is communicatively coupled to the gas delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present disclosure includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present disclosure may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

Abstract: An integrated nasal mask is adapted for delivering gas to a patient and comprises a mask body and a pair of elongate nostril-engaging stems. The mask body is generally triangularly shaped and includes a nasal opening sized and configured to substantially envelope a patient's nose. The nasal opening opens to a nasal cavity. The nostril-engaging stems extend outwardly from the nasal cavity. Each one of the stems defines a fluid passageway for delivering gas to the patient's nose and for allowing discharge of exhalation gasses during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

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 full-face cushion comprises a frame and a membrane. The membrane has an aperture into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane is spaced away from the frame. Respective notches receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture into the chamber within the mask body. The seal forming portion thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose.

Abstract: A patient interface device (e.g., nasal pillows, a nasal mask or a full-face mask) for delivering breathable gas to a patient has a frame with a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, each side frame member including a first connector portion, and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame, the headgear assembly having a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are configured for rotationally locking engagement in a plurality of different rotationally locked positions in which the first and second connector portions may not rotate relative to one another, such that the headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.

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

Abstract: A connector includes a main conduit and a gas conduit. The main conduit includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion that form a passage for supply of a first gas in a forward direction. The inlet portion is adapted to receive a supply of the first gas and deliver the first gas to the outlet portion. The gas conduit has a first end and a second end that form a second passage for supply of a second gas. The first end of the gas conduit is adapted to connect to a second gas supply, and the second end is adjacent the outlet portion of the main conduit and delivers the second gas into the main conduit such that the second gas is directed to flow in a forward direction.

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: An improved headgear is structured to secure a mask to the head of a patient and comprises a parietal support, an occipital support, and a zygomatic support connected together. The zygomatic support comprises a pair of zygomatic braces that are each structured to engage the face of the patient and to support the mask in fluid communication with the patient. The zygomatic braces each comprise at least one of a cephalic element structured to engage the face cephalic to the crest of the zygomatic bone, and a caudal element structured to engage the face caudal to the zygomatic bone.

Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask includes a forehead support arm structured to extend from a frame and a forehead support pad provided to the arm. The forehead support pad includes upper headgear connectors adapted to engage upper headgear straps and a flexible region. The upper headgear connectors are constructed of a first material and the flexible region is constructed of a second material that is more flexible than the first material to allow adjustment of the distance of the forehead support pad from the patient's forehead in use.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. A cushion having a side wall is removably attachable to the frame. The cushion has a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim. An inner edge of the membrane defines an aperture, the aperture having a generally trapezoidal shape.

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.