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. The seal may be inflatable by the flow of breathable gas to pressurize the seal against the patient's face and include a vent that directs the flow of breathable gas to a space between the patient interface and the patient's face. A cuff may be provided over the seal in the nasal bridge region to direct any leakage of the gas flow from the seal in the nasal bridge region in a direction away from the patient's eyes.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.
Abstract:
An adjustable forehead support for a nasal mask. 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 which adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-à-vis the mask and/or air flow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for humidifying breathable gas provided to a user includes providing a breathable gas, producing moisture or water derived from ambient environmental surroundings, e.g., via condensation and/or dehumidified air, and directing the breathable gas along an air flow path. The air flow path optionally includes access to at least a portion of the moisture or water for increased humidification of the breathable gas, for delivery to the user.
Abstract:
A patient interface includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide an effective seal with the patient's nose, an inlet conduit arrangement adapted to deliver breathable gas to the sealing arrangement, and a cover that substantially encloses the sealing arrangement and/or the inlet conduit arrangement.
Abstract:
A washout vent formed of or treated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, or a vent coated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, reduces noise and/or minimizes or precludes the formation of blockage in the vent pathway due to outflow of gas from a respiratory mask. One or the other or combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials may be used to repel or wick moisture away to minimize or preclude moisture buildup on vent surfaces and/or clogging of vent pathways, particularly when using humidified air. Sintered porous plastic hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials are utilized and the porosity may be varied integrally within the vent membrane or by forming the vent from layers of materials having different porosities.