3467results about "Breathing filters" patented technology

A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.

An integrally molded ventilation interface includes a hollow bellows-like structure and two nasal prongs extending from a top surface of the bellows. A pair of headgear strap flanges can also be molded integrally with the ventilation interface. The nasal prongs provide a first sealing interface between an outer surface of the nasal prongs and an inner surface of the patient's nares. The bellows provides a second sealing interface between a top surface of the bellows-like structure and a bottom surface of a patient's nose. The headgear strap flanges provide a third sealing interface between the ventilation interface and a mustache region of the patient's face as well as a bottom surface of the patient's nose.

A patient interface device that includes a frame sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. A support member is coupled to the frame such that the support member is moveable relative to the frame. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member. A pair of patient contacting members are operatively coupled to the frame and supporting the frame on a patient's face.

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.

A filtering face mask that includes a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person and a harness that is attached to the mask body. The mask body comprises i) a first shaping layer that has been molded; ii) a second shaping layer that has been molded; iii) a filtration layer that is disposed between the first and second shaping layers; iv) a first adhesive layer that adheres the first shaping layer to the filtration layer; and v) a second adhesive layer that adheres the second shaping layer to the filtration layer.

A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

Headwear is adapted for use by a patient to position airway tubes of a nasal interface operatively connected to a positive airway pressure device. The headwear includes an elongated head strap for being worn around a head of the patient. Cooperating sets of front and rear tube holders are attached to the head strap, and are adapted for engaging and holding respective airway tubes of the nasal interface to retain the tubes in a desired position during use. The tube holders include at least one elastic strip extending along a longitudinal dimension of the head strap.

A patient interface for communicating fluids to and / or from a patient's nasal cavity and / or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and / or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.

A respiration assist mask having an input gas feed tube, a ventilation interface, a facial interface and nasal inserts. The gas feed tube can connect to the ventilation interface and form a seal. The ventilation interface may be joined with the facial interface to form a seal between the ventilation interface and the facial interface, as well as between the facial interface and the face of a user. Additionally, nasal inserts may be inserted into a portion of the facial interface and form a seal between the inserts and the facial interface.

A patient interface assembly that includes a patient interface device, a headgear, and 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. An adjustment assembly on the headgear provide a gross adjustment of the position of the interface relative to the patient and a biasing force to urge the patient interface device against the patient's face. In a further embodiment, a pair of rigid connecting members coupling the patient interface device to the headgear.

An electret filter media, and mask, that is made of a nonwoven web of thermoplastic microfibers. The thermoplastic microfibers are of substantially the same composition, are nonconductive, and have an effective fiber diameter less than about 15 micrometers. The nonwoven web also has sufficient unpolarized trapped charge to exhibit an initial filtration quality factor of at least 0.31 when measured under the DOP Penetration and Pressure Drop Test.

Apparatus for fitting to the head of a patient for supply of gas to the nose at a positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea comprises headgear for fitting to the head of a patient. A mask support forms part of said headgear and is held, in use, by portions of said headgear in a stable position above the nose of the patient. The mask support includes a manifold chamber, a first connector opening above said manifold chamber for attachment of a gas supply line and a second connector depending from said manifold chamber. The above apparatus may be used with a novel nasal mask which is a nares seal that may be removably connected to said second connector by a third connector forming part of said seal and having an air orifice formed therethrough. The seal further comprises first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes connecting with said air orifice and defining between them a generally triangular open space which extends, when in use, downwardly to a point below the nose of a patient. The delivery tubes thence curves inwardly and upwardly to approach the nose of a patient and supports first and second nostril tubes connected with said delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of a patient. Wire support for said laterally spaced tubes extends from the connector to about where said tubes curve inwardly and upwardly.

An adjustable ventilation interface for a continuous positive airway pressure system includes a nasal cannula body. The nasal cannula body includes a pair of nasal prongs that are adjustable with respect to each other. The nasal prongs are located on a top portion of the nasal cannula body to create a sealing interface between the nasal cannula body and a nose. Another sealing interface is provided by a bellows-like structure integrally molded in a portion of the nasal cannula body. The bellows portion acts as a compression spring; thereby creating an adjustable sealing between the nasal cannula body and the nose.

Fibrous webs of bicomponent fibers are made by extruding a layered molten mass through a row of side-by-side orifices into a high-velocity gaseous stream. Bicomponent fibers of small size can be obtained, and the webs offer unique properties.

A breathing mask is joined with a head fastening device that has at least one headstrap and at least one neckstrap. The headstrap and the neckstrap are connected with each other in the area of their extensions away from the breathing mask. The headstrap is fastened to the breathing mask at the top, and the neckstrap is fastened to the breathing mask at the sides in the orientation of the breathing mask when it is being worn. Regions of the neckstrap that are located next to the breathing mask are connected with one another by a chinstrap. The chinstrap extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the neckstrap. End segments of the neckstrap, which are arranged between the breathing mask and the places at which the neckstrap is connected with the chinstrap, run towards the breathing mask at an angle of inclination relative to the chinstrap, so that they move farther and farther away from the chinstrap as they approach the breathing mask.

A respiratory mask having a flexible, mask seal portion for engagement with the face of a user, a gel forehead cushion and a rotatable elbow coupling having integral exhaust ports. The mask seal portion has a thin section which permits the mask to more easily adapt to the contour of the face of the user. The gel forehead cushion provides increased compliancy and resiliency to better adapt to multiple user physical profiles. The elbow coupling includes tapered through holes in a polycarbonate arc piece to provide a quiet passage of gas through the holes.

Electret filter media comprising a nonwoven web of thermoplastic nonconductive microfibers having trapped charge, said charge provided by (1) subjecting the nonwoven web to a corona treatment, followed by (2) impingement of jets of water or a stream of water droplets on the web at a pressure sufficient to provide the web with filtration enhancing electret charge and (3) drying the web. This electret filter media may be used in a respiratory mask to provide extraordinarily good filtration properties.

A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device includes an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device also includes an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.

A ventilation interface device is disclosed that may include a hollow cannula, at least one nasal insert and at least one exhaust port or may include a mask designed to cover a user's nose, mouth or both nose and mouth. The at least one nasal insert may be formed so as to fit in any size nares of any user and may be detachable. Additionally, the at least one exhaust port may be in any of a variety of orientations and, in some embodiments, contain sealable ports.

An integrally molded ventilation interface includes a hollow bellows-like structure and two nasal prongs extending from a top surface of the bellows. A pair of headgear strap flanges can also be molded integrally with the ventilation interface. The nasal prongs provide a first sealing interface between an outer surface of the nasal prongs and an inner surface of the patient's nares. The bellows provides a second sealing interface between a top surface of the bellows-like structure and a bottom surface of a patient's nose. The headgear strap flanges provide a third sealing interface between the ventilation interface and a mustache region of the patient's face as well as a bottom surface of the patient's nose.

A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

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.

A face mask for filtering contaminants from the air. The face mask includes a harness for securing the mask over the nose and mouth of the wearer and a nonwoven fibrous layer attached to the harness. The nonwoven fibrous layer contains at least 40 weight percent thermally bonding fibers, where at least 10 weight percent of the fibers in the nonwoven fibrous layer are bicomponent fibers. The nonwoven fibrous layer is molded in a cup-shaped configuration and has a surface fuzz value of not less than 7.5 after being subjected to a surface fuzz abrasion test.

A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a truss of a single body with a resilient member secured therein and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which, when forced toward one another from initial positions to substantially reduce direct spacing therebetween by a spacing reducing force external to said truss, results in restoring forces in the truss tending to return to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. A resilient member, which is symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the truss that is perpendicular to the long axis of the truss, has a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. An adhesive on the end surfaces adhesively engages exposed surfaces of nasal outer wall tissues sufficiently to keep the truss attached to the nasal wall surfaces while subjecting them to the restoring forces.

A patient interface having a cushion for engagement with the face of a user, a shell having an extension with a forehead support connected to the extension. The forehead support has a hinge so that the forehead support can be deformed to conform to the user's forehead. The patient interface also has a pivotable coupling defined by a body and a coplanar conduit that extends radially from the body. The coupling also has a port that allows access within the cavity formed by the cushion so that the port and coupling may rotate together.

A facial mask for filtering ambient air is formed from a pre-form of a multilayer flexible flat filter member of a size to extend over the mouth and nostrils of the user. The flat pre-form filter member can have an ovoid perimeter with an endless band of a hypoallergenic adhesive tape encircling a perimeter of the filter member and operable for sealing with the user's skin to prevent leakage over extended use. Portions of the adhesive tape can self-seal during a sizing step to form structural paths for maintaining a central concavity to ensure a large filtration area offset from the nostrils and mouth of the user. The flexible filter material can further include an activated carbon layer.

An exhalation valve assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation valve assembly includes an actuator module that may be fixed to the ventilation system and a valve module, removable for cleaning or disposal, through which the exhaled gas flows and that controls the pressure and release of the exhaled gas to the environment. Other components may also be incorporated into the assembly including a filter module, a flow meter and a condensate trap.

A medical apparatus and method for medical patients that suffer from Sleep Apnea. A breathing mask that fits comfortably over a nose area. Because a mask is shaped to a face, it is less bulky and cumbersome over the nose area. Inside a shell of a mask, towards a patients' face, is a silicone wax lining that is on the inner rim of a shell and parameters to enclose a nose as a seal. A silicone wax substance is novel to a device because of its ability to retain a form it has been molded into. A silicone wax lining around a nose allows a patient to form and mold a substance against a face and provide an air-tight seal. A single strap is used to fasten and secure a mask to a face. Tabs or buckle can be used to fasten a strap.

A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.