This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

A method for determining a characteristic such as partial pressure or percentage of a gaseous constituent in a first gas mixture flow in a flow chamber in which there is alternating flow in opposite directions between the first gas mixture flow and a second gas mixture flow. The steps may include a) introducing the first gas mixture flow into a sensing chamber when the first gas mixture flow flows in the flow chamber, b) preventing introduction of gas from the flow chamber into the sensing chamber at least when the second gas mixture flow flows in the flow chamber, c) sensing the characteristic of the first gas mixture flow in the sensing chamber.

A method for determining a characteristic such as partial pressure or percentage of a gaseous constituent in a first gas mixture flow in a flow chamber in which there is alternating flow in opposite directions between the first gas mixture flow and a second gas mixture flow. The steps may include a) introducing the first gas mixture flow into a sensing chamber when the first gas mixture flow flows in the flow chamber, b) preventing introduction of gas from the flow chamber into the sensing chamber at least when the second gas mixture flow flows in the flow chamber, c) sensing the characteristic of the first gas mixture flow in the sensing chamber.

A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR). The PAPR comprises an electric motor mechanically coupled to a blower, an oxygen sensor, an alarm device, and a controller coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the electric motor, wherein the controller controls the electric motor, wherein the controller determines if the oxygen concentration is deficient, and wherein the controller commands the alarm device to present an indication when the oxygen concentration is deficient.

A cradle style cushion includes a central sealing body portion including a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall includes a central sealing surface, a first stabilizing surface and a second stabilizing surface, the first and second stabilizing surfaces each extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the central sealing surface and a top edge of the front wall and being structured to wrap around and engage an outside of the nostrils when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, wherein the first stabilizing surface includes a first front side edge portion and the second stabilizing surface includes a second front side edge portion, and wherein the top edge of the front wall, the first front side edge portion and the second front side edge portion together define a front opening of the central sealing body portion.

A respiration-based body temperature modifying apparatus including an air temperature modifying element producing temperature-altered air and a respiration zone that, in use, communicates with the respiratory system of the user and receives the temperature-altered air so that the user can draw the temperature-altered air from the respiration zone into the lungs to alter body temperature.

An activated carbon absorber, in particular an activated carbon absorber for use by a user of an externally ventilated breathing mask or breathing hood. The activated carbon absorber includes a housing for accommodating a filter cartridge, and the housing has the following features: an air inlet supply port to receive compressed air from an air-supply unit; a connector for connecting to a breathing mask or hood; a unit which can be fastened to the body of or to or on the housing of the activated carbon absorber and which is capable of forming a detachable connection with another component in particular a sliding or slip connection.

The invention relates to an article comprising an elongated pressure sensitive component in contact with a user. The pressure sensitive component forms a seal 7 between the user and the article when a minimum seal pressure is applied on the pressure sensitive component. The seal 7 comprises a signal pathway or an inductive loop indicative of a complete seal between user and article at the minimum seal pressure applied along the entire length of the pressure sensitive component.

A mask apparatus includes a mask body, a fan module, a seal that defines a breathing space, a pressure sensor coupled to the mask body and configured to sense an air pressure in the breathing space, and a controller coupled to the mask body and configured to control a rotation speed of the fan module based on the air pressure. The controller is configured to determine a breathing cycle based on a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among air pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor, determine a time difference between a maximum time point and a minimum time point, determine an expected time point of inhalation in a subsequent breathing cycle based on the breathing cycle and the time difference, and increase the rotation speed of the fan module based on a current time corresponding to the expected time point of inhalation.

A mask apparatus includes a mask body, a fan module, a seal that defines a breathing space, a pressure sensor coupled to the mask body and configured to sense an air pressure in the breathing space, and a controller coupled to the mask body and configured to control a rotation speed of the fan module based on the air pressure. The controller is configured to determine a breathing cycle based on a maximum pressure value and a minimum pressure value among air pressure values sensed by the pressure sensor, determine a time difference between a maximum time point and a minimum time point, determine an expected time point of inhalation in a subsequent breathing cycle based on the breathing cycle and the time difference, and increase the rotation speed of the fan module based on a current time corresponding to the expected time point of inhalation.