An interface system for a user is provided that comprises an interface unit configured to engage and selectively apply a force on a lower jaw of the user. An actuating unit is configured to actuate the interface unit in order to selectively apply and adjust the force on the lower jaw. One or more sensors are configured to generate output signals conveying information related to sleep stages of the user during a sleep session. The interface system further comprises a processor configured to receive the output signals from the one or more sensors and determine a current sleep stage of the user. The processor controls the actuating unit based on the current sleep stage to adjust the force applied by the interface unit on the lower jaw.

FIGS. 1-16D & 66A-92D disclose a large variety of methods of forming the headgear for use in combination with a breathing apparatus including a unitary plastic core within textile casings. In some configurations, the plastic core material penetrates or bursts-through the textile casing of the straps. Some configurations include over moulding, alignment posts, T-joints and joint housings with injection aperture. FIGS. 17-65 & 93A-94C disclose a large variety of different headgear arrangements including top strap, front strap, rear strap and pairs of straps extending from the mask above and below the ear to meet behind the ear. FIGS. 95-121B disclose a large variety of connectors connecting the headgear assembly to the mask assembly where the headgear, mask and connector form a closed loop the connector is disengaged with the mask assembly.

Methods and system for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. The system generally comprises a mask for delivering pressurized air to patient's breathing orifice, a sensing mechanism for continuously assessing the state of patient's breathing and a pressure generator for generating the pressurized air in the mask. The pressurized air is applied to the breathing orifice only during selected portions of the breathing cycle, when such pressure might be required to prevent occlusion of the airway or to restore patency of the airway after such occlusion occurs.

A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

A valve apparatus comprises a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a selectable flow port, and a vent. The apparatus further comprises a valve member which is moveable between:

a first position in which a flow path between the inlet port and the selectable flow port is substantially blocked and in which the vent is fluidly connected to the selectable flow port; and

a second position in which a flow path between the selectable flow port and the vent is blocked, and the selectable flow port is fluidly connected to the inlet port.

A cushion member (12, 12′, 12″) for a patient interface device (4) that includes a main body portion (34) including a plurality of chambers (48) and a self-sealing cap portion (36) coupled to the main body portion. The cap portion covers each of the chambers and forms a plurality of membrane members (52), with each membrane member being positioned over and sealing a respective one of the chambers. The cap portion is made of a self-sealing material such that that each of the membrane members is structured to self-seal responsive to having a needle inserted through and pulled out of the membrane member. Also, an apparatus and a method for selectively adjusting the internal pressure of the chambers of such a cushion.

A mouth seal assembly for use with a nasal mask system includes a mouth seal adapted to form a seal with the patient's mouth. The mouth seal is substantially independent from a supply of pressurized air from the nasal mask system. An anti-asphyxia valve may be provided to either the mouth seal over the patient's lips or the nasal mask system. A strap arrangement may support the mouth seal in a desired position on the patient's face in use.

A shroud for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame, a pair of upper headgear connectors each including an elongated arm and a slot at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

A shroud for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame, a pair of upper headgear connectors each including an elongated arm and a slot at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

A patient interface assembly includes a frame with a central aperture by which a flow of pressurized breathable gas is introduced in use. The frame includes a wall on a central portion of the frame that surrounds the central aperture. A cushion is removably secured to the frame at the wall surrounding the central aperture and is made of a material that is relatively softer than the frame. A headgear assembly includes a pair of strap portions constructed of a flexible fabric material. A pair of yoke portions is positioned between the strap portions and the frame. Each yoke portion has a proximal end adjacent the frame and a distal end having a connector slot that connects to the respective strap portion of the headgear assembly. The yoke portions have a multilayer construction with one layer being a fabric layer. The yoke portions have a degree of flexibility in one direction and are more resistant to bending in another direction generally orthogonal to the one direction to resist vertical rotation of the patient interface assembly.