This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidity of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator, humidifier and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing, while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire, a ribbon of PTC material, or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubing, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics.

A patient interface, including a mask assembly and a headgear assembly, provides improved facial sealing and improved ease of use. The mask assembly includes an inflating or ballooning seal. The seal can be secured between two portions of a snap-fit exoskeleton. The headgear assembly connects to the mask assembly with flexible straps during course fitting and with more rigid straps following course fitting. The straps include holes that fit over a tapering post on the mask assembly.

The present disclosure pertains to a mechanical ventilator system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject. The system is configured to generate the pressurized flow of breathable gas according to a volume control mode therapy regime that delivers a target tidal volume to the subject during inhalation. During an individual inhalation, the system is configured to determine and/or adjust an inspiratory pressure level of the pressurized flow of breathable gas of the volume control mode therapy regime. The inspiratory pressure level is adjusted such that during the inhalation the inspiratory pressure level is not reduced to impede respiratory effort by the subject responsive to the target tidal volume being exceeded during the inhalation. The system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, and/or other components.

Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy to a subject respond and/or adapt to the detection of an occurrence of a respiratory event. For example, the pressure level of a pressurized flow of breathable gas may be increased responsive to the occurrence of one or more apneas. Based on usage information spanning more than one therapy session, such as the tracked pressure levels, a starting pressure level for a pressurized flow of breathable gas for a subsequent therapy session is determined. The starting level at the beginning of the subsequent therapy session(s) may be the 90% pressure level as determined during the preceding period during which usage information has been gathered.

A nasal cannula arrangement for use as part of systems for delivery respiratory gases to a patient is disclosed. The nasal cannula arrangement includes a manifold part adapted to receive gases from a delivery conduit. The manifold includes one but preferably a pair of prongs extending upward and curving towards the rear of the manifold. The prongs are inserted into the nostrils of the patient and deliver gases to a patient. The prongs have a cut out on the rear side of the prongs. The cut out forms a gases outlet in the prongs and are shaped such that the area of the cut out area is greater than the cross sectional area of the prongs at the entry point to the prongs.

A sleep assist system to monitor and assist the user's sleep, comprising: a bedside device adapted to be positioned near the user's bed, the bedside device optionally comprising a loudspeaker, a light source, a microphone, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a control unit, an air quality sensor, a display unit, a user interface. The system further comprises a first sensing unit positioned in the user's bed comprising one or more sensors adapted to sense at least pressure and changes in pressure exerted by the user lying in the bed; an additional sensor device to be in contact with the user's body, and to be coupled to the bedside device; the system is configured to correlate the data obtained from both the first sensing unit and the additional sensor device.

This invention relates to a breath indicator that is receivable by a part of a breathing assistance apparatus that supplies gas to a patient. The indicator comprises an elongate body having a gas sampling end and an attachment end. The attachment end is adapted to attach to a part of a breathing assistance apparatus and for locating the gas sampling end. The gas sampling end is to be located in a region where gas from the patient is to be exhaled. The gas sampling end being in communication with a sensor comprising a detector material changeable between a first visual indicator state relating to an inhalation phase of the patient, and a second visual indicator state relating to an exhalation phase of the patient. The detector material is capable of changing between the visual indicator states at a sufficient rate to substantially correspond with the inhalation and exhalation phases of the patient.

Sleep environment control systems adjust sleep environments independently for individual users. A sleep environment control system delivers multiple environment adjustments via one opening to a user supported by a mattress. The environment adjustments include airflow, water vapor, light, and sound. The sleep environment control system can be placed in adjacent to the mattress thereby to deliver the environment adjustments to the user. The environment adjustments are delivered to the user in a localized fashion such that they do not disrupt other users. The sleep environment control system further generates the one or more environment adjustments.

A low cost medical humidifier for adding moisture to a patient air flow is disclosed. The humidifier comprises a water reservoir, a disposable evaporative wick containing a heater, a lid containing electrical contacts to engage the heater in the wick and airway connections. The wick heater comprises a PET film with aluminum tracks and a cover layer of PTC resistive ink. The heater is covered with paper to provide a water pathway via capillary flow. There is a capillary path from the water reservoir to the wick. The wick and heater are manufactured with printing and calendaring processes in reel to reel processes.

Systems and methods may include a gas source, a gas delivery circuit, and a nasal interface allowing breathing ambient air through the nasal interface. A gas flow path through the nasal interface may have a distal gas flow path opening. A nozzle may be associated with a proximal end of the nasal interface a distance from the distal end gas flow path opening. At least a portion of an entrainment port may be between the nozzle and the distal end gas flow opening. The nozzle may deliver gas into the nasal interface to create a negative pressure area in the gas flow path at the entrainment port. The nasal interface and the nozzle may create a positive pressure area between the entrainment port and the distal end gas flow path opening. Gas from the gas delivery source and air entrained through the entrainment port may increase airway pressure or lung pressure or provide ventilatory support.