A system and method to match an interface to the face of a user for respiratory therapy. A facial image of the user is stored. Facial features based on the facial image are determined. A database stores facial profiles based on facial features and a corresponding plurality of interfaces. A database stores operational data of respiratory therapy devices with the plurality of corresponding interfaces. A selection engine is coupled to the databases. The selection engine is operative to select an interface for the user from the plurality of corresponding interfaces based on a desired outcome based on the stored operational data and the facial features. The collected data may also be employed to determine whether the selected interface is correctly fitted to the face of the user.

A respiratory or surgical humidifier comprising a heater base and an electrical connector. The heater base is configured to receive a humidifier chamber and supply humidified gases to a breathing tube when coupled with the chamber. The heater base also comprises a control circuit. The electrical connector is provided for electrically coupling the control circuit to a breathing tube. The electrical connector comprises a first power line, a second power line, and a data line configured to allow serial communication between the control circuit and one or more digital devices. Also provided is a humidifier system, a breathing tube, a humidifier chamber and an electrical connector for a humidifier.

A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

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.

A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

A pressure support device implements compensation for variations in air density of its operating environment. A pressurized flow of breathable gas is generated for delivery to the airway of a subject. One or more parameters associated with the ambient environment of the pressure support device are determined. These parameters can include one or more of an ambient barometric air pressure, an ambient air temperature, or ambient air humidity. In some embodiments, one or more assumed parameters associated with the ambient environment of the pressure support device are determined based on typical sleeping conditions of the subject. An ambient air density of the ambient environment of the pressure support device is estimated based on one or more of the parameters and/or assumed parameters. A flow rate of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is adjusted based on the estimated ambient air density of the ambient environment of the pressure support device.

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.

The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.

Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.

A component (10) of a respiratory apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a gas passageway defined by an enclosing wall (20,30), and a port (40) in the enclosing wall (20,30) adapted to receive an ancillary device (60). The component (10) also includes a retaining arm (50) that is movable between an open configuration in which an ancillary device (60) may be engaged with the port (40), and a retention configuration in which the retaining arm (50) acts, in use, to resist removal of the ancillary device (60) from the port (40).