A method includes forming an antimicrobial blend including an antimicrobial additive combined with a polymer, and forming a medical device with the antimicrobial blend, wherein a surface of the medical device exhibits antimicrobial properties.

A method and system for diagnosing, treating, and ameliorating sleep bruxism events using a positive airway pressure (PAP) system for treating obstructive sleep apnea to concurrently recognize bruxism events. At least one sensor is integrated into a therapy interface and/or headgear to detect physiological signals indicative of bruxism. In some exemplary embodiments, a loudspeaker and microphone are integrated into the interface, either near the nose or near the mouth of the patient. When integrated near the nose, the pair is used for acoustical rhinometry, and when integrated near the mouth, the pair is used for acoustical pharyngometry. In other exemplary embodiments, sound or vibration sensors are used to detect signals indicative of teeth grinding. In response to sensor detection of bruxism activity, the PAP system controller adjusts the PAP therapy settings or proposes alternative treatment modalities in order to stop or prevent bruxism events.

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.

Apparatuses and methods for treating neurological and/or neuropsychiatric disorders are by application of thermal energy to the patient's forehead region, for example, by maintaining a target temperature or temperature range to the forehead of a patient for a time period. In particular, described herein are regional brain cooling mechanisms to treat neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and autism.

The invention relates to a patient interface comprising a plenum chamber, a seal-forming structure, and a positioning and stabilizing structure, as well as the method of operating the patient interface. The patient's interface is configured to leave a patient's mouth uncovered or if the seal-forming structure is configured to seal around a patient's nose and mouth, the patient interface is configured to allow the patient to breath from the ambient in an absence of the flow of pressurized. The positioning and stabilizing structure includes headgear, and the seal-forming structure and at least a portion of the headgear is formed from a one piece construction of textile material. In another embodiment, the seal-forming structure and/or the positioning and stabilizing structure includes an adaptive portion that adjusts based on usage conditions. In another embodiment, the positioning and stabilizing structure, the seal-forming structure and/or the plenum chamber includes and/or is formed of a textile material, and the textile material includes at least one magnetic thread constructed of magnetic material to provide a magnetic interaction between a first part of the patient interface and a second part of the patient interface. In another embodiment, a stiffener is coupled to the plenum chamber, the seal-forming structure, and/or the positioning and stabilizing structure. In another embodiment, at least one of the plenum chamber and the seal-forming structure includes a textile material; and wherein the textile material includes a surface structure that limits adhesion of debris. A UV cleaning receptacle of the patient interface is also disclosed.

A face mask including a mask assembly and a hole punch assembly is disclosed. The mask assembly includes a face mask which includes a mouth portion and a nose portion. Additionally, the face mask is made of a transparent material allowing other individuals to identify the user wearing the mask. Furthermore, the face mask includes two embodiments of strap attachments. In one embodiment a single strap is used to secure the face mask to a user's head. In another embodiment, two strap loops are used to secure the face mask to a user's ears. The hole punch assembly includes a hole punch rod that is used to create openings on the face mask. The hole punch rod is used to create openings on the mouth portion and nose portion of the face mask. A medical professional may utilize these openings to collect samples from a patient wearing the mask.

The present invention provides a breathing assistance apparatus that has a convenient and effective method of cleaning internal conduits inside the apparatus. The breathing assistance apparatus is preferably a gases supply and humidification device. The cleaning method is a method of disinfection that is automated so minimal training is required to disinfect in particular an internal elbow conduit within the device. It is therefore not necessary to dismantle the gases supply and humidification device, therefore, inadvertent damage to the internal parts of the device is avoided. The present invention also provides a method of disinfecting a heated breathing conduit and a patient interface.

A “replaceable cushion system” allows for a cushion frame with an integral cushion (e.g., a gel bladder) to be quickly and easily swapped in and out of a respiratory mask (e.g., a CPAP mask) while maintaining an effective seal via the compression of a gasket. In all of the preferred embodiments, the cushion frame (with an affixed cushion) is removably attached to a mask shell by a press-fit and by associated prongs and notches. The prongs can be located in the mask shell with the notches in the cushion frame, or vice versa.

A patient interface is configured to deliver a flow of positive pressure respiratory gas to an entrance of a patients airways. The patient interface includes an elastomeric support wall forming at least part of a plenum chamber configured to receive the flow of positive pressure respiratory gas. The patient interface also includes an elastomeric support flange positioned at an end of the elastomeric support wall and extending radially inward from the support wall. The support flange has a flap portion at a central superior region of the support flange that extends further in the radially inward direction than the rest of the support flange. In addition, a foam cushion is mounted on the support flange. The foam cushion is configured to form a seal with the patients face and includes an attachment surface that is in contact with an outer surface of the support flange.

A ventilation treatment device and a ventilation-control method are provided. During use, when a headband contacts a headrest, a first valve assembly contacts a second valve assembly to open first air holes and second air holes, thereby communicating a first chamber with a second chamber, such that air from an air source into the first chamber enters the second chamber and further enters a respiratory chamber of a patient connecting apparatus for inhalation by a patient; and when the headband is separated from the headrest, the first valve assembly and the second value assembly are separated to close the first air holes and the second air holes, thereby preventing the air in the first chamber and the second chamber from flowing out through the first air holes and the second air holes, respectively.