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.

An air conduit for a respiratory therapy device comprises a first end, a second end, and a tube portion, wherein the tube portion comprises a tube wall and an auxiliary structure, such as a rib. The air conduit may deliver a flow of air from a respiratory therapy device or a humidifier to a patient interface. The air conduit may comprise a plurality of auxiliary structures, some of which may consist of a polymeric material, and some of which may comprise a polymeric material and an electrical conductor. An auxiliary structure may be a helical rib extending across a length of the tube portion.

A CPAP flow driver is adapted to split supplied breathable fluid into a first portion delivered to a venturi throat to generate a pressure drop to draw in ambient air to create a CPAP flow And a second portion that is delivered to a nebulizer to drive the nebulizer.

A drying expiratory limb of a breathing circuit is provided that is configured to increase or optimize drying of a gas to reduce or prevent condensation. The drying expiratory limb can include a wall that is at least partly made of a breathable material configured to allow transmission of water vapor but substantially prevent transmission of liquid water. The wall includes first and second openings in the wall, the openings respectively configured to receive a gas at a first temperature and a first relative humidity and to allow the gas to exit having a second temperature and a second relative humidity. The drying expiratory limb can be configured to tailor the temperature drop of the gas along the wall to maintain a relative humidity within a targeted range and/or to maintain the gas temperature above its dew point temperature.

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.

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.

Algorithms for detecting endotracheal intubation and/or misplacement of endotracheal tubes in child patients during anesthesia for use with anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and/or respiratory function monitors. An algorithm uses end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO.sub.2), and tidal volume (TV) or peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) to detect exact intubation time. Another algorithm uses respiratory parameters to identify and/or confirm the type of airway device used during mechanical ventilation, and to detect if and when an issue has arisen with use of a specific airway device to provide real-time decision support to attending medical care professionals.

A safety valve sheet, a breathing tube, a breathing tube assembly and a breathing mask are provided. The safety valve sheet is used for being arranged in the breathing tube which is provided with a safety valve hole of the breathing mask, the safety valve sheet comprises a sheet body, and the sheet body comprises an outer side surface being capable of covering the safety valve hole, wherein a protrusion is formed on the outer side surface, and the protrusion is used for being contacted with an inner side surface of a hole edge of the safety valve hole when the sheet body covers the safety valve hole to form an exhaust gap between the outer side surface and the hole edge. The safety valve sheet is simple in structure and can effectively reduce exhaust noise after being applied to the breathing mask.

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.

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.