RESPIRATORY INTERFACE DEVICE, FRAME, KIT AND CONDUIT

Abstract

Disclosed is a respiratory interface device (1) and components thereof. The respiratory interface device (1) comprises a body (2), a frame (3), and an inlet conduit (4). The frame has a front wall (10a), side walls (10b), and side arms (12), and a support platform (11) extending rearwardly from the front wall (10a). An inlet opening (13) is defined in the support platform (11). The body (2) forms a chamber with the support platform (11) and comprises at least one nasal outlet (5), a base opening (7), and at least one further opening (6), through which the support platform (11) extends. The inlet conduit (4) comprises a connector (18) that clamps the body (2) and the support platform (11) together.

Claims

1. A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: the frame comprises: a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and a support platform extending rearwardly from said front wall, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; the body comprises at least one nasal outlet for interfacing with a user's nostril, in use, a base opening in a base wall thereof, and at least one opening through which the support platform extends; and wherein the inlet conduit comprises a connector at a first end that extends through the base opening of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, and clamps the base wall of the body and the support platform together, a chamber being defined between the support platform and the body, which chamber provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the one or more nasal outlets.

2. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a front opening in a front wall of the body.

3. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a pair of side openings in side walls of the body.

4. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls of the front portion of the frame are separated from the platform.

5. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls of the front portion of the frame are joined with the platform.

6-9. (canceled)

10. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support platform comprises a forward wall, which forward wall is spaced from the front wall of the frame such that a channel is formed between said forward and front walls.

11. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support platform comprises side walls.

12. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support platform comprises a rear wall.

13. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear edge of the support platform, or a rear wall of the support platform, is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

14. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet opening in the support platform is circular in shape.

15. A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support platform comprises an annular wall extending upwardly around the inlet opening.

16. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side arms are contoured to correspond with the contours of a patient's face.

17. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each side arm comprises means for attachment to headgear.

18. (canceled)

19. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for holding an inlet conduit in a fixed position on the front portion of the frame.

20. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for holding an inlet conduit in a fixed position on the front portion of the frame, said means comprising a projection on the inlet conduit and a corresponding recess on each side wall of the front portion of the frame.

21. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for holding an inlet conduit in a fixed position on the front portion of the frame, said means comprising a recess in the conduit and a corresponding projection on each side wall of the front portion of the frame.

22. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame is made from a flexible plastics material.

23-24. (canceled)

25. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support platform lacks a rear wall.

26-27. (canceled)

28. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises front, rear, base, side and top walls, the base wall having a base opening, the top wall having one or more nasal outlets (nasal prongs) for interfacing with a patient's nostrils, and the base opening being arranged so as to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform, and wherein the front wall has a front opening therein or each side wall has an opening therein.

29. (canceled)

30. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises an annular exteriorly raised ring, around the base opening.

31. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a pair of nasal prongs.

32. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each nasal prong is curved in shape, curving rearwardly and inwardly from its base with respect to the front and sides of the body.

33. (canceled)

34. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an area around the base of the or each prong is thinner than the rest of the body.

35. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear wall of the body extends beyond the base thereof, providing an increased area for contact with a patient's upper lip.

36. A respiratory interface as claimed in claim 28, wherein the rear wall of the body is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

37. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made from a pliable material.

38. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is made from silicone.

39. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit has a connector at a first end, for connecting to the platform of the frame and has a shape complementary to the shape of the inlet opening.

40. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet conduit is in the form of an elbow, such that the connector extends upwardly from the conduit at the first end of the conduit.

41. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is provided with means for a permanent snap-fit to the platform.

42. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is provided with one or more lugs adapted for a snap-fit with the platform.

43. A respiratory interface device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is in the form of an elbow, such that the connector extends upwardly from the conduit at the first end of the conduit, is provided with one or more lugs adapted for a snap-fit with the platform, and the lug or lugs positioned closest to a second end of the connector is or are thicker or otherwise reinforced in comparison with the remaining lug or lugs.

44-46. (canceled)

47. A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: the body comprises front, rear, base, side and top walls, the front wall having a front opening, the base wall having a base opening, and the top wall having one or more nasal outlets for interfacing with a patient's nostrils; the frame comprises a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and a support platform extending rearwardly from said front wall, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; each side wall of the front portion of the frame is separated from the support platform; the base opening of the body is arranged to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform; the inlet conduit has a connector at a first end; the support platform extends through the front opening in the front wall of the body; and the inlet conduit extends through the base opening in the base wall of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, clamping the body and the support platform together.

48-50. (canceled)

51. A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: the frame comprises: two side walls; side arms, and a platform extending between said two side walls, said platform having an inlet opening formed therein; the body comprises at least one nasal outlet for interfacing with a user's nostril, in use, a base opening, and side openings between which the platform extends, the base opening corresponding with the inlet opening of the platform; and wherein the inlet conduit comprises a connector at a first end that extends through the base opening of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, and clamps the base wall of the body and the support platform together, a chamber being defined between the support platform and the body, which chamber provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the one or more nasal outlets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] FIG. 1a is a front view of a respiratory interface device in accordance with embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0098] FIG. 1b is a rear view of a respiratory interface device in accordance with embodiments of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 2a illustrates a body having a front opening, according to embodiments of the respiratory interface device of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0100] FIG. 2b is an alternative view of the body of FIG. 2a.

[0101] FIG. 3a is a top view of a frame according to embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention and in accordance with aspects of the respiratory interface device of the first and second aspects of the present invention, wherein the side walls of the front portion of the frame are separated from the platform and the side arms are continuous with the ends of the side walls of the front portion of the frame.

[0102] FIG. 3b is a bottom view of the frame of FIG. 3a.

[0103] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate frames according to embodiments of the respiratory interface device of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the platform and side walls of the front portion of the frame are joined and the side arms are continuous with the ends of the side walls of the front portion of the frame.

[0104] FIG. 5 illustrates a body having side openings, according to embodiments of the respiratory interface device of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled respiratory interface device comprising the body of FIG. 5 and the frame of FIG. 4b.

[0106] FIG. 7 is a top view of an inlet conduit according to embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention and according to embodiments of the respiratory interface device of the first, second and third aspects of the present invention.

[0107] FIG. 8 illustrates a device according to embodiments of the respiratory interface of device of the first and second aspects of the present invention, fully assembled and together with a head strap and gases supply tube.

ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0108] The following detailed description is illustrative of devices in accordance with the present invention and is not intended as implying specific limitations to the device.

[0109] FIGS. 1a and 1b show front (FIG. 1a) and rear (FIG. 1b) views of a fully assembled respiratory interface device in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the respiratory interface (1) comprises a body (2), a frame (3) and an inlet conduit (4). The body (2) is fitted around the support platform of the frame (3) and clamped thereto by the inlet conduit (4), which is rotatably connected to the support platform of the frame (3). Slots (17) are provided on the distal end of each of the side arms (12) of the frame, to allow attachment of, for example, a head strap.

[0110] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a body according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the body (2) comprises two nasal outlets (prongs, 5) for interfacing with a patient's nostrils in use. The body has a front opening (6), a base opening (7), and an annular exteriorly raised ring (7a) around the base opening (7) (as can be seen in FIG. 2b).

[0111] The body illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 2b sits to the inside of the front wall of the front portion of the frame in the assembled device, as can be seen in FIG. 1a, either against the inside surface of the front wall of the front portion of the frame or in a channel between said front wall and a forward wall of the platform.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the prongs (5) curve rearwardly away from the front, and inwardly towards the centre, of the body (2), such that the curve of the prongs is a combination of front and side curves. A rear wall (8) of the body (2) extends beyond the base thereof, to provide an increased contact area between the body and a patient's upper lip. The rear wall (8) curves inwardly from its sides to its centre, thus taking a shape generally corresponding to the shape of a patient's upper lip. Discrete areas (9) of the body around the base of the prongs (5) are thinner than the rest of the body.

[0113] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate a frame (3) in accordance with the present invention.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the frame (3) has a front portion (10) comprising a front wall (10a) and side walls (10b), a support platform (11) extending rearwardly from a front wall (10a) of the front portion (10), and side arms (12) extending from each side end (10c) of the front portion (10). The support platform has an inlet opening (13) formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls (10b) of the front portion (10) and support platform (11) are separated (spaced apart) from each other. As can be seen from FIG. 3b, the platform is continuous with the front wall of the front portion of the frame at the base thereof. A forward wall (14) of the platform (11) is set back from the front wall (10a) of the front portion (10) of the frame (3) to provide a channel between said forward (14) and front (10) walls. Side walls of the platform (11) are spaced apart from the side walls of the front portion of the frame. Thus, the body may be fitted around the platform (11) and clamped thereto by the connector of the inlet conduit. A rear edge (11a) of the platform (11) curves inwardly from its sides to its centre, thus taking a shape generally corresponding to the shape of a patient's upper lip. The inlet opening (13) provided in the base of the platform for connection to an inlet conduit for the delivery of gases is generally circular in shape. The platform (11) further comprises an annular wall (13a) extending upwardly around the opening, to facilitate securement of an inlet conduit. The frame (3) further comprises recesses (16) for locking the inlet conduit into a fixed position on the frame via a projection on the inlet conduit for engagement with said recess. The side arms (12) extend from the ends (10c) of the side walls (10b) of the front portion (10) of the frame (3), and are provided with slots (17) for attachment to headgear (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 8).

[0115] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate frames (3) in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiments, the platform (11) is joined with the side walls (10b) of the front portion (10) of the frame (3). Channels (11b) are formed between the side walls of the platform (11) and the side walls (10b) of the front portion of the frame (10). In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, a groove, or recess (3a), is formed at both sides of the front wall (10a) of the front portion (10) of the frame (3).

[0116] FIG. 5 illustrates a body (2) having openings (6) located at the sides of the body (2) (only one side opening is shown; there is a corresponding opening in the opposite side of the body).

[0117] FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled device (1) in which the platform extends through side openings in the body (2). As can be seen, the body (2) is fitted over the front wall of the frame (3). In the illustrated embodiment, the body (2) sits in grooves (3a) in the front wall of the front portion of the frame.

[0118] FIG. 7 illustrates an inlet conduit (4) in accordance with the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the inlet conduit (4) comprises a connector (18) at a first end, which connector (18) is adapted to extend through the base opening of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, clamping the base wall of the body and the support platform together. The connector (18) comprises lugs (19) for a permanent snap-fit connection to the top of the annular wall of the platform. The inlet conduit (4) further comprises a projection (20) for engagement with a recess in the frame or body, so as to lock the inlet conduit in a fixed position on the frame or body. The projection depends from an annular projection (21) on the inlet conduit. The second end of the inlet conduit (4) is adapted for connection with a gases supply tube. In the illustrated embodiment, a screw thread (22) is provided at the second end of the inlet conduit, to secure a gases supply tube to the device of the present invention.

[0119] FIG. 8 illustrates a device (1) in accordance with the present invention attached to a head strap (23) and a gases supply tube (24). A clip (25) may be provided, for example to allow the tube (24) to be connected for example to clothing or bedding.

[0120] The respiratory interface device, frame, and kit of the present invention are further described with reference to the following:

[0121] A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: [0122] the frame comprises: a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and a support platform extending rearwardly from said front wall, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; [0123] the body comprises at least one nasal outlet for interfacing with a user's nostril, in use, a base opening in a base wall thereof, and at least one opening through which the support platform extends; and wherein [0124] the inlet conduit comprises a connector at a first end that extends through the base opening of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, and clamps the base wall of the body and the support platform together, a chamber being defined between the support platform and the body, which chamber provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the one or more nasal outlets.

[0125] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0101], wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a front opening in a front wall of the body.

[0126] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [101], wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a pair of side openings in side walls of the body.

[0127] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101] to [0128] wherein the side walls of the front portion of the frame are separated from the platform.

[0129] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0101] or paragraph [0130] wherein the side walls of the front portion of the frame are joined with the platform.

[0131] A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: [0132] the frame comprises: a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and a support platform extending rearwardly from said front wall, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; [0133] the body comprises at least one nasal outlet for interfacing with a user's nostril, in use, a base opening, and at least one opening through which the support platform extends, a chamber being defined between the support platform and the body, which chamber provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the one or more nasal outlets; and wherein [0134] the side walls of the front portion of the frame are separated from the platform.

[0135] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0106], wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a front opening in a front wall of the body.

[0136] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0106], wherein the at least one opening through which the support platform extends is a pair of side openings in side walls of the body.

[0137] A frame for use in a respiratory interface device, said frame comprising: [0138] a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and [0139] a support platform extending rearwardly from the front wall of said front portion, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; and wherein [0140] the side walls of the front portion of the frame are separated from the platform.

[0141] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101], [0104] and [0106]-[0107], or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0109], wherein the support platform comprises a forward wall, which forward wall is spaced from the front wall of the frame such that a channel is formed between said forward and front walls.

[0142] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0109] or paragraph [0110], wherein the support platform comprises side walls.

[0143] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0111] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0111], wherein the support platform comprises a rear wall.

[0144] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0112] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0112], wherein a rear edge of the support platform, or a rear wall of the support platform, is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

[0145] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0113] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0113], wherein the inlet opening in the support platform is circular in shape.

[0146] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0114], wherein the support platform comprises an annular wall extending upwardly around the inlet opening.

[0147] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0115] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0115], wherein the side arms are contoured to correspond with the contours of a patient's face.

[0148] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0116] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0116], wherein each side arm comprises means for attachment to headgear.

[0149] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0117], wherein a distal end of each side arm is provided with a pair of slots adapted to secure an end of a head strap to said side arm.

[0150] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0118] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0118], comprising means for holding an inlet conduit in a fixed position on the front portion of the frame or in a fixed position on the body.

[0151] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0119], wherein the inlet conduit comprises a projection and each side wall of the front portion of the frame, or the body, comprises a corresponding recess.

[0152] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0119], wherein the inlet conduit comprises a recess and each side wall of the front portion of the frame, or the body, comprises a corresponding projection.

[0153] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0120] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0120], wherein the frame is made from a flexible plastics material.

[0154] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0122], wherein the frame is made from a thermoplastic synthetic polymer.

[0155] A respiratory interface device or a frame for use in a respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0123], wherein the frame is made from polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0156] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0110]-[0111] and [0113]-[0124] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0111] and [0113]-[0124], wherein the support platform lacks a rear wall.

[0157] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0125] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0125], wherein the frame comprises chamfered or rounded edges.

[0158] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0126] or a frame for use in respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0109]-[0126], wherein the base opening of the platform comprises a chamfered or rounded edge.

[0159] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101], [0102], [0104], [0106], [0107] and [0110]-[0127], wherein the body comprises front, rear, base, side and top walls, the front wall having a front opening, the base wall having a base opening, the top wall having one or more nasal outlets (nasal prongs) for interfacing with a patient's nostrils, and the base opening being arranged so as to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform.

[0160] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101], [0103]-[0106], [0108] and [0111]-[0127], wherein the body comprises front, rear, base, side and top walls, each side wall having an opening therein, the base wall having a base opening, the top wall having one or more nasal outlets (nasal prongs) for interfacing with a patient's nostrils, and the base opening being arranged so as to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform.

[0161] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0129], wherein body comprises an annular exteriorly raised ring, around the base opening.

[0162] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0130], wherein the body comprises a pair of nasal prongs.

[0163] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0131], wherein the or each nasal prong is curved in shape, curving rearwardly and inwardly from its base with respect to the front and sides of the body.

[0164] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0132], wherein the or each nasal prong is of uniform cross-section and/or has a uniform wall thickness along their length.

[0165] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0133], wherein an area around the base of the or each prong is thinner than the rest of the body.

[0166] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0134], wherein the rear wall of the body extends beyond the base thereof, providing an increased area for contact with a patient's upper lip.

[0167] A respiratory interface as described in any of paragraphs [0128]-[0135], wherein the rear wall of the body is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

[0168] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0136], wherein the body is made from a pliable material.

[0169] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0137], wherein the body is made from silicone.

[0170] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0138], wherein the inlet conduit has a connector at a first end, for connecting to the platform of the frame and has a shape complementary to the shape of the inlet opening.

[0171] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0139], wherein the inlet conduit is in the form of an elbow, such that the connector extends upwardly from the conduit at the first end of the conduit.

[0172] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0139] or paragraph [0173] wherein the connector is provided with means for a permanent snap-fit to the platform.

[0174] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0141], wherein the connector is provided with one or more lugs adapted for a snap-fit with the platform.

[0175] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0142], wherein the lug or lugs positioned closest to a second end of the connector is or are thicker or otherwise reinforced in comparison with the remaining lug or lugs.

[0176] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0101]-[0108] and [0110]-[0143], wherein the inlet conduit is secured to the platform in a rotatable and non-removable manner.

[0177] A respiratory interface device kit comprising: [0178] a frame, body, and inlet conduit as described paragraphs [0101]-[0143], as separate parts or fully assembled; and [0179] instructions for assembly and/or use.

[0180] A respiratory interface device kit as described in paragraph [0145], comprising two or more bodies of different sizes.

[0181] A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: [0182] the body comprises front, rear, base, and top walls, the front wall having a front opening, the base wall having a base opening, and the top wall having one or more nasal outlets for interfacing with a patient's nostrils; [0183] the frame comprises a front portion having a front wall and two side walls; side arms; and a support platform extending rearwardly from said front wall, the support platform having an inlet opening formed therein; [0184] each side wall of the front portion of the frame is separated from the support platform; [0185] the base opening of the body is arranged to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform; [0186] the inlet conduit has a connector at a first end; [0187] the support platform extends through the front opening in the front wall of the body; and [0188] the inlet conduit extends through the base opening in the base wall of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, clamping the body and the support platform together.

[0189] A conduit for use in a respiratory interface device, said conduit comprising a connector at a first end thereof, wherein said connector extends upwardly from a main body of the conduit and is adapted for connection with a nasal cannula part to provide a supply of gases thereto, a second end of said conduit being adapted for connection to a gases supply tube.

[0190] A conduit as described in paragraph [0148], wherein said connector has a generally cylindrical shape for a rotatable connection with said nasal cannula part.

[0191] A conduit as described in paragraph [0148] or paragraph [0149], wherein said connector comprises means for permanent connection with said nasal cannula part.

[0192] A respiratory interface device comprising a body, a frame and an inlet conduit, wherein: [0193] the frame comprises: two side walls; side arms, and a platform extending between said two side walls, said platform having an inlet opening formed therein; [0194] the body comprises at least one nasal outlet for interfacing with a user's nostril, in use, a base opening, and side openings through which the platform extends, the base opening corresponding with the inlet opening of the platform; and wherein [0195] the inlet conduit comprises a connector at a first end that extends through the base opening of the body and the inlet opening of the support platform, and clamps the base wall of the body and the support platform together, a chamber being defined between the support platform and the body, which chamber provides fluid communication between the inlet conduit and the one or more nasal outlets.

[0196] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0151], wherein the support platform comprises side walls spaced inwardly from the side walls of the frame.

[0197] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0151] or paragraph [0198] wherein the support platform comprises a rear wall.

[0199] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0151], wherein the support platform lacks walls other than the side walls of the frame.

[0200] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0154], wherein a rear edge of the support platform, or a rear wall of the support platform, is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

[0201] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0155], wherein the inlet opening in the support platform is circular in shape.

[0202] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0156], wherein the support platform comprises an annular wall extending upwardly around the inlet opening.

[0203] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0157], wherein the side arms are contoured to correspond with the contours of a patient's face.

[0204] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0158], wherein each side arm comprises means for attachment to headgear.

[0205] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0159], wherein a distal end of each side arm is provided with a pair of slots adapted to secure an end of a head strap to said side arm.

[0206] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0160], comprising means for holding an inlet conduit in a fixed position on the front portion of the frame or in a fixed position on the body.

[0207] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraphs [0161], wherein the inlet conduit comprises a projection and each side wall of the frame, or the body, comprises a corresponding recess.

[0208] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0161], wherein the inlet conduit comprises a recess and each side wall of the frame, or the body, comprises a corresponding projection.

[0209] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0153], wherein the frame is made from a flexible plastics material.

[0210] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0164], wherein the frame is made from a thermoplastic synthetic polymer.

[0211] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0165], wherein the frame is made from polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0212] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0166], wherein the frame comprises chamfered or rounded edges.

[0213] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0167], wherein the base opening of the platform comprises a chamfered or rounded edge.

[0214] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0168], wherein the body comprises front, rear, base, side and top walls, each side wall having an opening therein, the base wall having a base opening, the top wall having one or more nasal outlets (nasal prongs) for interfacing with a patient's nostrils, and the base opening being arranged so as to correspond with the inlet opening of the support platform.

[0215] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0169], wherein body comprises an annular exteriorly raised ring, around the base opening.

[0216] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0170], wherein the body comprises a pair of nasal prongs.

[0217] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0171], wherein the or each nasal prong is curved in shape, curving rearwardly and inwardly from its base with respect to the front and sides of the body.

[0218] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0172], wherein the or each nasal prong is of uniform cross-section and/or has a uniform wall thickness along their length.

[0219] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0173], wherein an area around the base of the or each prong is thinner than the rest of the body.

[0220] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0174], wherein the rear wall of the body extends beyond the base thereof, providing an increased area for contact with a patient's upper lip.

[0221] A respiratory interface as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0175], wherein the rear wall of the body is shaped to correspond with the shape of a patient's upper lip, curving inwardly from its outer edges.

[0222] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0176], wherein the body is made from a pliable material.

[0223] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0177], wherein the body is made from silicone.

[0224] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0178], wherein the inlet conduit has a connector at a first end, for connecting to the platform of the frame and has a shape complementary to the shape of the inlet opening.

[0225] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0179], wherein the inlet conduit is in the form of an elbow, such that the connector extends upwardly from the conduit at the first end of the conduit.

[0226] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0179]-[0180], wherein the connector is provided with means for a permanent snap-fit to the platform.

[0227] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0181], wherein the connector is provided with one or more lugs adapted for a snap-fit with the platform.

[0228] A respiratory interface device as described in paragraph [0182], wherein the lug or lugs positioned closest to a second end of the connector is or are thicker or otherwise reinforced in comparison with the remaining lug or lugs.

[0229] A respiratory interface device as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0183], wherein the inlet conduit is secured to the platform in a rotatable and non-removable manner.

[0230] A respiratory interface device kit comprising: [0231] a frame, body, and inlet conduit as described in any of paragraphs [0151]-[0183], as separate parts or fully assembled; and [0232] instructions for assembly and/or use.

[0233] A respiratory interface device kit as described in paragraph [0185], comprising two or more bodies of different sizes.