RESPIRATORY GAS HOSE SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING A RESPIRATORY GAS

Abstract

A flexible respiratory gas tube arrangement for supplying a respiratory gas to a person includes a flexible tube, a heater to heat the gas as it is delivered through the tube, a first connector provided to one end of the tube and adapted to connect the tube with a breathing mask, and a second connector provided to the other end of the tube and adapted to connect the tube with a CPAP device. The second connector includes a first portion that provides a respiratory gas passage and a second portion that provides integrated contact elements by which power is supplied to the heater. The contact elements are adapted to be engaged with a power supply provided on the CPAP device for supplying power to said heater.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. An apparatus for treatment of sleep-related respiratory problems by application of positive pressure gas to the respiratory passages of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a CPAP device comprising: a blower configured to deliver gas at a delivery pressure for CPAP therapy, an electronic controller configured to adjust the delivery pressure of the gas, a power supply socket provided on the CPAP device; and a heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement, the tube arrangement comprising: a heatable respiratory gas tube configured to deliver the positive pressure gas from the CPAP device to the patient, a first connector at a first end of the tube and configured to connect to a breathing mask, and a second connector at a second end of the tube and configured to connect to the CPAP device, wherein the second connector is configured to connect to the power supply socket provided on the CPAP device when the second connector is engaged into the power supply socket, and comprises a connector plug providing a respiratory gas passage cross-section and contact elements configured to supply the heatable respiratory gas tube with power.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first connector is an elastomer socket.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second connector is an elastomer socket.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement further comprises a heat-insulating layer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises an air-cushion layer.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the respiratory gas tube comprises a spirally reinforced plastic material configured to resist kinking.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises a wall thickness in a range of 1-7 mm.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the heat-insulating layer is glued to the heatable respiratory gas tube.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube comprises an electrical resistance heater.

11. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the contact elements extend parallel to and are radially outwards of the gas passage cross-section, and the contact elements are integrated with the second connector.

12. An apparatus for treatment of sleep-related respiratory problems by application of positive pressure gas to the respiratory passages of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a CPAP device comprising: a blower configured to deliver gas at a delivery pressure for CPAP therapy, and an electronic controller configured to adjust the delivery pressure of the gas, a humidifier device comprising: an inlet in fluid communication with the CPAP device, a humidification flow path configured to humidify the gas, an outlet connector in fluid communication with the inlet by way of the humidification flow path, and a power supply socket on the humidifier device; and a heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement, the tube arrangement comprising: a heatable respiratory gas tube configured to deliver the positive pressure gas from the humidifier device to the patient, a first connector at a first end of the tube and configured to connect to a breathing mask, and a second connector at a second end of the tube and configured to connect to the humidifier device, wherein the second connector is configured to connect to the power supply socket on the humidifier device when the second connector is engaged into the power supply socket, and comprises a connector plug providing a respiratory gas passage cross-section and contact elements configured to supply the heatable respiratory gas tube with power.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first connector is an elastomer socket.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second connector is an elastomer socket.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement further comprises a heat-insulating layer.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises an air-cushion layer.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the respiratory gas tube comprises a spirally reinforced plastic material configured to resist kinking.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises a wall thickness in a range of 1-7 mm.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the heat-insulating layer is glued to the heatable respiratory gas tube.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube comprises an electrical resistance heater.

21. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the contact elements extend parallel to and are radially outwards of the gas passage cross-section, and the contact elements are integrated with the second connector.

22. A heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement, the tube arrangement comprising: a heatable respiratory gas tube configured to deliver positive pressure gas from the a CPAP device to a patient, a first connector at a first end of the tube and configured to connect to a breathing mask, and a second connector at a second end of the tube and configured to connect to a CPAP device or a humidifier device, wherein the second connector is configured to connect to a power supply socket on the CPAP device or the humidifier device when the second connector is engaged into the power supply socket, and comprises a connector plug providing a respiratory gas passage cross-section and contact elements configured to supply the heatable respiratory gas tube with power.

23. The tube arrangement of claim 22, wherein the first connector is an elastomer socket.

24. The tube arrangement of claim 23, wherein the second connector is an elastomer socket.

25. The tube arrangement of claim 22, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube arrangement further comprises a heat-insulating layer.

26. The tube arrangement of claim 25, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises an air-cushion layer.

27. The tube arrangement of claim 26, wherein the respiratory gas tube comprises a spirally reinforced plastic material configured to resist kinking.

28. The tube arrangement of claim 27, wherein the heat-insulating layer comprises a wall thickness in a range of 1-7 mm.

29. The tube arrangement of claim 27, wherein the heat-insulating layer is glued to the heatable respiratory gas tube.

30. The tube arrangement of claim 29, wherein the heatable respiratory gas tube comprises an electrical resistance heater.

31. The tube arrangement of claim 22, wherein the contact elements extend parallel to and are radially outwards of the gas passage cross-section, and the contact elements are integrated with the second connector.

Description

[0034] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which reference is made to the appended drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a CPAP respiratory gas tube arrangement, with the sheathing body proposed according to the invention, said sheathing body being made of a soft textile material;

[0036] FIG. 2a shows a simplified sectional view through a portion of a multi-layered sheathing body;

[0037] FIG. 2b shows a simplified sectional view through a portion of a single-layered sheathing body;

[0038] FIG. 2c shows a simplified sectional view through a portion of a two-layered sheathing body with a textile covering layer;

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view for elucidating a fixing means provided in the end region of the flexible sheathing body;

[0040] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the flexible sheathing body in the form of a longitudinally split body including the joining means extending along the corresponding longitudinal edge, said joining means here being in the form of a VELCRO™ (hook and loop) fastener;

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a perspective sketch for elucidating a further embodiment of a respiratory gas tube arrangement;

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a sketch of a portion of the sheathing body, here with eye portions for suspending the sheathing body;

[0043] FIG. 7 shows a sketch for elucidating an articulated insert which can be inserted section-wise into the sheathing body;

[0044] FIG. 8 shows a sketch of a blower means (CPAP pressure source), in the form of a cartridge, for insertion into the sheathing body.

[0045] The respiratory gas tube arrangement shown in FIG. 1 comprises a flexible tube (not visible here), made from a spirally reinforced plastic material, and an insulating sheathing body 1, made from an insulating textile material—fleece material, in this case. The sheathing body 1 is formed of a narrow strip of material stitched along one longitudinal seam (overlock seam) to form a tube. In the embodiment shown here, formed in each end region of the sheathing body 1 is a hollow seam 2, 3 through which is passed a cord 4, 5. Through corresponding pulling of the cords 4, 5 it is possible to draw together the end regions of the sheathing body 1, this advantageously fixing the sheathing body 1 to the flexible tube. In order to connect the flexible tube to a CPAP device and to a breathing mask, the respective end regions of the tube are provided with elastomer sockets 6, 7 which can be elastically plugged onto or into correspondingly matching connectors.

[0046] The sheathing body 1 is of such dimensions that the flexible tube is more or less loosely held therein. The air cushion formed between the inside surface of the sheathing body 1 and the outside surface of the flexible tube results in improved thermal insulation without increase in weight and additionally provides the respiratory gas tube arrangement with a pleasant cushioning effect.

[0047] In order to fix the cords 4, 5 in a corresponding lashing position—as will be explained in detail hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 3—fixing means (not visible here) are preferably provided.

[0048] As indicated in FIG. 2a, the sheathing body 1 is preferably of multi-layered design. Thus, for example, as the uppermost or outer covering layer, a textile covering layer 8, selected with respect to aesthetic considerations, can be laminated onto a cushioning and insulating substrate, which, in this case, consists of a foam plastic layer 9 and a blister film 10. The individual layers may be joined by corresponding glueing, by stitching or, preferably, by hot-laminating. Thus, for example, it is possible to form the insulating foam plastic layer 9 on a foam plastic material whose covering surface welds at a predetermined melting temperature with the outer layer 8 and the blister film 10.

[0049] Alternatively to the multi-layered construction just described, it is also possible for the sheathing body 1 to be formed from a solid material, preferably from a fleece or felt material, as shown in FIG. 2b. Preferably, use is made in this connection of materials which permit simple cleaning, preferably washing by boiling.

[0050] FIG. 2c shows a further embodiment of the wall material of the flexible sheathing body 1, which consists in this case of a cushioning and heat-insulating foam plastic layer 9 and a covering layer 8 formed of a decorative fabric material. The joining of the covering layer 8 to the foam plastic material 9 is achieved in this case by means of flame-laminating.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a fixing means for fixing the flexible sheathing body 1 in the end region of the flexible respiratory gas tube. Here, the fixing means comprises a cord 4 which is passed through a hollow seam 2 and which is provided with a knot 12 in the region of each of its protruding ends. Through corresponding pulling on the protruding portion of the cord 4 or on the knot 12 it is possible to draw together the end of the flexible sheathing body 1.

[0052] By means of a fixing means 14 it is possible for the cord 4 to be kept in the tightened position. By actuating a releasing means, here in the form of a press button 15, it is possible to loosen the cord 4 and to widen the previously narrowed end of the sheathing body 1. Especially reliable fixing of the sheathing body 1 to the flexible tube can be achieved in that formed in the region of the terminating element, here in the form of the elastomer socket 6, is a structure which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the corresponding end portion of the sheathing body 1. For example, the elastomer socket 6 may be provided with a circumferential groove or circumferential bead to which the suitably drawn-together textile sheathing body 1 can be fixed.

[0053] Alternatively to the lashing arrangement shown here, it is also possible to fix the end of the sheathing body 1 to the flexible tube (not shown), for example, by means of a VELCRO™ (hook and loop) fastener means or by means of clasps.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the respiratory gas tube arrangement which, in this case, comprises a flexible tube 16 provided at its end regions with the elastomer sockets 6, 7. In contrast to the embodiment previously described in connection with FIG. 1, in this case the flexible sheathing body 1 is formed from a flexible textile strip which is guided around the flexible tube 16 and is provided along its longitudinal edge with a joining means 17, with the result that the material strip guided around the tube 16 surrounds the flexible tube 16 likewise in the manner of a tube. In particularly advantageous manner, provided for this purpose in the region of one of the longitudinal edges of the textile material strip is a VELCRO™ (hook and loop) fastener tape.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the respiratory gas tube arrangement, formed in connection with the sheathing body 1, including breathing mask 112.

[0056] The breathing mask 112 is connected to an articulated piece 116 through the intermediary of a washing valve 115 integrated into a forehead spacer 114. Formed in the region of the articulated piece 116 is a circumferential groove 117 in which a front collar region 119 of the sheathing body 1 can be fixed by means of a lashing tape 118.

[0057] The articulated piece 116 is adjoined by a respiratory gas flowrate measuring member 120, which can be connected to a respiratory gas pressure source, such as a CPAP device, via a measuring line (not visible here).

[0058] The respiratory gas tube apparatus additionally comprises a respiratory gas humidifier 121 which can be connected to a water source via a humidification line 122. The respiratory gas humidifier 121 is in the form of a flexible tube piece and is disposed between the breathing mask 112 and the main part of the respiratory gas tube 23.

[0059] In the region of the respiratory gas humidifier 121, the sheathing body 1 is provided with a super-insulating foil, with the result that a great thermal insulation effect is achieved in the region of the humidifier. This makes it possible for the heat required for evaporating the humidification water to be drawn exclusively—or at least predominantly—from the respiratory air.

[0060] In the closed position, the sheathing body 1 surrounds the respiratory gas tube, composed of a plurality of modules, in the manner of a tube and closes off the respiratory gas tube to the outside. The sheathing body 1 is provided with a VELCRO™ (hook and loop) fastener tape 125 in the example embodiment shown.

[0061] The respiratory gas tube further comprises a tube silencer 126, which, in this case, has a length of between approximately 80 and 120 cm and which permits the further absorption of any noises from a respiratory gas pressure source. In the embodiment shown here, said silencer 126, too, is surrounded by the sheathing body 1.

[0062] A heating means 127 is integrated into the sheathing body 1. The power supply to said heating means 127 is by means of contact elements 128 which are integrated into a connector 129. The connector 129 comprises a respiratory-gas passage cross-section 130 as well as a pressure measuring tube connection cross-section 131.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows a portion of the sheathing body 1 which is here provided with an eye 132 by means of which the sheathing body 1 can be suspended.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows an articulated members element 133 which can be inserted into the sheathing body 1 coaxially with the respiratory gas tube. The articulated members element 133 comprises a multiplicity of articulated members which are coupled together with such a tight fit that the respiratory gas tube arrangement can be bent into a desired form.

[0065] FIG. 8 shows a blower means 134, the outer dimensions of which are such that said blower means can likewise be inserted into the sheathing body 1. This makes it possible to create a CPAP apparatus which is spiral or wavy in form and which is adapted in modular fashion to the respective user.