JPWO2020121177A5 - - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to respiratory interfaces and, more particularly, to respiratory patient interfaces for providing gas or fluid to a patient.

Respiratory support devices are used to deliver a flow of gas to a user or patient in various settings such as hospitals, medical facilities, home care or home environments. Respiratory support or respiratory therapy devices (collectively "respiratory apparatus" or "respiratory devices") may be used to deliver a flow of gas, such as air and/or supplemental oxygen or other gas, to a user. The respiratory device may also include a humidifier to deliver heated and humidified gases. Breathing devices may allow adjustment and control of gas flow characteristics including flow rate, temperature, gas concentration, humidity, pressure, and the like. Sensors, such as flow sensors and/or pressure sensors, are used to measure gas flow characteristics.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A single closed nasal prong,
A seal body configured to seal one of a patient's nostrils, having or including substantially opposed front and rear surfaces and substantially opposed left and right surfaces, substantially opposed front and rear surfaces. are substantially symmetrical to each other, the seal bodies;
an inlet configured to receive gas;
an outlet configured to supply gas to a patient, located approximately midway between the left and right sides so that a single sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils; including an exit located,
The seal body and outlet of the single sealed nasal prong are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed and free from the outlet. A respiratory interface is provided that includes a single sealed nasal prong that is positioned not to receive direct gas supply from the body.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A single closed nasal prong,
A seal body configured to seal one of a patient's nostrils, having or including substantially opposed front and rear surfaces and substantially opposed left and right surfaces, substantially opposed left and right surfaces. are substantially symmetrical to each other, the seal bodies;
an inlet configured to receive gas;
an outlet configured to supply gas to a patient, located approximately midway between the left and right sides so that a single sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils; including an exit located,
The seal body and outlet of the single sealed nasal prong are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed and free from the outlet. A respiratory interface is provided that includes a single sealed nasal prong that is positioned not to receive direct gas supply from the body.

Optionally, the substantially opposite anterior and posterior surfaces are substantially symmetrical to each other.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further comprises a gas delivery assembly, the gas delivery assembly comprising a single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the gas delivery assembly further includes a conduit connected or connectable to the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes headgear connected or connectable to the gas delivery assembly.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A gas delivery assembly comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
a gas delivery assembly having a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong;
A respiratory interface is provided consisting of headgear connected or connectable to a gas delivery assembly.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A gas delivery assembly comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
a gas delivery assembly consisting of a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with a single sealed nasal prong;
A respiratory interface is provided that includes headgear connected or connectable to a gas delivery assembly.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A flameless gas delivery assembly comprising:
A single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of a patient's nostrils, the inlet configured to receive gas and the outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient. a single closed nasal prong, having
a frameless gas delivery assembly including a conduit in fluid communication with a single sealed nasal prong;
A respiratory interface is provided that includes headgear connected or connectable to a gas delivery assembly.

Optionally, the headgear is directly connected to the gas delivery assembly.

Optionally, the headgear is directly connected to the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, headgear is directly connected to the conduit.

Optionally, the seal body includes walls defining an inlet, an outlet, and the seal body.

Optionally, the wall thickness is from about 0.7mm to about 0.8mm.

Optionally, the respiratory interface isolates the single sealing nasal prong from tension while still allowing the headgear to maintain headgear retention as the single sealing nasal prong is moved from one nostril to the other. It further includes an adjuster configured to.

Optionally, the adjuster includes a support.

Optionally, the support is or includes one or more sliding members.

Optionally, the support or strap is or includes a flexible portion.

Optionally, the adjuster is coupled to a cuff supporting a single sealing nasal prong between or as an intermediate component of a headgear mechanism.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes a clip configured to removably fasten the conduit to another item associated with the patient.

Optionally, the outlet is located approximately midway between the front and back surfaces.

Optionally, the opposing left and right sides are substantially symmetrical to each other.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is pivotable about an axis so that it can be oriented to fit any of the patient's nostrils.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong includes a rigid portion that is connected or connectable to the gas flow assembly.

Optionally, the rigid portion provides stability of the single sealing nasal prong to the gas flow assembly.

Optionally, the wall thickness of the rigid portion is from about 1.5mm to about 4mm.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong includes a flexible portion configured to substantially conform to the shape of the patient's nostril.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
A conduit having an outlet configured to supply gas to a single sealed nasal prong, wherein the conduit outlet is coupled with the single sealed nasal prong such that the conduit outlet is coaxial with the inlet of the single sealed nasal prong Or a respiratory interface is provided that includes a conduit that is connectable.

Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the conduit outlet is similar to the cross-sectional area of the prong inlet.

Optionally, the ratio of the width of the single closed nasal prong to the length of the single closed nasal prong is from about 0.4 to about 0.9.

Optionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet to the cross-sectional area of the conduit outlet 305 is about 0.72.

Optionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet to the cross-sectional area of the base of the seal is about 0.33.

Optionally, the prong outlet is approximately central to the conduit outlet.

Optionally, the single seal nasal prong includes a flexible seal.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong includes a rigid joint.

Optionally, the rigid joint is integral with the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the seal body includes walls defining an inlet, an outlet, and the seal body.

Optionally, the wall thickness is from about 0.7mm to about 0.8mm.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes a cuff having a prong connection, the single sealing nasal prong being or receivable by the prong connection of the cuff.

Optionally, the rigid joint is joined with the cuff.

Optionally, the rigid joint includes a single sealing nasal prong inlet.

Optionally, the gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet is substantially straight.

Optionally, the single sealed nasal prong and conduit assembly form a continuous gas path.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong and conduit assembly form a direct fluid connection.

Optionally, the conduit assembly includes a conduit and a conduit connector that facilitates coupling between the conduit and the cuff.

Optionally, the inner surface of the rigid portion includes an undercut or recess, the cuff includes a complementary groove, and the undercut or recess and complementary groove interact with each other to couple the prong to the conduit. .

Optionally, the cuff includes headgear attachment hooks.

Optionally, the rigid portion includes a cutout or recess configured to receive a portion of the headgear strap.

Optionally, the cuff includes teeth configured to grip and retain a portion of the headgear straps.

Optionally, the conduit and prong configuration is configured to reduce flow resistance.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
The single sealing nasal prong is removable from the first nostril and placed in the other nostril of the patient to seal the other nostril without the single sealing nasal prong being removed from the respiratory interface. A respiratory interface is provided that includes an adjuster configured to allow for.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further comprises headgear, the headgear comprising the adjuster.

Optionally, the headgear includes a single strap or bifurcated straps.

Optionally, the headgear includes extendable portions.

Optionally, the headgear includes non-stretchable portions.

Optionally, the non-stretchable portion has a stretchable portion on each side.

Optionally, the adjuster includes a sliding member that allows prong adjustment independent of the head strap.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong is a moveable prong.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is movable between two positions.

Optionally, the single sealing prong is rotatable from a first location where the prong seals a first nostril of the patient to a second location where the prong seals a second nostril of the patient.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is rotatable about a pivot point or rotatable about a vertical axis.

Optionally, the pivot point is located between the first location and the second location.

Optionally, the first location is on a first region of the manifold and the second location is on a second region of the manifold.

Optionally, the first location and the second location on the first region of the manifold are on the same region of the manifold.

Optionally, the prong outlet extends at a first angle to correspond to the first nostril angle when in the first location and the prong outlet extends at a second angle when in the second location. It extends at a second angle to accommodate the angle of the nostrils.

Optionally, the manifold includes a first outlet corresponding to the first location of the prongs and a second outlet corresponding to the second location of the prongs.

Optionally, the respiratory interface seals the second opening when the single sealing nasal prong is in the first location and the first opening when the single sealing nasal prong is in the second location. Further includes a plug configured to seal the portion.

Optionally, the plug is integral with the prongs and configured to rotate when the prongs rotate.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further comprises a tether coupling the plug to the respiratory interface.

Optionally, the seal body has opposing left and right sides, and the prong outlets are located on the left and right sides so that a single sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils. Located almost in the middle of the

Optionally, the seal body has opposing anterior and posterior surfaces and the prong outlets are configured such that a single sealing nasal prong can seal each of the patient's nostrils regardless of vertical orientation. It is located approximately in the middle between the front and back surfaces.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
a body having a pair of sidearms configured to provide stability of the interface on the patient's cheek;
single closed nasal prongs,
a manifold having a unilateral inlet for receiving gas from a gas source and an outlet for delivering gas to a single sealed nasal prong;
A single sealed nasal prong has one of the patient's nostrils substantially sealed and supplied with gas from an outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is not sealed and gas is fed directly from the outlet. A respiratory interface is provided that is positioned to receive no supply.

Optionally, the manifold is a separate piece from the sidearm and the sidearm is connectable or connected to the manifold.

Optionally, the sidearms include headgear attachment features.

Optionally, the conduit clip engages or is engagable with the conduit.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
A support for a single-sealing nasal prong strap, the single-sealing nasal prong being translatable relative to the support and being interchangeably received by a patient's nostrils, the single-sealing nasal prong being supported by the support. a support that remains attached to the object;
A respiratory interface is provided that includes headgear connected or connectable to a support.

Optionally, the support includes sliding members.

Optionally, the support includes two sliding members.

Optionally, the sliding member is shapeable or adaptable such that the sliding member substantially follows or adapts to the contours of the patient's face.

Optionally, the sliding member includes a preformed profile.

Optionally, said pre-shaped profile comprises a pre-curved or rounded profile comprising a curve or profile that substantially follows or adapts to the contours of the patient's face, or said curve or profile is substantially convex with respect to the face of the

Optionally, the preformed profile includes one or more of the following: about 120° extent of a circle, about one-third of a circle, arc-shaped configuration.

Optionally, the preformed profile includes a length and/or a precurved length ranging from about 70 mm to about 110 mm.

Optionally, the pre-curved or rounded profile comprises a range length or pre-curved length of about 90 mm.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes clips at the end portions of the slide members that are coupled or couplable to the headgear.

Optionally, the strap is or is couplable to a single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the strap is removably coupled to the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the headgear is a single strap or bifurcated straps.

Optionally, at least one end of the headgear includes a strap attachment.

Optionally, the strap attachment is a substantially hollow body including an inner wall for defining a channel therebetween, the strap attachment comprising an open end and a distal end, the open end defines an opening to the channel and is for receiving the free end of the head strap, and the terminal defines an end of the channel substantially distal to the open end, the channel provides a passageway extending between an open end and a distal end, through which the head strap is threaded, a substantially hollow body, from a base attached to the inner wall to a tip, substantially at least one first projection extending in a direction toward the opposed inner wall or into a channel defined by at least the opposed sidewalls, the tip being at least a portion of a head strap received within said channel; Configured to engage a surface, the tip is configured to substantially allow the head strap to be threaded into the channel and in a direction along the path from the open end to the distal end. and the tip is configured to substantially resist removal or withdrawal of the head strap from the channel in a direction extending from the distal end of the substantially hollow body toward the open end. and the tip of the at least one first projection is positioned to be spaced apart from said opposing inner walls by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being equal to the thickness of the head strap received within the channel. is a function of

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the first wall of the strap attachment A first projection set including at least one first projection extending from the wall and substantially toward or into the channel, the first projection including a distal end, the distal end a first set of projections configured to engage a portion of the head strap and prevent an end of the head strap received within the channel from being dislodged from the channel; is spaced a distance from a second opposing wall of the channel, the distance being provided as a function of the thickness of the head strap received within the channel.

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the two or more walls, at least one first a first set of protrusions including protrusions, a second set of protrusions including at least one second set of protrusions, the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions extending into the channel from opposing walls of the strap attachment; at least one first projection of the first projection set and at least one second projection of the second projection set include a distal end, the distal end engaging a portion of the head strap; and A distal end of the at least one first projection and a distal end of the at least one second projection configured to prevent disengagement of an end of a head strap received within the channel, wherein the distal end of the at least one first projection and the distal end of the at least one second projection comprise a tapered end or Tapering to an apex or including a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the two or more walls, at least one first a first set of protrusions including protrusions, a second set of protrusions including at least one second set of protrusions, wherein the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are curved or tortuous paths through which defining a curved or tortuous path in which the ends of the head strap are received, wherein at least one first projection of the first projection set and at least one second projection of the second projection set are located at the distal end; comprising a distal end for engaging a portion of the head strap and preventing disengagement of the end of the head strap received within the channel, the distal end of the at least one first projection; The distal end of the at least one second projection tapers to or includes a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the strap attachment includes strap terminations or ferrules.

Optionally, at least one end of the headgear is received within the channel of the strap attachments, and when received, the at least one end of the headgear is optionally substantially within the channel of the strap attachment. Follow a defined path, such as a tortuous path.

Optionally, the strap attachment includes a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions including a first set of protrusions and a second set of protrusions, the first and second sets of protrusions disposed on opposite sides of the channel. be done.

Optionally, the first set of projections and the second set of projections are arranged offset, such as optionally laterally offset, from each other in opposing configurations.

Optionally, the protrusion is configured to extend toward an end of the strap attachment opposite the head strap insertion end of the strap attachment.

Optionally, at least one projection tapers to a tapered end or tip or apex.

Optionally, said strap attachment includes an opening through which said headgear is inserted into said channel.

Optionally, said opening includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for housing or receiving said headgear.

Optionally, the seal body has opposing left and right sides and the prong outlets are adjusted to seal either one of the nostrils to provide therapy to the patient. centered between the left and right faces.

Optionally, the seal body has opposing anterior and posterior surfaces, and the prong outlet is centrally between the anterior and posterior surfaces so that a single sealed nasal prong can be inserted regardless of vertical orientation. It is in.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
including a cuff including a prong connection;
A single closed nasal prong provides a respiratory interface that is received or is acceptable by the prong connection of the cuff.

Optionally, the cuff includes a conduit coupling portion that is coupled or couplable with the conduit assembly.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong includes an undercut or recess and the cuff includes complementary grooves.

Optionally, the portion of the single sealing nasal prong received or receivable by the cuff is a rigid portion.

Optionally, a portion of the conduit is threaded for engagement with the cuff.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong connection and conduit connection of the cuff are integral with the cuff.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong connection and the conduit connection of the cuff are separate pieces.

Optionally, the prong attachment portion of the cuff includes a shape generally corresponding to the shape of a single closed nasal prong.

Optionally, the prong attachment portion of the cuff is substantially elliptical or oblong.

Optionally, the conduit outlet is aligned with the cuff opening and the cuff opening is further aligned with the prong inlet and prong outlet to provide a substantially straight gas path from the conduit to the single sealed nasal prong. maintain.

Optionally, the conduit outlet, cuff opening and prong inlet have similar diameters.

Optionally, the headgear attachment includes a ring attached to the cuff.

Optionally, the inner surface of the single sealing nasal prong has one or more cutouts for receiving a portion of the head strap.

Optionally, the headgear attachment includes one or more teeth on the inner surface of the cuff.

Optionally, the head strap is held in place by a friction fit.

Optionally, the head strap is attached to the prongs by glue, welds, protrusions and/or clips.

Optionally, the headgear includes sliding members.

Optionally, the sliding member is or is connectable to the cuff by a clip.

Optionally, the sliding member is removably coupled or removably couplable to the cuff.

Optionally, a sliding member separates movement of the single sealing nasal prong from headgear.

Optionally, the sliding member includes a headgear attachment area at or near each end.

Optionally, the sliding member is a single sliding member or a pair of sliding members.

Optionally, the sliding member is shapeable or adaptable such that the sliding member substantially follows or adapts to the contours of the patient's face.

Optionally, the sliding member includes a preformed profile.

Optionally, said pre-shaped profile comprises a pre-curved or rounded profile comprising a curve or profile that substantially follows or adapts to the contours of the patient's face, or said curve or profile is substantially convex with respect to the face of the

Optionally, the preformed profile includes one or more of the following: about 120° extent of a circle, about one-third of a circle, arc-shaped configuration.

Optionally, the preformed profile includes a length and/or a precurved length ranging from about 70 mm to about 110 mm.

Optionally, the pre-curved or rounded profile comprises a range length or pre-curved length of about 90 mm.

Optionally, the headgear includes a single strap or bifurcated straps.

Optionally, at least one end of the headgear includes a strap attachment.

Optionally, the strap attachment is a substantially hollow body including an inner wall for defining a channel therebetween, the strap attachment comprising an open end and a distal end, the open end defines an opening to the channel and is for receiving the free end of the head strap, and the terminal defines an end of the channel substantially distal to the open end, the channel provides a passageway extending between an open end and a distal end, through which the head strap is threaded, a substantially hollow body, from a base attached to the inner wall to a tip, substantially at least one first projection extending in a direction toward the opposed inner wall or into a channel defined by at least the opposed sidewalls, the tip being at least a portion of a head strap received within said channel; Configured to engage a surface, the tip is configured to substantially allow the head strap to be threaded into the channel and in a direction along the path from the open end to the distal end. and the tip is configured to substantially resist removal or withdrawal of the head strap from the channel in a direction extending from the distal end of the substantially hollow body toward the open end. and the tip of the at least one first projection is positioned to be spaced apart from said opposing inner walls by a predetermined distance, said predetermined distance being equal to the thickness of the head strap received within the channel. is a function of

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the first wall of the strap attachment A first projection set including at least one first projection extending from the wall and substantially toward or into the channel, the first projection including a distal end, the distal end a first set of projections configured to engage a portion of the head strap and prevent an end of the head strap received within the channel from being dislodged from the channel; is spaced a distance from a second opposing wall of the channel, the distance being provided as a function of the thickness of the head strap received within the channel.

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the two or more walls, at least one first a first set of protrusions including protrusions, a second set of protrusions including at least one second set of protrusions, the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions extending into the channel from opposing walls of the strap attachment; at least one first projection of the first projection set and at least one second projection of the second projection set include a distal end, the distal end engaging a portion of the head strap; and A distal end of the at least one first projection and a distal end of the at least one second projection configured to prevent disengagement of an end of a head strap received within the channel, wherein the distal end of the at least one first projection and the distal end of the at least one second projection comprise tapered ends or Tapering to an apex or including a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the strap attachment is two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of a head strap, the two or more walls, at least one first a first set of protrusions including protrusions, a second set of protrusions including at least one second set of protrusions, wherein the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are curved or tortuous paths through which defining a curved or tortuous path in which the ends of the head strap are received, wherein at least one first projection of the first projection set and at least one second projection of the second projection set are located at the distal end; comprising a distal end for engaging a portion of the head strap and preventing disengagement of the end of the head strap received within the channel, the distal end of the at least one first projection; The distal end of the at least one second projection tapers to or includes a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the strap attachment includes strap terminations or ferrules.

Optionally, at least one end of the headgear is received within the channel of the strap attachments, and when received, the at least one end of the headgear is optionally substantially within the channel of the strap attachment. Follow a defined path, such as a tortuous path.

Optionally, the strap attachment includes a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions including a first set of protrusions and a second set of protrusions, the first and second sets of protrusions disposed on opposite sides of the channel. be done.

Optionally, the first set of projections and the second set of projections are arranged offset, such as optionally laterally offset, from each other in opposing configurations.

Optionally, the protrusion is configured to extend toward an end of the strap attachment opposite the head strap insertion end of the strap attachment.

Optionally, at least one projection tapers to a tapered end or tip or apex.

Optionally, said strap attachment includes an opening through which said headgear is inserted into said channel.

Optionally, said opening includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for housing or receiving said headgear.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A single closed nasal prong,
an inlet configured to receive gas;
an outlet configured to supply gas to a patient;
a seal body having a wall defining an outer surface of a single sealing nasal prong;
The seal body and outlet of the single sealed nasal prong are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed and free from the outlet. located so as not to receive direct gas supply from
A respiratory interface is provided that is configured to provide respiratory flow therapy to a patient through a single sealed nasal prong, wherein respiratory flow causes airway flushing to eliminate dead space within the airway.

Optionally, the wall has a resting shape and is configured to substantially maintain the resting shape upon insertion into the patient's nostril.

Optionally, gas flowing through the gas passageway causes the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong to seal one of the patient's nostrils. Gas flowing through the prongs can expand the walls of the prongs and seal the user's nostrils.

Optionally, the wall defines an inlet, an outlet and a seal body.

Optionally, the wall thickness is from about 0.7mm to about 0.8mm.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong outlet is generally oval.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong outlet is elliptical.

Optionally, the exit cross-section has a minor radius of about 1 mm to about 3 mm and a major radius of about 4 mm to about 24 mm.

Optionally, the exit cross-section has a minor radius of about 1 mm to about 3 mm and a major radius of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

Optionally, the minor axis is about 2 mm and the major axis is about 7 mm.

Optionally, the seal body tapers inwardly from the inlet to the outlet.

Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the prong inlet.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong is configured to provide an expiratory pressure between 3.5 cmH2O and 16 cmH2O.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong is configured to provide an expiratory pressure between 3.5 cmH2O and 20 cmH2O.

Optionally, the outer surface of the seal body tapers inwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Optionally, the outer surface of the seal body is outwardly curved.

Optionally, flow rate is controlled to produce desired pressures for inspiration and expiration.

Optionally, the flow rate is reduced during exhalation to reduce expiratory pressure.

Optionally, the respiratory interface is configured such that the expiratory pressure is approximately 5-6 cmH2O.

Optionally, the respiratory interface is configured such that the expiratory airway pressure is approximately 5-8 cmH2O.

Optionally, the outlet is configured such that gas delivered from the outlet causes washout of dead space gases through the unsealed nostril.

Optionally, single nasal prongs are interchangeable between nostrils.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes one or more sliding members that allow prong adjustment independent of head strap adjustment.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes a conduit configured to deliver gas directly to the single sealed nasal prong without passing through another component.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong inlet is substantially similar to the cross-section of the conduit outlet.

Optionally, the cross-section of the inlet is substantially similar to the cross-section of the patient's proximal conduit.

Optionally, the gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet is substantially straight.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong and conduit form a continuous gas path.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong and conduit form a direct fluid connection.

an inlet configured to receive gas;
an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient, the outlet having a generally oblong cross-section;
A seal body having a wall defining an outer surface of a single-sealing nasal prong, the outer surface of the single-sealing nasal prong curving outwardly and tapering inwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end. , a single sealing nasal prong including a seal body,
the wall defines a gas passageway between the inlet and the outlet;
A single sealing nasal prong is provided wherein gas flowing through the gas passageway causes the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong to seal one of the patient's nostrils.

Optionally, the other nostril is on the left.

Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the prong inlet.

Optionally, the seal body and outlet of the single sealing nasal prong are substantially sealed to one of the patient's nostrils and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils are sealed. and is positioned so as not to receive a direct gas supply from the outlet.

Optionally, the seal body includes walls defining an inlet, an outlet, and the seal body.

Optionally, the wall thickness is from about 0.7mm to about 0.8mm.

Optionally, the prong has a seal and a coupling.

Optionally, the joint is stiffer than the seal.

Optionally, the coupling portion has a lip that engages or is engagable with the conduit cuff.

Optionally, the lip has an undercut for receiving a groove from the conduit portion.

Optionally, the prong outlets are positioned relative to the prong body such that the prongs can be adjusted to seal either one of the nostrils and provide therapy to the user.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is interchangeable between the user's nostrils.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong is configured to provide an expiratory pressure between 3.5 cmH2O and 16 cmH2O.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong inlet is substantially similar to the cross-section of the conduit outlet.

Optionally, the ratio of the length of the single closed nasal prong to the width of the single closed nasal prong is from about 1.52 to about 1.59.

Optionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet to the cross-sectional area of the conduit outlet 305 is about 0.72.

Optionally, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet to the cross-sectional area of the base of the seal is about 0.33.

Optionally, the prong exit is approximately central to the conduit exit.

Optionally, the single seal nasal prong includes a flexible seal.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong includes a rigid joint.

Optionally, the wall thickness of the rigid joint is from about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm.

Optionally, the prong outlet is in the center of the prong body in a horizontal orientation so that the prongs can be adjusted to seal either one of the nostrils and provide therapy to the user.

Optionally, the prong outlet is central to the prong body in both horizontal and vertical orientations such that the prongs can be inserted regardless of vertical orientation.

Optionally, the seal body is substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis.

Optionally, the seal body is substantially symmetrical about a horizontal axis.

A respiratory interface is provided for providing a gas flow at a rate that eliminates dead space, the respiratory interface consisting of: a.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A gas delivery assembly comprising:
a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal only one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient;
a gas delivery assembly consisting of a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with a single sealed nasal prong;
A respiratory interface is provided that includes headgear connected or connectable to a gas delivery assembly.

The gas delivery assembly further includes a support including a pair of opposing clips for connecting to corresponding clips attached to the headgear.

Advantageously, the technology disclosed herein provides a single nasal prong gas delivery member for delivering gas therapy to a patient. A single nasal prong may be incorporated as part of a respiratory interface that may be worn by or supported on the patient.

A single nasal prong may be of a configuration that seals or partially seals the patient or nostril with which the nasal prong is associated.

Whether the nasal prongs should be in a closed or partially closed configuration may depend on the gas therapy to be delivered to the patient. The degree of sealing or partial sealing may depend on the nasal prong design or shape or other comfort or fit or other patient comfort features that may be provided as part of the treatment type characteristic. The prongs provide a degree of seal and increase expiratory pressure when compared to non-sealing prongs.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril. The respiratory interface includes a side arm or pair of side arms that may be integral with, attachable to, or removably connectable to the headgear member. The respiratory interface further includes a frame or bridging member for positioning or supporting the single nasal prong. The frame or bridging member is positionable substantially in the region below the patient's septum or to provide a single nasal prong operatively provided to deliver gas to the patient's nostrils. substantially provided to

A frame or bridging member is configured to allow translation, rotation or other positioning of the single nasal prong relative to one or more nostrils of a patient, the single nasal prong being connected to the frame or bridging member. The member may be adjustably positionable about the member and arranged to deliver gas to one nostril or arranged to be movable from one of the patient's nostrils to the other of the patient's nostrils. be.

A single nasal prong can be translated along or around the frame or bridging member to adjust the orientation of the nasal prong relative to the patient and each nostril of the patient. or rotatable relative to the frame or bridging member.

The respiratory interface includes a base frame and nasal prongs (and optionally headgear or connectable or attachable headgear), wherein the nasal prongs are laterally adjustable with respect to the base frame.

A method of configuring a gas discharge location from a respiratory interface for gas delivery to a patient, wherein the discharge is provided by a gas delivery member in the form of nasal prongs, said nasal prongs extending into the patient's nostrils. adjustable between substantially left and substantially right positions relative to the nasal prongs and relative to the location of the remainder of the respiratory interface with which the nasal prongs are in fluid communication.

In some configurations, the respiratory interface includes a single sealing nasal prong, the single sealing nasal prong including a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils. The seal body may have opposed front and rear surfaces and opposed left and right surfaces. The opposing anterior and posterior surfaces may be substantially symmetrical to each other. When viewed from above, the opposing anterior and posterior surfaces may be symmetrical about a vertical plane. A single sealing nasal prong 2 may have an inlet configured to receive gas and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient. When the prongs are placed in the operative position, the prong inlet can be distal to the nostril and the outlet can be proximal. The outlet may be located approximately midway between the left and right sides so that a single sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils. The central location of a single closed nasal prong may be such that the center of the outlet is equidistant from the outer circumference of the prong. The outer peripheral surface can be considered at the maximum perimeter area of the prongs. In other words, when viewed from above, the prong outlet may be in the center of the outer circumference of the prong body. The outlets may be arranged such that the prongs may be symmetrical about at least two orthogonal vertical planes through the prongs.

The location of the prong outlets can allow a single sealing nasal prong to be used regardless of nostril orientation, and can allow the prong to seal either nostril. Human nostrils are angled toward each other and the present prongs may be shaped and configured to seal either nostril. The seal body and outlet of a single sealed nasal prong are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed to which gas is supplied from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed and the outlet or respiratory port is closed. It may be arranged such that it does not receive a direct gas supply from the gas supply of the respiratory system of which the interface is part. A centrally located outlet helps allow the prongs to engage and seal either the user's left or right nostril. The prongs may be shaped to fit and substantially occlude either the user's right nostril or left nostril. For example, the prongs can be placed or positioned on the patient's face in two different orientations. That is, the interface can rotate itself 180 degrees and still fit properly on the patient for proper prong engagement with the patient's nostrils. The central prong exit location may also allow the interface to properly fit to or engage the nostrils when rotated approximately 180 degrees, thus allowing one or more prongs to be positioned when placed on the patient's face. or may be considered orientation independent, provided that the plurality of sliding members (eg, articles 501, 1501) extend substantially horizontally or planarly across the face. In some configurations, the prongs can be configured to allow the interface to properly fit to or engage the nostrils when rotated about 180 degrees, thus allowing the support ( can be considered orientation independent when placed on the patient's face while attached to the support (e.g., support 500) or without being detached, removed, or separated from the support (e.g., support 500). . In some configurations, the prongs or interfaces are detached from the support (e.g., support 500) while allowing the prongs to remain attached to the support (e.g., support 500). The prongs can be configured to allow interchangeable fitting within or with the patient's left or right nostril without the need for a prong, e.g. Translatable, or if the prongs are in a fixed position relative to the support, the interface can flip the prongs to be placed in or at the desired nostril.

A respiratory interface as described herein may include a conduit for carrying gas to the prongs. The conduit can be an unheated, ventilated conduit. This conduit may allow some water vapor to escape through the walls of the conduit. A vented conduit may allow excess water vapor to escape from the gas stream to prevent condensation within the conduit. The conduit may include a permeable wall or may include a permeable section within the wall of the conduit.

In an alternative arrangement, the conduit may include a heater wire positioned within the conduit. The heater wire may be located in the lumen of the conduit or alternatively may be incorporated into the wall of the conduit. The heater wire is configured to heat the gas within the conduit.

In one aspect, a respiratory interface for supplying gas to a user, comprising:
a single nasal prong,
a seal body configured to seal one of a user's nostrils (i.e. nostrils), the seal body including an arcuate wall defining a gas passageway;
an inlet configured to receive gas into the seal body;
including a single nasal prong including an outlet configured to supply gas to the user's nostrils;
an inlet and an outlet are defined in the seal body;
An outlet is provided in the breathing interface that is in the middle of the seal body when viewed from above the interface.

The respiratory interface includes headgear, the headgear configured to attach the interface to the user's head in an operative position, the respiratory interface having a gas supply in fluid communication with the single nasal prong for supplying gas to the prongs. Including conduit. The operating position of the interface is when a single prong is inserted into the user's nostril.

The exit is in a central position with respect to the outer profile of the prongs when viewed from above.

The outlet is centrally located with respect to the left, right, front and rear faces of the seal body.

The outlet is symmetrical about a vertical plane extending from the anterior side to the posterior side of the prongs and extends into the outlet. The outlet extends from the left side of the prong to the right side and is symmetrical about a vertical plane extending into the outlet.

The outlet may be symmetrical about the vertical and horizontal axes of the prongs.

A centrally located outlet allows the prongs to be independent of the direction or orientation of the nostrils. A centrally located outlet in the seal body allows the prongs to be used in the user's left or right nostril. As previously mentioned, the prongs can be placed or positioned on the patient's face in two different orientations. That is, the interface can rotate itself 180 degrees and still fit properly on the patient for proper prong engagement with the patient's nostrils.

The arcuate wall includes a flexible region and a rigid region, the flexible region extending away from the rigid region, and the flexible region of the arcuate wall bending or elastically deforming to conform to the nostrils of the user. and configured to form a seal with the nostrils.

The respiratory interface includes a cuff and prongs are connected to the cuff.

The respiratory interface includes a conduit and a conduit connector, the conduit coupled to the conduit connector, and the cuff connected to the conduit connector and the prongs.

The cuff is configured to facilitate fluid coupling between the conduit connector and the prongs such that gas flows from the conduit through the conduit connector to the prongs.

The respiratory interface includes a support, the prongs supported by the support, the support configured to allow translation of the prongs along the support relative to the nostrils of the user. .

The supports include one or more sliding members and clips positioned at either end of the sliding members. The headgear clips are configured to engage corresponding clips coupled to the headgear straps. Headgear straps are used to attach the interface to the user's face in the operational position. Alternatively, the support may include one or more sliding members and the headgear straps may be directly attached or connected to the ends of the sliding members. For example, the headgear straps may be welded or glued directly to the slide member or otherwise attached, or threaded directly through the buckles without clips.

One or more sliding members extend laterally. In one form, the support includes a pair of sliding members, the pairs of sliding members being arranged parallel to each other. The slide member terminates in headgear clips at both ends of the slide member.

The cuff engages the support and is movable along and relative to the support. In use, the cuff is moveable relative to the user's nose and/or face.

In one aspect, a respiratory interface comprising:
a single nasal prong configured to engage and at least partially occlude a user's nostril;
a conduit in fluid communication with the single nasal prong for supplying respiratory gas to the single nasal prong;
a cuff connected to the prongs and connected to the conduit;
including headgear configured to mount the interface on the patient's head;
A respiratory interface is provided that provides breathing gas at a flow rate that causes elimination of dead space in the user's airway and creates an expiratory airway pressure in the patient's airway.

The breathing interface is configured to provide breathing gas at a flow rate that causes the breathing gas to wash carbon dioxide or exhaled gas out of the patient's airway.

The respiratory interface is configured to deliver respiratory gas at a flow rate such that the respiratory gas reaches the nasopharynx and/or oropharynx. The flow of respiratory gas is delivered through one nostril, while the other nostril remains unoccluded, providing an expiratory gas pathway to allow expiratory gas to escape as it is washed out. I will provide a.

The breathing interface is configured to deliver gas at a flow rate equal to or exceeding the maximum inspiratory demand. Alternatively, the respiratory interface provides gas at a flow rate lower than the user's maximum inspiratory demand, yet still provides flushing, elimination of dead space and some expiratory airway pressure.

In another aspect, a medical tubing component comprising:
including a conduit connector and a cuff;
said conduit connector comprising threads, said threads comprising at least one region of discontinuity;
the cuff includes at least one projection configured to interact with the discontinuous region when engaged with the conduit in a first direction;
when engaged with the thread in a second direction, the at least one projection is configured to engage at least a portion of the thread beyond or away from the discontinuity region; A medical tubing component is provided.

The first direction may be provided by applying a first force or a first motion.

Said second direction may be provided by application of a second force or a second movement.

The first direction and the second direction can be different.

The first direction and the second direction may be substantially transverse to each other.

The first direction may substantially coincide with the axial direction of the conduit connector.

The second direction may be substantially transverse to said axial direction of the conduit connector.

The second direction may be rotation to engage the at least one protrusion on the thread.

A second direction may be axial rotation of the cuff relative to the axial direction of the conduit.

The protrusion may engage or come into engagement with the thread upon movement in the second direction.

The protrusion may be configured to engage the threads upon application of force or movement in the second direction to at least partially constrain or lock the cuff to or onto the conduit connector.

When engaged, the projections can substantially constrain or prevent relative axial movement or displacement of the cuff and conduit connector with respect to one another.

The cuff can be rotated more than about 5° from said discontinuous region.

The cuff can be rotated more than about 10° from said discontinuous region.

The cuff can be rotated from about 10° to about 160° from said discontinuous region.

The cuff can be rotated about 90° from said discontinuous region.

The cuff can be rotated more than about 170° from said discontinuous region.

The cuff opening may be of an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the conduit connector.

A cuff may include a plurality of said projections.

A cuff may include more than one protrusion.

A thread may include a plurality of said discontinuous regions.

A thread may include two or more or more of said discontinuous regions.

The number of discontinuous regions and the number of protrusions can be matched or equal to each other.

The cuff can be rotated about 90° from said discontinuous area.

Nasal prongs may be connectable to the conduit connector.

Nasal prongs may be connected to the conduit connector.

The cuff may abut or contact a portion of the nasal prongs when the cuff is substantially engaged with the threads.

Nasal prongs or portions thereof may be formed of a relatively soft or substantially compliant material.

When the cuff engages the threads, the cuff may at least partially compress a portion of the nasal prongs.

A portion of the nasal prongs may be at least partially compressed upon engagement of the cuff and the threads.

Upon engagement of the cuff and the threads, a friction fit engagement between the cuff and the nasal prongs may be provided.

A cuff may be removably attached to the conduit connector.

A cuff may be removable from the conduit connector.

A cuff may be engageable with the first thread of the conduit connector.

A cuff may be engageable with the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion of the conduit connector.

A projection may engage the threaded portion distal from the distal end of the conduit connector.

A protrusion may engage a portion of the threads proximal to the end of a conduit connector connectable to a nasal prong.

The protrusion engages a portion of the threads nearest or substantially adjacent the nasal prongs such that the conduit is threadably attachable or threadably connectable to threads of a conduit connector adjacent the cuff. can.

The protrusion can be a tab.

The protrusion may be a substantially radially inwardly extending protrusion.

The discontinuity region may provide a predetermined width of the discontinuity sufficient to accommodate or accommodate the width of the protrusion such that the width of the protrusion is less than the width of the discontinuity.

The threads may be substantially helical threads.

A conduit may be substantially engaged with the conduit connector by rotating or winding the conduit on the threads.

A conduit can be substantially engaged with the conduit connector after the cuff is engaged with the threads.

The protrusions threadably engage the threads when engaged with the threads by positioning the protrusions in regions between adjacent turns of the threads or adjacent turns of the threads and flanges of the conduit connector. can be

The flange can be a stop flange.

The flange may act as a barrier against the cuff being over-wrapped or the cuff pressing against said flange.

The cuff may provide a shank portion, the projection being located on the shank portion radially inward of the inner wall of the cuff, the shank portion adjoining the turn of the thread. of sufficient longitudinal length to be positioned within the region of the thread or within the region between adjacent turns of said thread.

The cuff is
i) the distal end of the conduit after substantially engaging the conduit with the threads of the conduit connector; and ii) the nasal prongs after substantially engaging the cuff. may be held in a predetermined orientation or position by a compression fit between each by the base of the.

A strap attachment for terminating a head strap, the substantially hollow body including an inner wall for defining a channel therebetween, the strap attachment including an open end and a distal end. an open end defining an opening to the channel and for receiving a free end of a head strap; and a distal end end of the channel substantially distal to the open end. a substantially hollow body defining a channel extending between an open end and a distal end through which said head strap is threaded; from a base attached to said inner wall to a distal end; at least one first projection extending substantially in a direction toward the opposing inner wall or at least into a channel defined by the opposing sidewalls, the head strap tip being received within the channel; said tip substantially allowing the head strap to be threaded into the channel and in a direction along the path from the open end to the distal end of the and the tip substantially resists removal or withdrawal of the head strap from the channel in a direction extending from the distal end of the substantially hollow body toward the open end. wherein the tip of at least one first projection is positioned to be spaced a predetermined distance from said opposing inner walls, said predetermined distance being received within the channel A strap attachment is provided that is a function of the head strap thickness.

Optionally, the ratio of the predetermined distance to the thickness of the head strap ranges from 1:4 to 1:1.

Optionally, the predetermined distance is less than the thickness of the head strap received within the channel.

Optionally, the tip includes a substantially tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the at least one first projection includes a leading surface and a trailing surface, the leading and trailing surfaces extending from the base to the tip of the at least one first projection and extending from the open end to the distal end. is positioned in a direction substantially along the path to

Optionally, the leading surface and the trailing surface are configured such that the at least one first projection forms a substantially hook-shaped projection.

Optionally, the trailing surface includes an acute angle to the inner wall.

Optionally, the acute angle is between about 40 degrees and about 80 degrees.

Optionally, further comprising at least one second projection extending into the channel from the opposing inner wall.

Optionally, further comprising a plurality of first projections forming a first projection set and a plurality of second projections forming a second projection set.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially aligned with the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially unaligned or offset from the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, projections of a first set of projections and projections of a second set of projections are substantially laterally offset from each other with respect to a lateral direction across the width of said channel, said width direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections and the projections of the second set of projections substantially alternate in length extension.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections and the projections of the second set of projections form teeth.

Optionally, the open end includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for accommodating or receiving said head strap.

Optionally, said lead-in feature provides one or more guides for receiving said headstrap and guiding said headstrap into said channel.

Optionally, said end portion is defined by a channel occlusion.

Optionally, said terminal end is a closed or plugged end of said channel, or a substantially closed end of said channel.

Optionally, said end portion includes one or more protrusions extending into or substantially across said channel from either an inner wall or an opposing inner wall.

Optionally, protrusions extending from inner walls are substantially aligned with protrusions extending from opposing inner walls of said channel.

Optionally, protrusions extending from inner walls are not substantially aligned with protrusions extending from opposing inner walls of said channel.

Optionally, one or more projections are substantially aligned with opposing projections of the first projection set and/or the second projection set.

Optionally, the protrusions are offset from the first set of protrusions and/or the second set of protrusions in a direction in which the channel is configured to receive a head strap.

A strap attachment for terminating a head strap, the two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of the head strap, the strap attachment a first projection set including at least one first projection extending from a first wall of and substantially toward or into the channel, the first projection including a distal end; the distal end includes a first set of projections configured to engage a portion of the head strap and prevent an end of the head strap received within the channel from being dislodged from the channel; The distal end of the first protrusion is spaced a distance from the second opposing wall of the channel, the distance being provided as a function of the thickness of the head strap received within the channel, wherein the strap attachment is provided.

Optionally, the ratio of this distance to the head strap thickness is in the range of 1:4 to 1:1.

Optionally, this distance is less than the thickness of the head strap received within the channel.

Optionally, the distal end of the first projection includes a substantially tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the at least one first projection includes leading and trailing surfaces oriented substantially along a direction in which the channel is configured to receive a head strap, the leading and trailing surfaces is configured such that the at least one first projection forms a substantially hook-shaped projection.

Optionally, the trailing surface includes an acute angle with respect to the first wall of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the acute angle is between about 40 degrees and about 80 degrees.

Optionally, further comprising a second set of projections, the second set of projections comprising at least one second projection.

Optionally, the second set of protrusions is configured to extend into the channel from the opposing second wall of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the first set of projections and the second set of projections comprise a plurality of projections, optionally the projections are teeth.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially aligned with the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially unaligned or offset from the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, projections of a first set of projections and projections of a second set of projections are substantially laterally offset from each other with respect to a lateral direction across the width of said channel, said width direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections and the projections of the second set of projections substantially alternate in length extension.

Optionally, an opening defines an entrance to said channel.

Optionally, said opening includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for accommodating or receiving said head strap.

Optionally, said lead-in feature provides one or more guides for receiving said headstrap and guiding said headstrap into said channel.

Optionally, said channel terminates at a distal end at an end of said channel opposite said opening.

Optionally, said end portion is defined by a channel occlusion.

Optionally, said end portion includes one or more projections extending into or substantially across said channel.

Optionally, said terminal end is a closed or plugged end of said channel, or a substantially closed end of said channel.

Optionally, said one or more protrusions extend from a first wall and/or an opposing second wall such that one or more protrusions extend into or substantially across said channel. Further including a protrusion.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially not aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, one or more projections are substantially aligned with opposing projections of the first projection set and/or the second projection set.

Optionally, the protrusions are offset from the first set of protrusions and/or the second set of protrusions in a direction in which the channel is configured to receive a head strap.

A strap attachment for terminating a head strap, the two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of the head strap, at least one a first set of projections including two first projections, a second set of projections including at least one second projection, the first set of projections and the second set of projections channeling from opposing walls of the strap attachment; The at least one first projection of the first set of projections and the at least one second projection of the second set of projections extending inwardly include a distal end, the distal end engaging a portion of the head strap. The distal end of the at least one first projection and the distal end of the at least one second projection configured to mate and prevent disengagement of an end of a head strap received within the channel, wherein the distal end of the at least one first projection comprises: A strap attachment is provided that tapers to or includes a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, the distal ends of the first and second sets of projections are spaced apart a first distance along a plane parallel to a plane extending between and through the ends of the channel of the strap attachment. .

Optionally, the first distance comprises approximately 4-8 mm.

Optionally, the first set of protrusions extends into the channel from a wall proximal to the end of the strap attachment in which the ends of the head strap are received.

Optionally, the ends of the first and second set of projections are spaced apart a second distance along a plane transverse to the plane extending between and through the ends of the channel of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the second distance comprises about 0.5mm to about 2mm.

Optionally, the height between each channel wall and the distal end of the second projection set is less than the height between each channel wall and the distal end of the first projection set.

Optionally, the distance from the distal end of the first set of protrusions and/or the second set of protrusions to each opposing wall is provided as a function of the thickness of the head strap.

Optionally, this distance is less than the thickness of the head strap received within the channel of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the ratio of this distance to the head strap thickness is in the range of 1:4 to 1:1.

Optionally, the distance from the distal end of the first projection set to the opposing wall is about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm.

Optionally, the distance from the end of the second projection set to the opposing wall is about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially aligned with the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially unaligned or offset from the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, projections of a first set of projections and projections of a second set of projections are substantially laterally offset from each other with respect to a lateral direction across the width of said channel, said width direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections and the projections of the second set of projections substantially alternate in length extension.

Optionally, an opening defines an entrance to said channel.

Optionally, said opening includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for accommodating or receiving said head strap.

Optionally, said lead-in feature provides one or more guides for receiving said headstrap and guiding said headstrap into said channel.

Optionally, said channel terminates at a distal end at an end of said channel opposite said opening.

Optionally, said end portion is defined by a channel occlusion.

Optionally, said end portion includes one or more projections extending into or substantially across said channel.

Optionally, said terminal end is a closed or plugged end of said channel, or a substantially closed end of said channel.

Optionally, said one or more protrusions extend from a first wall and/or an opposing second wall such that one or more protrusions extend into or substantially across said channel. Further including a protrusion.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially not aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, one or more projections are substantially aligned with opposing projections of the first projection set and/or the second projection set.

Optionally, the protrusions are offset from the first set of protrusions and/or the second set of protrusions in a direction in which the channel is configured to receive a head strap.

A strap attachment for terminating a head strap, the two or more walls defining a channel, the channel configured to receive an end of the head strap, at least one a first set of protrusions including two first protrusions; a second set of protrusions including at least one second protrusion, wherein the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are curved or tortuous paths; defining a curved or tortuous path through which the ends of the head straps are received, wherein at least one first projection of the first projection set and at least one second projection of the second projection set are , a distal end for engaging a portion of the head strap and preventing disengagement of the end of the head strap received within the channel; A strap attachment is provided wherein the distal end and the distal end of the at least one second projection taper to or include a tapered end or apex.

Optionally, at least one first projection extends into the channel from a wall of the strap attachment and at least one second projection extends into the channel from an opposite wall of the strap attachment.

Optionally, one or more protrusions of the first set of protrusions and one or more protrusions of the second set of protrusions are offset with respect to each other along at least one plane.

Optionally, the first plane includes a plane parallel to a plane extending between and through the ends of the channel of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the second plane includes a plane transverse to a plane extending between and through the ends of the channel of the strap attachment.

Optionally, the at least one first projection and the at least one second projection comprise multiple projections.

Optionally, the protrusions are teeth.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially aligned with the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections are substantially unaligned or offset from the projections of the second set of projections.

Optionally, projections of a first set of projections and projections of a second set of projections are substantially laterally offset from each other with respect to a lateral direction across the width of said channel, said width direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the

Optionally, the projections of the first set of projections and the projections of the second set of projections substantially alternate in length extension.

Optionally, an opening defines an entrance to said channel.

Optionally, said opening includes a lead-in feature.

Optionally, said retraction feature includes a substantially rounded lip for accommodating or receiving said head strap.

Optionally, said lead-in feature provides one or more guides for receiving said headstrap and guiding said headstrap into said channel.

Optionally, said channel terminates at a distal end at an end of said channel opposite said opening.

Optionally, said end portion is defined by a channel occlusion.

Optionally, said end portion includes one or more projections extending into or substantially across said channel.

Optionally, said terminal end is a closed or plugged end of said channel, or a substantially closed end of said channel.

Optionally, said one or more protrusions extend from a first wall and/or an opposing second wall such that one or more protrusions extend into or substantially across said channel. Further including a protrusion.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, protrusions extending from a first wall are substantially not aligned with protrusions extending from a second opposing wall of said channel.

Optionally, one or more projections are substantially aligned with opposing projections of the first projection set and/or the second projection set.

Optionally, the protrusions are offset from the first set of protrusions and/or the second set of protrusions in a direction in which the channel is configured to receive a head strap.

Headgear for a patient interface is provided including at least one head strap and at least one strap attachment as described above for engaging an end of the head strap.

Optionally, the headgear is removably attachable.

Optionally, the patient interface includes a single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the patient interface includes a support and the single sealing nasal prong is slidable over the support.

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a single nostril of a patient, comprising: a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's two nostrils; a prong inlet configured to receive the gas; a single sealed nasal prong having a prong outlet configured to deliver gas; a support for the single sealed nasal prong; and a single sealed nasal prong directly coupled to and connected to the single sealed nasal prong. and a conduit in fluid communication, wherein the single sealing nasal prong and/or respiratory interface is configured to allow the prong to seal the patient's left or right nostril or interchangeably therewith. An interface is provided.

Optionally, the prongs and/or respiratory interface allow the prongs to remain attached to the support or not be detached from the support, while allowing the prongs to align with or along with the patient's left or right nostril. Configured to allow interchangeable sealing.

Optionally, the prongs are at a fixed position relative to the support.

Optionally, the prongs are translatable relative to the support.

Optionally, the support is outside the gas supplied to the conduit or single nasal prong, or is separate from the gas supplied to the conduit or single nasal prong, or is located within the conduit or single nasal prong. One does not form part of the gas supplied to the sealed nasal prongs.

Optionally, the conduit is fluidly separated from the support or the support does not form part of the gas path for gas supplied to the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the conduit is in fluid communication with only a single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the conduit comprises a single conduit.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes a gas passageway from the conduit to the prong outlet, the gas passageway being substantially straight.

Optionally, the conduit outlet of the conduit is directly coupled to the prong inlet of the single closed nasal prong, the conduit outlet and prong outlet sharing a substantially common substantially central axis.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes headgear removably connectable to the support.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further includes a cuff and the single sealing nasal prong is configured to couple with the cuff.

Optionally, the respiratory interface further comprises a conduit connector, the conduit configured to mate with the conduit connector.

Optionally, the conduit connector and cuff are separate or integral components.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong comprises a substantially flexible or substantially compliant material and the conduit connector and/or cuff comprise a substantially rigid material.

A method of providing respiratory therapy to a patient, comprising:
providing gas at a substantially high flow rate to a patient through a patient interface comprising a single sealing prong on a support, the single sealing prong substantially sealing one of the patient's nostrils; and gas is delivered to that nostril, while the other of the patient's nostrils is substantially unsealed and configured not to receive gas provided by the gas supply;
A method is provided that adjusts a single sealing prong to substantially seal either of the patient's two nostrils based on the patient's pressure.

Optionally, adjusting the single sealing prong is dependent on the patient's nasal cycle.

Optionally, patient pressure includes peak expiratory pressure (PEP).

Optionally, adjusting the single sealing prong comprises increasing or decreasing the patient's PEP.

Optionally, adjusting comprises sliding and/or rotating a single sealing prong on the support.

Optionally, high flow rate comprises at least 20 L/min.

Optionally, the method further comprises humidifying the gas.

A respiratory assistance system including a gas flow source configured to provide a high flow of gas to a patient and a patient interface including a single sealed nasal prong configured to deliver a high flow of gas to the patient. A respiratory assistance system is provided wherein the single sealing nasal prong is adapted to substantially seal one of two nostrils of a patient.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further comprises a humidifier configured to heat and humidify the gas stream provided to the patient.

Optionally, the humidifier includes a humidification chamber removably connected to the humidifier base unit.

Optionally, the humidification chamber is configured to be filled with a humidification liquid such as water for humidifying the gas flow to the patient.

Optionally, the humidification chamber includes a heat-conducting base and the humidifier base unit includes a heater plate, and the heat-conducting base, when in contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base unit, generates heat in the chamber. Allows heating of the humidifying liquid.

Optionally, the flow source and humidifier base unit are integral.

Optionally, the patient interface is configured to increase expiratory pressure within the patient's airway.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is a seal body configured to seal a single nostril of a patient, having opposite front and rear surfaces and opposite left and right surfaces, the opposite front and rear surfaces are substantially symmetrical to each other, a seal body, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient, wherein the single sealing nasal prongs are in contact with any of the patient's nostrils; The seal body and the outlet of the single sealing nasal prong include an outlet positioned generally centrally between the left and right sides so that either one can be sealed such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially closed. While the nostril is sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet, the other of the patient's nostrils is not sealed and is arranged not to receive direct gas supply from the outlet.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system comprises a seal body configured to seal a patient nostril, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to supply gas to the patient. a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong; headgear connected or connectable to the gas delivery assembly; and further including

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a gas delivery assembly comprising a seal body configured to seal a nostril of the patient, an inlet configured to receive gas, and a gas to the patient. a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong having an outlet configured to connect to the gas delivery assembly; and headgear attached to or connectable to the headgear.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a frameless gas delivery assembly, a single sealing nasal prong having a seal body configured to seal one nostril of the patient and configured to receive gas. a frameless gas delivery assembly including a single sealing nasal prong having a closed inlet and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient; and a conduit in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong; and a gas delivery assembly. and headgear connected to or connectable to.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient nostril, the seal body configured to seal the patient nostril and the respiratory support system configured to receive the gas. and an outlet configured to supply gas to a patient; and an outlet configured to supply gas to the single sealed nasal prong, the conduit comprising: Further includes a respiratory interface including a conduit coupled or connectable to the single sealing nasal prong such that the outlet is coaxial with the inlet of the single sealing nasal prong.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient nostril, the seal body configured to seal the patient nostril and the respiratory support system configured to receive the gas. a single sealed nasal prong having an inlet and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient; and an adjuster removable from the nostril and configured to be positioned within the other nostril of the patient to allow the other nostril to be sealed.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to the patient's nostrils and has a pair of side arms configured to provide stability of the interface on the patient's cheeks. A body, a single sealed nasal prong, a manifold having a unilateral inlet for receiving gas from a gas source and an outlet for delivering gas to the single sealed nasal prong, the single sealed nasal prong substantially closing one of the patient's nostrils. further a respiratory interface arranged such that it is positively sealed and that nostril is supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is not sealed and is not directly supplied with gas from the outlet; include.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient nostril, the seal body configured to seal the patient nostril and the respiratory support system configured to receive the gas. and a support for the single-sealing nasal prong having an inlet and an outlet configured to supply gas to a patient, the single-sealing nasal prong being attached to the support. The single sealing nasal prong is translatable relative to and is interchangeably received by the patient's nostril, the single sealing nasal prong remaining coupled to the support and connected to the support. or a respiratory interface including connectable headgear.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient nostril, the seal body configured to seal the patient nostril and the respiratory support system configured to receive the gas. a single sealing nasal prong having an inlet and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient; and a cuff including a prong coupling, the single sealing nasal prong being received by the prong coupling of the cuff. It further includes a respiratory interface that is acceptable or acceptable.

Optionally, the single seal nasal prong comprises an inlet configured to receive gas, an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient, the outlet having a generally oval cross section, a single seal. A seal body having walls defining an outer surface of nasal prongs, wherein the outer surface of the single closed nasal prong curves outwardly and tapers inwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end. and the wall defines a gas passageway between the inlet and the outlet, and gas flowing through the gas passageway causes the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong to seal the patient's alternate nostril.

Optionally, the humidifier includes a humidification chamber, the humidification chamber including a gas inlet for receiving the gas flow from the gas flow source and a gas outlet for delivering the humidified gas flow to the patient interface. .

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further includes an inspiratory conduit positioned between the humidifier and the patient interface, the inspiratory conduit configured to deliver a humidified gas flow to the patient interface.

Optionally, the intake conduit is a heated intake conduit.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further includes a patient conduit positioned between the inspiratory conduit and the patient interface.

Optionally, the patient conduit is formed of breathable material.

Optionally, the high flow rate comprises a gas flow delivered to the patient of at least 20 L/min.

Optionally, the high flow rate includes a gas flow delivered to the patient of up to about 70 L/min.

Optionally, the gas flow comprises a set gas flow rate.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further includes headgear for holding the patient interface on the patient's face.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system is a respiratory interface for delivering gas to an alternate nostril of the patient, the respiratory interface being a single sealed nasal prong, an inlet configured to receive gas and an inlet configured to receive gas to the patient. and a seal body having a wall defining an outer surface of the single-sealing nasal prong, the seal body and the outlet of the single-sealing nasal prong comprising: Arranged so that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and is supplied with gas from the outlet, while the other of the patient's nostrils is not sealed and is not directly supplied with gas from the outlet. and wherein the respiratory interface is configured to provide respiratory flow therapy to the patient through a single sealed nasal prong, wherein the respiratory flow causes flushing of the airway to eliminate dead space within the airway. .

Optionally, the wall defines an inlet, an outlet and a seal body.

Optionally, the wall thickness is from about 0.7mm to about 0.8mm.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong outlet is generally oval.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong outlet is elliptical.

Optionally, the exit cross-section has a minor radius of about 1 mm to about 3 mm and a major radius of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

Optionally, the minor axis is about 2 mm and the major axis is about 7 mm.

Optionally, the seal body tapers inwardly from the inlet to the outlet.

Optionally, the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the prong inlet.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong is configured to provide an expiratory pressure between 3.5 cmH2O and 20 cmH2O.

Optionally, the outer surface of the seal body tapers inwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end.

Optionally, the outer surface of the seal body is outwardly curved.

Optionally, gas flow rates are controlled to produce desired pressures for patient inspiration and expiration.

Optionally, the gas flow rate is reduced during patient exhalation to reduce expiratory pressure.

Optionally, the system is configured such that the expiratory airway pressure is approximately 5-8 cmH2O.

Optionally, the outlet is configured such that gas delivered from the outlet causes washout of dead space gases through the unsealed nostril.

Optionally, single nasal prongs are interchangeable between nostrils.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further includes one or more sliding members configured to allow nasal prong adjustment independent of head strap adjustment.

Optionally, the respiratory assistance system further includes a conduit configured to deliver gas directly to the single sealed nasal prong without passing through another component.

Optionally, the cross-section of the prong inlet is substantially similar to the cross-section of the conduit outlet.

Optionally, the cross-section of the inlet is substantially similar to the cross-section of the patient's proximal conduit.

Optionally, the gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet is substantially straight.

Optionally, the single closed nasal prong and conduit form a continuous gas path.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong and conduit form a direct fluid connection.

a humidification chamber having a humidification inlet configured to couple to a flow source and a humidification outlet; an inspiratory conduit having an inspiratory conduit inlet configured to couple to the humidifying outlet; and an inspiratory conduit outlet; A kit is provided that includes a single sealing nasal prong configured to couple to the outlet.

Optionally, the humidification chamber is configured to be filled with a humidification liquid such as water for humidifying the gas flow to the patient.

Optionally, the humidification chamber is removably connectable to the humidifier base unit.

Optionally, the humidifier base unit is integral with the flow source.

Optionally, the humidification chamber includes a heat-conducting base and the humidifier base unit includes a heater plate, and the heat-conducting base, when in contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base unit, generates heat in the chamber. Allows heating of the humidifying liquid.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong is of any of the aspects or embodiments described above.

Optionally, the single sealing nasal prong further includes a patient conduit, the patient conduit including an inlet configured to couple to the inspiratory conduit outlet.

Optionally, the patient conduit is formed of breathable material.

Optionally, the intake conduit is heated.

Optionally, the kit further includes a conduit clip configured to secure the inspiratory conduit to or around the patient.

Features of one or more embodiments or configurations may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments or configurations.

As used herein, the term "comprising" means "consisting at least in part of. In interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising," features other than those following that term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted similarly.

References to numerical ranges disclosed herein (eg, 1 to 10) include all rational numbers within that range (eg, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6 , 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers therein (eg, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7). It is hereby expressly disclosed all subranges of all ranges incorporated and thus expressly disclosed herein. These are only specifically intended examples and are deemed to likewise express to the application all possible combinations of numerical values between the minimum and maximum values recited.

It is to be understood that alternative embodiments or configurations may include some or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features shown, described or referenced herein.

Many modifications of the structure of the invention and widely different embodiments and applications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Will. The disclosures and descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Where reference is made herein to a particular integer having equivalents that are known in the art to which this invention pertains, such known equivalents are herein referred to as if they were individually set forth. considered to be incorporated. The present invention extends broadly to the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, individually or collectively, and any combination of any two or more of said parts, elements or features in part or in whole. may be configured.

Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein, which refers to the following figures.

1 shows a respiratory support device in schematic form; Fig. 3 shows a respiratory interface on a patient; 1 is a front perspective view of one configuration of a respiratory interface; FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a top view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the cuff and slide member of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the cuff and slide member of FIG. 6; FIG. 3 is a front view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of the nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 2; FIG. Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of nasal prongs; 11B is a top view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 11A; FIG. 11B is a bottom view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 11A; FIG. 11B is a side view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 11A; FIG. 11B is a front or rear view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 11A; FIG. FIG. 4 is a series of top views showing pivotable prongs. FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another configuration of a respiratory interface; 18 is a rear perspective view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a top view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a left side view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a right side view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a front view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a rear view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. Figure 18 is an exploded view of the respiratory interface of Figure 17; 18 is a front perspective view of nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 17; FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a top view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a left side view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a front view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. 27 is a rear view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another configuration of a respiratory interface; 34 is a rear perspective view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a top view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a bottom view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a front view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a rear view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of nasal prongs of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 41 is a rear perspective view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 41 is a top view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 41 is a left side view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 41 is a front view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 41 is a rear view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 40; FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of the cuff of the respiratory interface of FIG. 33; FIG. 48 is a rear perspective view of the cuff of FIG. 47; FIG. 48 is a rear perspective view of the cuff of FIG. 47; FIG. FIG. 10 is a partial front perspective view of another configuration of a respiratory interface; 51 is a detailed front perspective view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 50; FIG. 51 is a top view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 50; FIG. 51 is another front perspective view of the respiratory interface of FIG. 50; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another configuration of a respiratory interface; FIG. 4 shows a series of schematic diagrams of another configuration of a respiratory interface; FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another configuration of a respiratory interface; FIG. 10 is a graph of test results for flow delivered at 60 LPM comparing a standard respiratory interface with two nasal prongs and a respiratory interface according to the configuration of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 11 shows flow streamlines during expiration of a respiratory interface with two prongs providing nasal gas flow. FIG. FIG. 11 shows flow streamlines during expiration of a respiratory interface with a single sealed nasal prong delivering nasal gas flow. FIG. 4 shows a graph of positive expiratory pressure test results comparing a standard respiratory interface with two nasal prongs and a respiratory interface according to the configuration of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 shows a graph of respiratory rate test results comparing a standard respiratory interface with two nasal prongs and a respiratory interface according to the configuration of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 10 shows a graph of peak expiratory flow test results comparing left and right nostrils of a user having a breathing interface according to a configuration of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows an exploded set of components assembled together, including a prong, a conduit connector including threads with areas of discontinuity, a cuff (to engage the conduit connector) and a conduit. A protrusion (or protrusions) interacts with a thread discontinuity region of the conduit connector to illustrate a first direction for positioning the cuff in place. A second orientation for engaging the cuff on the conduit connector is illustrated. The completed assembly of the cuff and conduit connector is illustrated, as is the conduit engaged onto the conduit connector. Fig. 3 shows a cuff configuration with a single protrusion; Fig. 3 shows a cuff configuration with two protrusions; 65, 66A show the cuff configuration and show the protrusion width P'. Fig. 3 shows a cuff configuration with a single protrusion on a pair of sliding members; Fig. 10 shows a cuff configuration with a pair of protrusions on a pair of sliding members; FIG. 10B shows a bottom view of a cuff configuration with a pair of protrusions. FIG. 10B shows a bottom view of a cuff configuration with cutout features. FIG. 10B shows a side view of a cuff configuration with an elongated or extended shank of height S'. Fig. 3 shows a conduit connector including threads having a discontinuous region with a first thread portion T'; 70 shows the conduit connector of FIG. 69 showing area A' where the projections of the cuff may engage. FIG. 70 shows the conduit connector of FIG. 69 showing area A'' where the projections of the cuff may engage; A cuff connector including a first threaded portion T' and a second threaded portion T'' is shown. Fig. 10 shows a top perspective view of a pre-formed or bent configuration of the sliding member with the cuff engaged; Fig. 2 shows a front view of a sliding member provided as a preformed shape or a bent configuration; Figure 74 shows a side view of the arrangement of Figure 73; Figure 10 shows the sliding member provided as a pre-formed shape or a bent configuration; Fig. 3 shows a conduit connector with a single continuous thread; Fig. 2 shows perspective, front and side views of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment; 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a respiratory interface with a strap attachment; Figure 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a respiratory interface with a strap attachment; FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a respiratory interface strap attachment and a head strap. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment; FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment; FIG. 10A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment; FIG. 10B illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment;

A respiratory support device 10 for delivering a flow of gas (which may include one or more gases) to a patient is shown in FIG. Device 10 can be, for example, a CPAP device or a high flow device. An exemplary CPAP device is described in WO2011/056080. The contents of this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Generally, device 10 includes a main housing 100 . The main housing 100 includes a flow generator 11 in the form of a motor/impeller arrangement, a humidifier 12, a controller 13, and a user I/O interface 14 (eg, including input devices such as a display and buttons, touch screen, etc.). accommodate the The controller 13 is configured or programmed to control the components of the device, including operating the flow generator 11 to generate a flow of gas (gas flow) for delivery to the patient; operating the humidifier 12 to humidify and/or heat the flow; receiving user input from the user interface 14 for reconfiguration and/or user-defined operation of the device 10; including outputting information (eg, on a display). A user may be a patient, medical personnel, or other person interested in using the device.

Patient breathing conduit 16 is connected to gas flow exhaust or patient exit port 30 of housing 100 of respiratory support device 10 and respiratory interface 17 (i.e., patient interface 17), such as a nasal cannula having manifold 19 and nasal prongs 18 . connected to Additionally or alternatively, the patient breathing conduit 16 may be connected to a face mask. Additionally or alternatively, the patient breathing conduit may be connected to a nasal pillow mask and/or a nasal mask and/or a tracheostomy interface or any other suitable type of respiratory interface. The humidified gas flow generated by respiratory support device 10 passes through patient respiratory conduit 16 and is delivered to the patient via respiratory interface 17 . The patient breathing conduit 16 may have heater wires 16a for heating the gas flow passing to the patient. The heater wire 16 a is under control of the controller 13 . The patient breathing conduit 16 and/or the breathing interface 17 may be considered part of the respiratory support device 10, alternatively its peripherals. Respiratory support device 10, respiratory conduit 16 and respiratory interface 17 may together form a respiratory support system or, in some configurations, a flow therapy system.

The general operation of the exemplary respiratory support apparatus 10 is well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in detail here. Generally, however, the controller 13 controls the flow generator 11 to generate a desired flow rate of gas and one or more valves to control the mixture ratio of air and oxygen or other alternative gas. and control the humidifier 12 to humidify and/or heat the gas stream to an appropriate level. Gas flow is directed to the patient through patient respiratory conduit 16 and respiratory interface 17 . The controller 13 controls the heating element within the humidifier 12 and/or the heating element within the patient breathing conduit 16 to humidify and/or heat the gas to a desired temperature that achieves a desired level of therapy and/or comfort for the patient. The heating element 16a can also be controlled. The controller 13 can be programmed with a suitable target temperature for the gas stream or can determine a suitable target temperature for the gas stream.

Motion sensors 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 20 and 25 such as flow sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors and/or pressure sensors are located at various locations on respiratory support device 10 and/or patient respiratory conduit 16 and/or respiratory interface 17 . can be placed in Output from the sensors may be received by controller 13 and assist controller 13 in operating respiratory support apparatus 10 to provide optimal therapy. In some configurations, providing optimal therapy includes meeting the patient's inspiratory demand. Device 10 includes, but is not limited to, controller 13 receiving signal 8 from sensor and/or flow generator 11, humidifier 12 and heater wire 16a or attachments or peripherals associated with respiratory support device 10. may have a transmitter and/or receiver 15 to enable control of various components of respiratory support apparatus 10 that are not connected. Additionally or alternatively, transmitter and/or receiver 15 may deliver data to a remote server or allow remote control of device 10 .

Respiratory support device 10 may be any suitable type of device for delivering respiratory flow therapy, or gas flow, to a user. Respiratory flow therapy involves delivering a flow of gas at a desired flow rate. Apparatus 10 is preferably a flow-controlled device controlled to deliver a preset or predetermined flow rate. To make the gas flow more comfortable and tolerable for the user, the gas flow is humidified using a humidifier.

In some configurations, device 10 provides a high flow gas flow (eg, air, oxygen, other gas mixtures, or some combination thereof) to assist breathing and/or treat respiratory disorders. Or high flow therapy can be delivered to the patient. In some configurations, the gas is or includes oxygen. In some configurations, the gas includes a blend of oxygen and ambient air. As used herein, "high-flow" therapy refers to the treatment of a patient at relatively high flow rates that generally meet or exceed the patient's maximum inspiratory demand, or generally meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow. Refers to the administration of gas into the respiratory tract. The flow rate used to achieve "high flow" can be any of the flow rates described below. For example, in some configurations, in adult patients, "high flow therapy" includes about 10 LPM to about 100 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to gas to the patient at a flow rate of about ten liters per minute (10 LPM) or greater, such as about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. It may refer to delivery. In some configurations, in neonatal, infant or pediatric patients, "high flow therapy" is from about 1 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 2 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 2 LPM to about 5 LPM, or from about 5 LPM to about 25 LPM, or about It may refer to delivery of gas to a patient at flow rates greater than 1 LPM, such as 5 LPM to about 10 LPM, or about 10 LPM to about 25 LPM, or about 10 LPM to about 20 LPM, or about 10 LPM to 15 LPM, or about 20 LPM to 25 LPM. A high flow therapy device for an adult, neonatal, infant, or pediatric patient may deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate of from about 1 LPM to about 100 LPM, or any of the subranges described above. In some cases, a newborn (ie, infant) may be supplied with a gas flow rate of 2 L/min/kg based on the weight of the newborn. The delivered gas may contain a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the gas delivered is from about 20% to about 100%, or from about 30% to about 100%, or from about 40% to about 100%, or from about 50% to about 100%. %, or about 60% to about 100%, or about 70% to about 100%, or about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.

During high-flow therapy, the delivered gas flow can generally meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory demand and can increase the patient's oxygenation and/or decrease the work of breathing. In addition, high flow therapy can produce a washout effect within the nasopharynx such that the anatomical dead space of the upper airway is washed out by the high flow of incoming gas flow. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available for all breaths while minimizing rebreathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.

Another form of respiratory support device may be a stand-alone humidifier device that includes a main housing and humidifier 12 . A stand-alone humidifier device includes a base unit that includes a heater plate and a humidification chamber receptacle. A humidification chamber having a conductive base is also configured to hold a quantity of humidification fluid, such as water, and is removably positioned on the humidifier device such that the conductive base of the humidification chamber contacts the heater plate. can be A heater plate heats the contents of the humidification chamber to humidify the gases as they pass through the humidification chamber. The heater plate is controlled based on one or more sensors built into the humidifier. A humidifier is connected to the conduit carrying the humidified gas. The conduit includes a heater wire that runs the length of the conduit. The conduit may also include sensors at the end of the conduit that are used for feedback control of at least the heater wire within the conduit and may also be used to control heater plate operation. A stand-alone humidifier may be used with any suitable gas flow source, such as a wall gas source, a ventilator, or compressed gas. An exemplary stand-alone humidifier device is described in WO2015/038013. The contents of this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The respiratory interfaces described herein may be used with stand-alone humidifiers.

Breathing interface 17 may be a non-sealing interface to prevent barotrauma (eg, tissue damage to the lungs or other organs of the respiratory system due to pressure differences with respect to the atmosphere). The respiratory interface may be a nasal cannula with a manifold and nasal prongs, and/or a face mask, and/or a nasal pillow mask, and/or a nasal mask, and/or a tracheostomy interface, or any other suitable type of respiratory interface. (ie patient interface).

As described below, respiratory support device 10 has various features to assist in the function, use and/or configuration of respiratory support device 10 .

The following description relates to respiratory interfaces that may be used with respiratory assistance devices such as those described above to provide respiration. The respiratory interface may be used for neonates, children or adults. The prongs can be sized for different patient populations.

The respiratory interface described can be used to treat several different patient groups requiring respiratory assistance, such as COPD patients, people with acute respiratory illness, and the like. The respiratory interface can be used in hospital or home care. The respiratory interfaces described herein can be used to deliver respiratory flow rates that can be within the range of high flow therapy as previously described.

Various configurations of respiratory interfaces described herein are for delivering gas and/or providing gas flow to a patient. The gas can be a humidified gas or a non-humidified gas. Additionally, each configuration described herein is also suitable for delivering fluids, including mixtures of gas and liquid, to a patient.

Various configurations of respiratory interfaces are used to deliver respiratory gases to a user, eg, a patient. Examples of breathing gases can be air, oxygen or mixtures of gases.

Various configurations of respiratory interfaces described herein are used to deliver a flow of respiratory gas to a patient. The respiratory flow rate can be similar to that described above for high flow therapy, i.e., the magnitude of the respiratory gas flow delivered by the interfaces described herein is the same as for "high flow therapy" or "nasal high flow". It can be within the range as stated. The breathing interfaces described herein can provide a flow rate of gas that equals or exceeds the user's maximum inspiratory demand, thereby reducing or preventing entrainment of ambient air. Alternatively, the various configurations of respiratory interfaces described herein can be used to deliver respiratory flows having magnitudes such as those described above, but which may not exceed the maximum inspiratory demand, or May entrain some ambient air. The respiratory gas flow delivered by the respiratory interfaces described herein may or may not be humidified.

The respiratory interface described herein is one side (i.e., one nostril) unsealed and the other nostril sealed to provide gas flow rates similar to those previously described for "high flow therapy." It can be used to supply flow. Unsealed nostrils reduce the potential for barotrauma to the patient (ie, user). This is because there is one unobstructed airway that allows the user to exhale and/or provide sufficient leakage to prevent barotrauma.

In the following description, proximal means proximal to the patient's nostrils in use and distal means distal to the patient's nostrils in use.

The following is a summary of features of the presently disclosed respiratory interface (ie, patient interface) for delivering gas to a patient's nostrils.

2-16, a first configuration of respiratory interface 100 for delivering gas to a patient's nostrils will now be described. 2-8 show various views of the respiratory interface 100 after assembly, and FIG. 9A shows the respiratory interface 100 disassembled. Respiratory interface 100 includes a gas delivery assembly including prongs 200 , conduit 300 , conduit connector 400 and support 500 . Each of these components and their interaction with one another are described in further detail below.

In the illustrated configuration, the prongs are single closed nasal prongs 200 . A single nasal prong is interchangeable between nostrils so that it can engage and seal either nostril. When the respiratory interface is in the operating position, the single sealing prong substantially seals (ie, substantially occludes) one nostril (ie, the nostril) of the user.

The single sealing nasal prong 200 has anterior and opposite posterior surfaces, left and opposite right surfaces, a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. These planes are shown in FIG. 10A. Single sealing nasal prong 200 includes seal body 201 , inlet 203 , gas passageway 204 and outlet 205 . Seal body 201 is configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10B shows that the single sealing nasal prong 200 has a wall 206 that defines the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong 200 . Wall 206 also defines gas passageway 204 between inlet 203 and outlet 205 .

Prong inlet 203 is configured to receive gas from a gas delivery element, such as a conduit. The prong entrance 203 is generally circular. The prong entrance 203 is in the center of the prongs 200 when viewed from below. The cross-section of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the cross-section of conduit outlet 305 (FIG. 9A). The shape of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the shape of conduit outlet 305 . The size of prong inlet 203 is also substantially similar to the size of conduit outlet 305 . In the first illustrated configuration, conduit outlet 305 is received within prong inlet 203 and connects single sealing nasal prong 200 to conduit 300 . The similar size and shape between the prong inlet 203 and the conduit outlet 305 minimizes flow resistance between the conduit 300 and the single sealing nasal prong 200 because there are no flow restrictions. means that This configuration means that delivery of substances such as atomized gas is improved as the gas to be delivered is not injected. Additionally, gas velocity variations are minimized because there are no flow restrictions such as sharp corners, edges or other protrusions.

This configuration provides stability with the conduit being coaxial with the prongs. A coaxial conduit results in a lower bending moment on the interface by the tube. The low bending moment is due to the tube dropping substantially vertically downward and not extending to one side of the interface. A low bending moment improves the stability of the interface when on the user's face.

As shown in FIG. 2, the change in direction of the conduit on its way to the single sealing nasal prong 200 is minimal. Advantages of this configuration include that a flow path that is relatively straight and includes fewer cross-sectional restrictions than a flow path with bends and bends provides reduced noise and reduced pressure loss.

Conduits 300 and prongs 200 are configured to reduce flow resistance from the gas source to the nostrils. That is, there is no flow restriction within conduit 300 and single sealing nasal prong 200 or between conduit 300 and single sealing nasal prong 200 . The conduit and prong configurations do not include bends, bends, sharp corners or features that extend into the flow path. It will be appreciated that there is some flow resistance due to the conduit and prongs themselves, but no additional flow restriction.

Conduits 300 directly coupled to prongs 200 provide a direct connection without any change in gas direction. The prong inlet and conduit outlet are coaxial, allowing gas to travel linearly through the conduit to the prongs and then out of the prongs.

Prong outlet 205 is configured to deliver gas to the patient. Referring to the single closed nasal prong 200 orientation of FIG. 13, the prong outlet 205 is located approximately midway between the left and right sides. In one example, the prong outlet 205 is located approximately midway between the left and right faces and between the anterior and posterior faces. The approximately central position allows a single sealing nasal prong to seal either one of the patient's nostrils when inserted into either nostril (ie, nostril).

The single closed nasal prong 200 is orientation independent because the single closed nasal prong 200 has left-right symmetry and the prong outlet 205 is approximately central. That is, a single closed nasal prong 200 can be used in either nostril. The prongs 200 are nostril orientation independent, which means that the prongs 200 can be used in either nostril, and the prongs 200 can be used in each nostril of the user to accomplish the same thing. It means that the exit is symmetrical.

Also, the vertical orientation of the single closed nasal prongs can be changed. Referring to FIG. 1b, which shows the orientation of interface 100 when in use on a patient, the anterior surface of the single sealing nasal prong is positioned below the posterior surface. That is, the anterior surface is closer to the patient's lips and the posterior surface is closer to the patient's nose. The symmetry of the single closed nasal prongs described above allows the single closed nasal prong 200 to be used with the anterior surface above the posterior surface, alternatively the nostrils even if the posterior surface is above the anterior surface. It still achieves a considerable hermetic seal of

The prong outlet 205 and prong inlet 203 in the illustrated configuration are concentric. That is, prong outlet 205 and prong inlet 203 have a common center. In other words, prong outlet 205 and prong inlet 203 are coaxial because they have a common central axis. Prong entrance 203 is substantially circular and prong exit 205 is elliptical. The shape of passageway 204 changes from circular near prong inlet 203 to elliptical near prong outlet 205 .

Alternatively, the prong outlet 205 and the prong inlet may be offset from each other. That is, the centers of prong inlet 203 and prong outlet 205 may be offset from each other. In this alternative, the wall connecting prong inlet 203 and prong outlet 205 still defines a gas passageway from prong inlet 203 to prong outlet 205 .

Alternatively, prong inlet 203 may be oval. In some configurations, the long axis of prong inlet 203 and the long axis of prong outlet 205 may intersect, eg, be orthogonal when viewed upward from prong inlet 203 . In some configurations, the long axis of prong inlet 203 and the long axis of prong outlet 205 can be parallel, eg, co-planar, when viewed upward from prong inlet 203 .

Prong outlet 205 is smaller than prong inlet 203 . In particular, the cross-sectional area of prong outlet 205 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of prong inlet 203 . The radius of prong outlet 205 is smaller than the radius of prong inlet 203 .

The seal body 201 and prong outlet 205 of the single sealed nasal prong 200 in the illustrated configuration substantially seal one of the patient's nostrils and provide gas to that nostril through the prong outlet 205, while the patient's The other of the nostrils is unsealed and arranged not to receive direct gas supply from the outlet. Gas is delivered directly to the sealed nostrils from a single sealed nasal prong 200 . The other nostril may receive some gas, but the gas is received indirectly. The other nostril is not obstructed by the single sealing nasal prong 200 so that the patient can breathe normally through the other nostril.

When using the respiratory interface 100, the single sealing nasal prong 200 blocks one of the patient's nostrils and not the other so that the patient's nose is approximately 50% sealed. The patient exhales most of the exhaled gas through the path of least resistance, ie through the unsealed nose. The illustrated respiratory interface 100 is configured to seal at least 50% of the nostrils it engages. Preferably, respiratory interface 100 is shaped and configured to seal at least 75% of the nostrils it engages.

14 and 15, the sealing prongs 200 are spherical or spherical. The seal body 201 tapers inwardly from the inlet toward the outlet. In one configuration, the sealing prongs 200 are domed. A single closed nasal prong may have other similar shapes such as raindrop, oval or oval.

A single closed nasal prong 200 has a relatively wide base region that includes the prong inlet 203 and coupling region and a relatively narrow tip region that includes the prong outlet 205 . Between the base region and the tip region is the transition region.

The base region includes outwardly extending walls. The wall extends outwardly and includes a substantially convex shape. The base region also defines a prong coupling region for coupling to the gas delivery conduit.

The tip region includes an upstanding wall defining a prong outlet. The wall is an upwardly extending wall that is angled inward. The tip region can be considered frusto-conical in shape.

The transition region includes a wall connecting the base region and the tip region. The transition region includes multiple transition regions. In particular, the transition region includes an outwardly curved region that tapers toward the outlet. The diameter or long axis of the gas passageway in the transition region is reduced. The transition region may include a bend region near the tip region, particularly at the intersection of the tip region and the transition region. In the bending zone/region, the curvature of the wall transitions from an outwardly curved portion to a straight/slightly inwardly curved portion. The bend region is a mixture of the transition region and the tip region.

In one optional configuration where the inlet is circular and the outlet is oval, the transition region may also include a shape change from a circular cross-section at the base region to an oval/elliptical shape at the tip region.

The outer surface of the single closed nasal prong 200 is generally convexly curved. That is, the overall shape of the outer surface is curved and curves outward. The outer surface of the single sealed nasal prong 200 tapers inwardly from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inlet end being larger than the outlet end.

The wall thickness of the prongs can be 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In a further example, the wall thickness of the prongs is between about 0.7 mm and about 0.8 mm. Wall 206 comprises a flexible or compliant material. The material is a soft, inelastic material. A preferred material is silicone. Alternatively, the prongs can be made of a biocompatible plastic material.

The single sealing nasal prong 200 maintains the shape shown in FIGS. 10-15 due to the combination of the soft material of the single sealing nasal prong 200 and the domed shape. The single sealing nasal prong 200 maintains its shape when gas is flowing through the gas passageway 204 and when gas is not flowing through the gas passageway 204 . Alternatively, the material can be an elastic material and the single closed nasal prong maintains the shape shown in FIGS. 10-15 due to the combination of soft material, dome shape and elastic material. In this alternative configuration, the combination of elastic material and the domed shape of the single sealing nasal prong 200 helps the single sealing nasal prong maintain the shape shown. The coupling includes thickened walls to create a stiffer structure at the coupling region 235 .

The wall 206 of the single sealed nasal prong 200 should be sturdy enough not to collapse. That is, the walls do not buckle, but are flexible so that they bend or elastically deform to conform to the shape of the nostril. The portion of the single sealing nasal prong 200 between the base and tip regions has a constant wall thickness to allow the prongs to flex and seal the nostrils while preventing buckling. For example, in some configurations, the outlet end of seal body 201 may have a relatively thin wall thickness compared to the rest of the wall. A thin wall thickness may increase patient comfort. In other configurations, the wall thickness of the outlet end may be similar to the wall thickness of the rest of the wall. A thick wall may prevent collapse of the wall when the single sealing nasal prong 200 is inserted into the patient's nostril.

When placed in one of the patient's nostrils, the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong 200 seals against the inner surface of that nostril. The sealing surface is the outer surface of the wall that defines the single sealing nasal prong 200 . A single sealing nasal prong 200 seals against the tissue of the nostril. A single sealing nasal prong seals the nostril when gas is flowing through gas passageway 204 and when gas is not flowing through gas passageway 204 . The seal body 201 and the outlet 205 of the single sealed nasal prong 200 are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed. and positioned so as not to receive direct gas supply from the outlet. The single sealing nasal prong 200 is interchangeable between the patient's nostrils. A single sealing nasal prong seals the other nostril when inserted into that nostril.

The interface has a single prong 200 and in some configurations no manifold. In these configurations, the other nostril is completely free of interface. As seen in FIG. 1B, the interface interacts with only one of the patient's nostrils and does not engage the other of the patient's nostrils. The other nostril does not engage or otherwise interact with the prongs, manifold or any other features of the interface. The interface may be placed on the patient's face such that one nostril does not receive gas from conduit 300 .

When not sealing the patient's nares, the single sealing nasal prong 200 may have the shape shown in FIGS. 10-15. In use, the single sealing nasal prong 200 can bend and elastically deform to conform to the shape of the patient's nostril to form a seal with the nostril. A single sealing nasal prong 200 can fit the patient's nostrils exactly. In this case, a single sealing nasal prong may completely seal the patient's nostril. As previously mentioned, the single sealing nasal prong 200 blocks one of the patient's nostrils and not the other, so that the patient's nose is at least 50% sealed. More specifically, at least 50% of the nostrils are sealed in use. Prongs 200 occlude more than 75% of the nostrils. More preferably, the prongs are sized such that, in use, 90% or more of one nostril is occluded.

Because the single sealing nasal prong 200 substantially blocks one of the patient's nostrils and does not block the other nostril, the patient's nose is approximately 50% sealed. The patient breathes, especially exhales, through the path of least resistance, ie through the unsealed nose.

The oval shape of the prong exit allows the prongs to fit. This is because the long axis compresses as the prongs are inserted into the nostril (the length of the long axis contributes to the flexibility of the opening), while the short axis provides structural flexibility to prevent buckling of the prongs. Because it provides support. Therefore, the prongs can fit a variety of different nose shapes/sizes.

The elliptical shape also more closely matches the shape of the nasal cavity and nasal opening. This means that gas can be delivered to the patient more effectively and efficiently.

Alternatively, the single sealing nasal prong 200 may conform to a shape that is approximately the same as the patient's nostril shape, but with one or more differences. In this case, a single sealing nasal prong may partially seal the patient's nostril. Thus, a single closed nasal prong can partially conform to the shape of the patient's nostril.

With respect to the above description of the seal provided by prongs, it will be appreciated that it is the body of the prongs that enables such a seal provided by seal body 201 .

Referring to FIG. 4, prong outlet 205 has a length L1. This is the longest dimension of prong outlet 205 . The prong outlet 205 also has a width W1. This is the widest dimension of prong outlet 205 . The ratio of the width of prong outlet 205 to the length of prong outlet 205 is between about 0.4 and about 0.9. This ratio is, for example, about 0.4 to about 0.6, about 0.6 to about 0.8, about 0.8 to about 0.9, about 0.4 to about 0.5, about 0.5 can be from about 0.6, from about 0.6 to about 0.7, or from about 0.7 to about 0.8.

The length of the prong exit can be from 4 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, this length is between 6 mm and 11 mm. The width of the prong exit can be between 1.5 mm and 13.5 mm. Preferably, the width of the prong outlet is between 3.5 mm and 6.5 mm. The illustrated prong outlet 205 design shown has a length of 9.48 mm and a width of 5.94 mm. The ratio of prong outlet 205 to conduit outlet 305 is 0.72. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet 205 to the cross-sectional area of the base of the seal is 0.33. The cross-sectional area of the base is indicated by gray shading in FIG .

The length of single sealing nasal prong 200 is greater than the width of single sealing nasal prong 200 . The length to width ratio of the single sealing nasal prong 200 may be 1.01-2, preferably 1.4-1.6, more preferably 1.50-1.55.

Prongs 200 may be provided in different sizes such as small, medium and large. In the configuration shown, the dimensions of the minor axis to major axis of the ellipse are small: 5.3 mm x 7.7 mm, medium: 5.9 mm x 9.4 mm, large: 6.7 mm x 11.5 mm, and each Approximate size ratios are: small: 0.69, medium: 0.63, large: 0.58.

The relationship between the width and length of the prong outlet 205 allows the opening to be flexible to fit a variety of nostril shapes. The length of the prong outlets 205 allows the prong outlets to be shaped or distorted to conform to the user's nostrils. At the same time, the width of prong exit 205 provides some structural support.

The ratio of the cross-sectional area of prong outlet 205 to the cross-sectional area of conduit outlet 305 is from about 0.2 to about 1. Preferably, this ratio is between about 0.5 and about 0.8. More preferably, this ratio is between about 0.7 and about 0.8. In the configuration shown, this ratio is approximately 0.72. The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet 205 to the cross-sectional area of the seal base (shown in gray hatching in FIG. 13) is approximately 0.33.

10-15, the overall shape of the seal tapers gently from a wide distal portion at inlet 203 to a narrow region at prong outlet 205. FIG. That is, the seal tapers in the proximal direction.

The opening size of the prong inlet 203 is larger than the prong outlet 205 . The taper includes a convex curvature terminating at the protruding prong exit 205 . The curvature, in combination with the thin wall, allows the wall of the seal to conform to and gently press against the inner surface of the nostril to form a seal.

Single seal nasal prong 200 includes a flexible seal 233 provided by wall 206 . Flexible portion 233 is configured to flex to substantially conform to the shape of the patient's nares. The wall thickness of flexible portion 233 is between about 0.7 mm and about 0.8 mm.

The thin wall thickness of wall 233 compared to the wall thickness of joint 235 provides wall 233 with flexibility. The thinner wall thickness of wall 233 compared to joint 235 allows wall 233 to flex and elastically deform to conform to the shape of the nostril and seal the nostril.

FIG. 12 shows that the seal body 201 is substantially symmetrical between the left and right sides, with the left side being a mirror image of the right side. 12, the seal body 201 is also substantially symmetrical between the anterior and posterior surfaces when viewed from above, with the anterior surface being a mirror image of the posterior surface.

Referring to the orientation of single closed nasal prong 200 in FIG. 12, prong outlet 205 is in the center of prong body 201 between the left and right sides. The horizontal center position allows the prongs to be adjusted to seal either one of the nostrils to provide therapy to the patient. The central location of the prong outlet 205, along with the symmetry of the single-sealing nasal prong 200, allows the single-sealing nasal prong 200 to be swapped from one nostril to the other during use. The prongs seal both nostrils equally well due to the location of the prong outlets 205 and the shape of the prong outlets 205 . The configuration of FIG. 12 also shows that the prong exit 205 is centered in the prong body 201 between the anterior and posterior surfaces so that the prongs can be inserted with either the anterior surface above the posterior surface or vice versa. In some alternative configurations, the outlet may be offset from the horizontal axis (neither collinear nor coincident), offset from the vertical axis, or offset from both the vertical and horizontal axes. obtain.

The outlet 205 of the single sealing nasal prong 200 is central to the seal body 201 when viewed from above. Referring to the single sealing nasal prong 200 orientation of FIG. 12, the outlet is centered between the left and right sides and between the front and back sides, and the outlet is centered concentrically with respect to the seal body. . When assembled with conduit 300 , prong outlet 205 is in the center of conduit outlet 305 . The central axis of the single sealing nasal prong is aligned with the central axis of conduit outlet 305 .

Outlet 205 has a generally oblong cross-section. Referring to FIG. 12, the prong outlet 205 in the illustrated configuration has an elliptical cross-section. The ellipse has a major axis extending between the anterior and posterior surfaces and a minor axis extending between the left and right surfaces. The elliptical cross-section has a minor or minor chord radius (indicated by circle 205a) and a major radius or major chord (indicated by circle 205b). In the illustrated configuration, the minor axis is approximately 2 mm and the major axis is approximately 7 mm. A cross-section of the outlet can have a minor radius of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The minor radius can be about 1.5 mm or about 2.5 mm. A cross-section of the outlet can have a major radius of about 4 mm to about 24 mm. The major axis is about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, about It can be 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm or about 23 mm. Minor radius 205 a defines the curvature of the anterior and posterior regions of prong exit 205 . The semimajor axis 205b defines the curvature of the left and right regions of the prong outlet 205. FIG.

The oval shape of the prong outlet 205 allows the prong outlet 205 to conform to a variety of different nose shapes. This is because the long radius of the opening allows the outlet 205 to deform more easily than a circular outlet, increasing the fit with different nose shapes.

In some configurations, the single sealing nasal prong 200 has a sealing portion that seals the user's nostrils and a coupling portion that couples to a support and/or conduit. A relatively thin seal and a relatively thick joint are shown in cross-section in FIG. 10B. These parts are flexible and rigid with respect to each other. That is, the flexible portion is softer than the rigid portion and vice versa, whereas the rigid portion has some softness, compliance or pliability. In the illustrated configuration, the single sealing nasal prong is made from a flexible or compliant material and the stiffness of the rigid portion is due to the relative thickness of the rigid portion to the flexible portion. The flexible portion seals the nostrils of the user and the rigid portion couples with the support and/or conduit. Single sealing nasal prong 200 also includes a rigid joint 235 . Rigid coupling 235 is connected or connectable to the gas flow assembly. Rigid joints are also provided by the walls. A rigid joint 235 provides stability for the single sealing nasal prong 200 . Rigid joint 235 is stiffer than the rest of single sealing nasal prong 200 . In the configuration shown, rigid joint 235 is rigid by having relatively thick walls. For example, the rigid joint has a wall thickness of about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm. Wall thickness can be about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, or about 3.5 mm. Alternatively, the stiff or less flexible regions may be formed of a different material that is stiffer than the material of the flexible portion. Rigid coupling 235 has two inwardly extending flanges 235a and 235b. The flange 235 b closest to the inlet is the lip 235 . Flange 235a is an undercut formed by an undercut of the forming tool. Single sealing nasal prong 200 has a groove or recess 235c between lip 235b and undercut 235a. When assembled, recess 235 c receives flange 405 of connector 400 .

The flexible section 233 has a thin wall 233 compared to the thickness of the joint 235 so that the flexible section 233 is flexible compared to the relatively rigid joint 235 . The walls of the flexible region 233 can bend and elastically deform to conform to the shape of the nostril to seal the nostril. A single sealing nasal prong 200 may undergo local bending or elastic deformation or both. Flexible regions 233 with thin-walled sections allow some parts of the flexible region to bend, ie local bending or local deformation. This local bend allows for improved sealing for a wide range of different nose shapes. Local bending allows the prongs to conform to the shape of the nostrils.

As mentioned above, the prong entrance 203 is circular and the prong exit 205 is elliptical. The transition between prong entrance 203 and prong exit 205 is determined by prong wall 206 shown in FIG. 10B. Referring to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 10B, the wall thickness of the flexible seal remains generally constant. The shape of the gas passageway corresponding to the flexible seal has a shape similar to the outer surface of single seal nasal prong 200 . 10A and 10B, the gas passageway within the joint is a cylindrical passageway.

10C and 10D show cross-sectional views of a single sealing nasal prong 200. FIG. FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view through the plane indicated by the horizontal line in FIG. FIG. 10D shows a cross-sectional view through the plane indicated by the vertical line in FIG. Comparing FIGS. 10C and 10D, flexible section 233 is of approximately similar wall thickness, while relatively rigid joint 235 is larger in FIG. It can be seen that relatively rigid coupling portion 235 with corresponding flanges 235 a and 235 b and corresponding recess 235 c provides an area of the same size or shape for receiving flange 405 of connector 400 . In this manner, prongs 200 of different sizes or configurations can be connected with the same connector 400. FIG. This provides a single interface that can be used with different sizes or configurations of prongs 200 depending on the patient. Therefore, different sized or configured prongs have the same fit to fit the same or a single interface connector 400 .

FIG. 14 shows a single closed nasal prong 200 from the left. The right side of the single closed nasal prong is identical to the left side of the single closed nasal prong. Beginning at inlet 203 , the base region includes bottom surface 207 of single sealing nasal prong 200 . The bottom surface 207 is concave or inwardly curved. Adjacent to this, the lowest surface 209 of the single sealing nasal prong 200 curves outwardly to form a lobe. The lobes extend circumferentially and are visible in both FIGS. The surface of the lobe transitions into the transition region. The transition region includes relatively short substantially vertical surfaces (when viewed as profiles shown in FIG. 14). The relatively short approximately vertical surface transitions into a gently outwardly curved surface 213, a shallow outwardly curved surface. The central face of the single sealing nasal prong 200 is a relatively flat surface that tapers inward. The tip includes a rim 219 and an inwardly curved surface 217 between the central surface 215 and the rim 219 . The transition between each plane is a smooth transition. The upper edge 219 of the single sealing nasal prong 200 also forms the rim of the outlet 205 .

FIG. 15 shows a single sealing nasal prong 200 from the front. The rear side of the single closed nasal prong is identical to the front side of the single closed nasal prong. Beginning at inlet 203 , the base region includes bottom surface 209 of single sealing nasal prong 200 . The bottom surface 209 curves outward. The lobe can be seen as surface 223 in this view. The lobe surface is outwardly curved and the lobe surface extends upward. Curved surface 221 and curved surface 223 meet at point 222 resulting in a slightly sharp transition. That is, surface 223 transitions from a first radius arc to a second radius arc that defines surface 221 . The second radius is greater than the first radius. The transition from surface 223 to surface 221 defines a change in surface curvature and orientation. The transition region may define a fillet or rounded edge.

Proceeding upward, the transition region includes a relatively flat, vertically extending surface 225 . The surface following this also extends approximately vertically, but with a slight outward curvature. The central portion of the single sealing nasal prong 200 is a relatively flat surface 229 that tapers inward. 15, the tip includes a rim 219 and an inwardly curved surface 231 between the central surface 229 and the rim 219. In the view shown in FIG. The transitions between each surface, other than the transition between surfaces 221 and 223, are smooth transitions. Regions 235, 227, 225 may be stiffer than other surfaces. These surfaces are harder than surface 233 . These areas form the stiffer joints of the prongs. Regions 223, 208, 221 may be softer than regions 235, 227, 225 but stiffer than region 233 to allow the bottom of the prongs to flex when received in the cuff.

When comparing Figures 14 and 15, it can be seen that the left surface corresponds to the front surface. For example, surface 211 in FIG. 14 corresponds to surface 225 in FIG. In the illustrated configuration, surfaces 211 and 225 have a smooth transition between each other. This flat surface 225 transitions to surface 211 shown in FIG.

In the illustrated configuration, the opposing anterior and posterior surfaces are substantially symmetrical to each other. The anterior and posterior surfaces are symmetrical about a vertical plane. Opposite left and right surfaces are also substantially symmetrical to each other. The left and right faces are symmetrical about a vertical plane. Due to all-plane symmetry, the outlet 205 is centered between the front and rear faces and centered between the left and right faces. This allows the single sealing nasal prong 200 to be oriented in any orientation, as the symmetrical nature of the single sealing nasal prong 200 allows the single sealing nasal prong 200 to fit and seal in either nostril. can be inserted into the nostril. This makes it easier for the patient or clinician to insert the prongs and move the prongs from one nostril to the other. Although the patient's nostrils do not have a corresponding symmetrical shape, these configurations provide a seal for the patient's nostrils.

A single sealing nasal prong 200 has been described herein as sealing a patient's nostril. Sealing occurs because the seal body 201 contacts the inner surface of the patient's nostril, rather than due to expansion in the presence of pressure. A seal is created by the seal body contacting the outer edge of the nostril. In some cases, the seal body may also contact the interior region of the nostril adjacent to the nostril opening.

A single sealing nasal prong is considered substantially sealing if it provides greater than 50% occlusion, preferably greater than 70% occlusion, of the patient's nostril. The prongs occlude 90% or more of the nostrils when placed in the operative position. In some configurations, the single sealing nasal prong 200 substantially seals. The configuration shown provides an almost perfect seal. There is some leakage, but it will be appreciated that this leakage is small enough to be ignored. In other configurations, the single sealing nasal prong 200 does not substantially seal the patient's nostrils. The amount of sealing controls how much pressure is delivered to the patient and how much dead space elimination occurs.

In an alternative configuration, gas flow may create pressure within the single sealing nasal prong 200 to expand/inflate the sealing surface. The seal body 201 may be inflated to seal the inner surface of the patient's nostril. The prongs may have thin area walls 233 that may collapse completely in the absence of pressure or gas flow, or may partially collapse in the absence of pressure or gas flow. In the presence of gas flow and pressure, the prong walls 233 can expand or bulge to seal the patient's nostrils.

1-9, other features of the gas delivery assembly of respiratory interface 100 will now be described. In addition to the single sealing nasal prong 200 described above, the gas delivery assembly further includes a conduit 300. As shown in FIG. The conduit has an inlet 303 that receives gas flow from the gas supply and an outlet 305 that delivers gas to the single sealed nasal prong 200 .

In the illustrated configuration, outlet 305 of conduit 300 is connected or connectable to single sealing nasal prong 200 . This connection is a direct connection and there are no other parts or features between the conduit outlet and the prong inlet. The single sealed nasal prong 200 and conduit assembly form a continuous gas path. Alternatively, a conduit connector 400 may be positioned between the conduit outlet and the prong inlet. The cross-section of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the cross-section of conduit outlet 305 proximal to the patient. The shape of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the shape of conduit outlet 305 . The size of prong inlet 203 is also substantially similar to the shape of conduit outlet 305 . A gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet 205 may be substantially straight.

In another configuration, outlet 305 of conduit 300 is connected or connectable to single sealing nasal prong 200 . This connection is between the cuff 250, 1250 assembly and the conduit connector 400 (on which the conduits 300, 1300 are also connected). The cuff 250, 1250 is also connected to one or more slider members 501, 1501 to facilitate movement of the cuff along the slider member, with each of the aforementioned components attached to the cuff, and prongs ( (attached to the distal end of the conduit connector) is properly oriented or positioned to engage the patient's nostril.

In another configuration, outlet 305 of conduit 300 is connected or connectable to single sealing nasal prong 200 . This connection is between the cuff 250 , 1250 assembly and the prongs 200 . That is, the conduit can be connected to the cuff 250, 1250 and the prongs can be held in place by the adjacently positioned prong and cuff and conduit outlet assemblies. Thus, such an assembly may be provided with a friction-fit arrangement for gripping or holding the prongs in place relative to the cuff. In such a configuration, conduit connector 400 may be eliminated.

In another configuration, outlet 305 of conduit 300 is connected or connectable to single sealing nasal prong 200 . This connection is a direct connection and there are no other parts or features between the conduit outlet and the prong inlet. The single sealed nasal prong 200 and conduit assembly form a continuous gas path. Alternatively, the conduit connector 400 may be positioned between the outlet of the conduit and the inlet of the prongs. The cross-section of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the cross-section of conduit outlet 305 proximal to the patient. The shape of prong inlet 203 is substantially similar to the shape of conduit outlet 305 . The size of prong inlet 203 is also substantially similar to the shape of conduit outlet 305 . As a result, the gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet 205 can be substantially straight.

In some configurations, the single sealing nasal prong 200 and the conduit assembly form a direct fluid connection and gas flows through the tube directly to the prongs. The conduit is configured to deliver gas directly to a single sealed nasal prong without passing through another component. There are no components (such as a manifold) between the outlet 305 of the conduit and the inlet 203 of the single sealing nasal prong 200 . The reduced number of components compared to conventional interfaces reduces the size of the interface and also reduces friction/flow resistance. A direct connection of the tube to the prongs allows most or nearly all of the flow to be delivered to the prongs. Reduced flow resistance provides a quieter (ie, less noisy) interface and reduces pressure loss within the interface.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, there is minimal change in the direction of the conduit leading up to the single sealing nasal prong 200. FIG. Conduit 300 is directly coupled to single sealing nasal prong 200 . Single sealing nasal prong 200 and conduit 300 have a common axis. More specifically, the conduit outlet 305 and the inlet of the single sealing nasal prong 200 are coaxial (ie share a common axis). In the illustrated configuration, the prong outlet is also arranged to share a common axis with the prong inlet and conduit outlet. Advantages of this configuration include that the flow path, which is relatively straight and contains fewer cross-sectional restrictions than a flow path with bends and bends, results in reduced noise and reduced pressure loss. In some configurations, the support is external to the gas supplied to the conduit or single-sealing nasal prong, or is separate from the gas supplied to the conduit or single-sealing nasal prong, or is It does not form part of the gas supplied to the single sealed nasal prong. For example, the conduit may be fluidly separated from the support, or the support does not form part of the gas path for gas supplied to a single sealing nasal prong. In a further configuration, conduit 300 is provided in fluid communication with only a single sealing nasal prong 200 (and cuff 250). In some configurations, conduit 300 is not in fluid communication with support 500 . In some configurations, conduit 300 is separate from support 500 and/or uncoupled or directly coupled to support 500 .

Conduits 300 and prongs 200 are configured to reduce flow resistance from the gas source to the nostrils. That is, there is a low flow restriction within conduit 300 and single sealing nasal prong 200 or between conduit 300 and single sealing nasal prong 200 . The conduit and prong configurations do not include bends, bends, sharp corners or features that extend into the flow path. It will be appreciated that there will be some flow resistance as the gas flows through the conduit and prongs themselves, but no additional flow restriction.

As previously mentioned, conduit 300 is directly coupled to single sealing nasal prong 200 . In the illustrated configuration, conduit outlet 305 is received within prong inlet 203 and connects single sealing nasal prong 200 to conduit 300 . Conduits 300 directly coupled to prongs 200 provide a direct connection without any change in gas direction. The prong inlet and conduit outlet are coaxial, allowing gas to travel linearly through conduit 300 to single-sealing nasal prong 200 and then exit the single-sealing nasal prong.

Additionally, conduit outlet 305, cuff opening 261 and prong inlet 203 have similar diameters. Conduit outlet 305 is aligned with cuff opening 261 (i.e., cuff inlet 261), and cuff opening 261 is further aligned with prong inlet 203 and prong outlet 205 to provide substantial clearance from the conduit to single-sealing nasal prong 200. maintain a straight gas path.

In some configurations, the conduit assembly includes a conduit connector 400 that facilitates coupling between conduit 300 and cuff 250 . Conduit connector 400 is a sleeve received or receivable within a conduit at or near conduit outlet 305 . Connector 400 has male threads and conduit 300 has female threads. These threads can be wound together to connect the connector and the conduit together. Conduit 300 and conduit connector 400 may be connected in other ways. For example, conduit 300 and conduit connector 400 may be glued together, or may have other complementary engagement features such as clips and recesses, or may be molded into the conduit. , or an overmold that couples the connector 400 to the conduit 300 .

The placement of conduit 300 and prongs 200 improves patient comfort. In configurations where a single sealing nasal prong 200 seals against the patient's nostril, some of the supporting pressure is provided by the contact of the prongs at the patient's nostril. Because the supporting pressure is provided by the contact of the prongs at the patient's nostrils, the pressure on the patient's upper lip is reduced when compared to a conventional cannula.

The features of support 500 for single closed nasal prong 200 will now be described.

2-8 show a support or adjuster 500. FIG. Support 500 provides a mechanism by which prong outlets 205 can be adjusted to seal either one of the nostrils to provide therapy to the patient. Variations of respiratory interfaces with adjustable prongs are described in further detail below.

Support 500 includes a pair of sliding members 501, a cuff 250 for receiving a single sealing nasal prong and engaging member 501, and a clip 503 connectable to headgear. Corresponding clips 607 are placed on the headgear straps. Headgear straps are removably coupled to slide member 501 via clips 503 . Clips 503 form the male coupling elements and are received in corresponding clips 607 positioned on the headgear straps. Each of these components is described in further detail below.

Support 500 in this configuration has two sliding members 501 . Each sliding member 501 is an elongated member having a generally circular cross-section. The sliding members 501 extend generally parallel to each other and are connected to each other at each end to form loops as shown in FIGS. 2-8. Each sliding member 501 is relatively rigid (eg, compared to a single closed nasal prong), but flexible enough so that it can be bent to fit the patient's face.

For example, in another configuration as shown in FIGS. 72-75, the support 500 (whether there are two sliding members or a single sliding member 501) is pre-formed. It can be of shape or configuration or curvature.

In an exemplary embodiment, support 500, including slide member 501 and/or slide member 502, may include a pre-curved or rounded profile that substantially follows or adapts to the contours of the patient's face.

Alternatively or additionally, sliding member 501 and/or sliding member 502 may be configured such that sliding member 501 and/or sliding member 502 substantially follows the contours of the patient's face. or adaptively configurable or adaptable. In an exemplary embodiment, the support is a wire or material with a low deformable temperature or another stretchable or moldable material so that it can be shaped to the shape and/or size of the patient's face. can be formed from

In an exemplary embodiment, support 500 includes a curvature or profile of slide member 501 and/or slide member 502 such that said support 500 is substantially convex relative to the patient's face.

The pre-formed shape or configuration or curvature can have a predetermined radius of curvature and can provide, for example, about 120° of a circle or about one-third of a circle, or can be an arcuate configuration. . A preformed profile may include a length or precurved length ranging from about 70 mm to about 110 mm or about 90 mm. Such pre-formed shapes may facilitate specific ergonomic positioning or angling of the prong 200 outlets for proper engagement with either nostril of the patient. In such a configuration, the sliding member 501 may be of a pre-formed shape or configuration (eg, as shown in FIGS. 17-18), or or a pair of sliding members 501 along which the cuff 250 can move. Provide a pair of members.

The sliding member 501 is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. Sliding member 501 may also have a smooth surface. A low coefficient of friction allows cuff 250 to slide, pivot, or slide and pivot easily relative to slide member 501 with very little resistance. Suitable materials include nylon-based derivatives. In one configuration, the sliding member material is polyacetal (Delrin 500P NC010) or cellulosic thermoplastic. In addition to being made from a low coefficient of friction material, slide member 501 is formed using injection molding techniques to give it a polished finish.

In some alternative configurations, sliding member 501 may comprise a soft material, such as an overmolded thermoplastic, covering a rigid member.

FIG. 2 shows a cuff 250 connecting a single sealing nasal prong 200 to a conduit and connecting those components to a support 500. FIG. Sliding member 501 is or can be coupled to single cuff 250 , which is coupled to single sealing nasal prong 200 . 9B shows a cross-sectional view of single sealing nasal prong 200, cuff 250 and sliding member 501 of support 500. FIG.

The sliding member 501 can be bent. The sliding member 501 flexes or bends the sliding member 501 toward the user's face when the headgear is placed in the operative position and coupled to the sliding member. An upward force is applied to the prongs (and support) to form a seal with the nostril. Due to the elasticity of the sliding member 501 , bending of the sliding member 501 causes a resultant force to act on the sliding member 501 . This resultant force pulls the sliding member 501 away from the user. The slide member and clip are maintained away from the face when the mask is in the operating position. In use, only a portion of the prongs and headgear straps contact the face and the support (including the sliding member) does not contact the face.

A single sealing prong is advantageous because it can be removed from the support 500 without having to remove the headgear. This allows the user to change the size of the sealing prongs or replace the sealing prongs without having to adjust their headgear settings.

9B, cuff 250 secures conduit 300, conduit connector 400 and single sealing nasal prong 200 together. Cuff 250 has an aperture 261 through which conduit 300 and connector 400 extend. Conduit connector 400 is secured to cuff 250 via conduit coupling portion 265 of cuff 250 . Cuff 250 has a prong connection 263 . Single sealing nasal prong 200 is or is receivable within prong coupling 263 . The portion of single-sealing nasal prong 200 that is received or receivable by cuff 250 is the rigid portion of single-sealing nasal prong 200 .

Recess 235 c interacts with first flange 405 of conduit connector 400 . Conduit connector 400 has a second flange 407 that abuts the inner surface of cuff 250 to prevent the conduit connector from being pulled out of cuff 250, which receives the prongs.

Single sealing nasal prong 200 is configured such that recess 235c of single sealing nasal prong 200 engages flange 405 within conduit coupling portion 265 as conduit coupling portion 265 protrudes through cuff opening 261 and interacts with single sealing nasal prong 200. is received within prong coupling portion 263 so as to mate with. Single sealing nasal prong coupling 263 is held in place by this interaction between prong 200 and conduit coupling 265 .

In an alternative configuration, a portion of conduit connector 400 may be integral with cuff 250 such that conduit connector 400 and cuff 250 are a single piece. In this configuration, the prong undercut interacts directly with the cuff.

The prong connection portion 263 and the conduit connection portion of cuff 250 are integral. Alternatively, the prong coupling portion 263 and the conduit coupling portion of cuff 250 can be separate pieces. If the prong coupling portion 263 and the conduit coupling portion of the cuff 250 are separate pieces, they may be connected together by fasteners, clips, or adhesive, for example.

Prong attachment portion 263 of cuff 250 includes a shape that generally complements the shape of single-sealing nasal prongs 200 . The prong joint is bowl-shaped with an elliptical or oval cross-section when viewed from above. The conduit assembly includes conduit 300 and conduit connector 400 .

In another form, cuff 250 may include a plurality of cuff flanges on the outer surface of the connector body that engage flanges (ie, threads) on the connector to couple cuff 250 to connector 400 . The interior region of the single sealing nasal prong 200 may not include a flange and the connector 400 may be friction fit to the single sealing nasal prong 200, or the single sealing nasal prong 200 may be attached to the single sealing nasal prong 200. 200 and connector 400 to allow for a snap fit.

Conduit connector 400 in the illustrated configuration is a sleeve having a significantly shorter length than conduit 300 . Conduit 300 and conduit connector 400 may have complementary threaded portions. In the illustrated configuration, the conduit connector threads are partial threads and they do not extend all the way around the sleeve. Alternatively, the threads may extend around the circumference of the sleeve. Conduit connector 400 has two outwardly extending flanges 405, 407 defining a space between the flanges. Flanges 405 , 407 are near the outlet of conduit connector 400 . Flanges 405, 406 extend around the entire circumference of the sleeve. Conduits 300 and connectors may be connected with other mechanical connections including recesses, protrusions, clips, press fits, adhesives and/or welds.

In an alternative configuration, the threads may be on the inner surface of conduit connector 400 that later receives conduit 300 . In this configuration, threads on the outer surface of conduit 300 interact with threads 403 on connector 400 .

Various configurations between single sealing nasal prong 200, cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 are possible. For example, the single sealing nasal prong 200, cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 can be separate, separable components (construction described above).

For example, in a further alternative configuration shown with reference to FIGS. 62-71, a medical tubing component is provided that includes a conduit connector 400 and a cuff 250, where the conduit connector 400 itself includes threads 403. FIG. Thread 403 includes at least one region of discontinuity 480 . Cuff 250 has at least one protrusion configured to interact with discontinuous region 480 when engaged with conduit 300 in a first direction (eg, as indicated by arrow D′ in FIG. 63A). 280 included. At least one projection 280 is further engaged with threads 403 in a second direction (eg, as indicated by arrow D″ in FIG. 63B) to extend over or away from discontinuous region 480 . It is configured to engage at least a portion of the farther threads 403 .

With respect to protrusions that interact with the discontinuous areas, the protrusions are received or inserted or housed within the discontinuous areas. In this manner, the discontinuous region receives the projection to position the cuff over the conduit connector and move it to a particular location or position (e.g., sliding) before force or motion in the second direction is applied. be sized and/or shaped to allow

FIG. 63A shows separate components of conduit 300 , cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 as an intervening or intermediate component to create an assembly of cuff 250 and conduit 300 . 63B shows the initial engagement of cuff 250 on conduit connector 400. FIG. FIG. 63C shows the finished final assembly with the conduit 300 also engaged or connected to the conduit connector.

FIG. 76 shows a further configuration in which the conduit connector 400 has continuous threads that allow the cuff 250 to be wrapped directly onto the conduit connector.

The first direction is provided by applying a first force or a first motion. See, for example, FIG. 63A showing the first direction indicated by arrow D'.

A second direction is provided by application of a second force or a second movement. See, for example, FIG. 63B showing a second direction indicated by arrow D″.

As shown, the first direction and the second direction are different from each other. In this way, the connection between cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 is made as a two-step motion, providing a relatively secure connection substantially free of accidental or inadvertent separation. That is, separation or removal of cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 requires a series of active (and different) directional movements to disengage these components from their connection or attachment to one another.

Regarding the two different directions, the first direction and the second direction may be substantially transverse to each other, or may provide a first axial direction and a second rotational direction.

The first direction is generally or substantially coincident with the axial direction of conduit connector 400 , while the second direction is generally or substantially transverse to the axial direction of conduit connector 400 . More specifically, the second direction may be rotation for at least one protrusion 280 of cuff 250 to engage threads 403 of conduit connector 400 on or with threads 403 of conduit connector 400 . For example, the second direction can be axial rotation of cuff 250 relative to the axial direction of conduit 300 .

As cuff 250 (having protrusions 280 ) moves or rotates in a second direction, the one or more protrusions 280 provided by cuff 250 engage threads 403 or portions of threads 403 . obtain or become engaged.

Protrusion 280 substantially engages threads 403 or a portion of threads 403 of conduit connector 400 upon application of force or movement in the second direction to attach cuff 250 to conduit connector 400 or to conduit connector 400 . configured to at least partially restrain or lock on. In this manner, cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 are separated or removed from each other, unless the second direction reversal and the first direction reversal are applied in the opposite (i.e., removal or separation) operation. can be substantially further prevented. Thus, when engaged, protrusion 280 functions to substantially constrain or prevent relative axial movement or displacement of cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 from or relative to each other.

If more than one protrusion is provided, each such protrusion may be located or housed within an area adjacent between two turns or turns or runs of thread 403. or the pitch of the threads on the conduit connector 400 such that at least the first protrusion may be located or housed in the region between the run or turn of the threads 403 and the flange 407 of the connector 400 may be axially offset from each other by a suitable distance so as to occupy . Accordingly, the protrusions may be positioned on the cuff, and may be positioned or arranged on the cuff at intervals, whether equidistant or non-equidistant, to accomplish the above.

Protrusions 280 may function to achieve such locking or restraint when the cuff is rotated more than about 5° or more than about 10° from the discontinuous region. Alternatively, this can be accomplished by rotating cuff 250 (having protrusion 280 ) through approximately 90° from said discontinuous region 480 . In a further alternative, for example, in a configuration with a single discontinuous thread 403 on the conduit connector 400 and a single protrusion 280 on the cuff, the cuff 250 rotates more than about 170° from said discontinuous region. can be

Depending on the placement or positioning of the one or more discontinuous regions 480 , the second direction is in line with the threads 403 when the protrusion 280 is substantially inserted into the one or more discontinuous regions 480 . or in a manner sufficient to provide engagement of protrusion 280 with the vicinity of thread 403 (such as A') or in the area (such as A'') between adjacent turns or runs of thread 403. It will be understood that See, for example, FIGS. 70A and 70B showing shaded areas A' and A'' indicating potential areas that may be adapted for engagement with protrusion 280. FIG.

Opening 261 of cuff 250 has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of conduit connector 400 . In this manner, conduit connector 400 is received by opening 261 of cuff 250 . In this manner, conduit connector 400 is provided as a substantially internal (ie, internal to a more outwardly positioned cuff) component.

In configurations with two projections 280, the distance between the projections 280 is less than the diameter of the threads or the distance between the outer surfaces of the threads and the outer surface of the conduit connector 400 on which the threads are disposed. diameter). In this manner, protrusion 280 fits between the outer surface of the threads and the outer surface of conduit connector 400 .

As noted above, cuff 250 may include multiple protrusions 280 . In one embodiment, the cuff includes two protrusions. Optionally, the protrusions may be positioned substantially opposite each other or 180° apart, or evenly spaced around the opening 261 of the cuff 250 . Alternatively, the protrusions may be substantially evenly spaced or unevenly spaced from each other. For each protrusion provided, a correspondingly provided discontinuous thread area may be provided for receiving the protrusion.

One or more protrusions 280 may also function as an alignment feature for aligning the cuff and conduit connector with each other.

As noted above, thread 403 may include multiple discontinuous regions 480 . In one embodiment, threads 403 may include two discontinuous regions, for example, as shown in FIG. In another embodiment, a single discontinuity may be provided, eg, as shown in FIG.

Similar to previous disclosures herein, nasal prongs 200 are connectable or connected to conduit connector 400 .

When cuff 250 is in a substantially engaged position within or on threads 403 , cuff 250 may abut or contact or otherwise impact nasal prongs 200 .

Nasal prongs 200 may be formed of a relatively soft or substantially compliant material such that when cuff 250 engages threads 403, cuff 250 at least partially covers nasal prongs 200 or a portion thereof. It may be compressed, or nasal prong 200 or a portion thereof may be at least partially compressed upon engagement of cuff 250 and threads 403 . Thus, friction-fit engagement between cuff 250 and nasal prongs 200 can be achieved later.

Cuff 250 and conduit connector 400 may be removably attached to each other in a non-permanent manner. In this way, the cuff and conduit connector may be removable from each other.

Depending on the configuration of threads 403 of conduit connector 400 , cuff 250 may be engageable with first threads T′ of conduit connector 400 or cuff 250 may be provided on conduit connector 400 . It may be engageable with the first threaded portion T' and the second threaded portion T''.

With respect to protrusion 280, the protrusion may be a substantially radially inwardly extending protrusion. In such configurations, such protrusions 280 may be tabs.

As shown in FIGS. 69-71, the discontinuity region 480 either accommodates the width P′ of the protrusion 280 such that the width P′ of the protrusion is less than the width W′ of the discontinuity region 480, or Provide a predetermined width W' of the discontinuity sufficient to accommodate. In this manner, protrusion 280 can be received and inserted into discontinuity region 480 until it is moved in the second direction. The area between adjacent turns of a turn of thread 403 or between a conduit connector feature such as flange 407 (e.g., stop flange or second flange 407 as shown, for example, in FIG. 62) and adjacent turns or turns. The width H' of can also be of sufficient height dimension to accommodate the height dimension of the protrusion.

Once the protrusion 280 is successfully inserted or received within the discontinuous region, the protrusion is then placed within the region A'', which may be between adjacent turns of the thread (see, e.g., FIG. 70B). ) or threads 403 or turns or turns of threads 403 by positioning each protrusion 280 in an area A' adjacent to a turn or run of threads 403 and a feature of conduit connector 400 (such as flange 407). can be engaged with Flange 407 of conduit connector 400 may be a raised or stop flange that provides a physical structure beyond which projection 280 cannot be rolled. Alternatively, rotation may be stopped or prevented by continued rotation as the cuff is wrapped over the threads of the conduit connector 400 increasing the amount of force required or resistance to rotation as the cuff compresses the prongs.

The one or more discontinuous regions are sized to allow insertion or reception of one or more protrusions provided by the cuff. A discontinuous area is a conduit connector that is, for example, free of threads 403 or at least substantially reduced in height or depth (radially) to facilitate accommodation of a protrusion in the discontinuous area. area.

In an alternative configuration, the cuff 250 may be provided with a shank portion 281 on which the protrusion 280 is located radially inward of the cuff 250 , eg, an inner wall 282 of the cuff 250 . The shank portion 281 allows the projection 280 of the cuff 250 to be properly received by the conduit connector 400 within an area A' adjacent to a turn or run of the thread or within an area A'' between adjacent turns of the thread. may have a longitudinal length (or height) S' sufficient to position the Projection 280 may be positioned a distance within height S′ in order to be properly engageable or receivable by the threads of conduit connector 400 .

Cuff 250 may also include a notch 283 or recess (of a radially outward shape) around inner wall 282 of opening 261 of cuff 250 . For example, as shown in FIG. 67B, cuff 250 may alternatively include cutouts or recessed areas 283 instead of having protrusions 280 as shown in FIG. 67A.

The size or dimension of the opening of notch 261 is larger than the dimension of thread 403 received therein. Depending on the threads 403 of the conduit connector 400, one or more cutouts may be provided around the cuff 250. FIG. Notch 261 provides a feature that can receive threads 403 and provides a path through which threads 403 can be advanced as the cuff is rolled over conduit connector 400 .

Cutouts 283 may be sized and/or shaped to facilitate accommodation of threads 403 to assist in initiating rotation of cuff 250 about threads 403 .

It will be appreciated that threads 403 may be substantially helical threads. The pitch of thread 403 may be constant or may vary along the thread length. The pitch of the threads 403 provided on the conduit connector 400 may be substantially the same as the pitch of the conduit corrugations or other formations that may be wound on the threads 403 of the conduit connector. In some configurations, the pitch of the threads 403 of the conduit connector 400 may vary depending on the relatively flexible nature of the conduit 300 or the pitch of the threads 403 and the characteristics of the conduit 300 that may wind over the threads 403 . may vary slightly to accommodate slight differences between

As disclosed herein, conduit 300 can be substantially engaged with conduit connector 400 by rotating or winding the conduit on the threads, thereby engaging these two parts. together to form an assembly of conduit 300 and conduit connector 400, resulting in the assembly shown, for example, by FIG.

Alternatively, the conduit 300 can be substantially engaged with the conduit connector 400 after (ie, after) the cuff 250 is engaged with the threads. In this manner, sequential engagement of the different components provides assembly of the cuff on the conduit connector and assembly of the prongs and cuff. The additional pressure or force of the cuff pressed against the prongs in such a configuration may additionally pinch or more securely hold the prongs in place or position.

In a further configuration, conduit connector 400 may comprise continuous threads 403, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, the conduit connector 400 can be provided without discontinuous areas. In this configuration, a cuff 250 including one or more protrusions 280 or one or more notches 261 can be wrapped in screw form over the conduit connector to provide a screw-fit assembly. Once the cuff is screwed or rolled into place, conduit 300 is additionally (but optionally) threaded onto conduit connector 400 by friction fit or using threads 403 . It can be attached to a conduit connector, whether by winding 300 or not. In this way, additional (but optional) connection of the conduit to the conduit connector after the cuff has been rolled (screwed) into place holds the cuff in place and the conduit connector. Providing a more secure connection or additional components that act to preferentially prevent or discourage undesired separation of cuff 250 from 400 .

In other words, the cuff is
i) the distal end of the conduit after substantially engaging the conduit with the threads of the conduit connector; and ii) by the base of the nasal prongs after substantially engaging the nasal prongs with the cuff.
may be held in a predetermined orientation or position by a compression fit between each of the .

In an alternative configuration, conduit connector 400 and cuff 250 may be a single unitary piece. In this alternative configuration, the single sealing nasal prong 200 and conduit connector 400 may be separable by a threaded connection or a friction or snap fit.

In another alternative configuration, the single sealing nasal prong 200 and cuff 250 may be a single unitary piece. In this alternative configuration, conduit connector 400 may be separable from the prong/cuff component by a threaded connection or a friction or snap fit.

Cuffs can have a variety of different couplings, including one or more rings, hooks or clips, for connection to a support. 6 and 7 show a cuff 250 having hooks in the form of curved fingers 255 that mate with member 501. FIG. The cuff includes projections 257 opposite each of fingers 255 . A protrusion 257 extends outwardly from the cuff. The protrusion is located closer to the center of cuff 250 than finger 255 . As shown in FIG. 6, protrusion 257 is located adjacent conduit inlet opening 261 . Each protrusion 257 forms a C-shaped clip in which each of the fingers 255 retains the slide member 501 . The C-shaped clip holds the slide member to the cuff 250 as the strap pivots within the recess.

FIG. 7 shows that cuff 250 also includes recess 259 . Recess 259 allows the cuff to pivot easily with respect to slide member 501 . Cuff 250 can pivot relative to and slide along member 501 . Recess 259 receives a portion of member 501 as cuff pivots relative to slide member 501 . This allows cuff 250 to pivot relative to member 501 while remaining held by member 501 . The recess has a generally circular profile that complements the profile of slide member 501 . In the illustrated configuration, recess 259 extends about one third of the circumference of cuff 250 . Cuff 250 may include two recesses facing each other. The recesses are mirror images of each other. The recesses 259 are identical in shape and size. In alternative configurations, recess 259 may extend further, including extending all the way around. In other alternative configurations, recess 259 may extend along a shorter portion. Recess 259 allows cuff 250 with single sealing nasal prong 200 to pivot or rotate with respect to support assembly 500 including slide member 501 . Recess 259 provides space for receiving a portion of the sliding member to facilitate rotation of cuff 250 and single sealing nasal prong 200 . A rotatable cuff allows the single sealing nasal prong 200 to pivot or rotate about its longitudinal axis. The sliding member allows on-the-spot adjustment of the single sealing nasal prong and allows movement of the single sealing nasal prong between the user's nostrils without removing the interface 100 . A single sealing nasal prong may be mounted in any orientation relative to the slide member. Furthermore, it is possible to adjust the location and orientation of a single closed nasal prong simultaneously.

Some configurations do not allow for pivoting of cuff 250 and thus do not have recess 259, as will be discussed below. The cuff can only slide relative to the sliding member 501 and not pivot or rotate relative to the strap.

In the configuration shown, sliding member 501 is removably coupled to single sealing nasal prong 200 via cuff 250 . Each sliding member 501 can be removed by threading it through the space between finger 255 and protrusion 257 or by bending or deforming the curved finger away from member 501 . Single sealing nasal prong 200 can be separated from member 501 and replaced, readjusted, or replaced with a different interface. This allows quick and easy adjustments to be made, and multiple treatments to be delivered to the patient without the need to remove or adjust the headgear mechanism. Alternatively, sliding member 501 is permanently or permanently coupled to single sealing nasal prong 200 via cuff 250 . In such a configuration, hooks or clips can be used to couple the sliding member 501 with the cuff while still allowing sliding motion to occur.

Headgear 600 is coupled or coupleable to sliding member 501 . In the configuration shown, sliding member 501 includes a headgear attachment. In other configurations, the headgear attachments can take a variety of different forms. For example, the headgear attachment can be a ring, partial ring or hook into which the sliding member 501 is inserted. Sliding member 501 and/or headgear 600 may be permanently coupled with the ring or removably coupled with the ring. By removably coupling the headgear to the ring, the respiratory interface can be removed while the headgear remains on the patient. Another respiratory interface can then be attached to the patient without refitting and readjusting new headgear.

Respiratory interface 100 further includes clips 503 at end portions of support 500 that are coupled or couplable to headgear. The clips may be rectangular tabs with pairs of cutouts for receiving complementary protrusions of headgear clips, or may be of any other suitable configuration.

Clip components that can be used to couple the respiratory interfaces described herein to headgear are described in WO2015193833, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In an alternative embodiment, respiratory interface 100 may include a rectangular base from which a clip extends. The rectangular base can be elongated to position the clip closer to the patient's ear during use. In such a configuration, the rectangular base can be a rigid member. In such a configuration, the headgear may include shorter straps as a result of the elongated rectangular base. Advantageously, this configuration can help stabilize the interface on the patient. Alternatively, the sliding member or support 500 of any of the respiratory interfaces disclosed herein may be longer to position the clip closer to the patient's ear, as described herein. can be

The above configuration allows the single sealing nasal prong 200 to be translatable with respect to the support 500 and interchangeably received by the patient's nostrils. During this movement, the single sealing nasal prong 200 remains attached to the support 500 and need not be detached from the support 500 . That is, the single sealing nasal prong 200 is coupled to the support 500 when placed in either one of the patient's nostrils and also when moved between the patient's nostrils. Headgear 600 provides tension to single sealing nasal prong 200 , which tension is separated by support 500 . This configuration allows lateral sliding or other movement of the support 500 without the single sealing nasal prong 200 moving relative to or out of the patient's nares. The support 500 can slide against the prongs under tension or force from the headgear. Support 500 is configured to isolate the single sealing nasal prong from tension while still allowing the headgear to maintain headgear retention as the single sealing nasal prong is moved from one nostril to the other. be done.

Separating the single sealing nasal prong 200 from the headgear 600 with a support allows the user to maintain a particular headgear setting. This allows the single closed nasal prong 200 to be moved relative to the patient's face. For example, it is possible to move the prongs from one nostril to the other without having to adjust the headgear tension, ie without having to adjust the headgear setting.

A single closed nasal prong 200 can be translated substantially horizontally across the face from one nostril to the other. Translation and rotation of the prongs relative to the support allows the single sealing nasal prong 200 to switch from one nostril to the other and to achieve a seal with either nostril.

The configuration of the support 500 in the illustrated configuration isolates the prongs from the forces imparted by the headgear. The support 500 separates the respiratory interface from the headgear, thereby preventing the prongs from moving/dislodging due to forces on the headgear, such as movement of the patient's head. The support 500 also isolates the patient's head movement from the prongs so that the prongs are not dislodged by the patient's head movement. The straps can move/translate relative to the prongs to accommodate headgear forces and head movements.

Single sealing nasal prong 200 may be translatable by pivoting, sliding or pivoting and sliding relative to support 500 . FIG. 16 shows the single sealing nasal prong 200 in three different example pivot positions relative to the support 500. FIG. Other angles of rotation are possible and may be selected to better fit the patient's nostrils.

This configuration allows the sliding member 501 to slide within the recess and isolates the headgear from the tension of the cuff 250 . Alternatively, sliding member 501 may be removably attached to cuff 250 using a clip. In another variation there is a clip on the sliding member.

In configurations where the cuff 250 and prongs 200 are not pivotable with respect to the strap, the single sealing nasal prongs 200 are angled correctly onto the nose during the initial fitting.

In some configurations, prongs 200, cuff 250, and/or interface 100 may be configured to allow prongs to remain attached to support 500, or to be removed from support 500 without or without being removed from support 500. can be configured to allow the prongs to seal the patient's left or right nostril, or interchangeably therewith, without the need for a In some configurations, the prongs may be translatable relative to the support, as described above. Alternatively, the prongs (and/or cuffs) may be in a fixed position relative to support 500 . Thus, the interface can be inverted or flipped to place the prongs in the other desired nostril without having to reposition or reposition the prongs on the support. In such a configuration, there can be two general orientations of the interface on the patient's face. These orientations may be associated with the patient's left and right nostrils, respectively, and these two general orientations may allow the single prong to remain attached on the support or be in a static position. The interface is such that when rotated (i.e. about a plane substantially transverse to the center point of the interface), the left edge of the interface becomes the right edge and the right edge becomes the left edge of the interface. It can be flipped or rotated 180° so that it ends. In this way, the prongs can be placed in the left nostril, the interface can then be flipped or rotated (i.e., reversed), and the prongs can then be placed in the patient's right nostril. All of these do not require adjustment of the prongs on the support. This allows for alternating nostrils receiving gas therapy, but without adjustment of the prongs on the support. It will be appreciated that in some cases the headgear may be adjusted to provide proper comfort and fit as the prongs may be swapped from one nostril of the patient to the other. Such a configuration can simplify the usability of such an interface and minimize the need for large adjustments of the prongs on the support.

In alternative configurations, the single sealing nasal prong and cuff may be permanently or removably connected in other ways. Permanent connections include adhesives, welds, press fits and one-time clips. Removable connections include clips or complementary threaded portions.

The illustrated configuration has been shown and described as having separate head straps and sliding members. In an alternative configuration, the head strap and slide member may be integral.

The cuff has been described as a separate component of the single sealing nasal prong 200. In an alternative configuration, cuff 250 may be part of single sealing nasal prong 200 . Conduit connector 400 and cuff 250 may be separate components. In an alternative configuration, conduit connector 400 and cuff 250 may be a single unitary component. Cuff 250 has a prong connection or prong coupler 263 . A single sealing nasal prong is or can be received by prong connection 263 of cuff 250 . In an alternative configuration, prong coupling portion 263 of cuff 250 is received or receivable by prong coupling portion 263 of cuff 250 .

Details of the headgear 600 of the respiratory interface 100 will now be described. Headgear 600 provides sufficient retention to maintain a seal at the patient's nostrils. In the configuration shown, the headgear is head strap 600 . The head strap 600 can be a single strap or a bifurcated strap. Bifurcated straps are shown in FIGS. 1B-1D. A bifurcated strap may provide additional grip on the patient's head compared to a single strap.

In the configuration shown, headgear 600 includes a pair of side straps 601 and a rear strap portion 602 . Rear straps 602 may be separated to form split strap headgear. The rear straps may be split to include a first middle strap 602a and a second middle strap 602b both coupled to the side strap portion 601. As shown in FIG. Split strap headgear may be used in a split configuration or as a single rear strap with a wider area than the side straps. The split-strap headgear provides force diagonally upward at an angle of 30-80 degrees from horizontal. The obliquely upward force has an upward component and a lateral (lateral) component and creates a seal with the nostrils. This force pulls the single sealing nasal prong 200 into the nostril and maintains the seal. The headgear includes clips that can be removably connected to extensions of the support members.

Headgear can be tightened or loosened by adjusting the head strap 600 . The headgear includes headgear connectors 607 that connect to the slide members. Headgear connector 607 includes length adjustment element 606 . The length adjustment element 606 can be unilateral or bilateral. A length adjustment element 606 can also be on the back. Length adjustment element 606 receives strap free end 603 with strap portion 605 extending into the length adjustment element. The length adjustment element 606 is located adjacent to the headgear connector 607 or located on the headgear connector 607 . The length adjustment element 606 adjusts the working length of the headgear straps, thereby adjusting the tightness of the straps on the patient's head.

Referring to FIG. 4, respiratory interface 100 has a smaller footprint than conventional interfaces. For example, the volume occupied by interface 100 may be determined by a bounding box (shown in dashed lines) placed around the respiratory interface. The bounding box is a cuboid that houses the interface shown in FIGS. 1-10. The box can have the following dimensions.

Width of 110mm or less. The illustrated configuration is 95 mm or less (including two connecting clips). Other widths include 105mm, 100mm, 90mm, 85mm, 80mm or 75mm.

Height of 40 mm or less. Height is the vertical height of single sealing nasal prong 200 and support 500 shown in FIG. The configuration shown is 25 mm or less. Other heights include 35mm, 30mm, 20mm or 15mm.

50 mm or less depth. Depth is the dimension outside the patient's face. The illustrated embodiment is 30 mm or less. Other depths include 45mm, 40mm, 35mm, 30mm or 25mm.

The bounding box is smaller than a corresponding dual-prong cannula of the same size. For example, a medium size single closed prong cannula has a smaller footprint (ie a smaller bounding box volume) than a medium size dual prong cannula. The smaller footprint of the respiratory interface provides a less intrusive interface for the user, making the interface more comfortable for the user.

17-25 illustrate alternative configurations of respiratory interface 100. FIG. The respiratory interface features, functions and options are the same as described above unless noted below. Like numbers are used plus 1000 to denote like numbers.

In this configuration, support 1500 has a single member or strap 1501 . A single strap can be curved as shown or can be straight. Similar to the sliding members of the previously described configurations, the single strap is relatively rigid, yet flexible, allowing the single strap to be easily flexed or bent. A single strap separates the single sealing prong from the headgear and allows the single sealing nasal prong to be moved from one nostril to another. Advantages of a single strap include being lighter than two straps, having a smaller footprint than previous configurations, and being more flexible than two straps. Cuff 250 has a single curved finger 1255 for coupling with strap 1501 . Alternatively, the cuff may have a ring or clip for removably or permanently coupling the strap 1501 to the cuff 250.

26-32 show various views of a single sealing nasal prong 1200. FIG. Similar to the previous configuration, this single sealing nasal prong 1200 has an inlet 1203 and an outlet 1205 . FIG. 27 shows the prongs in a compressed position, which occurs when the prongs are engaging the nostrils to seal the nostrils.

FIG. 30 shows a single closed nasal prong 200 from the left. The right side of the single closed nasal prong is a mirror image of the left side of the single closed nasal prong. When viewed in the orientation of FIG. 30, the right side of FIG. 30 is the anterior side of the prongs 1200 and the left side is the posterior side of the prongs. The radial line shown in FIG. 30 shows how the surfaces transition between the anterior and posterior sides of the single sealing nasal prong 1200. FIG.

Starting at inlet 1203, bottom surface 1207 of single sealing nasal prong 1200 is flat. There is a relatively steep transition to the front surface of prongs 1200 . The bottom 1209 of the front surface curves outward. The bottom surface 1209 also tapers outwardly. The anterior surface then transitions to a relatively short substantially vertical surface 1211 (when viewed as the profile shown in FIG. 30), which also tapers inwardly to a gradual Transition to outwardly curved surface 1213 . The central portion 1215 of the single sealing nasal prong 1200 is a gently outwardly curved surface. In addition to being curved, surface 1215 tapers inward. Between the central plane 1215 and the rim 1219 is generally a plane 1217 . The transitions between each surface, other than the transition between surfaces 1207 and 1209, are smooth transitions. The upper edge 1219 of the single sealing nasal prong 200 also forms the rim of the outlet 1205 .

Still referring to FIG. 30, the posterior surface of the prongs 1201 differs from the anterior surfaces of the prongs. There is a relatively steep transition to the posterior surface of prongs 1200 . The bottom 1221 of the posterior surface is outwardly curved. The lowermost surface 1209 also tapers 1221 but not as steeply as the similar front surface 1209 angle. The posterior surface then transitions into a relatively short, generally vertical surface 1223 (when viewed as the profile shown in FIG. 30), which also tapers inwardly and gently. Transition to outwardly curved surface 1225 . The central portion 1227 of the single sealing nasal prong 1200 is a gently outwardly curved surface. In addition to being curved, surface 1227 tapers inward, but at a steeper angle than front surface 1215 . Between the central plane 1227 and the rim 1219 is generally a plane 1229 . The transitions between each surface, other than the transition between surfaces 1207 and 1221, are smooth transitions.

FIG. 31 shows a single sealing nasal prong 200 from the front. The rear side of the single closed nasal prong is identical to the front side of the single closed nasal prong. Starting at inlet 1203, bottom surface 1207 of single sealing nasal prong 200 is flat. There is a relatively steep transition to the right side of prong 1200 . The bottom 1231 of the front surface curves outward. The lowermost surface 1231 also tapers outward. The anterior surface then transitions to a relatively short substantially vertical surface 1233 (when viewed as the profile shown in FIG. 31), which also tapers inwardly to a gradual Transition to outwardly curved surface 1235 . The central portion 1237 of the single sealing nasal prong 1200 is a gently outwardly curved surface. In addition to being curved, the surface tapers inwards. The transitions between each surface, other than the transition between surfaces 1207 and 1209, are smooth transitions.

32 is a rear view of the nasal prongs of FIG. 26; FIG. Comparing Figures 31 and 32, it can be seen that the external profile of the prongs when viewed from the anterior side is the same as from the posterior side. The radial lines shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 show how the surfaces transition between the left and right sides of the single sealing nasal prong 1200. FIG.

Referring to the orientation of single sealing nasal prong 1200 in FIG. 19, the external shape of single sealing nasal prong 1200 is vertically offset. That is, the outlet 1205 and highest point of the single closed nasal prong 1200 are closer to the posterior surface of the prong 1200 which conforms to the contours of the nasal cavity. Single sealing nasal prong 1200 is symmetrical between left and right sides. That is, the left and right faces are mirror images of each other. This offset shape improves patient comfort. The offset shape also improves the seal between the single sealing nasal prong 1200 and the patient's nares. Single sealing nasal prong 1200 may have features such as logos, arrows or other indicia to indicate the correct orientation of single sealing nasal prong 200 .

Although this asymmetric single sealing nasal prong 1200 is shown with a support having a single strap 1501, it will be appreciated that the asymmetric single sealing nasal prong 1200 can be used with other supports. For example, an asymmetric single seal nasal prong 1200 can be used with a support 500 having two straps. Additionally, a symmetrical single sealing nasal prong having the shape of the previously described configuration can be used with a single strap 1501. FIG.

33-49 show another configuration of respiratory interface 2100. FIG. The respiratory interface features, functions and options are the same as described above unless noted below. We use like numbers plus 2000 to denote like numbers.

In this configuration, single sealing nasal prong 2200 has rigid portion 2235 . Rigid portion 2235 of single sealing nasal prong 2200 includes a cutout or recess 2241 configured to receive a portion of headgear strap 2600 . The cutouts 2241 are of similar width and depth to the width and depth of the headgear straps 2600 . Cutout 2241 has a substantially rectangular shape when prong 2200 is viewed from the side. Recess 2241 is substantially smooth. In alternative configurations, recess 2241 may have surface features or teeth to enhance engagement with the strap. Thus, a single sealing nasal prong 2200 is received within the prong coupler for coupling the headgear and interface.

Cuff 2250 functions as a hub or central component that couples or engages various components of the respiratory interface. A cuff 2250 couples to the conduit, couples to headgear 2600 and receives a single sealing nasal prong 2200 . The number of components in the system is reduced by cuff 2250 acting as a connecting hub that couples all the components of the system. The respirator interface does not require a separate manifold to couple the conduit to the single sealing nasal prong 2200, nor does the interface require a separate body such as a side arm or other stabilizer. The cuff also reduces the footprint of the respiratory interface compared to conventional respiratory interfaces that require contact with the patient's face for support.

Figures 37 and 38 show that the head strap 2600 is directly connected to the gas delivery assembly. That is, head strap 2600 is directly connected to single sealing nasal prong 2200 . Figure 39 shows an exploded view of the interface of Figures 37 and 38; In the configuration shown, the strap has two ends 2601 . End 2601 of strap 2600 is directly connected to single sealing nasal prong 2200 in the orientation of FIG.

Head strap 2600 may be attached in a variety of ways. Suitable examples include gluing, welding to the prongs, simple friction fit or press fit, protrusions, clips or combinations thereof. In a preferred arrangement, the head strap is attached by a combination of a friction fit and projections in the form of teeth. The single sealing nasal prong 2200 and head strap are assembled with the cuff 2250 when fitted into the cutout of the single sealing nasal prong 2200 . The headgear shown in the figures is merely an exemplary orientation. The strap is a flexible strap.

Cuff 2250 acts as a hub that couples to the various components of the system. A cuff 2250 couples to the conduits 2300 , 2600 headgear and receives a single sealing nasal prong 2200 . The number of components in the system is reduced by cuff 2250 acting as a connecting hub that couples all the components of the system. In this configuration, the interface does not require a separate manifold for coupling conduit 2300 to prongs 2200, nor does the interface require a separate side arm. Using the cuff 2250 as a hub reduces the footprint of the interface.

Cuff 2250 includes teeth 2270 configured to grip and retain a portion of headgear straps 2600 . Teeth 2270 are arranged to extend part of the circumference of cuff 2250 . Teeth 2270 are provided on the inner surface of cuff 2250 and extend inwardly. In the configuration shown, teeth 2270 extend radially inward. In some configurations, the teeth 2270 can extend substantially all around the cuff 2250 or all the way around the cuff 2250 . The entire inner surface may include teeth 2270 or other rough surfaces. The prong attachment portion of cuff 2250 is positioned near the tooth. This allows the prongs to be positioned within the cuffs 2250 and engaged with the prong couplings to retain the headgear on the teeth 2270 .

In an alternative arrangement, the head strap is held in place by a friction fit. In other alternative configurations, the head strap may be joined to a single sealing nasal prong by glue, welds, protrusions and/or clips.

In the configuration shown, strap 2600 has stretchable portions 2603 on each side of non-stretchable portion 2605 . In an alternative configuration, strap 2600 may have a single stretchable portion. In another alternative configuration, strap 2600 may be a single braided strap. The extendable portion 2603 allows the patient to readjust the single sealing nasal prong 2200 without applying undue tension to the patient's face due to the adjustment. Each of these configurations allows the interface to be used on a variety of different patients with differently shaped and/or sized heads. There is no need to have a variety of different sized straps for different patients. Stretchable straps and straps with stretchable portions allow adjustment of the single sealing nasal prong 2200 without any additional tension. Additionally, the stretchable strap allows the prongs to be interchanged between nostrils.

The configuration shown in FIGS. 33-49 is located approximately midway between the left and right faces when viewed in the orientation shown in FIG. 40, but has an outlet 2205 closer to the rear face than the front face. Includes a single sealing nasal prong 2200 .

Respiratory interfaces 100, 1100, 2100 may include any one or more of the features described above. For example, respiratory interfaces 100, 1100, 2100 may include any one of the conduit assemblies described above, any one of the headgear assemblies described above, and/or any one of the supports described above. A single sealing nasal prong may be slidable and/or pivotable for movement between nostrils.

Delivery of the gas causes the dead space gas to wash out through the unsealed nostril.

In some configurations, respiratory interface 100 may have manifold 3700 . An example of a respiratory interface 100 with a manifold is shown in Figures 50-53. The manifold breathing interface has a pair of sidearms 3701 , 3702 and a gas inlet on one side of the manifold, the inlet configured to receive gas from the gas supply via conduit 3301 . The manifold can be a separate piece from the sidearm, and the sidearm can be or is connected to the manifold. Manifold 3700 is a single piece with an elongated outlet (not shown). The exit can be oblong. Side arms 3701 , 3702 are part of the respiratory interface and extend outwardly from face mount portion 3704 . A face-mount portion contacts the patient's face and prongs extend from the face-mount portion. Manifold 3700 is received within the face mount portion.

In this configuration, the conduit 3300 is arranged to extend laterally across the patient's face such that the conduit outlet is attached to the side of the respiratory interface. This lateral configuration is shown in FIG.

This lateral configuration can create a bending moment on the respiratory interface. To reduce bending moments, the respiratory interface includes tube clips. The tube clip reduces the transmission of tension by the conduit to the respiratory interface. Tube clips also reduce bending moments.

Each opposite section of the head strap and the adjacent corresponding major end portions may include or have cheek supports applied thereto. In use, the cheek support is in frictional contact with the patient's face to stabilize the headgear 600 at the cheeks, such as on or under the cheekbone or in the area of the cheekbone, both during and after the headgear is connected to the respiratory interface. including at least a surface area for engaging the The surface area is preferably of a relatively high friction surface material compared to the rest of the strap.

The high-friction surface material, in use, extends over a portion of the side of the patient's face, preferably to, or at least substantially toward, the patient's cheeks to hold or stabilize the respiratory interface on the patient's face. adapted to assist in facilitating The high-friction surface material locatable on the patient's cheek may also be positioned over the rest of the head strap to prevent obstruction of vision and/or discomfort caused by the head strap crossing or near the eye or eye socket. , away from the patient's eye or orbit and preferably extends below the patient's eye or orbit. In one example, the high friction surface material may include a rough material or dots of adhesive that create surface roughness on the headgear straps.

The high-friction surface material, in use, may be adapted to extend over a portion of the side of the patient's face, such as from or near or above the upper left and right outer lips and backward across the left and right cheeks. and upwardly extending.

Side arms 3701 , 3702 include headgear attachment features and/or conduit clips 3707 that engage or are engageable with conduit 3301 . Conduit clip 3707 helps reduce the pulling of the conduit against the interface. Reducing the strain on the conduit increases the sealing of the respiratory interface 100 . Reducing conduit strain also improves patient comfort. The clip, in combination with the headgear, advantageously maintains the conduit in a sealed position within the patient's nose.

Side arms 3701, 3702 provide additional stability by resting against the patient's cheeks. Side arms 3701, 3702 transfer the load on the interface to the patient's cheeks. The side arms 3701, 3702 can be rigid arms. Side arms 3701, 3702 may include a rigid frame and may include soft material overmolded onto the arms. Alternatively, the arms may comprise semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material is such that the sidearms 3701, 3702 feel soft to the touch, yet retain their shape when no force is applied. Additionally, the side arms 3701,3702 can bend along the longitudinal axis of each side arm 3701,3702. Semi-rigid sidearms 3701, 3702 provide support for the interface on the face, but reduce pressure sores on the patient's face.

The prong outlets 205 are angled along the average angle of the long axis of the nostril so that they protrude into the interior surface of the nostril but are not blocked by the interior surface of the nostril.

Some patients may find the unevenness of having prongs in only one nostril uncomfortable after prolonged use. Accordingly, respiratory interface 100 may allow a patient to alternate which nostrils are engaged.

In some configurations, respiratory interface 100 includes a single sealing nasal prong and adjuster. The nasal prongs may be closed nasal prongs or partially closed nasal prongs. The single nasal prong includes a body, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient. A seal body may be present if the nasal prongs are of closed configuration. The seal body may be configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils. The seal body is substantially symmetrical about the first axis.

In an alternative configuration of the interface shown in Figures 50-56, the interface may include a single removable prong. The removable prongs can be removed from the face-mounting portion and inserted in one of two operating positions, namely engaging the left nostril or the right nostril.

The adjuster (slide member 501) is configured to allow a single sealing nasal prong to be removable from a first nostril and placed in the other nostril of the patient to seal the other nostril. However, single sealing nasal prongs are not removable from respiratory interface 100 . That is, the single nasal prong remains in place with respiratory interface 100 and does not need to be removed or separated from respiratory interface 100 .

Referring to FIG. 55, single sealing nasal prong 5200 can be a movable prong. A single sealing nasal prong 5200 preferably extends from the movable support 5900 . For example, the support 5900 rotates with the single sealing prong 5200 from a first location where the prong 5200 seals the patient's first nostril to a second location where the prong 5200 seals the patient's second nostril. can be possible. Movable support 5900 is rotatable about pivot 5903 . A pivot point 5903 is located between the first location and the second location.

A first location of the single sealing nasal prong 5200 is on a first region of the manifold 5700 and a second location is on a second region of the manifold. In an alternative configuration, the first location and second location are on the same area of manifold 5700 . For example, in the case of a pivoting single sealed nasal prong with no moveable support as shown in Figure 55 or where the moveable support is much smaller/less noticeable.

When in the first location, the prong outlets 5205 extend at a first angle relative to the central plane 5206 to accommodate the angle of the first nostril. When in the second location, the prong outlets 5205 extend at a second angle relative to the central plane 5206 to accommodate the angle of the second nostril. Manifold 5700 has a first outlet 5701 corresponding to a first prong location and a second outlet 5703 corresponding to a second prong location. Breathing interface 5100 seals second outlet 5703 when the single sealing nasal prong is in the first location and seals first outlet 5701 when the single sealing nasal prong is in the second location. It further includes a plug configured to. A manifold may include a single opening extending between prongs or from at least one prong to another prong.

A plug (not shown) is integral with the prongs 5200 . A single sealing nasal prong 5200 and plug can be integral with the support 5900 . Accordingly, the plug is configured to rotate as the prongs rotate. In alternative configurations, the plug and prongs may not be integral. In this configuration, the prongs may be rotatable prongs, the plug seals the second outlet when the single sealing nasal prong is in the first location, and the single sealing nasal prong is in the second location. may be arranged to seal the first outlet when at The respiratory interface of this embodiment may have a tether connecting the plug to the respiratory interface 100 .

Referring to the orientation of the single-sealing nasal prong 200 in FIG. 55, the prong outlet 5205 is oriented on the left side so that the single-sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils regardless of vertical orientation. and the right surface, and approximately centrally between the front surface and the rear surface. In some configurations, the openings may alternatively be asymmetrical and biased to fit one nostril, as described above, but when the prongs are rotated, the openings align with the other nostril. to fit.

In an alternative configuration shown in FIGS. 54a-54c, respiratory interface 100 may include prongs 4200. As shown in FIGS. The prongs 4200 can be removed and attached to the outlets on each side of the manifold or support. In this configuration, unused ports are sealed using plugs, stoppers 4800 or valves. Plug 4800 is attached to manifold 4700 by tether 4801 .

The configuration below describes a further variation that may allow the patient to alternate which nostrils are engaged.

In one configuration, the respiratory interface includes a single prong design (no manifold) in which a single sealing nasal prong is rotatable relative to the cuff. For example, a single closed nasal prong may rotate about a central axis between one orientation for use in one nostril and another orientation for use in another nostril. This embodiment has a single closed nasal prong with the shape and features of the breathing interface described first, symmetrical between the anterior and posterior surfaces and between the left and right surfaces. This single closed nasal prong has a centrally located outlet.

In one configuration, the respiratory interface includes a single sealing nasal prong that is movable from one side to the other. The prongs may be movable by sliding, pivoting or a combination of sliding and pivoting. For example, the sliding member described above is used. In some configurations, a feature may be included to reduce the tension of the single sealing nasal prong when it is reinserted into the other nostril.

In one configuration, the respiratory interface includes prongs that are centrally located and can be pivoted or twisted to align with either nostril. This configuration may include a barrier (ie, stop) that prevents the single sealing nasal prong from being twisted beyond the appropriate angle. A respiratory interface 100 in this configuration may have a locking mechanism that maintains the single sealing nasal prongs in correct alignment. Movement of the single sealing nasal prong may move the integral plug into place.

Each configuration of respiratory interfaces described herein may be provided in multiple sizes, such as neonatal, extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. Each size has a slightly different interaction with therapy.

Respiratory interface 100 is configured to provide respiratory flow therapy (ie, respiratory gases) to a patient through a single closed nasal prong 200 . Test results are described in more detail later in this specification. As mentioned above, wall 206 of single sealing nasal prong 200 has a static shape. Wall 206 is configured to substantially maintain a rest shape upon insertion into a patient's nostril. The seal body 201 and the outlet 205 of the single sealed nasal prong 200 are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed and supplied with gas from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed. and positioned so as not to receive direct gas supply from the outlet. Gas flowing through the gas passageway causes the outer surface of the single sealing nasal prong to seal one of the patient's nostrils.

In addition to using a respiratory interface with the features described above, the flow rate is controlled to produce the desired pressures for inspiration and expiration. For example, the flow rate is reduced to reduce expiratory pressure as the patient exhales. In some exemplary operations, the expiratory airway pressure is approximately 5-10 cmH2O.

The level of closure of the nostrils can be adjusted by adjusting the tightness of the headgear. For example, the level of tightness or occlusion may be adjusted by the user by tightening or loosening the headgear straps. As the headgear is pulled tighter, the prongs are pulled further into and against the nostrils, thereby increasing the blockage.

Having support on the side of the conduit directly below the single sealing nasal prong 200 that is designed to contact the patient's upper lip may further reduce the potential for discomfort. The support may include soft and/or flexible components offset from the surface of the conduit. The flexible component may comprise a plastic material or any suitably soft/flexible material designed to adjust to the contours of the patient's skin. A support may be provided at a single suitable location. A single sealing nasal prong 200 may be rotatable relative to the end of the conduit. The rotatable prongs allow the single sealing nasal prong 200 to be aligned with either one of the patient's nostrils while still having the lip support in the ideal position.

A single closed nasal prong 200 is configured to provide an expiratory airway pressure of 3.5 cmH2O to 20 cmH2O. In particular, a single closed nasal prong substantially occludes one nostril and delivers gas at a flow rate that produces an expiratory airway pressure of 3.5 cmH2O to 20 cmH2O. Other expiratory pressures can also be provided. For example, expiratory pressures are 4 cmH2O, 4.5 cmH2O, 5 cmH2O, 5.5 cmH2O, 6 cmH2O, 6.5 cmH2O, 7 cmH2O, 7.5 cmH2O, 8 cmH2O, 8.5 cmH2O, 9 cmH2O, 9.5 cmH2O, 10 cmH2O, 10.5 cmH2O, 11 cmH2O, 12 cmH2O, 12.5 cmH2O, 13 cmH2O, 13.5 cmH2O, 14 cmH2O, 14.5 cmH2O, 15 cmH2O, 15.5 cmH2O, 16 cmH2O, 16.5 cmH2O, 17 cmH2O, 17.5 cmH2O, 18 cmH2O, 18.5 cmH2O, 19 cmH2O or 19.5 cmH2O .

The following are descriptions of some additional alternative configurations to those described above. These configurations include optional elements, and elements in configurations described below may be used in conjunction with configurations described above.

In some configurations, the respiratory interface consists of a gas delivery assembly and headgear connected or connectable to the gas delivery assembly. The gas delivery assembly has a single sealing nasal prong and a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong. The single sealing nasal prong has a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils, an inlet configured to receive gas, and an outlet configured to deliver gas to the patient. . In these configurations, the respiratory interface has only the gas delivery assembly and headgear. The headgear is sufficient to maintain a seal with the patient's orifice.

In some configurations, the respiratory interface includes a cuff, the cuff being the connection hub, and the cuff interconnecting the prongs and the tube (ie, conduit) to form the interface. The cuff connects directly to the prongs and tube. A cuff facilitates a fluid connection between the tube and the prongs. The cuff also facilitates connection with headgear. Headgear may be directly connected to the cuff. Alternatively, the cuff may be connected to a support that connects to the headgear.

In some configurations, a respiratory assistance system or device 10 (such as that shown in FIG. 1A) may include a gas flow source 11 configured to provide gas flow at a high flow rate to the patient. The respiratory assistance system also includes a humidifier 12 configured to heat and humidify the gas flow provided to the patient and a single sealed nasal prong interface (12) configured to deliver the gas flow at a high flow rate to the patient. and a patient interface 100 including any of the single-sealing nasal prong configurations described herein, such as, for example, FIGS. 1B-76. The single sealing nasal prong interface 100 may include a single sealing nasal prong 200 adapted to substantially seal one of the patient's two nostrils. In some configurations, humidifier 12 includes a humidification chamber that is removably connected to the humidifier base unit. The humidification chamber is configured to be filled with a humidification liquid, such as water, to humidify the gas flow to the patient. In some configurations, the humidification chamber includes a heat-conducting base, the humidifier base unit includes a heater plate, and the heat-conducting base, when in contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base unit, generates heat within the chamber. heating of the humidifying liquid. In some configurations, the flow source and humidifier base unit are integral.

In an exemplary embodiment, patient interface 100 may be configured to increase expiratory pressure within a patient's airway. This is described in more detail in the "Test Results" section below.

Humidifier 12 may include a humidification chamber (not shown) that includes a gas inlet for receiving a gas flow from a gas flow source and a gas outlet for delivering a humidified gas flow to a patient interface. The respiratory assistance system may include an inspiratory conduit positioned between the humidifier and the patient interface, the inspiratory conduit configured to deliver a humidified gas flow to the patient interface 100 . The inspiratory conduit may be a heated inspiratory conduit.

Alternatively or additionally, the respiratory assistance system may include a patient conduit 300 positioned between the inspiratory conduit and the patient interface 100. A patient conduit may be formed of a breathable material.

A high flow rate may include a gas flow delivered to the patient of at least 20 L/min and/or up to about 70 L/min. The gas flow can be a substantially set gas flow rate, such as a gas flow rate set at a particular flow rate. The flow rate may be a constant set flow rate, eg, set to a constant flow rate over the time of the treatment. Alternatively, multiple set flow rates may be used for a treatment, for example, a first set flow rate for a specific time period and a second different set flow rate for a specific time period for a particular treatment. . In an exemplary embodiment, the first set flow rate may be a low flow rate, eg, 15 L/min for 1 hour, followed by a second higher set flow rate, eg, 35 L/min for 1 hour.

The respiratory assistance system may include headgear 600 to hold the patient interface 100 on the patient's face.

The respiratory assistance system may include a respiratory interface 100 for delivering gas to the patient's nostrils, the respiratory interface including a single sealing nasal prong interface of any configuration described herein.

In some configurations, kits are provided that may include a humidification chamber configured to be filled with a humidification liquid, such as water, to humidify the gas flow to the patient. The humidification chamber includes a humidification inlet configured to couple to the flow source and a humidification outlet. In some configurations, the humidification chamber may be removably connectable to a humidifier base unit (which may be integral with the flow source). In some configurations, the humidification chamber may include a heat-conducting base, the humidifier base unit includes a heater plate, and the heat-conducting base, when in contact with the heater plate of the humidifier base unit, heats the air in the chamber. heating of the humidifying liquid. The kit may include an inspiratory conduit having an inspiratory conduit inlet configured to couple to the humidification outlet and an inspiratory conduit outlet. The kit may also include a single-sealing nasal prong interface, such as single-sealing nasal prong interface 100 in any of the configurations described herein, configured to couple to an inspiratory conduit outlet.

Single sealing nasal prong interface 100 may include patient conduit 300, which includes an inlet configured to couple to an inspiratory conduit outlet. Patient conduit 300 may be formed of a breathable material. The intake conduit may be heated.

The kit may further include a conduit clip (not shown) configured to secure the inspiratory conduit to or around the patient.

In some configurations, the respiratory interface includes a single sealing nasal prong, the single sealing nasal prong including a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's nostrils. The seal body may have opposed front and rear surfaces and opposed left and right surfaces. The opposing anterior and posterior surfaces may be substantially symmetrical to each other. When viewed from above, the opposing anterior and posterior surfaces may be symmetrical about a vertical plane. A single sealing nasal prong 2 may have an inlet configured to receive gas and an outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient. When the prongs are placed in the operative position, the prong inlet can be distal to the nostril and the outlet can be proximal. The outlet may be located approximately midway between the left and right sides so that a single sealing nasal prong can seal either one of the patient's nostrils. The central location of a single closed nasal prong may be such that the center of the outlet is equidistant from the outer circumference of the prong. The outer peripheral surface can be considered at the maximum perimeter area of the prongs. In other words, when viewed from above, the prong outlet may be in the center of the outer circumference of the prong body. The outlets may be arranged such that the prongs may be symmetrical about at least two orthogonal vertical planes through the prongs.

The location of the prong outlets can allow a single sealing nasal prong to be used regardless of nostril orientation, and can allow the prong to seal either nostril. Human nostrils are angled toward each other and the present prongs may be shaped and configured to seal either nostril. The seal body and outlet of a single sealed nasal prong are such that one of the patient's nostrils is substantially sealed to which gas is supplied from the outlet while the other of the patient's nostrils is unsealed and the outlet or respiratory port is closed. It may be arranged such that it does not receive a direct gas supply from the gas supply of the respiratory system of which the interface is part. A centrally located outlet helps allow the prongs to engage and seal either the user's left or right nostril. The prongs may be shaped to fit and substantially occlude either the user's right nostril or left nostril. For example, the prongs can be placed or positioned on the patient's face in two different orientations. That is, the interface can rotate itself 180 degrees and still fit properly on the patient for proper prong engagement with the patient's nostrils. The central prong exit location may also allow the interface to properly fit to or engage the nostrils when rotated approximately 180 degrees, thus allowing one or more prongs to be positioned when placed on the patient's face. or may be considered orientation independent, provided that the plurality of sliding members (eg, articles 501, 1501) extend substantially horizontally or planarly across the face. In some configurations, the prongs can be configured to allow the interface to properly fit to or engage the nostrils when rotated about 180 degrees, thus allowing the support ( can be considered orientation independent when placed on the patient's face while attached to the support (e.g., support 500) or without being detached, removed, or separated from the support (e.g., support 500). . In some configurations, the prongs or interfaces allow the prongs to remain attached to a support (eg, support 500) or without detaching from the support (eg, support 500). within or interchangeably with the patient's left or right nostril, e.g., the prongs are translatable relative to the support. , or if the prongs are in a fixed position relative to the support, the interface can invert the prongs and place them in or at the desired nostril.

A respiratory interface as described herein may include a conduit for carrying gas to the prongs. The conduit can be an unheated, ventilated conduit. This conduit may allow some water vapor to escape through the walls of the conduit. A vented conduit may allow excess water vapor to escape from the gas stream to prevent condensation within the conduit. The conduit may include a permeable wall or may include a permeable section within the wall of the conduit.

In an alternative arrangement, the conduit may include a heater wire positioned within the conduit. The heater wire may be located in the lumen of the conduit or alternatively may be incorporated into the wall of the conduit. The heater wire is configured to heat the gas within the conduit.

In some configurations, a respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's alternate nostril includes a seal body configured to seal one of the patient's two nostrils and a prong inlet configured to receive the gas. and a prong outlet configured to deliver gas to a patient. The respiratory interface may include a support for a single sealing nasal prong and a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong. A single sealing nasal prong and/or respiratory interface may be configured to allow the prong to seal the patient's left or right nostril or interchangeably therewith.

The prongs and/or respiratory interface allow the prongs to remain attached to the support or not be detached from the support while the prongs seal the patient's left or right nostril or interchangeably therewith. can be configured to allow The prongs may be fixed relative to the support or translatable relative to the support. The support can be external to the gas supplied to the conduit or single-sealing nasal prong or can be separate from (ie not forming a part of) the gas supplied to the conduit or single-sealing nasal prong.

The conduit may be fluidly separated from the support, or the support may not form part of the gas path for gas supplied to the single sealing nasal prong. In other words, the conduit may be in fluid communication with only a single sealed nasal prong and not connected to a support. A conduit may comprise a single conduit.

The respiratory interface can further include a gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet, and the gas path can be substantially straight. The conduit outlet of the conduit may be directly coupled to the prong inlet of the single closed nasal prong, and the conduit outlet and prong outlet may share a substantially common, substantially central axis.

The respiratory interface can further include headgear removably connectable to the support and a cuff, wherein the single sealing nasal prong is configured to couple with the cuff as described herein. obtain. The respiratory interface can further include a conduit connector, the conduit configured to mate with the conduit connector. The conduit connector and cuff may be separate or integral components.

The single sealing nasal prong may comprise a substantially flexible or substantially compliant material and the conduit connector and/or cuff may comprise a substantially rigid material.

Test Results FIG. 57 shows a graph of test results for a flow delivered at 60 LPM. The graph shows the results of pressure versus time. The left plot 6101 is an unsealed dual-prong cannula. The plot 6102 to the right of the trough is the single closed nasal prong breathing interface disclosed herein. For these test results, the configuration shown in FIGS. 51-53 was used. An unsealed dual-prong cannula is shown on the left and a respiratory interface with single-sealed nasal prongs according to the present disclosure is shown on the right, each followed by a time period during which the respiratory interface is expelled nasally. It can be seen that there is a trough in the graph indicating the replacement of the respiratory interface. Using a respiratory interface with a single closed nasal prong according to the present disclosure resulted in higher pressures and greater pressure fluctuations.

The graph shows that higher expiratory airway pressures are obtained when the same flow rate is applied with a single closed cannula. The peak indicates expiratory airway pressure. A single sealed nasal prong is advantageous because it produces a higher expiratory airway pressure for a given flow compared to a non-sealed dual prong nasal cannula. Increased expiratory airway pressure helps prevent alveolar collapse during exhalation and helps add expiratory resistance that slows the rate of expiration.

Figures 58A, 58B, 58C and 58D show flow streamlines during exhalation with two non-sealing prongs using nasal high flow therapy. Figures 58A and 58B show a side-entry interface. Figures 58C and 58D show a front entry interface. Pressure from exhalation gas forces the prong flow stream to reverse out of the prong gap. Light gray indicates flow delivered by nasal high flow and dark gray indicates exhaled respiratory flow.

Figures 59A, 59B, 59C and 59D show flow streamlines during expiration with a single closed nasal prong providing respiratory flow. The light gray streamlines represent the flow delivered from the respiratory interface, ie fresh gas, and the dark gray streamlines represent the exhaled respiratory flow, primarily carbon dioxide. The flow delivered from the single-sealed nasal prongs increases the flow resistance in the patient's nasal passages (of the nostrils that the single-sealed nasal prongs substantially seal), reducing the exhaled respiratory flow during exhalation. Increase air pressure. The pressure from exhaled gas forces the flowstream of the prongs to reverse after the flowstream has circulated throughout the nasal cavity. The use of a single closed prong interface allows the fresh gas flow stream to reach behind the airway of the patient's nostrils. Gas reaching deeper into the airways results in more efficient dead space clearance. Flow reaching the patient's airway also improves dead space removal and may result in more dead space removal.

Various configurations of single-sealing nasal prongs described herein provide a respiratory interface that seals one nostril while leaving the other open. This configuration reduces shear noise due to collisions between the flow delivered from the cannula and the patient's expiratory flow, as well as noise caused by expansion of the gas as it exits the cannula. Advantages of a single closed nasal prong include providing a unidirectional flow that increases breathing pressure, preferably the patient's expiratory pressure. Increased expiratory pressure helps maintain airway patency. This reduces breathing rate, reduces muscle tone and reduces respiratory effort. Advantages of single closed nasal prongs also include increased elimination of dead space. Improved dead space elimination also reduces the work of breathing because the patient gets more fresh gas for a given flow rate compared to a non-sealing dual-prong cannula.

These test results were obtained from a benchtop study comparing a non-sealing dual-prong nasal cannula to single-sealing nasal prongs.

Increased expiratory resistance can increase the length of the expiratory phase, decreasing respiratory rate. Resistance relates to the amount the patient's nostrils are occluded. This reduces the user's breathing effort.

By engaging only one of the patient's nostrils, the other nostril remains open for the patient to breathe. The open nostrils provide an unobstructed passageway for the user to exhale exhaled gases. An open nostril also potentially reduces the resistance to exhalation out of that nostril compared to using a dual prong system. Keeping the other nostril clear frees other devices, such as a nasogastric (NG) tube or feeding tube, while still providing the benefits of elimination of dead space, increased flushing, and increased expiratory airway pressure. It also provides space for insertion into the outer nostril.

60A and 60B show graphs of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) test results comparing a standard respiratory interface with two nasal prongs and a respiratory interface according to the configuration of the present invention. Figures 60A and 60B show that the PEP of the closed single-prong interface as described herein is increased compared to the two-prong interface.

FIG. 60A shows a standard two nasal prong non-sealing interface (white) and a single sealing prong interface according to one embodiment described herein (black) for 3 minutes on 5 adult males. Results of PEP per flow rate for each interface tested are shown. Pressure was measured intraorally. A heated and humidified stream was supplied to the subject. PEP was measured at set flow rates of 15, 35 and 55 L/min, respectively. An increase in PEP was observed across all flow rates for the single sealing prong interface (black) when compared to the standard two nasal prong non-sealing interface (white).

FIG. 60B shows data from 0 L/min to 120 L via a single sealed nasal prong interface (filled circles) and a standard two nasal prong non-sealed interface (open circles) as described herein. Figure 10 shows PEP measured in the trachea of the upper airway model during expiratory flow at delivered gas set rates in the range of /min. During use of a single-sealing nasal prong interface, PEP increases more rapidly as expiratory flow increases as compared to a standard two nasal prong non-sealing interface.

61A and 61B show graphs of respiratory rate test results comparing a standard two nasal prong non-sealing respiratory interface to a single closed prong respiratory interface according to the configurations herein.

FIG. 61A shows a standard two nasal prong non-sealing interface (white) and a single sealing prong interface according to one embodiment described herein (black) for 3 minutes on 5 adult males. Results for respiratory rate per flow for each interface tested are shown. A heated and humidified stream was supplied to the subject. Respiratory rate was measured at set flow rates of 15, 35 and 55 L/min, respectively. A reduction in respiratory rate was observed across all flow rates for the single closed prong interface (black) when compared to the standard two nasal prong non-sealed interface (white).

FIG. 61B shows another set of results of respiratory rate study in healthy volunteers. Nasal High Flow (NHF) delivered via a standard two-prong non-sealing interface (white bars) or a sealed single-prong interface such as those described herein (grey bars). Mean respiratory rate (breaths per minute, BPM) of 4 healthy volunteers receiving. For NHF, room air was delivered at a set flow rate of 30 L/min. Delivery of nasal high flow using a closed single-prong interface resulted in decreased respiratory rate in 3 of the 4 participants.

By sealingly engaging the entire nostril, the flow rate of gas at the exit of the closed prongs is reduced (compared to two non-sealed nasal prongs) for the same volumetric flow rate. This is because a single sealed nasal prong has a cross-sectional area greater than the combined cross-sectional area of two non-sealed nasal prongs. Two unsealed nasal prongs require a gap or space around the edges of the prongs to escape the expiratory flow. Reducing flow velocity has the advantage of reducing noise due to flow expansion and direction changes.

The prong exit size is approximately 33% larger than conventional nasal prongs. In some cases, the cross-sectional area increases within the prongs and decreases again at the prong exit. The increased cross-sectional area reduces gas velocity and reduces noise at the respiratory interface. Narrowing the prong outlet does not negate these effects, as the decrease in flow resistance is offset by the increased cross-sectional area within the prongs.

Unidirectional flow increases intranasal airway pressure, particularly during the expiratory cycle, and helps reduce the effects of the nasal cycle. Unidirectional flow also improves nasal flushing and increases dead space elimination so that the patient inhales more therapeutic gas and the incidence of rebreathing is reduced. Unidirectional flow can also help drive fresh gas deeper into the airway, increasing dead space elimination or flushing.

The single sealing nasal prong configuration described herein reduces the overall footprint of the cannula. A reduced footprint improves the patient experience.

A further advantage is that the single prong seal/occlusion reduces the risk of barotrauma as there is always one unsealed nostril. This can be particularly useful for use in neonates, as there is significant leakage due to unsealed/unused nares.

In one exemplary operation, a constant flow rate is delivered by a respiratory flow therapy device during inspiration and expiration. With the prongs sealing or occluding one nostril, constant flow produces inspiratory and expiratory airway pressures. At least 50% of the nostrils are occluded, preferably 75% or more of the nostrils are occluded. This creates a favorable expiratory airway pressure as it helps expand the alveoli and prevent the alveoli from collapsing. The described respiratory interface helps reduce the patient's respiratory rate due to the increased expiratory airway pressure compared to the expiratory airway pressure when delivering gas through a nasal cannula having a pair of non-sealing prongs.

The respiratory interface described is shaped and configured to occlude at least 30% of the total nasal area. The respiratory interface is shaped and configured to seal approximately 50% of the entire nose, ie, block or seal one nostril while leaving the other nostril unblocked or sealed. Obstructed nostrils help create expiratory airway pressure. Obstructed nostrils can also create some airway pressure during inspiration. Unobstructed nostrils prevent the risk of barotrauma and provide a pathway for delivery of exhaled gases from the airways.

Another advantage of the single-sealing nasal prong configuration described herein is that any aerosolized medication added to the stream is more efficiently delivered to the patient. This is because substantially all, preferably all, of the flow is forced into the patient's airway and there is no possibility of gas escaping between the single sealing nasal prongs and the nostril gaps.

A further advantage of the single sealed nasal prong configuration described herein is that with one nostril occluded, the single sealed nasal prong allows for more uniform leakage across the population. That is. Dual-prong unsealed systems risk inaccurate sizing and over-occlusion due to prongs fitting into the nostrils. Not sealing one nostril reduces the variability of the overall amount of occlusion.

A nasal cycle is a continuous cycle in which each side of the patient's nasal cavity partially closes and opens over time. The nasal cycle is thought to be a natural mechanism that alternates between congestion and decongestion on each side of the nose. The nasal cycle creates a difference between the flow resistance of the left and right portions of the nose. Therefore, the proportion of total inspiratory and/or expiratory flow in each nasal passage can vary significantly. Unavoidable inter-individual differences in nostril geometry and placement of respiratory device interfaces can increase the flow bias through one nasal passageway or the other.

Asymmetry in nasal resistance through the nasal cycle can affect the positive airway pressure generated by the single-sealing nasal prongs described herein, depending on which nostril the prongs substantially seal. . This provides an additional advantage with the single sealed nasal prong configuration described herein.

FIG. 61C shows test data for the asymmetry described above. FIG. 61C shows a graph of peak expiratory flow test results comparing left and right nostrils of a user having a breathing interface according to a configuration of the present invention. Pressure (cmH2O) was applied to a maximum of 30 L/min (A) or 60 L/min (B) at delivered gas flow rates of 20-70 L/min through a single sealed nasal prong interface such as those described herein. Measurements were taken within the trachea of the upper airway model during respiratory flow. At the two peak respiratory flows (shown in the two graphs), the peak expiratory pressure is greater when the gas flow is delivered through the left nostril compared to the right nostril. This result indicates that the positive airway pressure generated during use of a single sealing nasal prong interface can be adjusted by interchanging which nostril the prongs seal.

Another advantage of the single-sealing nasal prong configuration described herein is that because variability in prong placement within the nostrils is reduced, the single-sealing nasal prong also reduces variability in dead space removal. It is useful. A single closed nasal prong is large enough to create an occlusion and thus provides more reproducible use.

A further advantage of the single-sealing nasal prong configuration described herein is that the single-sealing nasal prong eliminates dead space at the end of exhalation. A single sealed nasal prong may allow substantially similar dead space elimination as compared to a non-sealed dual prong system.

Figures 77A, 77B and 77C show perspective, front and side views of an exemplary embodiment of a strap attachment or ferrule. The strap attachments can be configured to terminate the headgear straps and can advantageously secure or hold the ends of the headgear straps.

The strap attachments may advantageously reduce wear or tear on the headgear straps or portions of the headgear straps located within the strap attachments.

The strap attachments may advantageously provide a grip portion of the headgear straps for the user to grasp or hold while adjusting the tightness of the patient interface, such as when placed on the patient.

In an exemplary embodiment, strap attachments 700 may be configured to terminate headgear straps 600, as shown in FIGS. 78A and 78B.

FIG. 78A shows the single sealing nasal prong 200 outlined in the embodiments herein, including sliding member 501 and clip 503 connectable to headgear 600. FIG. 78A and 78B show two strap attachments 700 that terminate the head straps on opposite sides of the headgear 600. FIG.

FIG. 78B shows a second embodiment including a patient interface 17 having two nasal prongs as described herein, clips 503 connected to headgear 600, and strap attachments 700 terminating the free ends of headgear 600. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment of Figure 78B, patient interface 17 is a nasal cannula. A nasal cannula can be a sealed or unsealed cannula. In certain configurations, the nasal cannula includes a cannula body from which two nasal prongs extend, and a supply tube for delivering gas from a flow source through the cannula body and prongs to the patient. In certain configurations, the nasal cannula includes a manifold for coupling the supply tube to the cannula body. A manifold may be removably attached to the cannula body. In certain configurations, the supply tube may extend from one side of the nasal cannula. An exemplary nasal cannula is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0261797. The contents of this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 79 shows a cross-sectional view of respiratory interface strap attachment 700 and headgear strap 600 with projections engaging and/or embedded in the fabric of headgear strap 600 . Headgear straps 600 are shown inserted into strap attachments 700 .

80A and 80B show perspective cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of strap attachments having channels 702. FIG.

80A shows a first section of strap attachment 700 including a first set of projections 710A extending into channel 702. FIG. A first set of protrusions 710A may include a distal end including a point or apex 712A, a leading surface 714A, and a trailing surface 716A.

In the exemplary embodiment, the leading surface 714A is configured to be longer than the trailing surface 716A in the direction in which the strap attachment is configured to receive the strap.

FIG. 80B shows a second section of strap attachment 700 including a second set of protrusions 710B extending into channel 702. FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, the second set of protrusions 710B are configured to interleave with the first set of protrusions 710A and protrude a distance perpendicular to the distance at which the strap attachments receive headgear straps or above the channel sidewalls. are configured to be taller than the first set of protrusions 710A at the height at which they extend.

In the exemplary embodiment, protrusions 710A and 710B are configured to receive and retain headgear straps inserted within channels 702 . Leading surfaces 714 A, 714 B and trailing surfaces 716 A, 716 B may advantageously provide points or vertices 712 A, 712 B that face substantially away from the entrance of channel 702 for receiving headgear straps 600 . In such exemplary embodiments, the points or vertices may advantageously grip and secure headgear straps inserted into channels 702 beyond points or vertices 712A, 712B.

In an exemplary embodiment, leading surfaces 714A, 714B and trailing surfaces 716A, 716B may form substantially hook-shaped projections. In an exemplary embodiment, the combination of leading surfaces 714A, 714B and trailing surfaces 716A, 716B may provide a hook-like configuration configured to engage the fabric of the headgear straps. In such embodiments, the resulting engagement of the protrusions with the headgear straps can retain the headgear straps within the strap attachments 700 . The resulting hook-like protrusions, illustrated as opposing protrusions 710A, 710B in FIGS. 80A and 80B, may act on headgear straps in a direction substantially opposite the direction in which said headgear straps enter strap attachment 700. , or a vector of applied pull-out forces.

In the exemplary embodiment, projections 710A and 710B are curved paths or paths for headgear straps inserted into channel 702 with each projection apex or point 712A, 712B extending beyond the projection point or apex 712A, 712B . They may be configured to be opposed and interleaved so as to create a tortuous path.

In the exemplary embodiment, protrusion 710B is formed closer to the entrance of channel 702 than protrusion 710A. Such a configuration may advantageously facilitate easier threading of headgear straps 600 through strap attachments 700 . In the exemplary embodiment, the tortuous path formed by the projections provides a path for the strap to follow as it is inserted into strap attachment 700 . However, tortuous paths and protrusions can provide a retention force such that it is difficult to remove the assembled strap from the strap attachment. The multiple protrusions and resulting tortuous path can create multiple points of engagement with the strap 600 that retain the strap within the strap attachment 700 .

80A and 80B, projections 705B and 705A are located on the side of strap attachment 700 opposite the open end where strap attachment 700 is configured to receive headgear straps 600. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. It is provided at or towards the distal end of the strap attachment 700 . In the exemplary embodiment, protrusions 705B and 705A are substantially aligned with opposing protrusions 710B and 710A, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusions 705B and 705A are configured to be of the same or similar height as protrusions 710A and 710B, respectively, located on the same side of channel 702, the heights of the protrusions or relates to the distance that a protrusion extends up from the side wall of the channel to the distal end of said protrusion or protrusion.

In the exemplary embodiment, projections 705A, 705B are advantageously channeled at the ends of strap attachments 700 opposite the open end where headgear straps 600 inserted into channels 702 receive head straps 600. The ends of channel 702 can be partially or completely closed or obscured so as to be prevented from exiting 702 .

Further, the protrusions 705A, 705B may advantageously reduce access to the interior of the strap attachment 700, eg, channel 702, at the ends of the strap attachment.

81A and 81B show perspective cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of strap attachments. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 81A, projections 710B and projections 705B are shown aligned in the plane in which channel 702 is oriented to receive headgear straps. However, it will be appreciated that protrusions 705A and 705B may be aligned or offset from protrusions 710A and 710B.

Similarly, FIG. 81B shows the alignment of projections 710A on the lower portion of strap attachment 700 with projections 705A on the upper portion of strap attachment 700 along a single plane in which channels 702 receive headgear straps. .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 81A and 81B, channels 702 include inlets or openings at the ends of channels 702 configured to receive headgear straps 600 . The inlets or openings may include retraction features that allow easier insertion of headgear straps into channels 702 . In exemplary embodiments, the lead-in feature may include a rounded or smooth lip or a substantially rounded or curved profile.

FIG. 82A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of strap attachment 700 showing distance D1 between point or vertex 712B of protrusion 710B and the upper facing wall of channel 702 on which protrusion 710A is disposed. . FIG. 82A also shows the mid-plane A1 of channel 702, with both point or apex 712B of protrusion set 710B and point or apex 712A of protrusion set 710A lying beyond the midpoint of channel 702 and on the same half of said channel. indicates that In other words, protrusion 710B is longer than protrusion 710A. However, in an exemplary embodiment (not shown), protrusion 710B may be of a lower height than protrusion 710A such that apex 712A and apex 712B are below mid-plane A1 of channel 702. FIG.

In exemplary embodiments, protrusions 710A, 710B are shorter than half the width of said channel 702, or protrusions 710A, 710B are longer than half the width of said channel 702 (i.e., protrusions 710A, 710B are vertically ), the apex of protrusion 710A and/or the apex of protrusion 710B can be on another side of mid-plane A1 of channel 702. As shown in FIG.

Distance D1 can be advantageously varied depending on the thickness, material and/or compressibility of the headgear straps received by strap attachments 700 . In some exemplary embodiments, the distance D1 is provided as a function of the thickness of the head strap 600, eg, the ratio of the distance D1 to the thickness of the head strap ranges from about 1:4 to about 1:1. is within.

In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the apex 712B of the projections 710B and the plane tangent to the leading surface 714A of the projection set 710A can be a function of the thickness, material and/or compressibility of the headgear straps. This may advantageously provide a path for threading the headgear straps 600 through the strap attachments (with a tool if necessary).

FIG. 82B shows the distance D2 between a point or vertex 712A of projection set 710A and a point or vertex 712B of projection set 710B, respectively. Such distance D2 can likewise vary and be provided as a function of the thickness of head strap 600 that strap attachment 700 receives.

FIG. 82C shows projection set 710A and projection set 710B including acute angle β of trailing edge 716A and acute angle α of trailing edge 716B, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, acute angle β and acute angle α can be from about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees.

In the exemplary embodiment, acute angles β and α are points or vertices 712A, 712B in a direction substantially coinciding with the direction or inclination of protrusions 710A and 710B and the direction of channels 702 for receiving headgear straps 600. location. Advantageously, angles β and α may facilitate configured protrusions 710 A and 710 B to retain headgear straps inserted within channels 702 .

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 82A, 82B and 82C, the projections 710A, 710B include trailing edges 716A, 716B and leading edges 714A, 714B. In the exemplary embodiment shown, leading edges 714A, 714B are substantially straight and trailing edges 716A, 716B include straight and curved sections. In this embodiment, the curved section of the trailing edge 716A, 716B of each projection is set toward the base of said projection such that the transition from the wall of the channel 702 to the trailing edge of each projection is gradual. While this may advantageously provide additional strength to the protrusions 710A, 710B, it is understood that this transition may be a less gradual transition or the corners of two planes form said angles β and α. will be done. In either embodiment, the acute nature of angles β and α causes the protrusions to form hook-like vertices 712A, 712B, leading to retention of headgear straps 600 as described herein. .

FIG. 83 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of strap attachment 700 described herein. This view shows an interleaved, opposing configuration of points or vertices 712A and points or vertices 712B of projection set 710A and projection set 710B, respectively.

FIG. 83 shows an approximate central horizontal plane A1 of channel 702 and an approximate central vertical plane A2 of channel 702. FIG.

In the illustrated embodiment, protrusion 710B is shown extending beyond central horizontal plane A1, while protrusion 710A is shown not extending beyond central horizontal plane A1. However, it should be understood that the distance or extension of each projection 710A and projection 710B relative to plane A1 and/or opposing walls in channel 702 may be a function of strap thickness, material and/or strap compressibility. be.

The plane A1 shown in FIG. 83 is shown as a dashed horizontal line perpendicular to the direction of the channel 702 (ie, across the channel 702). However, it will be appreciated that this plane extends as a surface through the strap attachment. This is shown in FIG. 82A, where dashed line A1 indicates the same plane but in a direction parallel to the direction of channel 702. FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, protrusions 710A and 710B may be offset from each other in one or both of the directions of these planes (ie, parallel and perpendicular to the direction of channel 702). As described above and shown in FIG. 82B, protrusions 710A and 710B may be offset in the direction of channel 702 by a distance D2. Additionally or alternatively, protrusions 710A and 710B may be offset in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the channel, as shown in FIG.

In the illustrated embodiment, projection set 710A and projection set 710B are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of a central vertical plane A2, and projection set 710A and projection set 710B are bisected by vertical plane A2 with the central projection of projection set 710B being bisected by vertical plane A2. , the central protrusions of protrusion set 710A are shown offset such that they are separated by vertical plane A2. The offset positions of projection set 710A and projection set 710B along plane A1 provide a serpentine path (shown as dashed line T) along which the strap is retained. The offset positions of projection set 710A and projection set 710B provide more load points on the strap held within channel 702 (Fig. 83 projection sets 710A, 710B shown as dots at the vertices) may also be created. Nonetheless, as described herein, projection set 710A and projection set 710B can be positioned directly opposite one another, or provide retention and tortuous paths for straps inserted within channel 702. It will be appreciated that they may be arranged in any suitable pattern as provided.

Reference herein to any prior art is neither an admission nor in any way a suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge of the practice in any country of the world. , and should not be construed as such.

Where reference is made herein to directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "forward", "backward", "horizontal", "vertical", etc., these terms refer to refers to the position and orientation of the interface shown in , and is used to indicate and/or describe relative directions or orientations. These positions and orientations may differ when using the interface.

Although the disclosure has been described in terms of particular configurations, other configurations apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, various components may be repositioned as desired. Features of any of the described configurations may be combined with each other and/or a device may include one or more or all of the features of the configurations described above. Moreover, not all features, aspects and advantages are required to practice the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure shall be defined only by the following claims.

Claims (19)

A respiratory interface for delivering gas to a patient's nostril, comprising:
A unit having a seal body configured to seal one of two nostrils of a patient, a prong inlet configured to receive gas, and a prong outlet configured to deliver said gas to said patient. a sealed nasal prong;
a support for the single closed nasal prong;
a conduit directly coupled to and in fluid communication with the single sealing nasal prong;
The respiratory interface, wherein the single sealing nasal prong and/or the respiratory interface is configured to allow the prong to seal the patient's left or right nostril or interchangeably therewith. The prongs and/or the respiratory interface may be configured to allow the prongs to remain attached to the support or be removed from the support while allowing the prongs to pass through or through the patient's left or right nostril. 2. A respiratory interface according to claim 1 , configured to allow interchangeable sealing with. 3. A respiratory interface according to claim 2 , wherein the prongs are in a fixed position relative to the support. 3. A respiratory interface according to claim 2 , wherein the prongs are translatable with respect to the support. The support may be external to the gas supplied to the conduit or the single sealing nasal prong, or separate from the gas supplied to the conduit or the single sealing nasal prong, or A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , which does not form part of the gas supplied to the single sealed nasal prong. 6. Any of claims 1-5 , wherein the conduit is fluidly separated from the support, or the support does not form part of the gas path for gas supplied to the single sealing nasal prong. 1. The breathing interface according to claim 1. A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , wherein the conduit comprises a single conduit. A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , further comprising a gas path from the conduit to the prong outlet, the gas path being substantially straight. 2. A conduit outlet of said conduit is directly coupled to said prong inlet of said single sealing nasal prong, said conduit outlet and said prong outlet sharing a substantially common substantially central axis. 9. A respiratory interface according to any one of clauses -8 . 10. A respiratory interface according to claim 9, wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the prong outlet to the cross-sectional area of the conduit outlet is from about 0.2 to about 1. A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , further comprising headgear removably connectable to the support. A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , further comprising a cuff, wherein the single sealing nasal prong is configured to mate with the cuff. A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim , further comprising a conduit connector, said conduit configured to mate with said conduit connector. 14. A respiratory interface according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the conduit connector and the cuff are separate or integral components. 15. The claim 14 , wherein the single sealing nasal prong comprises a substantially flexible or substantially compliant material and the conduit connector and/or the cuff comprise a substantially rigid material. breathing interface. 16. The prong outlet of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the prong outlet has a length and a width, and the ratio of the width of the prong outlet to the length of the prong outlet is from about 0.4 to about 0.9. A breathing interface as described in . A respiratory interface according to any preceding claim, wherein the sealing prongs are spherical or spherical. 18. A respiratory interface according to claim 17, wherein the seal body tapers inwardly from the prong inlet toward the prong outlet. A respiratory interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prong inlet opening is dimensioned larger than the prong outlet.