An adaptive gas mixture controller system. A pulse oximeter interface receives pulse oximeter data. A gas blender interface communicates with a separate externally connected gas blender. A processor receives pulse oximeter data via the pulse oximeter interface and outputs data to the gas blender interface for adaptive feedback control of the gas mixture based upon the SpO.sub.2 level signals from the pulse oximeter interface. When the processor receives data from the gas blender indicating that the gas mixture has been manually changed, enters a manual override mode and halts sending adaptive feedback control signals to the gas blender. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder includes a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one inlet tube structured and configured to allow ambient air to enter the first chamber, at least one flow tube structured and configured to allow air to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure. The blower is positioned in the first chamber and structured and configured to receive air from the second chamber. The blower includes a housing structured and configured to sealingly separate air flow through an interior of the housing from the first chamber. The at least one inlet tube is axially spaced from the at least one flow tube.

An aerosol delivery system is disclosed that is a single-use (disposable) continuous nebulizer system designed for use with mechanically ventilated patients to aerosolize medications for inhalation with a general purpose nebulizer, or for connection with devices usable in endoscopic procedures. The system separates the liquid reservoir from the nebulization process taking place either at the adapter hub, where it fits into an endotracheal tube (ETT), or a gas humidifier, where the aerosol may treat a gas used in an endoscopic procedure, with a multi-lumen tube configured to nebulize liquid and air at its distal end. The refillable liquid reservoir is mounted away from the immediate treatment zone, avoiding orientation issues associated with other types of nebulizers having a self-contained reservoir. The system can produce aerosols having a wide range of droplet sizes, depending upon central lumen diameter, with values of MMAD that range from 4 to 30 m.

A respiratory assistance system including a humidification apparatus used for delivery of heated and humidified gases to a patient includes a humidification chamber with an associated heater and sensor, an inspiratory conduit with an associated heater and sensor, and an unheated patient interface, such as a face mask. A controller of the humidification apparatus is configured to determine a gas source and change the set point accordingly to maintain patient comfort regardless of the humidity level of the gas source.

A headgear connector is provided for connecting a user interface to a headgear strap. The headgear connector comprises a headgear receiving passage configured to receive a headgear strap from a first direction and to enable the headgear strap to loop back onto itself in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction, and a gripping element configured to grip a portion of the headgear strap to secure the headgear strap with respect to the user interface. Headgear is also provided.

A gas humidifier can have a gas channel comprising an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the gas channel can have a region having a reduction in cross-sectional area relative to the portions of the gas channel outside of the region. A water conduit can extend from the region to a water reservoir. A heating element can heat water entering the region from the water conduit. Water vaporized using the heating element can join the flow of gases passing through the gas channel in use.

In one embodiment, a filter assembly for use in an insufflation system is described. The filter assembly comprises: a filter medium operative to filter medical gases; a housing comprising an inlet, an outlet and the filter medium, the housing defining a gases flow path through the filter medium between the inlet and the outlet; and at least one heating element being positioned in the housing and being configured to heat the filter medium; and wherein, the at least one heating element is spaced apart from the filter medium and from an inner surface of the housing.

The present invention includes devices that relate to, for example, humidification systems for making humidified ventilator air that include a transparent or semi-transparent polymer-based heating element sleeve or sheet for the insulation of a tube delivering heated and humidified gas to a subject, comprising: a self-regulated heater and self-limiting heater, wherein the tubing is enveloped by the transparent heating sleeve, wherein the heating sleeve maintains at least one of: rates of relative humidity, absolute humidity and gas temperature, and wherein the heating sleeve envelops the tubing of inspiratory or expiratory limbs or ports connected to a mechanical ventilator providing gas to a subject.

Apparatus for generating a supply of air at positive pressure for the amelioration or treatment of a respiratory disorder comprising a housing, a blower structured and configured to produce a flow of air at positive pressure, a flexible connector electrically and physically connected to the blower; and a blower rotation limitation structure configured to reduce rotation of the blower during use. The apparatus may comprise first and second blower suspensions for holding opposite ends of the blower. The blower suspension(s) may be flexible and in tension. The apparatus may comprise one or more connector anchors for anchoring a longitudinal middle section of the flexible connector to another part of the apparatus.

Respiratory diseases affect a large part of world population, especially in developing world. In this invention, we present a breathing support system to provide life-saving support to such patients. The system automates and regulates the use of a bag valve mask (commonly known as an ambu bag). The system uses mechanical actuators, sensors and a smart feedback control mechanism to automate and regulate the operation of the ambu bag to implement core functions of mechanical ventilation for life-saving applications. The system can also be used to provide better breathing support to newborns (e.g. to prevent hypoxia). The system can be used to save hundreds of thousands of lives in the developing world, in emergencies and during transportation globally.