Moisture wicking conduit and system cross-reference to related applications

Abstract

A conduit for use in a pressure support system for communicating a flow of pressurized gas to the airway of a patient includes a first strip of a first material disposed helically about a central longitudinal axis such that subsequent helical convolutions of the first strip are disposed adjacent each other, and a second strip of a second material disposed helically about the central longitudinal axis along the first strip. The second strip is coupled between the subsequent helical convolutions of the first strip so as to form a hollow conduit. The first material is structured to prevent the passage of fluids therethrough. The second material is structured to allow passage of a liquid therethrough while inhibiting passage of gases therethrough.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 62 / 479440, filed March 31, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to airway pressure support devices, and in particular to catheters in systems for managing rainout. Background technique [0004] Many people suffer from disordered breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is a common example of this sleep-disordered breathing suffered by millions of people worldwide. One type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition in which sleep is repeatedly interrupted by the inability to breathe due to a blockage in the airway; usually a blockage in the upper airway or pharynx area. It is generally believed that obstruction of the airway is due at least in part to a general relaxation of the muscles stabilizing the upper airway segment, allowing the tissue to co...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Some pressure support systems attempt to reduce rain by adding heating elements to the walls of the airflow loop (eg, heated hoses), but this is only a partial solution because adding heating elements to all surfaces of the airflow loop is not feasible. practical

Also, adding a heating element and associated electronics is expensive and adds extra weight to the system (especially important for wearable components)

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