Medical gas delivery

Abstract

A system for delivering a medical gas, such as supplemental oxygen, to a subject includes a positioner and a diffuser that may be positioned on opposite sides of a position on a surface against which the subject's head rests. A positioner may position the subject's head and face in a desired direction, while a diffuser may direct at least one medical gas to be delivered toward the subject's face to the subject. A method for delivering a medical gas is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 293,517, filed on December 23, 2022, entitled “MEDICALGAS DELIVERY” (the “'517 Provisional Application”) and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 741,406, filed on May 10, 2022, entitled “MEDICAL GAS DELIVERY” (the “'406 Application”). The entire disclosures of the '785 Provisional Application and the '406 Application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to systems for delivering medical gases, such as supplemental oxygen, to a subject. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems that include and use a pillow to deliver medical gases, and systems designed to be assembled with a pillow surface or other surface for a subject's head to rest on. Such systems include a positioner that positions the subject's head and face in a desired orientation and a diffuser that delivers the medical gas to the subject's face. A method for delivering medical gases is also disclosed. Background Art

[0004] A variety of health conditions may give rise to the need for the delivery of medical gases such as supplemental oxygen. In other cases, supplemental oxygen helps subjects with sleep apnea, acute bronchitis, asthma, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions achieve a more stable, restful sleep than those subjects who do not typically experience supplemental oxygen. A variety of devices, including conventional oxygen delivery systems, can be used to provide supplemental oxygen to hypoxic patients while they sleep.

[0005] Conventional oxygen delivery systems typically include an oxygen source (e.g., an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen tank, liquid oxygen, etc.), tubing, and a nasal cannula that delivers oxygen from the oxygen concentrator to the subject's nose. The oxygen concentrator concentrates oxygen from the air, thereby providing the air with oxygen at a concentration higher than the ambient concentration (also referred to as "supplemental oxygen" for simplicity). The oxygen source delivers supplemental oxygen to the nasal cannula and delivers it to the nasal cannula through a tube. The construction of the nasal cannula enables the nasal cannula to be fixed under the subject's nose in a direction that directs pressurized supplemental oxygen into the subject's nose. The patient inhales to obtain oxygen from the nasal cannula. If the patient is a mouth breather, like more than 70% of people do when they sleep, concentrated oxygen will not be inhaled. Nasal cannula may also not be able to provide supplemental oxygen to subjects with upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., common colds, flu, sinus infections, etc.) and subjects with nasal abnormalities (e.g., deviated septum, etc.).

[0006] The use of a nasal cannula may be uncomfortable and irritating. A nasal cannula under the subject's nose may be annoying (e.g., when the air is dry, such as in the winter, it may cause nosebleeds, etc.). In addition, delivering supplemental oxygen into the subject's nose has a tendency to dry out the subject's nasal membranes, which may make the nasal cannula even more troublesome. The discomfort experienced by the subject while the subject is wearing the nasal cannula and while the nasal cannula delivers regulated supplemental oxygen to the subject's nose may result in the nasal cannula being removed, intentionally or unintentionally, while the subject is attempting to sleep. However, when the nasal cannula is removed or the subject is breathing through the mouth, the subject is no longer receiving supplemental oxygen, which may result in the same problems that supplemental oxygen is intended to solve (e.g., intermittent, interrupted sleep for hypoxic patients, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the disclosed medical gas delivery systems may include a diffuser and a positioner.

[0008] The diffuser may include a base that supports the diffuser on a surface (e.g., a surface for the subject's head to lean against, such as a pillow, etc.), a wall defining a recess, an inlet at one end of the jack, and a delivery surface at the opposite end of the recess. A gas delivery tube may be connected to the diffuser adjacent to the inlet. The walls of the diffuser may taper outward from the side where the inlet of the diffuser is located to the side where the delivery surface of the diffuser is located. The walls of the diffuser may give the diffuser a size and shape that enables gas to be effectively and efficiently delivered to the subject's face. Use of the diffuser includes providing a gas flow from a gas source, through the gas delivery tube, through the inlet, into the recess, and out of the delivery surface.

[0009] Optionally, the inlet of the diffuser can increase the turbulence in the gas delivered by the diffuser, which can facilitate the formation of a "gas cloud" for inhalation by the subject. Such an inlet can include a baffle located within a recessed portion of the diffuser, located above the channel and / or pores of the inlet. More specifically, the baffle can be located within the flow path defined by the inlet. The configuration (e.g., shape, size, etc.) and position of the baffle can cause the gas flowing into the recessed portion to flow around the baffle, and then flow to and through the delivery surface, but the flow of the gas is less forceful and more dispersed than if the gas flows through the recessed portion unimpeded. In some embodiments, the baffle can be removed from the recessed portion and can be replaced within the recessed portion.

[0010] The positioner may include a base that supports the head positioner on a surface, and an orienting surface that receives the back of the subject's head in a manner to orient the subject's head on the surface and position the subject's face toward the delivery surface of the diffuser.

[0011] One or both of the diffuser and the locator may include a connector. The connector may hold the base of the corresponding component (i.e., the diffuser or the locator) on the surface supporting the component. In embodiments where the surface includes the surface of a pillow or other cushion, the connector may include a strip that extends around the pillow or other cushion to secure the component to the strip. Alternatively, the connector may include a so-called "touch fastener" (e.g., a hook element of Velcro (Magic Tape), etc.) that engages with another touch fastener, elastic, or fabric (e.g., a soft fleece fabric containing loop elements of Velcro, etc.) on the surface (e.g., a pillowcase on a pillow, etc.). Alternatively, the connector may include a pocket area associated with the surface (e.g., on the surface, on the surface, etc.).

[0012] The medical gas delivery system may also include a hood. In some embodiments where the surface includes a pillow or other cushioned surface, the hood may include a pillowcase. The hood may include a vent extending through the hood that may be positioned above or adjacent to the delivery surface of the diffuser to accommodate gas flowing from the delivery surface of the diffuser. The vent may be shaped so that the vent can accommodate a plurality of different locations of the diffuser on the surface.

[0013] By arranging the medical gas delivery system on a surface (e.g., a pillow, other cushion, etc.) for the subject's head to lean on, such a medical gas delivery system can be used to deliver medical gas to the subject. The positioner is located at a first position on the surface, the first position is adjacent to the second position on the surface, and the subject's head leans on the second position. The directional surface of the positioner can have a shape that receives the back of the subject's head, and the directional surface can face the second position, so that the directional surface can orient the subject's head laterally at the second position on the surface. The diffuser can be located at a third position on the surface, the third position is adjacent to the second position and is located on the side of the second position opposite to the first position. The delivery surface of the diffuser can be oriented toward the second position. The delivery surface can be oriented at a certain angle (e.g., an acute angle, etc.) to the surface, which can enable the gas to be more effectively and / or more efficiently delivered to the subject's face. One or both of the positioner and the diffuser can be fixed in an appropriate position relative to the surface (e.g., fixed above the surface, fixed to the surface, fixed in a pocket area associated with the surface, etc.).

[0014] In some embodiments, a mask can be placed over the positioner, diffuser, and surface. Positioning the mask can include positioning a vent through the mask above or adjacent to the delivery surface of the diffuser to allow gas to flow freely from the delivery surface of the diffuser to the face of the subject.

[0015] The subject's head can be placed in a second position on the surface with the back of the head against the oriented surface of the positioner, the side of the head against the second position, and the subject's face oriented toward the delivery surface of the diffuser. When the subject's head is placed in the second position on the surface, the delivery surface of the diffuser can be tilted downward in a manner such that the distance between the delivery surface and the second position on the surface and the distance between the subject's face and the delivery surface are reduced. If necessary, the position of one or both of the positioner and the diffuser can be adjusted (e.g., moved laterally, etc.) to increase the subject's comfort, optimize the efficiency of the medical gas delivery system in delivering gas to the subject, etc.

[0016] With the subject's head positioned on the surface, gas may be delivered to the subject's face through the delivery surface of the diffuser.

[0017] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description, drawings, and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a medical gas delivery system according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser for a medical gas delivery system is shown;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a side view of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a top perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0022] Figure 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a diffuser that may be used in a medical gas delivery system;

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a top or distal plan view of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A bottom or near side perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0026] Fig. 9 Provided through Figures 5 to 8 a graphical representation of a flow simulation of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0027] Fig.10 is a top isometric view or a distal isometric view of yet another embodiment of a diffuser that may be used in a medical gas delivery system;

[0028] Fig.11 is a top isometric view or a distal isometric view of an embodiment of a baffle that can be assembled in Fig.10 above the inlet of the embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0029] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 a side view of an embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0030] Fig.13 yes Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a diffuser shown in;

[0031] Fig.14 and Fig.15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a positioner carrying a diffuser, such as Figures 5 to 8 The embodiment of the diffuser shown or Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment of the diffuser shown;

[0032] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 and Fig.15 a side view of an embodiment of the positioner shown;

[0033] Fig.17 Shows the use of Figures 14 to 16 The embodiment of the positioner shown supplies supplemental gas to the subject;

[0034] Fig.18 An illustration of an embodiment of a medical gas delivery system is provided, the medical gas delivery system including two positioners carrying diffusers, the positioners being e.g. Figures 14 to 16 An embodiment of a positioner as shown in ;

[0035] Fig.19 Shows the use of Figures 1 to 4 Embodiments of embodiments of medical gas delivery systems are shown;

[0036] Fig. 20 is a graph showing blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a subject receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula at a flow rate of 3 L / min; and

[0037] Figure 21 to Figure 23 is a graph showing the blood oxygen saturation of the same subject over three consecutive nights. Fig.19 The illustrated embodiment of the medical gas delivery system delivers supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 3 L / min. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 An embodiment of a medical gas delivery system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The medical gas delivery system 10 is configured to be placed on a surface 22, such as a pillow 20 or other cushioned surface 22, for a subject's head to rest upon.

[0039] The medical gas delivery system 10 includes a diffuser 30 and a positioner 40. The diffuser 30 can be positioned above the surface 22 at a position and in an orientation that enables the diffuser 30 to direct one or more medical gases (e.g., supplemental oxygen, air, etc.) to a desired location above the surface 22, such as a location for positioning the face of a subject. The positioner 40 can be positioned above the surface 22 at a position and in an orientation that enables the positioner 40 to orient the head and face of the subject toward the diffuser 30. As shown, the positioner 40 can be spaced a sufficient distance from the diffuser 30 to accommodate the head of the subject.

[0040] The diffuser anchor 60 can secure the diffuser 30 in place on the surface 22 in a desired position and in a desired orientation. The locator anchor 70 can secure the locator 40 in place on the surface 22 in a desired position and in a desired orientation. As shown, the diffuser anchor 60 and / or the locator anchor 70 can include, but are not limited to, a strap. Alternatively, the diffuser anchor 60 and / or the locator anchor 70 can include so-called touch fasteners (e.g., hook portions of Velcro fasteners that can engage with loops of fabric defining the surface 22, etc.), adhesive materials, or any other suitable anchors.

[0041] As an alternative to the diffuser connector 60 and the locator connector 70 described above, the medical gas delivery system 10 according to the present disclosure may include a cover (not shown), such as a pillowcase, that holds or anchors the diffuser 30 and the locator 40 in place above the surface 22. Such a cover may include a pocket area defined at least in part by a vent (e.g., an opening through the fabric of the cover, a mesh panel in the fabric, other types of panels that allow air to flow through without restricting airflow, etc.). Alternatively, a cover such as a pillowcase may be used in conjunction with other anchors to accommodate a variety of different placements of the diffuser 30 and the locator 40 while increasing the comfort of the subject and ensuring unrestricted flow of medical gas to the subject's face.

[0042] In addition to the diffuser 30 and the positioner 40 , the medical gas delivery system 10 may also include a conduit, which may be referred to as a “gas delivery tube 50 ,” that delivers the medical gas from a gas source (not shown) to the diffuser 30 .

[0043] In some embodiments, the medical gas delivery system 10 may further include a spacer (not shown) that facilitates positioning of the diffuser 30 and the positioner 40 relative to each other.

[0044] In some embodiments, diffuser 30 may include a cushioning foam block through which gas delivery tube 50 may extend. Diffuser 30 may have the shape of a rectangular prism, or may be shaped as an oblique triangle with a delivery face 37 that forms a tent-like notch on surface 22 to retain the medical gas and thereby prevent the dissipation of the medical gas, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the medical gas can be delivered to the face of the subject.

[0045] Reference Figures 2 to 4, shows another specific embodiment of the diffuser 30. The diffuser 30 includes a body 32, a recess 36, a delivery surface 37 and an inlet 38. The body 32 includes a base 33, a rear wall 34 extending upward from the rear of the base 33, and a front edge 35 extending upward from the front of the base 33. The body 32 defines the recess 36. The recess 36 is open to the delivery surface 37, and the delivery surface 37 is defined by the front edge 35 of the body 32. The inlet 38 can be located on the rear wall 34 of the body 32. The inlet 38 can have such a configuration that the inlet 38 can be connected to the gas delivery tube 50 and receive the medical gas from the gas delivery tube 50. The channel 39 extends through the inlet 38, the rear wall 34 and extends into the recess 36 of the diffuser 30, so that the medical gas can be transmitted into the recess 36. The medical gas can flow out of the recess 36 through the delivery surface 37.

[0046] In some embodiments, the delivery face 37 of the diffuser 30 may be oriented at an obtuse angle to the base 33 of the body 32 of the diffuser 30. The angle at which the delivery face 37 is oriented may define an acute angle with the surface 22 on which the diffuser 30 is placed. When the subject's head is placed on the surface 22 toward the delivery face 37 of the diffuser, the angle between the surface 22 and the delivery face 37 may at least partially conform to the subject's face, which may cause a portion of the diffuser 30 to extend above the surface 22, or even above a portion of the subject's face, in a manner that (further) retains air and any medical gas mixed with the air, and thus (further) limits the rate at which the air and any medical gas mixed with the air can diffuse upward, which may (further) increase the efficiency of the diffuser 30 in delivering the medical gas to the subject's face. In embodiments where the surface 22 on which the diffuser 30 is placed collapses (e.g., is concavely curved, recessed, etc.) when the subject's head is placed on the surface 22, the extent to which the portion of the diffuser extends above the surface 22 may be increased, which may further increase the efficiency with which the medical gas is delivered to the subject's face.

[0047] like Figures 5 to 8 , another embodiment of a diffuser 30' is shown. The diffuser 30' includes a body 32', a recessed portion 36', a conveying surface 37', an inlet 38', and a baffle 39'. The inlet 38' is located on the proximal side of the diffuser 30'. The body 32' includes a wall 34', which extends outwardly and distally from the inlet 38' to define the recessed portion 36', and the outer edge 35' of the wall 34' defines the conveying surface 37' on the distal side of the diffuser 30'. The recessed portion 36' is open to the conveying surface 37'.

[0048] The inlet 38' may have such a configuration that the inlet 38' can be connected to the gas delivery pipe 50 and can be discharged from the gas delivery pipe 50 ( Figure 1) to receive medical gas. The inlet 38' may include a channel 38c' that extends through the proximal side of the inlet 38'. The inlet 38' may also include an aperture 38a' that may be located at the distal end of the channel 38c'. The channel 38c' may have a configuration such that the channel 38c' can receive and optionally connect to a gas delivery tube 50 ( Figure 1 ) at the far end.

[0049] The baffle 39' can be positionable (e.g., in embodiments where the baffle 39' is removable and / or replaceable, etc.), or positioned distally of the aperture 38a' of the inlet 38'. The baffle 39' includes a body 39b' and can include a post 39p' that can extend from a proximal side of the body 39b'. The post 39p' can hold the body 39b' of the baffle 39' in place over the aperture 38a' of the inlet 38'; more specifically, the post 39p' can extend partially into the aperture 38a', with a lateral extension 39l' of the post 39p' securing the post 39p' in place relative to the wall 38w' of the aperture 38a'. The distance across the body 39b' (e.g., the outer diameter of the body 39b', etc.) can exceed the distance across the aperture 38a' (e.g., the inner diameter of the aperture 38a', etc.).

[0050] Gas entering the inlet 38' is able to flow into the aperture 38a', flow around the post 39p' and flow into the recess 36', where the body 39b' of the baffle 39' disrupts the flow of the gas. The shape of the body 39b' can be customized to disrupt the flow of gas into the recess 36' in a desired manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 39b' has a configuration that has a mushroom-like appearance, wherein its distal side is larger than its proximal side, and its proximal-facing surface tapers, or even curves, to its proximal side.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a simplified diagram, providing a baffle 38b' at the inlet 38' to interfere with and diffuse the gas delivered to the gas delivery pipe 50. Figures 5 to 8 An embodiment of a diffuser 30' is shown, and a diagram of the manner in which gas flow is delivered to a subject S through the embodiment of the diffuser 30', wherein the dots in the diagram represent gas molecules (eg, O2, etc.).

[0052] Another embodiment of the diffuser 30″ is Figures 10 to 13 As shown. The diffuser 30" includes a body 32", a recessed portion 36", a conveying surface 37", an inlet 38" and a baffle 39". The inlet 38" is located on the proximal side of the diffuser 30". The body 32" includes a wall 34", which extends outwardly and distally from the inlet 38" to define the recessed portion 36", and the outer edge 35" of the wall 34" defines the conveying surface 37" on the distal side of the diffuser 30". The recessed portion 36" is open to the conveying surface 37".

[0053] The inlet 38" may include a passage 38c" extending through the proximal side of the inlet 38". The passage 38c" may have a configuration such that the passage 38c" can receive and optionally connect to a gas delivery tube 50 ( Figure 1 ) at the distal end of the inlet 38″. The inlet 38″ may also include an aperture 38a″ at the distal end of the channel 38c″.

[0054] A baffle engagement groove 38s″ may be formed in the inlet 38″. The baffle engagement groove 38s″ may be continuous with the aperture 38a″ and may therefore be open to one side of the aperture 38a″. The baffle engagement groove 38s″ may be constructed so that the baffle engagement groove 38s″ may receive and engage a corresponding diffuser engagement member 39e″ of the baffle 39″. The baffle engagement groove 38s″ may be constructed so that the baffle engagement groove 38s″ may receive the diffuser engagement member 39e″ in a manner that ensures that the baffle 39″ is properly positioned within the recess 36″ of the diffuser 30″.

[0055] The baffle 39" can be removably positioned above the distal side of the aperture 38a" of the inlet 38" of the diffuser 30". The baffle 39" includes a body 39b". A post 39p" extends from the proximal side of the body 39b" of the baffle 39". The lateral extension 39l" of the post 39p" connects the diffuser engagement member 39e" to the post 39p". The diffuser engagement member 39e" can be received by the baffle engagement groove 38s" of the inlet 38", thereby maintaining the baffle 39" in an appropriate position relative to the wall 38w" of the aperture 38a" of the inlet 38", with the body 39b" of the baffle 39" located above the aperture 38a". The distance across the body 39b" (e.g., the outer diameter of the body 39b", etc.) can exceed the distance across the aperture 38a" (e.g., the inner diameter of the aperture 38a", etc.). The post 39p" can extend partially into the aperture 38a".

[0056] Gas entering the inlet 38" is able to flow into the pores 38a", flow around the posts 39p", and flow into the recess 36", where the body 39b" of the baffle 39" disrupts the flow of the gas. The shape of the body 39b" can be customized to disrupt the flow of gas into the recess 36" in a desired manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 39b" has a mushroom-like appearance, wherein its distal side is larger than its proximal side, and its proximal-facing surface tapers, or even curves, to its proximal side.

[0057] Now return to reference Figure 1, positioner 40 may include base 42 and orientation surface 44. Base 42 may face surface 22 on which positioner 40 is positioned. Orientation surface 44 extending upward from base 42 may be oriented on surface 22 such that orientation surface 44 faces diffuser 30. Orientation surface 44 is shaped such that orientation surface 44 can receive the back of the subject's head and stably orient the subject's head so that the subject's face faces delivery surface 37 ( Figures 2 to 4 ). Within limitations, positioner 40 may include a foam molded block or other cushioning material of sufficient density to support and stably hold the subject's head in a desired orientation.

[0058] Reference now Figures 14 to 16 , the figure shows an embodiment of a positioner 40"', the positioner 40"' carries a diffuser 30"'. The positioner 40"' may have the same Figure 1 The positioner 40 is shown as having a similar construction to that described above. The positioner 40'' may include a base 42''' and a lateral surface 44''', the base 42''' and the lateral surface 44''' being configured to enable the base 42''' and the lateral surface 44''' to perform with Figure 1 The base 42 and the orienting surface 44 of the embodiment of the positioner 40 shown have the same function. In addition, the lateral surface 44'' may include a socket 46'' for the diffuser 30''. The configuration of the socket 46'' may enable the socket 46'' to orient the diffuser 30'' in the following manner, i.e., gas flows from the diffuser 30'' laterally or at a slightly downward angle through the side or lateral surface 44'' of the positioner 40''. As shown, the socket 46'' may carry the diffuser 30'', which may include a diffuser according to the present disclosure, and which in turn may receive medical gas from a medical gas source 52 via a gas delivery tube 50.

[0059] The positioner 40"' may include a padded cover 45"' that protrudes from an upper portion of the lateral surface 44"' and extends above the lateral surface 44"'. Thus, the padded cover 45"' may extend or overhang above the receptacle 46"' and any diffuser 30"' therein. The padded cover 45"' may have a configuration such that the padded cover 45"' can collapse (e.g., onto the delivery surface 37"' of the diffuser 30"', etc.) to comfortably support the subject's head while minimizing any discomfort that may be caused when the subject's head rests on the diffuser 30"'. In addition, when the subject's head is removed from the padded cover 45"', the padded cover 45"' may automatically return to its overhanging direction, thereby exposing the diffuser 30"' and its delivery surface 37"', so that the flow of gas is unimpeded.

[0060] like Fig.17As shown, when the diffuser 30"' carried by the positioner 40"' is used to supply medical gas to an individual, the padded cover 45"' of the positioner 40"' can also be positioned over a portion of the face of the subject S (e.g., the mouth and / or nose of the subject S, etc.). The orientation (e.g., slightly tilted, etc.) and / or shape (e.g., concave curve) of the padded cover 45"' can provide a pocket area 47"' that can comfortably accommodate a portion of the face of the subject S. For example, the outer edge of the padded cover 45"' can be slightly tilted. As another example, the cushion cover 45'' can be curved. As another example, the lower surface 45b'' of the cushion cover 45'' can be concavely curved. In another example, the thickness of the cushion cover 45'' can gradually decrease from the location where the cushion cover 45'' extends from the directional surface 44'' to its outer edge 45e''. The pocket area 47'' formed by the cushion cover 45'' can retain air and any medical gas mixed with the air, which can prevent the air and any medical gas mixed with the air from diffusing before the subject S is able to inhale, which can improve the efficiency of the diffuser 30'' in delivering the medical gas to the face of the subject S.

[0061] Fig.18 An embodiment of a medical gas delivery system 10'' is shown, which includes two positioners 40'' carrying diffusers 30''. A gas delivery tube 50 extends between a medical gas source 52 and the diffuser 30'' to enable medical gas to flow from the medical gas source 52 to the diffuser 30'' and through the diffuser 30''. The positioners 40'' can be positioned at spaced-apart locations on the surface 22. As shown, the positioners 40'' can be spaced a sufficient distance from each other to accommodate the subject's head. The position and orientation of each positioner 40'' can enable the diffuser 30'' carried by each positioner 40'' to direct one or more medical gases (e.g., supplemental oxygen, air, etc.) to a desired location between the positioners 40'' on the surface 22, such as a location that can locate the subject's face. In addition, the position and orientation of each positioner 40'' can enable the positioner 40''' to direct the subject's head and face toward the diffuser 30'' carried by the opposing positioner 40''.

[0062] In this medical gas delivery system 10'", the flow rate of the medical gas can be the same or approximately the same as the flow rate when the medical gas is delivered through a nasal cannula (for example, about 2L / min, about 1L / min to 4L / min, about 1L / min to 6L / min, any value in the above range, etc.), but is divided between the diffusers 30' (for example, each diffuser 30'' is about 1L / min, about 0.5L / min to 2L / min, about 0.5L / min to 3L / min, any value in the above range, etc.). Although the medical gas is divided, the construction of each diffuser 30'' (for example, the presence of baffles 39' and 39" in diffusers 30' and 30", respectively, etc.) can ensure that the fixed inhalation (FI) content of the gas (for example, FIO2, etc.) is equivalent to when the medical gas is delivered through a nasal cannula (for example, the FIO2 content can be about 24% by volume to about 44% by volume, etc.). Thus, regardless of which side the subject's face is facing or the diffuser 30'" is facing, the concentration of medical gas received by the subject may be substantially the same as when using a much less comfortable nasal cannula.

[0063] Now turn to Fig.19 , shows an embodiment of using the medical gas delivery system 10. The method is also applicable to any other embodiments of the medical gas delivery system according to the present disclosure, including Fig.18 The medical gas delivery system 10 ″′ is shown. As shown, the diffuser 30 and the positioner 40 have been positioned above the surface 22 of the pillow 20. The back H of the head H of the subject S B The subject S rests on the directional surface 44 of the positioner 40 with the delivery surface 37 of the diffuser 30 facing the face F of the subject S. To provide a baseline, the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) of the subject S was measured while the subject S absorbed supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 3 L / min during the first night, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 In the following three nights, when subject S was sleeping, Fig.19 The system again measures the subject's blood oxygen saturation, and the system also delivers supplemental oxygen at a flow rate of 3 L / min, as shown. Figure 21 to Figure 23 By comparing Figure 21 to Figure 23 (i.e., the average SpO2 for each night is greater than 94%) and Fig.19 As can be seen from the graph of (ie, the average SpO2 is approximately 94.5%), the medical gas delivery system 10 delivers supplemental oxygen with an efficiency comparable to that of a nasal cannula.

[0064] Although the present disclosure and the drawings provide many details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of any appended claims, but should only be interpreted as providing information related to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be used in combination. In addition, the scope of the appended claims may include other embodiments. All additions, deletions, and modifications to the disclosed subject matter contained in the claims should fall within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A medical gas delivery system comprising: Diffuser, including: a base that supports the diffuser on a surface; Conveying surface; a recessed portion that opens toward the conveying surface; and an inlet communicating with the recess and through which gas is delivered; and Locator, including: a base that supports the head positioner on the surface; An orienting surface receives the back of a subject's head in a manner to orient the subject's head on the surface and position the subject's face toward the delivery surface of the diffuser.

2. The medical gas delivery system of claim 1, wherein the delivery face is oriented at an acute angle to the surface.

3. The medical gas delivery system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diffuser further comprises A connector holds the base of the diffuser in place on the surface.

4. The medical gas delivery system of claim 3, wherein the connector of the diffuser comprises a strap.

5. The medical gas delivery system of claim 3, wherein the connector of the diffuser comprises a touch fastener.

6. The medical gas delivery system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioner further comprises: A connector holds the base of the positioner in place on the surface.

7. The medical gas delivery system of claim 6, wherein the connector of the positioner comprises a strap.

8. The medical gas delivery system of claim 6, wherein the connector of the positioner comprises a touch fastener.

9. The medical gas delivery system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising A pillow, the diffuser and the positioner can be positioned over the pillow.

10. A system for delivering gas, comprising: a positioner located at a first position on a surface for placement of a subject's head, the first position being adjacent to a second position for placement of the subject's head, an orienting surface of the positioner facing the second position, and the orienting surface being shaped so that the orienting surface receives a rear portion of the subject's head and orients the subject's head laterally at the second position on the surface; and A diffuser is located at a third position on the surface for placing the subject's head, the third position being adjacent to the second position and located on a side of the second position opposite to the first position, the delivery surface of the diffuser being oriented toward the second position.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein The orienting surface of the positioner receives the back of the head and the second position receives the side of the head, with the subject's face facing the delivery surface of the diffuser.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the delivery surface of the diffuser delivers the gas to the face of the subject.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the positioner and the diffuser are positioned above a surface of a pillow.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein when the subject's head is in the second position, the delivery surface of the diffuser is tilted downward in a manner that traps air between the diffuser and the second position on the surface.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein a lateral position of the diffuser on the surface is adjustable.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the positioner and the diffuser is fixed in position above the surface.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein a base of the positioner and / or a base of the diffuser is secured to the surface.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein a locator sleeve receiving the locator and / or a diffuser sleeve receiving the diffuser are associated with the surface.

19. The system according to claim 16, further comprising A hood is positioned over the positioner, the diffuser, and the surface, and a vent extending through the hood is positioned above or adjacent to the delivery surface of the diffuser to allow the gas to flow freely from the delivery surface of the diffuser to the face of the subject.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the vent of the cover accommodates a plurality of different positions of the diffuser on the surface.

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