Nasal interface and respiratory therapy system

Abstract

A nasal interface and a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient. The nasal interface (100) has a first prong (111), a second prong (112), and a gas manifold (120). The nasal interface (100) is configured to induce an asymmetric flow at a patient's nares. At least one of the first prong (111), the second prong (112), or the gas manifold (120) includes a flow resistance positioned to increase a flow of gas traveling therethrough and thus to at least one of the prongs (111, 112).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the utility model patent application entitled "Nose Interface", with a national application date of February 23, 2024 and national application number of 2024203465480.

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 486,795, filed February 24, 2023, entitled “Patient Interface,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a nasal interface and a respiratory therapy system for delivering respiratory gases to a patient's airway. Background Technology

[0004] A humidifier is used to provide humidified breathing gas to a patient. The gas is delivered to the patient via a patient interface. Examples of patient interfaces include masks, nasal masks, nasal cannulas, and combinations of masks and nasal masks.

[0005] Patient interfaces, including nasal interfaces, can be used to deliver high-flow-rate gas to a patient. A nasal delivery fork or element is inserted into the patient's nose to deliver the desired treatment. For treatment delivery, the nasal delivery fork may need to be sealed or partially sealed at the nose, or it may not need to be sealed at the nose. High-flow nasal treatments are typically non-sealed, delivering a relatively high volume of gas to the patient through the nasal interface, which may be sufficient to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow rate. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This paper discloses a nasal interface with features that allow the nasal interface to provide asymmetric flow to a patient. The nasal interface can be configured to deliver high nasal flow. Asymmetric flow can provide increased dead zone clearance for the patient in the upper airway. One or more features of the nasal interface disclosed herein that allow the nasal interface to achieve asymmetric flow at the patient's nostrils can reduce the (total) resistance to flow through the nasal interface, which can be achieved using lower back pressure and / or lower motor speed of the flow generating device to achieve the desired flow rate.

[0007] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; a gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet; and at least one element positioned within the first fork, the second fork, or the manifold chamber, wherein the at least one element is configured to increase resistance to a gas flow traveling through at least one of the first fork, the second fork, or the manifold chamber, and wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit.

[0008] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; a gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet; and a second fork element positioned on the second fork, wherein the second fork element is configured to increase the flow resistance of a gas flow traveling through the second fork, and wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit.

[0009] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; a gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet; and a manifold element positioned within the manifold chamber, wherein the manifold element is configured to increase resistance to a gas flow traveling through the manifold chamber and reaching at least one of the first or second fork, and wherein the gas inlet is in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit.

[0010] In some configurations, the increased resistance to the gas flow is designed to cause asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0011] In some configurations, the first branch, the second branch, the manifold chamber, and the gas inlet are in fluid communication with each other.

[0012] In some configurations, the at least one element is a second fork element positioned within the second fork.

[0013] In some configurations, the second forked element is configured to increase the resistance of the gas flow traveling through the second fork.

[0014] In some configurations, the second fork element is positioned at the second base.

[0015] In some configurations, the second base of the second fork includes an inlet leading to a flow path formed by the wall of the second fork.

[0016] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a manifold element, wherein the manifold element is positioned within the manifold chamber of the gas manifold.

[0017] In some configurations, manifold elements are designed to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow traveling through the manifold chamber.

[0018] In some configurations, the gas flow is essentially along the direction from the gas manifold inlet, through the gas manifold chamber, and into the flow path of the first and / or second branch.

[0019] In some configurations, the manifold elements are positioned essentially at the center of the manifold chamber.

[0020] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a first fork element, wherein the first fork element is positioned within a first fork.

[0021] In some configurations, the first fork element is configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow traveling through the first fork.

[0022] In some configurations, the first fork element is positioned at the base of the first fork.

[0023] In some configurations, the first fork element provides different resistance to the gas flow compared to the second fork element.

[0024] In some configurations, the gas delivery catheter is located between the patient catheter and the gas inlet.

[0025] In some configurations, the gas manifold is integrally formed with or connected to the gas delivery conduit.

[0026] In some configurations, the gas manifold includes a manifold width, wherein the manifold width is as large as or greater than the inner diameter of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0027] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a cannula body comprising a first fork and a second fork, wherein the outer surface of the cannula body between the first fork and the second fork includes a recess for receiving a portion of the patient's nose and reducing pressure on the underside of the received portion.

[0028] In some configurations, the size of at least one of the first or second forks is determined to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the at least one fork and the patient's skin to avoid sealing the gas path between the nasal inlet and the patient.

[0029] In some configurations, at least the first or second fork is made of an elastomeric material that allows the first fork to deform in response to temperature and contact with the patient's nostrils and to set its shape in use.

[0030] In some configurations, at least one of the first or second forks is not made of silicone.

[0031] In some configurations, at least one of the first or second prongs is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0032] In some configurations, the nasal interface is designed to induce an asymmetric flow of gas at the patient's nostrils.

[0033] In some configurations, the gas manifold includes a flow channel having a gas flow direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow path through the first and second forks.

[0034] In some configurations, the manifold element includes a manifold orifice for gas flow, wherein the orifice has a smaller cross-sectional opening than the manifold chamber for gas flow.

[0035] In some configurations, the second fork includes a second hole for gas flow, wherein the second hole has a smaller cross-sectional opening than the second fork for gas flow.

[0036] In some configurations, manifold holes and / or second holes are formed in the plate or wall.

[0037] In some configurations, the plate or wall has an inlet surface and an outlet surface, with a manifold orifice and / or a second orifice formed between the inlet and outlet surfaces.

[0038] In some configurations, the gas flow follows the direction from the inlet surface through the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice to the outlet surface.

[0039] In some configurations, the transition between the outlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is tapered.

[0040] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is substantially right-angled.

[0041] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is tapered, wherein the tapering angle of the outlet surface is greater than that of the inlet surface.

[0042] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is essentially a sharp section.

[0043] In some constructions, at least one manifold and / or a second hole are vertically and longitudinally extending through a gap, cut, or slit in the plate or wall.

[0044] In some constructions, at least one manifold hole and / or a second hole are horizontally extending longitudinally through a gap, cut, or slit in the plate or wall.

[0045] In some configurations, at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice is a generally circular perforation.

[0046] In some configurations, at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice includes a perforated pattern.

[0047] In some configurations, the plate or wall of at least one manifold and / or a second orifice comprises a porous medium.

[0048] In some configurations, any one or more of the second fork element and / or manifold element and / or first fork element include a valve.

[0049] In some configurations, the valve is designed to open only at a threshold pressure or threshold flow rate.

[0050] In some configurations, the valve is designed to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0051] In some configurations, the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0052] In some configurations, the second fork element and / or manifold element and / or any one or more of the first fork element include a nozzle.

[0053] In some configurations, the nozzle is designed to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0054] In some configurations, the manifold element is configured to be adjusted by manual actuation to increase or decrease the degree of restriction imposed by the manifold element.

[0055] In some configurations, the manifold element is configured to be slidably movable in the upstream-downstream direction.

[0056] In some configurations, the manifold element includes a rotatable component with a helical thread.

[0057] In some configurations, the manifold element also includes an external portion located outside the gas manifold at the nose interface.

[0058] In some configurations, the manifold element is configured to be rotatably movable such that when the outer portion rotates, the manifold element vertically translates into or out of the manifold chamber flow path, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of flow restriction in the flow path, respectively.

[0059] In some configurations, the gas manifold includes an opening in a wall that is substantially opposite to the gas inlet of the manifold and / or substantially opposite to the second base of the second fork.

[0060] In some configurations, the opening includes one or more holes.

[0061] In some configurations, the number and diameter of the holes are configured to provide a defined pressure drop.

[0062] In some configurations, openings in the manifold wall are pneumatically connected to a component configured to provide a defined pressure drop.

[0063] In some configurations, the component is at least one of a porous medium, a nozzle, a pressure reducing valve, or a bubble CPAP bubble chamber.

[0064] In some configurations, the axis of the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0065] In some configurations, the angle of the gas inlet axis is perpendicular to the axis of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0066] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes an auxiliary gas inlet to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0067] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas inlet terminates in the first or second fork.

[0068] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas conduit includes an inlet and terminates at the inlet in the first or second fork.

[0069] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas inlet is in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas delivery conduit.

[0070] In some configurations, at least one of the gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a second internal cross-sectional area.

[0071] In some constructions, one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0072] In some constructions, the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are different.

[0073] In some configurations, the second internal cross-sectional area is smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first or second fork.

[0074] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit are arranged on the same side of the manifold chamber.

[0075] In some configurations, an auxiliary gas delivery conduit is positioned within the gas delivery conduit.

[0076] In some configurations, at least one of the gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes a second length.

[0077] In some configurations, the first length and the second length are not equal to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0078] In some configurations, the first length is longer than the second length to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0079] In some configurations, the first length is shorter than the second length to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0080] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit is connected to the first gas flow, and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit is connected to the second gas flow.

[0081] In some configurations, the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0082] In some configurations, the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is a different flow direction than the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0083] In some configurations, one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an intake flow.

[0084] In some configurations, the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from that of the second gas flow.

[0085] In some configurations, negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0086] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; and a gas manifold comprising: a manifold chamber; a first gas inlet; and a second gas inlet, wherein the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are disposed at opposite ends of the manifold chamber and are in fluid communication with a first gas delivery conduit and a second gas delivery conduit, respectively.

[0087] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; and a gas manifold including: a manifold chamber; a first gas inlet; and a second gas inlet, wherein the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are in fluid communication with a first gas delivery conduit and a second gas delivery conduit, respectively, wherein the nose interface is configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0088] In some configurations, the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are arranged on opposite sides of the manifold chamber.

[0089] In some configurations, the first gas inlet is closer to the first fork than the second inlet, and the second gas inlet is closer to the second fork than the first gas inlet.

[0090] In some configurations, at least one of the first gas inlet and the first gas delivery conduit is formed as an integral structure, or the second gas inlet and the second gas delivery conduit are formed as an integral structure.

[0091] In some configurations, a first gas delivery conduit is connected to a first gas flow, and a second gas delivery conduit is connected to a second gas flow.

[0092] In some configurations, the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0093] In some configurations, the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is a different flow direction than the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0094] In some configurations, one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an intake flow.

[0095] In some configurations, the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from that of the second gas flow.

[0096] In some configurations, negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0097] In some configurations, the first fork, the second fork, the manifold chamber, the first gas inlet, and the second gas inlet are in fluid communication with each other.

[0098] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes flow-changing features configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0099] In some configurations, the first inlet and / or the first gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a first internal cross-sectional area, and the second inlet and / or the second gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a second internal cross-sectional area, to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0100] In some constructions, one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0101] In some constructions, one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially non-circular.

[0102] In some configurations, the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are not equal to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0103] In some configurations, the first internal cross-sectional area is larger than the second internal cross-sectional area to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0104] In some configurations, the first internal cross-sectional area is smaller than the second internal cross-sectional area to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0105] In some configurations, the first inlet and / or the first gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and the second inlet and / or the second gas delivery conduit includes a second length, to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0106] In some configurations, the first length and the second length are not equal to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0107] In some configurations, the first length is longer than the second length to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0108] In some configurations, the first length is shorter than the second length to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0109] In some configurations, the inner surface of the first inlet and / or the first gas delivery conduit includes a first raised feature pattern.

[0110] In some configurations, the inner surface of the second inlet and / or the second gas delivery conduit includes a second raised feature pattern.

[0111] In some configurations, the first raised feature pattern is substantially coarser than the second raised feature pattern to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0112] In some configurations, the first raised feature pattern is substantially smoother than the second raised feature pattern to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0113] In some configurations, the raised feature pattern includes one or more of the following: pits, protrusions, ribs, and / or fins.

[0114] In some configurations, the axes of one or both of the first and second gas inlets are coaxial with respect to the axis of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0115] In some configurations, the angle of the axis of the first gas inlet and / or the second gas inlet is perpendicular to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0116] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one of the following: (i) a first fork element located within a first fork; (ii) a second fork element located within a second fork; (iii) a manifold element located in a manifold chamber and between a first base of the first fork and a second base of the second fork; (iv) a first gas inlet element located at a first gas inlet leading to a gas manifold; or (v) a second gas inlet element located at a second gas inlet leading to a gas manifold, wherein the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, and / or the second gas inlet element are each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the corresponding element to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0117] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a first gas inlet element and a second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the gas manifold through the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet, respectively.

[0118] In some configurations, the nose inlet includes the first fork element and the second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas streams entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

[0119] In some configurations, the nose interface includes the manifold element and the first gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the manifold element and the first gas inlet element in the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively.

[0120] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes the manifold element and the second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the manifold element and the second gas inlet element within the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively.

[0121] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element includes an orifice for reducing gas flow.

[0122] In some configurations, the orifice has a smaller cross-sectional opening than at least one of the flow channels for the first fork, second fork, or manifold chamber, or for the first or second inner cavity for gas flow.

[0123] In some constructions, the hole is formed in the plate or wall.

[0124] In some configurations, the plate or wall has an inlet surface and an outlet surface, with a hole formed between the inlet surface and the outlet surface.

[0125] In some configurations, the gas flow follows the direction from the inlet surface through the orifice to the outlet surface.

[0126] In some configurations, the transition between the outlet surface and the orifice is tapered.

[0127] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the hole is essentially at a right angle.

[0128] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the orifice is tapered, wherein the tapering angle of the outlet surface is greater than that of the inlet surface.

[0129] In some configurations, the transition between the inlet surface and the hole is essentially a sharp corner.

[0130] In some configurations, the at least one hole is a vertically extending gap, cut, or slit through the plate or wall.

[0131] In some configurations, the at least one hole is a gap, cut, or slit that extends horizontally longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0132] In some configurations, the at least one hole is a substantially circular perforation.

[0133] In some configurations, the at least one hole includes a perforated pattern.

[0134] In some configurations, the plate or wall of the at least one hole comprises a porous medium.

[0135] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas element, or the second gas element includes a valve.

[0136] In some configurations, the valve is designed to open only at a threshold pressure or threshold flow rate.

[0137] In some configurations, the valve is designed to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0138] In some configurations, the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0139] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas element, or the second gas element includes a nozzle.

[0140] In some configurations, the nozzle is designed to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0141] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas element, or the second gas element is configured to be adjusted by manual actuation to increase or decrease the degree of restriction imposed by the element.

[0142] In some configurations, the element is configured to be slidably movable in the upstream-downstream direction.

[0143] In some configurations, the element includes a rotatable part with a helical thread.

[0144] In some configurations, the element also includes an external portion located outside the nasal inlet.

[0145] In some configurations, the element is configured to be rotatably movable, such that when the outer portion rotates, the element vertically translates into or out of the flow path, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of flow restriction in the flow path, respectively.

[0146] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork and a second fork; a gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet, the gas inlet being in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit; and at least one flow guiding element, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow from the gas inlet to one of the first fork or the second fork to produce an asymmetric gas flow.

[0147] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is a gas inlet.

[0148] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nasal interface is provided, comprising: a first fork and a second fork; a gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet, the gas inlet being in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit; and at least one flow guiding element formed as part of at least one of the manifold chamber, the gas inlet, or the gas delivery conduit, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow to one of the first fork or the second fork to produce an asymmetric gas flow.

[0149] In some configurations, the first fork, the second fork, the manifold chamber, and the first gas inlet are in fluid communication with each other.

[0150] In some configurations, the flow guiding element is configured to provide a larger dynamic pressure at the first fork and a smaller dynamic pressure at the second fork during use, in order to generate an asymmetric gas flow.

[0151] In some configurations, the size of at least one of the first or second forks is determined to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the at least one fork and the patient's skin to avoid sealing the gas path between the nasal inlet and the patient.

[0152] In some configurations, the first and second forks are in fluid communication with the manifold chamber.

[0153] In some configurations, the gas inlet is positioned in the manifold chamber, opposite at least one of the first or second forks.

[0154] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within the gas manifold chamber.

[0155] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within a gas delivery conduit.

[0156] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within a gas delivery conduit, at the junction of the gas delivery conduit and the gas inlet.

[0157] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element includes at least one angled protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to guide the gas flow from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0158] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element further includes an angled second protrusion positioned relative to the first protrusion in the flow path and similarly configured to guide the gas flow from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0159] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a second flow guiding element positioned in the gas manifold at an inlet leading to one of the first or second forks.

[0160] In some configurations, the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0161] In some configurations, the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the exhaled gas flow from the first or second fork to the opposite fork.

[0162] In some configurations, the second flow guiding element includes at least one angled protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to guide a gas flow from a gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks, and is configured to guide an exhaled gas flow from the first or second fork to the opposite fork.

[0163] In some configurations, the axis of the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0164] In some configurations, the angle of the gas inlet axis is perpendicular to the axis of at least one of the first or second forks.

[0165] In some configurations, the gas inlet is positioned in the manifold chamber at a substantially central location between the first and second forks.

[0166] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within the gas manifold chamber and adjacent to the first fork.

[0167] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit toward the inlet of the first fork.

[0168] In some configurations, the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the inlet of the first fork into the flow path of the first fork.

[0169] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within the gas manifold chamber and adjacent to the second fork.

[0170] In some configurations, the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit toward the inlet of the second branch.

[0171] In some configurations, the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the inlet of the second fork into the flow path of the second fork.

[0172] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one of the following: (i) a first fork element located within a first fork; (ii) a second fork element located within a second fork; and (iii) a manifold element located in a manifold chamber and between a first base of the first fork and a second base of the second fork; wherein the first fork element, the second fork element, and / or the manifold element are each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow into the corresponding element.

[0173] In some configurations, the nose inlet includes a first fork element and a second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas streams entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

[0174] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a manifold element and a second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the second fork and within the manifold chamber via the second fork element and the manifold element, respectively.

[0175] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, and / or the manifold element includes an orifice for reducing the gas flow path.

[0176] In some configurations, the orifice has a cross-sectional opening smaller than the cross-section of the flow passage for at least one of the first fork, second fork, or manifold chamber.

[0177] In some configurations, the first fork has a first fork length and the second fork has a second fork length, wherein the first fork length and the second fork length are different.

[0178] In some configurations, the first fork is longer than the second fork to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0179] In some configurations, the length of the first fork is shorter than the length of the second fork, so as to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0180] In some configurations, the first fork has a first fork cross-sectional width and the second fork has a second fork cross-sectional width, wherein the first fork cross-sectional width and the second fork cross-sectional width are different.

[0181] In some configurations, the cross-sectional width of the first fork is greater than that of the second fork, in order to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0182] In some configurations, the cross-sectional width of the first fork is smaller than that of the second fork, in order to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0183] In some configurations, the first fork has a first end and the second fork has a second end, and wherein the geometry of the first end and the geometry of the second end are different to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0184] In some configurations, at least one of the first or second ends narrows or tapers to form a nozzle shape.

[0185] In some configurations, at least one of the first or second ends is widened or tapered to form a diffuser shape.

[0186] In some configurations, the first fork has a first inner surface and the second fork has a second inner surface, wherein at least one of the first inner surface or the second inner surface has a surface feature configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one first fork or the second fork.

[0187] In some constructions, surface features are formed in a concentric pattern around a first inner surface or a second inner surface as ridges of rings, spirals, or bands.

[0188] In some configurations, the surface features are fins patterned as lines, bands, or strips along a fundamental axial direction on a first or second inner surface.

[0189] In some configurations, the surface features are different when they exist on the first inner surface and the second inner surface, in order to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0190] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork and the second fork has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, which is configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one of the first forks or the second fork.

[0191] In some constructions, the non-circular cross-sectional shape is reduced by the size of the circular cross-sectional shape removed from it.

[0192] In some constructions, the non-circular cross-sectional shape is basically U-shaped.

[0193] In some constructions, the non-circular cross-sectional shape is a basic polygon.

[0194] In some configurations, the non-circular cross-sectional shape is different when it is present on each of the first and second forks, in order to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0195] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork and the second fork includes a base restraint at the base of the fork, the base restraint being configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0196] In some configurations, the base limiting part is a nozzle or diffuser formed at the base of the fork.

[0197] In some configurations, when base restrictors are present on the first and second forks, the base restrictors are different to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0198] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork and the second fork includes a valve located within the fork, the valve being configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0199] In some configurations, the valve is designed to restrict or prevent the flow of gas through it until the gas flow exceeds a predetermined pressure.

[0200] In some configurations, the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0201] In some configurations, the valve is a one-way valve.

[0202] In some configurations, when a valve is present in each of the first and second forks, the valves have different characteristics to induce asymmetric gas flows at the first and second forks.

[0203] In some configurations, the nasal interface also includes a third fork, wherein the first, second, and third forks are spaced apart to engage as adjacent pairs into the patient’s nostrils, wherein at least one of the first, second, or third forks has flow characteristics different from the other forks to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at each fork.

[0204] In some configurations, the nose interface also includes a closure for releasably preventing gas flow through the first, second, or third fork.

[0205] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nose interface is provided, comprising: a first fork having a first base and a first end; a second fork having a second base and a second end; a gas manifold; a first gas inlet; and an auxiliary gas inlet; wherein the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are in fluid communication with a first gas delivery conduit and a second gas delivery conduit, respectively; wherein the nose interface is configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0206] In some configurations, the first gas inlet terminates in a gas manifold.

[0207] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas inlet terminates in the first or second fork.

[0208] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas inlet is in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas delivery conduit.

[0209] In some configurations, at least one of the first gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a second internal cross-sectional area.

[0210] In some constructions, one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0211] In some constructions, the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are different.

[0212] In some configurations, the second internal cross-sectional area is smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first or second fork.

[0213] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit are arranged on the same side of the gas manifold.

[0214] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit is located within the gas delivery conduit.

[0215] In some configurations, at least one of the first gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes a second length.

[0216] In some configurations, the first length and the second length are not equal to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0217] In some configurations, the first length is longer than the second length to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0218] In some configurations, the first length is shorter than the second length to induce or promote asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0219] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit is connected to the first gas flow, and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit is connected to the second gas flow.

[0220] In some configurations, the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0221] In some configurations, the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is different from the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0222] In some configurations, one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an intake flow.

[0223] In some configurations, the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from that of the second gas flow.

[0224] In some configurations, negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0225] A patient interface is provided that includes the nasal interface described herein, based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0226] In some configurations, the patient interface also includes a cap to hold the nose interface on the patient's face.

[0227] In some configurations, the patient interface also includes a gas delivery conduit in fluid communication with a gas inlet.

[0228] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit is a vent pipe.

[0229] In some configurations, the gas manifold is integrally formed with or connected to the gas delivery conduit.

[0230] In some configurations, a gas delivery conduit connects a gas inlet to a patient catheter, which receives gas from a flow generator.

[0231] In some configurations, the patient interface also includes a gas delivery catheter retainer clip.

[0232] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system is provided, comprising: a respiratory therapy device including: a controller; a blood oxygen saturation sensor; an ambient air inlet; an oxygen inlet; a valve in fluid communication with the oxygen inlet to control the flow of oxygen through the oxygen inlet; and a gas outlet; wherein the controller is configured to control the valve based on at least one measurement of oxygen saturation from the blood oxygen saturation sensor; and a patient interface as described herein.

[0233] Features from one or more embodiments or constructions can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or constructions. Furthermore, more than one embodiment or construction can be used together in a respiratory support system during a patient's respiratory support process.

[0234] As used in this article, the term “(multiple)” following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular forms of that noun.

[0235] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both, in a context where both are permissible.

[0236] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least part of". When interpreting each statement containing the term "comprising" in this specification, features other than the one or more features preceding that term may also exist. Related terms such as "including" and "having" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0237] References to the numerical ranges disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) are also intended to include references to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), as well as references to any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and thus all subranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are also explicitly disclosed. These are merely examples of specific intentions, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​are considered to be explicitly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0238] This disclosure can also be broadly defined as any part, element, or feature individually or jointly mentioned or indicated in the description of this application, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements, or features.

[0239] In this document, specific entities that have known equivalents in the field covered by this disclosure are referred to, and such known equivalents are considered to be incorporated herein as if described separately.

[0240] This disclosure includes the foregoing and also envisions the following constructions, which are given as examples only. Attached Figure Description

[0241] Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0242] Figure 1A This is a left front perspective view of an exemplary construction of a patient interface of this disclosure, which includes a nasal interface.

[0243] Figure 1B This is the right front perspective view of the patient interface.

[0244] Figure 1C This is the left front exploded perspective view of the patient interface.

[0245] Figure 1D This is a front view of the nose connector.

[0246] Figure 2 The front view of the nose interface according to this disclosure schematically shows the elements.

[0247] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the components of the nose interface.

[0248] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic front view of the components in a possible configuration.

[0249] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A A schematic front view of the components in a possible configuration.

[0250] Figure 4 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0251] Figure 5 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0252] Figure 6 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0253] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Front view of the modified nose connector.

[0254] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Front view of the modified nose connector.

[0255] Figure 9 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0256] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Front view of the modified nose connector.

[0257] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The front view of the nose interface schematically shows the components.

[0258] Figure 12 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0259] Figure 13 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0260] Figure 14 This is a front view of a modified nose interface according to this disclosure.

[0261] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Front view of the modified nose connector.

[0262] Figure 16 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0263] Figure 17 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0264] Figure 18 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0265] Figure 19 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0266] Figure 20 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0267] Figure 21 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0268] Figure 22 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose interface fork.

[0269] Figure 23 It is based on Figure 1D Front view of the modified nose connector.

[0270] Figure 24 A respiratory therapy system incorporating a patient interface and a nasal interface of this disclosure is shown.

[0271] Figure 25 The control loop of a respiratory therapy system for closed-loop oxygen saturation (SpO2) control is shown.

[0272] Figure 26 An alternative respiratory therapy system combining a patient interface and a nasal interface of this disclosure is shown.

[0273] Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of a patient catheter that can be used in the respiratory therapy system of this disclosure and / or used with a nasal interface is shown.

[0274] Figure 28 A cross-sectional view of an alternative patient catheter that can be used in and / or with a nasal interface in the respiratory therapy system of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0275] A patient interface can be used to deliver breathing gases into a patient's airway. The patient interface may include a nasal interface, which can be used to deliver a flow of gas to the patient. A nasal delivery element (such as a nose fork or nose pillow) is inserted into the patient's nose to deliver the desired treatment. The nose delivery fork may need to be sealed at the nose to deliver the treatment. One or more nasal delivery elements may include a nose pillow to seal at the nose.

[0276] A system for delivering gas to a patient via a nasal inlet has been disclosed.

[0277] The system provides an asymmetric flow of gas to each nostril, for example, creating a pressure difference at the first and second nasal forks of the nasal interface. As described herein, asymmetric flow refers to different flows within the nasal interface (e.g., nasal forks) or within the nose (e.g., different flows between nostrils). Thus, different flows can be delivered by each nasal fork. Asymmetric flow may also include partially unidirectional flow.

[0278] The delivery of asymmetric flow can improve the clearance of dead zones in the upper airway. The described nasal interface is configured to generate this asymmetric flow through flow-limiting elements.

[0279] The flow generated by respiratory therapy depends on the flow through the nasal openings, which in turn depends on the pressure at each nasal fork. If the pressure at each nasal fork is different, an asymmetrical gas flow will be produced.

[0280] If the flow, leakage, or combination of flow and leakage through the nasal inlet is asymmetrical, the flow through the nose may become asymmetrical during breathing. Partial unidirectional flow can be an asymmetrical flow. Partial unidirectional flow can provide improved clearance of anatomical dead zones as air is flushed out of the upper airway. Partial unidirectional flow may be more comfortable than fully unidirectional flow. Fully unidirectional flow as described herein includes all flow entering one nostril through the nasal delivery fork and exiting through the other nostril. Partial unidirectional flow as described herein includes flow that can enter the nose through both nostrils and exit through one nostril, flow that can enter the nose through one nostril and exit through both nostrils, or flow that can enter the nose through both nostrils in different proportions and / or exit through both nostrils in different proportions, and may be flow that can enter the nose through both nostrils and exit through both nostrils or one nostril and optionally exit through the mouth. If there is a pressure difference between the first and second nasal forks, the first nasal fork will receive more airflow from the air inlet than the second nasal fork during inspiration. During exhalation, the second nostril, associated with the second nasal fork, will expel more air than the first nostril, associated with the first nasal fork. The pressure difference between the first and second nasal forks can vary depending on whether the patient is in the inspiratory or expiratory phase of their respiratory cycle.

[0281] Asymmetric flow assessment can be applied over an appropriate period of time. For example, it can be applied over one respiratory cycle of the patient or, alternatively, over different numbers of respiratory cycles.

[0282] Partial unidirectional flow can reduce turbulence in the patient's nasal cavity, which can improve comfort.

[0283] Figures 1A to 1DAn exemplary patient interface 10 is shown, which includes a nasal interface 100 having a first nasal fork 111 and a second nasal fork 112. The nasal interface includes a gas manifold 120, which includes a gas inlet 121.

[0284] The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 are in fluid communication with the gas inlet 121 via a manifold 120. The gas inlet 121 is located at the manifold 120 such that the first nose fork 111 is closer to the gas inlet 121, while the second nose fork 112 is further away from the gas inlet 121. The gas manifold 120 forms a manifold chamber 125 to allow gas to pass through it. Therefore, in some configurations, the gas inlet 121 is located on one side of the gas manifold 120 or otherwise offset to one side.

[0285] The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 have flow passages to allow gas to flow through them. The flow passages of the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 are formed by their respective inner walls. The gas manifold 120 is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit 300 connected through the gas inlet 121. The gas manifold 120 can be removably attached to or integrally molded to the gas delivery conduit 300.

[0286] In the illustrated configuration, gas flows from the gas delivery conduit 300 through the gas inlet 121, through the manifold chamber 125 to the first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112, and through their respective flow channels to the patient's nostrils. Therefore, the direction of the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 defines an upstream and downstream direction. However, it is important to emphasize that the gas flow is not limited to one direction. For example, a patient's exhalation can provide a gas flow in the opposite direction, such as entering the gas manifold 120 through the first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112. However, the upstream and downstream definitions as defined above are used herein.

[0287] In the illustrated configuration, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 can be formed as part of the interface body 118. The interface body 118 is a facial mount for engagement with a patient's face. The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 are integrally molded with or removably attached to the interface body 118.

[0288] The interface body 118 component can be connected to or coupled to the gas manifold component 120a, or can be integrally formed or permanently coupled to the gas manifold component 120a. The interface body 118 and the gas manifold portion 120a form the gas manifold 120.

[0289] The interface body 118 may be formed of a soft, flexible material, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other polymers known in the art. The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 may be soft and may be formed of a sufficiently thin layer of silicone or other suitable material to achieve this characteristic. The interface body 118 and the nose forks 111, 112 may be formed, for example, of an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the geometry of the patient's nostrils and / or cheeks and providing an effective pneumatic seal.

[0290] The interface body 118 includes two side arms that extend laterally outward from either side.

[0291] In the illustrated configuration, the side arm includes wings 113 and 114 extending laterally from either side of the interface body 118. Wings 113 and 114 are integrally formed with the interface body 118, but may alternatively be separate components.

[0292] In some configurations, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 extend generally upward and backward from the interface body 118.

[0293] In some configurations, the second nose fork 112 is closer to the gas inlet 121, while the first nose fork 111 is further away from the gas inlet 121.

[0294] Gas inlet 121 is an opening, orifice, or port in gas manifold 120 for releasable or permanent connection to a conduit such as gas delivery conduit 300. In some arrangements, gas inlet 121 may form a tube or passage extending from or being part of gas manifold 120. In some arrangements, gas inlet 121 has fastening or connection devices for securing to a conduit.

[0295] The gas manifold 120 may include a single gas inlet 121.

[0296] In the illustrated configuration, the first nose fork 111 has an opening at its tip or end 131 for delivering gas from the gas manifold 120. Gas delivered through the first nose fork 111 exits via the first end 131. The first nose fork 111 has a first base 135 at its end opposite the first end 131. The first base 135 is another opening and connects to the gas manifold 120, allowing gas to flow from the manifold chamber 125 to the first nose fork 111. The first base 135 may be integrally formed to or removably connected to the interface body 118.

[0297] The second nose fork 112 has an opening at its tip or end 132 for delivering gas from the gas manifold 120. Gas delivered through the second nose fork 112 exits the first nose fork 112 via the second end 132. The second nose fork 112 has a second base 136 at its end opposite the second end 132. The second base 136 is another opening connected to the gas manifold 120 and allows gas to flow from the manifold chamber 125 to and through the second nose fork. The second base 136 may be integrally formed to or removably connected to the interface body 118.

[0298] The first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112 can have any suitable shape to seal or insert into the patient's nostrils. For example, in one configuration, the first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112 can be substantially tubular and can be sized to be larger than the patient's nostrils, but can be soft or flexible to deform and seal with the nostrils when inserted into them. In one example, the first nasal fork 111 and / or the second nasal fork 112 are curved and optionally curved to point towards the back of the patient's head during use. The first nasal fork 111 and / or the second nasal fork 112 can also be configured such that their outlets point towards the midline plane of the nasal interface 100. When the nasal interface 100 is used, this midline position can be parallel to the patient's sagittal plane. In other words, when the nasal interface 100 is used, the outlets of the first nasal fork 111 and / or the second nasal fork 112 can point towards the patient's sagittal plane. In one configuration, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 may be flexible or malleable and are sized to form a non-sealing arrangement with the nostrils. In another configuration, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 may not enter the nostrils but are located proximally. In some configurations, the nose forks 111, 112 are more flexible or malleable than the interface body 118.

[0299] The nasal interface 100 provides a patient interface suitable for delivering a high-flow, high-humidity gas stream into the patient's nasal cavity / nostril. In some configurations, the nasal interface 100 is adapted to deliver high-flow-rate gas over a wide flow range (e.g., approximately 8 lpm, or higher depending on other therapeutic applications, possibly such as 10-50 lpm or higher). In some configurations, the nasal interface 100 is adapted to deliver relatively low-pressure gas.

[0300] Gas manifold component 120a can be inserted into interface body 118 to form gas manifold 120. Interface body 118 may include at least one generally horizontal side access passage 118a, 118b that leads to the base or interior of interface body 118 for releasably receiving the outlet of gas manifold component 120a therethrough.

[0301] The gas manifold component 120a can optionally be inserted into the interface body 118 from either of two opposite horizontal directions, i.e., from the left or right. In this way, the orientation of the gas flow manifold component 120a can be reconfigured relative to the interface body 118. In other words, depending on the most convenient situation, such as which side the gas source or respirator is located on, the user can choose to have the gas inlet 121 of the manifold component 120a (and the conduit 300 extending therefrom) extend from the left or right side of the interface body 118 of the nasal interface 100.

[0302] The interface body 118 may include a pair of opposing side access passages 118a, 118b leading to the base or interior of the interface body 118, each side access passage being adapted to releasably receive an outlet of the gas manifold component 120a passing therethrough.

[0303] The interface body 118 is shaped to generally follow the contours of the patient's face around the upper lip region. The interface body 118 is molded or pre-shaped to conform and / or be flexible in the facial region where the cannula will be positioned to adapt to, conform to, and / or correspond to the contours of the user's face. In some configurations, the interface body 118 includes a portion or recess that receives a portion of the patient's nose and reduces pressure on the underside of the received portion.

[0304] A head cap can be used to hold the nose inlet 100 on the patient's face. The head cap includes a headband 200. The headband 200 may be a single continuous length and is adapted to extend along the patient's cheeks, above the ears, and around the back of the head during use; it may be adjustable and / or may extend around other parts of the patient's head.

[0305] In the exemplary configuration shown, the main ends 2011 and 2021 of the headband 200 are adapted to be releasably connected to corresponding structures 101 and 102 located on either side of the nose inlet 100 to hold the nose inlet 100 in place during use.

[0306] In one configuration, a clamping member is provided at each end 2011, 2021, capable of being received and held within the corresponding configuration 101, 102. The clamping member can be attached to the strap at the corresponding main end. Furthermore, the length of the headband 200 is adjustable to aid in adjusting the strap according to the wearer's head. The headband 200 can be formed of a soft and stretchable / elastic material, such as an elastic textile / fabric that is comfortable for the wearer. Alternatively, the headband 200 can be formed of a substantially more rigid or less flexible material, such as a hard plastic material.

[0307] The headgear may also include additional straps or other headgear components that connect the headband 200 to extend over the patient's head during use. The headband or headgear component may have the benefit of pulling the strap 200 up and above the patient's ears during use to improve fit and comfort.

[0308] Usually, but also refer to Figures 1A to 1C In one exemplary configuration of the adjustable belt 200, the adjustment mechanism is provided in the form of one or more insertable / removable belt segments or belt extensions 2201.

[0309] Fixed-length strap segments 2201 can be releasably connected to the main strap 210 to extend its length. In this configuration, the main strap 210 includes a pair of intermediate or secondary ends 2031, 2041 releasably connected to each other and also releasably connected to corresponding ends 2211 and 2221 of the strap segments 2201. When the secondary ends 2031 and 2041 are connected to each other, the main strap 210 has a continuous initial length / size for the wearer. To extend the length of the strap 200 beyond this initial length, the main strap 210 can be broken at the secondary ends 2031 / 2041, and one or more additional strap segments 2201 can be connected between the secondary ends.

[0310] Multiple strip segments 2201 with different predetermined lengths can be provided to offer optional adjustable lengths. For example, one or more strip segments 2201 may have lengths ranging from approximately 1 cm to approximately 10 cm, or from approximately 2 cm to approximately 6 cm. Strip segment 220 has lengths of, for example, approximately 2 cm, approximately 4 cm, or approximately 6 cm. It should be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting, and the length of each strip segment can be any size, as it depends on the user and / or application.

[0311] Furthermore, each end 2211, 2221 of each belt segment 2201 can be connected to a corresponding end 2211, 2221 of another belt segment 2201 and / or to a corresponding secondary end 2031, 2041 of the main belt 210, thereby enabling the user to combine one or more belt segments 2201 with the same or varying lengths to adjust the total length of the extension as needed.

[0312] The additional strap segments can be formed from soft and stretchable / elastic materials, such as elastic textiles / fabrics for wearer comfort. For example, the tubular braided headband or sections of headband 210 can be adjusted, particularly for user comfort around the ears.

[0313] It should be understood that the headband provides exceptional comfort by providing proper positioning of the nose inlet 100 in a relatively stable position on the user's face, while also providing a relatively loose or low-tension fit around the user's head.

[0314] Alternatively, the additional strips can be formed from a fundamentally rigid material, such as a hard plastic material.

[0315] A belt connector 2301 is provided at each of the secondary ends 2031, 2041 of the main belt 210 and the corresponding ends 2031, 2041 of the belt segment 2201.

[0316] Each tape connector 2301 has a tape connection mechanism at one end for connecting to tape material, and a connection mechanism at the opposite end for releasably connecting the corresponding end of a similar connector 2301.

[0317] In an alternative, the connector 2301 can be a variety of adjustable buckles adapted to adjust the length or tension of the headband segment 210 that holds the patient interface in the proper position around the user's head.

[0318] It should also be understood that connector 2301 can be positioned offset from the midpoint of the back of the user's head, or it can be offset to one side of the user's head. This may be advantageous in order to avoid impacting part of the user's head, which could otherwise be uncomfortable for the user in some positions, such as when sleeping.

[0319] In another configuration, the tape segments can have different lengths to allow for asymmetrical positioning or to facilitate operation when the connector 2301 is offset. Furthermore, there can be two tape segments 210, one of which may have an adjustable length while the other does not. For example, one tape segment 210 may have a constant length or be permanently attached to the connector 2301.

[0320] In an exemplary configuration, the belt connection mechanism may include a series of internal teeth located within the connector body for establishing a frictional engagement with the corresponding ends of the belt. A hinged jaw is provided on the body and closes onto the teeth to securely hold the ends of the belt on the teeth. A releasable connection mechanism at the other end includes a pair of male and female members, such as a protrusion and a hole, both adapted to connect to corresponding male and female members of a connector similar to 230. Lugs on the protrusions can engage with recesses in the female members to provide a snap-fit ​​engagement between the members. It should be understood that in alternative configurations, any other suitable connector configuration may be used to releasably connect the secondary ends of the belt to each other and to the ends of additional belt segments.

[0321] Cannula connectors 2401 are located at the main ends 2011 and 2021 of the main strap 210. These connectors 2401 have a strap connection mechanism similar to that of the strap connectors 2301 at the secondary ends 2031 and 2041, but include clamping members such as push-fit clamps 2411 at the ends of the connectors 2401 opposite to the strap ends. The clamps 2411 are configured to releasably engage corresponding configurations 101, 102 at the sides of the nasal inlet 100. The clamping member 2411 may be a flexible component that forms a hinge with respect to the strap, such as a plastic component. The clamps 2411 may be pre-formed to have a curved shape along their length. In one example, the clamps 2411 may be pre-formed with two or more portions that are angled relative to each other, for example, between 0 degrees and 20 degrees. This curvature and / or angle allows the clamps 2411 to conform to the contours of the patient's face in the area of ​​the clamps 2411.

[0322] The nasal inlet 100 may include sleeves 270. Each sleeve 270 may be pre-formed to have a curved shape along its length. In one example, each sleeve 270 may be pre-formed with two or more portions at an angle relative to each other, for example, between 0 and 20 degrees. This curvature and / or angle allows the sleeve to adapt to the contours of a patient's face or cheek in its area of ​​use. Alternatively, the sleeve 270 may be in the shape of a curved sleeve when engaged with the main ends 2011, 2021 of the headband 200 or the connector 2401.

[0323] Sleeve 270 provides a surface area with a relatively high-friction surface material for frictional engagement with a user's face or facial skin. This surface area is positioned for frictional engagement with the user's facial cheek skin. This surface area is at least localized to a band or band segment that will be positioned on the user's cheek. The surface area with the relatively high-friction surface material can be a material that is smooth and comfortable for the patient's skin. Therefore, sleeve 270, or at least surface area 271, is formed of a material that is relatively softer than connector 2401.

[0324] In one configuration, the surface region 271 or sleeve 270 is formed of a soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), but may alternatively be formed of other plastic materials such as silicone or any other biocompatible material.

[0325] Surface region 271 can be a wider surface region that is closer to the patient interface than a surface region further away from the patient interface. In one configuration, sleeve 270 tapers from a relatively wide surface region 273 to a relatively smaller surface region 274 in a direction extending away from the connection point between connector 2401 and nose interface 100. The width of the sleeve at end 273 can be the same as or similar to the width of the tapered distal ends of the corresponding wings 113, 114 of the interface body 118. This provides a smooth transition between the nose interface 100 and the headgear.

[0326] The sleeve 270 may be colored to provide identification of the nose inlet 100. As described herein, the nose inlet may be provided in different sizes, such as small, medium, and large. The sleeve 270 for each of these sizes may include different colors to indicate the different sizes. Alternatively or additionally, the sleeve may be colored in a specific manner to indicate that the nose forks 111, 112 have asymmetrical nasal flow rather than symmetrical nasal flow.

[0327] For headgear used with interfaces other than nasal cannula, a cheek support 270, as described or similar, may be included at or near either end of the headgear's strap. This cheek support is connected to the nasal interface and is designed to engage with the user's face to secure the mask to the cheek. Such a headgear may also include a single headband adapted to extend in use along the patient's cheek, above the ears, and around the back of the head, and its ends include clips of any suitable type that are attached (or permanently attached to) the nasal interface on either side.

[0328] Reference Figures 1A to 1C In the illustrated configuration, the patient interface 10 includes a tube retaining clip 280. The tube retaining clip 280 can support a patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing from a portion of the patient interface 10. By supporting the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing from or near the nasal interface 100, bending moments applied to the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing 300 due to asymmetric flow through the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 and / or movement of the patient's head will be prevented by the tube retaining clip 280, thereby improving patient comfort.

[0329] In the illustrated configuration, the tube retainer 280 includes a tubular body 281 for receiving and accommodating a portion of a patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tube therein.

[0330] In the illustrated configuration, the tube retainer clip 280 supports the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing from the cap of the patient interface. In an alternative configuration, the tube retainer clip 280 may support the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing from a portion of the nasal interface 100 of the patient interface. For example, the tube retainer clip 280 may support the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing from the interface body 118. In some configurations, the tube retainer clip 280 may support the patient interface from one or both of the wings 114, 115 of the nasal interface 100.

[0331] Hook 282 protrudes from tubular body 281 to attach to headband or other components of headgear. In this way, catheter 300 can be attached to or secured to headband 210 or headgear during use. If catheter 300 is pulled, the force will be applied to headband 210 rather than directly to cannula 100. This repositioning of force reduces the likelihood of the forks 111 and 112 of nasal inlet 100 ejecting from the patient's nostrils.

[0332] One or more tethering points for the connecting tube retainer 280 may be located on the cap, preferably having at least two symmetrical tethering points on either side of the cap to increase usability.

[0333] It should also be understood that the tube retainer clamp 280 can be removed from the patient catheter 300 or other gas supply tubing, or it can be a permanent fitting on the patient catheter or other gas supply tubing.

[0334] The tube retainer clip 280 can be attached (removably or permanently) or retained to a portion of the patient interface 10, such as an interface portion that provides a relatively rigid area (e.g., to support the patient catheter 300). The tube retainer clip can also be positioned or secured at a specific location on the patient catheter 300, such as providing a predetermined position to hold the retainer clip in place.

[0335] In some configurations, one or both of the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 ensure that a gap is maintained between the outer surface of the fork and the patient's skin to avoid a seal between the nasal inlet 100 and the patient. This provides a gas path for gas flow around the outer surfaces of the nasal forks 111, 112.

[0336] The patient interface 10 may have any one or more features and functions described in PCT Publication No. WO2014 / 182179 or U.S. Patent No. 10,406,311. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0337] As an alternative to the head cap, the patient interface may include a fixation system of the type described in PCT Publication No. WO2012 / 053910 or U.S. Patent No. 10,238,828. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0338] The nasal interface may have any one or more features described in the nasal locator of U.S. Patent No. 10,918,818. The contents of that specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0339] Reference Figure 2 It shows a reference Figures 1A to 1D The patient interface 10 of the nasal interface 100. Additionally, at least one element is provided that is configured or arranged to increase the resistance to gas flow through the nasal interface or a portion thereof.

[0340] Figure 2 The diagram schematically shows a first fork element 201, a second fork element 202, and a manifold element 203, which are configured or arranged to increase the resistance to the gas flow through the respective first fork 111, second fork 112, and manifold 120.

[0341] The components 201, 202, and 203 used throughout the text can also be referred to as flow restrictors or flow limiters.

[0342] Although Figure 2 The first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, and the manifold element 203 are shown, but in several configurations detailed below, a single element 201, 202, or 203 may be present in the nose interface 100, or any combination of two elements (e.g., the second fork element 202 and the manifold element 203) may be present.

[0343] When present, the second fork element 202 is located within the second fork 112 and serves to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the second fork 112. The second fork element 202 may be located at or near the second base 136, at or near the second end 132, or at any location between the second end 132 and the second base 136.

[0344] In some configurations, the flow resistance provided by any of the elements 201, 202, 203 described herein can allow very little (negligible) or no flow to pass through the element.

[0345] When present, manifold element 203 is positioned within manifold chamber 125 and serves to increase the flow resistance of gas flow through gas manifold 120. Manifold element 203 is positioned between inlets for flow passages between corresponding first forks 111 and second forks 112, for example, between first base 135 and second base 136. Therefore, in a configuration where gas inlet 121 is located on one side of gas manifold 120, gas flow from gas inlet 121 through manifold chamber 125 will be restricted for one proximal fork, but not for the other. Specifically, when first fork 111 is near gas inlet 121, gas flow is not restricted by manifold element 203 to reach first base 135 because gas inlet 121 and first base 135 are in fluid communication without gas passing through manifold element 203. The gas flow from gas inlet 121 through manifold chamber 125 to second base 136 is restricted by manifold element 203 because gas inlet 121 and second base 136 are in fluid communication where gas must pass through manifold element 203.

[0346] When present, manifold element 203 divides manifold chamber 125 into an upstream portion 141 and a downstream portion 142 located on either side of manifold element 203. The upstream portion 141 is located on the gas inlet 121 side of gas manifold 120.

[0347] When present, the first fork element 201 is positioned within the first fork 111 and serves to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the first fork 111. The first fork element 201 may be located at or near the first base 135, at or near the first end 131, or at any location between the first end 131 and the first base 135.

[0348] When present individually in the nasal inlet 100, each of the elements 201, 202, and 203 causes an asymmetric gas flow at the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, and thus at each nostril. This asymmetric flow results in a pressure difference between the first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112, and consequently, a pressure difference between the patient's nostrils. Therefore, a single first fork element 201, second fork element 202, or manifold element 203 can provide flow restriction to correspondingly cause an asymmetric gas flow at each fork 111, 112. Similarly, a combination of second fork element 202 and manifold element 203 (without first fork element 201) will result in restriction of flow to the second fork 112, which will lead to asymmetric flow. However, the presence of a first fork element 201 and a second fork element 202 (or manifold element 203) that restricts gas flow in a similar manner at each first fork 111 and second fork 112 will not produce an asymmetric gas flow. However, in some configurations, elements 201, 202, and 203 can be configured to restrict flow in different sizes so as to provide asymmetric flow even when there is a combination of flow restricting the first fork 111 and the second fork 112.

[0349] In some configurations, the nose fork closest to the gas inlet 121 is not restricted because the gas flow is minimally disturbed by the geometry from the gas inlet 121 to the corresponding nose fork. Therefore, as... Figure 2In some configurations, the first fork 111 may be absent without any first element 201. In some configurations, when the first fork element 201 is present, at least one of the second fork 112 and the gas manifold 120 is without any element or flow restriction. In some configurations, when the second fork element 202 is present, at least one of the first fork 111 and the gas manifold 120 is without any element or flow restriction. In some configurations, when the manifold element 203 is present, at least one of the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 is without any element or flow restriction. Each of the at least one element described herein induces asymmetric flow at the patient's nostrils. In the example, when gas flow is supplied to the patient, optionally during the patient's inhalation phase, the patient's exhalation phase, or during the patient's respiratory cycle, each of the at least one element induces asymmetric flow at the patient's nostrils. In some configurations, elements 201, 202, and 203 passively induce flow restriction.

[0350] Although components 201, 202, and 203 are shown as rectangles, these components 201, 202, and 203 can take any suitable form. Examples of this are provided below.

[0351] The flow restriction sections provided by components 201, 202, and 203 can take various forms to accommodate the required flow differences between the forks. (See reference) Figures 3A to 3C Elements 201, 202, and 203 take the form of a plate or wall 205. Plate 205 is positioned or formed in forks 111, 112, or manifold chamber 125. Plate 205 is positioned to span a passageway through which gas flows. Plate 205 includes holes 207 to allow gas flow through it. The holes 207 formed in the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, or the manifold element 203 provide openings smaller than the flow passageway and restrict gas flow through it.

[0352] In some configurations, plate 205 is positioned essentially centrally as a passageway through which gas flows.

[0353] Hole 207 can be located at the center of plate 205, or it can be eccentric within the plate.

[0354] Reference Figure 3B Plate 205 has a surface facing the gas flow from gas inlet 121 (e.g., upstream direction). This is inlet surface 211. Plate 205 has a surface facing the opposite direction to the gas flow from gas inlet 121 (e.g., downstream direction). This is outlet surface 213. Holes 207 are formed to extend between the surfaces, such that plate 205 has a thickness.

[0355] The inlet surface 211 transitions between the flow-facing surface and the forming hole 207 (e.g., the wall of hole 207). Figure 3B In this design, the transition 214 between the inlet surface 211 and the orifice surface 207 is a sharp-corner transition 214. The sharp-corner transition 214 can be substantially a right angle formed between the two surfaces. Alternatively, the transition can be formed as a rounded or chamfered edge. The equivalent rounded or chamfered angle from the inlet surface 211 to the chamfered sharp-corner transition 214 has an angle between approximately 75° and 110°. The sharp corner 214 causes disturbance to the gas flow, such as turbulence. This results in additional disturbance to the flow caused by elements 201, 202, and 203.

[0356] The outlet surface 213 transitions between the orifice 207 and the wake. Figure 3B In the process, the transition 216 between the orifice 207 and the outlet surface 213 is a smooth angle transition 216 with a rounded or chamfered edge. The equivalent rounded or chamfered angle from the outlet surface 213 to the chamfered smooth angle transition 216 has an angle between approximately 30° and 75°. The smooth angle 216 allows gas to flow out of the orifice 207 to fill the flow channels passing through elements 201, 202, and 203.

[0357] Reference Figure 3C The transition 215 between the inlet surface 211 and the hole surface 207 is a smooth angle inlet transition 215. Therefore, it is similar to a smooth angle outlet transition 216. The equivalent fillet or chamfer angle from the inlet surface 211 to the chamfered smooth angle transition 215 has an angle between approximately 30° and 75°.

[0358] In some configurations, the sharp-angle inlet transition 214 or the smooth-angle inlet transition 215 has a larger angle or chamfer angle than the smooth-angle outlet transition 216. This ensures that the gas flow is disturbed when entering the orifice 207.

[0359] The variations in smooth and sharp transitions 214, 215, and 216 result in elements 201, 202, and 203 having higher discharge coefficients than the equivalent plate 205 with a hole 207 having the same inner diameter.

[0360] The smooth angular transition 216 at the outlet surface 213 ensures that, for example, the gas flow toward the manifold chamber 125 via the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 having the first fork element 201 or the second fork element 202 is less restricted during the patient's exhalation. Therefore, gas buildup in either of the patient's nostrils is avoided.

[0361] In some configurations, the diameter of orifice 207 may be reduced at a location, for example near the outlet surface 213, such that the change in cross-section results in an increased pressure drop relative to the inlet surface 211 with a larger diameter, and thus allows for smoother entry into elements 201, 202, 203. This change in the diameter of orifice 207 can be configured as a nozzle.

[0362] When formed as an orifice, the orifice 207 can be of any shape, such as circular, or it can be triangular, square, or any polygonal shape. Multiple orifices 207 can be formed in the plate 205. In some examples, a non-perforated but non-adjacent plate 205 with one or more small gaps can be provided, or an adjacent wall with a perforated pattern can be provided. Porous media such as filters can be used as the plate 205. Gap, slit, or cutout can be formed in the plate 205, extending longitudinally, vertically or horizontally relative to the plate 205 itself. Perforated walls or the plate 205 can have the benefit of reducing acoustic noise generation.

[0363] In some configurations, elements 201, 202, and 203 may have varying surface textures in the gas flow path to provide a pressure drop through the elements 201, 202, and 203. Essentially, coarser regions can have an increased pressure drop.

[0364] In some configurations, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, or the manifold element 203 may be in the form of a valve to cause a pressure drop to restrict flow. (See reference) Figure 4 The patient interface 10 is shown, which has a reference Figures 1A to 1D and Figure 2 The nose inlet 100 is described. The manifold element 203 includes a manually adjustable flow restrictor 220.

[0365] In this configuration, the gas manifold 120 has a manifold element 203 which is connected to or formed together with the flow restrictor 220 adjustment mechanism, which can be actuated from the outside of the gas manifold 120.

[0366] In some configurations, the flow restrictor 220 has a slider 221 disposed on the exterior of the gas manifold 120 for adjusting the position of the body 222 of the flow restrictor 220 within the manifold chamber 125. The body 222 of the flow restrictor provides a variable opening through the manifold chamber 125 by varying how much of the flow path cross-sectional area is “open” or effective and how much gas flow passes through the manifold element 203 to the second fork 112. In some configurations, the manifold chamber 125 gradually narrows between a first base 135 and a second base 136. The flow restrictor 220 can be moved along the manifold chamber 125, for example, in a direction toward or away from the gas inlet 121, such that the passage in the manifold chamber 125 between the first base 135 and the second base 136 varies. In use, by actuating the slider 221 along the exterior of the gas manifold 120, the flow restrictor 220 is moved closer to the first fork 111 to block flow to the second fork 112. Depending on the size or height of the body 222, the degree of restriction can be greater or less. Conversely, moving the element toward the second fork 112 reduces the restrictive effect on the flow to the second fork 112 because the gas flow path in the manifold chamber 125 is less restricted.

[0367] In some arrangements, the flow restrictor 220 can be further moved into the manifold chamber 125 to provide a smaller opening, for example, by vertical movement. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path varies through the body 222, leaving a smaller effective orifice for flow. These movements can all be applied to a single flow restrictor 220.

[0368] Reference Figure 5 The patient interface 10 is shown as having a reference. Figures 1A to 1D , Figure 2 and 4 The flow restrictor 220 of the manifold element 203 is replaced by a rotatable restrictor 225. (The nose inlet 100 is mentioned.)

[0369] A rotatable limiter 225 is arranged to extend through the gas manifold 120, with an inner portion located within the manifold chamber 125 and an outer portion located outside the gas manifold 120. The rotatable limiter 225 is adjustable to increase or decrease the gas flow through the manifold chamber 125 located downstream of the manifold element 203. The rotatable limiter 225 has a helical portion to allow rotation, further moving the rotatable limiter 225 into the manifold chamber 125 to effectively reduce or increase the flow through its orifice. Adjustment is made by rotating the outer portion of the rotatable limiter located outside the gas manifold 120. Therefore, the gas flow from the gas inlet 121 is limited at the second fork 112 by the rotatable limiter 225, and the amount of limitation can be changed.

[0370] The threads of the rotatable limiter 225 help to hold the manifold element 203 in place, allowing clinicians to safely construct the nasal interface 100 as needed, without the risk of the manifold element 203 being bumped or displaced at a later point in time.

[0371] The valves of manifold element 203 (e.g., flow restrictor 220 or rotatable restrictor 225) can be controlled manually or electronically.

[0372] Although Figure 4 and Figure 5 The manifold element 203 is referenced, but either the first fork element 201 or the second fork element 202 can utilize this valve. Furthermore, the sliding or rotating functions of the flow restrictor 220 or the rotatable restrictor 225 valve can be combined.

[0373] Reference Figure 6 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is as per reference. Figures 1A to 1D As described herein, and may optionally be combined with other constructions described herein.

[0374] In this configuration, a manifold opening 230 is formed in the wall of the gas manifold 120. The manifold opening 230 allows a portion of the gas to pass through it and exit the manifold chamber 125. The manifold opening 230 may include one or more orifices.

[0375] In this configuration, a manifold element 203 is present, as described elsewhere herein. Thus, the manifold chamber 125 is divided into an upstream portion 141 and a downstream portion 142 on either side of the manifold element 203. The upstream portion 141 is located on the gas inlet 121 side of the manifold chamber 125. A manifold opening 230 is located in the downstream portion 142.

[0376] In some configurations, the manifold opening 230 is positioned on the wall of the gas manifold 120 generally opposite to the gas inlet 121. In other configurations, the manifold opening 230 is positioned on the wall of the gas manifold 120 generally opposite to the second base 136. In some configurations, these can be the same location.

[0377] As mentioned above Figure 2 The manifold element 203 is a restrictive portion for gas flow. Therefore, the upstream portion 141 is typically under higher pressure because the gas flow is restricted by the manifold element 203 to reach the downstream portion 142. This is especially true during patient inspiration. Thus, more gas flow will travel through the unobstructed / unrestricted first fork 111 compared to the second fork 112.

[0378] When a patient exhales, gas may leak into the unsealed surrounding environment of the second fork 112. Gas can also flow back into the gas manifold 120 via the second fork 112. In the presence of manifold element 203, this can cause an increase in pressure in the downstream portion 142 because it restricts gas flow through manifold element 203. Manifold opening 230 allows some gas to escape into the environment. Thus, in some configurations, it can prevent the amount of pressure experienced in the nasal inlet 100 from reaching undesirable levels.

[0379] Factors that may increase pressure in the downstream section 142 also include excessive blockage of the patient's nostrils. In some cases, this may be due to incorrect selection of the interface size.

[0380] The manifold opening 230 can be used as an exhalation outlet.

[0381] During inhalation, some gas flow may be expelled through manifold opening 230, causing not all gas flowing from upstream portion 141 to downstream portion 142 to pass through second fork 112. However, even if a certain amount of gas flow does not enter second fork 112 but is expelled into the environment through manifold opening 230, the increased pressure will have the effect of reducing the exhaled airflow from the nostrils associated with second fork 112. This has the benefit of increased asymmetry, which is also achieved by positioning manifold element 203.

[0382] Reference Figure 7 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is as described in reference... Figure 6 The aforementioned includes a manifold opening 230 formed in the wall of the gas manifold 120.

[0383] In this configuration, manifold opening 230 is configured to connect to pressure drop member 232. Pressure drop member 232 is configured to prevent overpressure from occurring. This helps to prevent potential overpressure in the downstream portion 142 of manifold chamber 125, as described above with reference to manifold opening 230 itself.

[0384] Various configurations are possible for the pressure drop member 232. In one configuration, the pressure drop member 232 is a porous medium, such as a filter. In another configuration, the pressure drop member 232 is a nozzle. Other members 232 that result in commonly known pressure drops may also be used.

[0385] In some configurations, the pressure-reducing member 232 is an auxiliary tube. The auxiliary tube may be a nasogastric tube, i.e., extending to at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112.

[0386] In another configuration, the pressure drop member 232 is a valve. This valve can be a pressure reducing valve with a defined pressure threshold at which it opens. In other configurations, the valve relies on the flow rate to increase the flow rate based on the flow-pressure relationship. Therefore, the pressure in the downstream section 142 is controlled and allowed to be released in a controlled manner while maintaining asymmetric flow.

[0387] For clarity, in some configurations, the manifold opening 230 and the pressure drop member 232 can be combined such that the manifold opening 230 is the nozzle, valve, porous medium, auxiliary tube, or other component itself, rather than an opening to such component. In one example, the manifold opening 230 and the pressure drop member 232 are a one-way valve that allows insertion of an auxiliary tube (e.g., a nasogastric tube). The one-way valve can be a flexible valve.

[0388] The pressure drop component 232 can be manually or electronically controlled. For example, it can be controlled by means of a valve so that it opens or closes in response to a pressure threshold.

[0389] In some configurations, the pressure drop element 232 is a bubble-type CPAP (BCPAP) chamber configured to control pressure. The use of bubble-type CPAP allows for the observation of an indication of the minimum pressure. For example, if bubbling is present when set to 2 cmH2O, this indicates positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Therefore, clinicians or caregivers can configure this pressure drop element 232 to change either pressure or flow rate. Flow rate and pressure can be configured independently.

[0390] In some configurations, leakage or expulsion of gas into the surrounding environment at the non-sealed forks 111, 112 and / or at the manifold opening 230 reduces positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Consequently, the therapy profile changes due to the expulsion function.

[0391] exist Figure 6 and 7 The manifold element 203 has been described in the existing construction. However, the presence of the manifold element 203 as described is not required. Instead, in some constructions, where preferred flow is provided to the first fork 111 or the second fork 112, the manifold opening 230 can still be implemented to assist pressure while maintaining asymmetric flow. Furthermore, in some constructions including the manifold opening 230, the first fork element 201 or the second fork element 202, or other features, may be present to induce asymmetric flow as described throughout this document. The manifold opening 230 and the optional pressure drop member 232 reduce the risk of pressure damage, for example, due to improper fitting.

[0392] Reference Figure 8 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is as per reference. Figure 2 As described.

[0393] In this arrangement, the manifold element 203 is configured as a one-way valve 204. Therefore, when the one-way valve 204 is closed, a portion of the flow restriction section is used to prevent flow from the downstream portion 142 from flowing into the upstream portion 141 through the manifold element 203.

[0394] The one-way valve 204 can also be used as a flow restrictor, as described elsewhere herein with reference to manifold element 203. Thus, the valve can provide flow restriction, for example, by having an opening smaller than the cross-section of the manifold chamber 125, to reduce the gas flow from upstream portion 141 to downstream portion 142. Therefore, asymmetric flow is provided between the first branch 111 and the second branch 112.

[0395] In some configurations, the check valve 204 is a duckbill valve.

[0396] Because pressure may accumulate in the downstream portion 142 of the manifold chamber 125 by implementing the one-way valve 204, this arrangement can be used in conjunction with... Figure 8 As shown and referenced above Figure 6 The manifold opening 230 assembly is described above. Similarly, it can also be implemented with reference to... Figure 7 The pressure drop component 232 is described.

[0397] Figure 9 An exemplary patient interface 10 is shown, which includes a nose interface 100 having a first nose fork 111 and a second nose fork 112. The components of the patient interface 10 are shown in reference. Figures 1A to 1D Similar reference numerals are used herein for similar features.

[0398] The nose interface includes a gas manifold 120, which includes a first gas inlet 121 and a second gas inlet 122. The gas manifold 120 forms a manifold chamber 125 to allow gas to pass through it. The nose interface 100 includes flow-changing features to provide asymmetric flow at one of the forks 111, 112.

[0399] The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 are in fluid communication with the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 via a gas manifold 120. The first gas inlet 121 is positioned at the gas manifold 120 such that the first nose fork 111 is closer to the first gas inlet 121, while the second nose fork 112 is further away from the first gas inlet 121. The second gas inlet 122 is positioned at the gas manifold 120 such that the second nose fork 112 is closer to the second gas inlet 122, while the first nose fork 111 is further away from the second gas inlet 122.

[0400] In some configurations, the positions of these forks are reversed, such that the second nose fork 112 is closer to the first gas inlet 121, while the first nose fork 111 is closer to the second gas inlet 122.

[0401] In some configurations, the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 are located on opposite sides of the gas manifold 120. In other configurations, the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0402] The first fork 111 and the second fork 112 have flow passages to allow gas to flow through them. The flow passages of the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are formed by their respective inner walls.

[0403] The gas manifold 120 is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit 300, which is connected to the gas manifold 120 through a first gas inlet 121 and a second gas inlet 122.

[0404] In some configurations, the gas delivery conduit 300 has a first gas delivery conduit 301 connected to a first gas inlet 121 and a second gas delivery conduit 302 connected to a second gas inlet 122. The gas delivery conduit 300 may be divided into a first delivery conduit 301 and a second delivery conduit 302, for example, by a Y-shaped member. In some other configurations, the first gas delivery conduit 301 and the second gas delivery conduit 302 are directly connected to one or more flow generators. The gas manifold 120 can be removably attached to or integrally molded to the gas delivery conduit 300, the first gas delivery conduit 301, or the second gas delivery conduit 302.

[0405] The first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 are openings, holes, or ports in the gas manifold 120 for releasable or permanent connection to conduits, such as the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the second gas delivery conduit 302. In some arrangements, the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 may form a tube or channel extending from or being part of the gas manifold 120. In some arrangements, the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 have fastening or connection devices for securing to the conduit.

[0406] In the illustrated configuration, gas flows from the first gas delivery conduit 301 through gas inlet 121, through manifold 125 to the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, and through their respective flow channels to the patient's nostrils. Gas also flows from the second gas delivery conduit 302 through gas inlet 122, through manifold 125 to the second fork 112 and the first fork 111, and through their respective flow channels to the patient's nostrils. However, in some configurations, gas can flow in the opposite direction, for example during exhalation, where gas from the patient's nostrils can flow through the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 into the gas manifold 120.

[0407] In the illustrated configuration, the first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112 can be formed as part of the interface body 118. The interface body 118 is a facial mount for engaging with a patient's face. The first nasal fork 111 and the second nasal fork 112 are integrally molded with the interface body 118 or removably attached to the interface body.

[0408] The interface body 118 component can be connected to or joined to the gas manifold 120 component, or can be integrally formed with or permanently joined to the gas manifold 120 component.

[0409] The interface body 118 may be formed of a soft, flexible material, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other polymers known in the art. The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 may be soft and may be formed of a sufficiently thin layer of silicone or other suitable material to achieve this characteristic. The interface body 118 and the nose forks 111, 112 may be formed, for example, of an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the geometry of the patient's nostrils and / or cheeks and providing an effective pneumatic seal.

[0410] The interface body 118 includes two side arms extending laterally outward from either side. In the illustrated configuration, the side arms include wings 113 and 114 extending laterally from either side of the interface body 118. Wings 113 and 114 are integrally formed with the interface body 118, but may alternatively be separate components.

[0411] In some configurations, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 extend generally upward and backward from the interface body 118.

[0412] In the illustrated configuration, the first nose fork 111 has an opening at its tip or end 131 for delivering gas from the gas manifold 120. Gas delivered through the first nose fork 111 exits via the first end 131. The first nose fork 111 has a first base 135 at its end opposite the first end 131. The first base 135 is another opening and connects to the gas manifold 120, allowing gas to flow from the manifold chamber 125 to the first fork 111. The first base 135 may be integrally formed with or removably attached to the interface body 118.

[0413] The second nose fork 112 has an opening at its tip or end 132 for delivering gas from the gas manifold 120. Gas delivered through the second nose fork 112 exits the first nose fork 112 via the second end 132. The second nose fork 112 has a second base 136 at its end opposite the second end 132. The second base 136 is another opening connected to the gas manifold 120 and allows gas to flow from the manifold chamber 125 to the second fork 112 and through the second fork. The second base 136 may be integrally formed with or removably attached to the interface body 118.

[0414] The first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 can have any suitable shape to seal or insert into the patient's nostrils. For example, in one configuration, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 can be substantially tubular and can be sized to be larger than the patient's nostrils, but can be soft or flexible to deform and seal with the nostrils when inserted into them. In another configuration, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 can be soft or flexible to deform, and are sized to form a non-sealing arrangement with the nostrils. For example, the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112 may not enter the nostrils but are located proximally. In some configurations, the nose forks 111, 112 are softer or more flexible than the interface body 118.

[0415] The first gas delivery conduit 301 and the second gas delivery conduit 302, or the first gas inlet 121 or the second gas inlet 122, can be configured to provide asymmetric flow to the first branch 111 and the second branch 112.

[0416] In some configurations, such as when the passage is circular, the flow-changing features that provide asymmetric flow include conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 with different (unequal) internal passage diameters (lumens). The difference in diameter results in different characteristics of the gas flow through the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 and thus to the corresponding proximal nasal forks 111, 112.

[0417] In some configurations, the diameter of the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is larger than the diameter of the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122. Alternatively, the diameter of the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is smaller than the diameter of the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122.

[0418] In some configurations, such as when the passage is non-circular, the flow-changing characteristics providing asymmetric flow include conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 having different internal passage cross-sections (lumens). While not limited thereto, non-circular shapes include elliptical, straight-edged, or any polygonal shape. Combinations may also be provided of circular internal passages for one of conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 and non-circular shapes for the other. The difference in cross-section between conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 results in different characteristics of gas flow through the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122, and thus to the corresponding proximal nasal forks 111, 112.

[0419] In some configurations, the cross-section of the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is larger than the cross-section of the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122. Alternatively, the cross-section of the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is smaller than the cross-section of the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122.

[0420] In some configurations, flow-changing features providing asymmetric flow include conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 with internal passages (cavities) of different lengths. For example, gas delivery conduit 300 may be split at different sections to provide a first gas delivery conduit 301 and a second gas delivery conduit 302. Alternatively or additionally, in some configurations, the length of the conduit from the Y-shaped member may be different for the first gas delivery conduit 301 and the second gas delivery conduit 302. Alternatively or additionally, the first gas inlet 301 and the second gas inlet 302 may also be formed as tubes extending from the gas manifold 120 (which connects to the gas delivery conduits 301, 301) of different lengths. The difference in length results in different characteristics of the gas flow through the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 and thus to the corresponding proximal nose forks 111, 112.

[0421] In some configurations, the length of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is longer than the length of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122. Alternatively, the length of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 is shorter than the length of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122.

[0422] In some configurations, flow-modifying features providing asymmetric flow include conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122 having internal flow-modifying elements or relief features. These elements may include, but are not limited to, fins, baffles, protrusions, partitions, blades, or any other limiting portions. The flow-modifying elements may differ between conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122, or may be present only in one of conduits 301, 302 or inlets 121, 122. The flow-modifying elements result in different characteristics of the gas flow through the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122 and thus to the corresponding proximal nose forks 111, 112. The flow-modifying elements may be elements as described elsewhere herein, such as those used for the first fork 111 and the second fork 112.

[0423] In some configurations, the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 includes an internal flow modification element (or pressure relief feature), while the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122 does not include an internal flow modification element (or pressure relief feature). Alternatively, the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 does not include an internal flow modification element, while the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122 includes an internal flow modification element. Alternatively, the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 includes an internal flow modification element that has a greater influence on the flow of the internal flow modification element in the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122. Alternatively, the internal passage of the first gas delivery conduit 301 or the first gas inlet 121 includes an internal flow modification element that has a smaller influence on the flow of the internal flow modification element in the internal passage of the second gas delivery conduit 302 or the second gas inlet 122.

[0424] Reference Figure 10 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is as described in reference... Figure 9 The aforementioned includes a first gas inlet 121 and a second gas inlet 122.

[0425] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first gas delivery conduit 301 and the second gas delivery conduit 302 are connected to different gas flows. Therefore, the first gas delivery conduit 301 and the second gas delivery conduit 302 are not separated from the single gas delivery conduit 300.

[0426] A first gas delivery conduit 301 is connected to a first gas flow 303 (i.e., in fluid communication with it), and a second gas delivery conduit 302 is connected to a second gas flow 304 (i.e., in fluid communication with it). The first gas flow 303 and the second gas flow 304 have different flow characteristics as flow-changing features, such as different flow rates or even flow directions. Therefore, due to the different flows entering the gas manifold 120 near the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, the different flow characteristics of the first gas flow 303 and the second gas flow 304 cause asymmetric flow at the first fork 111 and the second fork 112. For example, different gas pressures are formed near the inlets (bases 135, 136) of each fork 111, 112. In the case that one of the first gas flow 303 or the second gas flow 304 has a negative pressure (e.g., suction), different gas pressures are formed near the inlets (bases 135, 136) of each fork 111, 112, resulting in asymmetric flow.

[0427] In some configurations, the flow-changing feature providing asymmetric flow includes a first gas flow 303 delivering a gas flow at a higher rate than the second gas flow 304 and thus delivering it to the corresponding proximal forks 111, 112. Alternatively, the first gas flow 303 delivers a gas flow at a lower rate than the second gas flow 304 and thus delivers it to the corresponding proximal forks 111, 112.

[0428] In some configurations, the flow-changing features providing asymmetric flow include a first gas flow 303 having a gas flow at a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure and a second gas flow 304 having a gas flow at a negative pressure. Alternatively, the first gas flow 303 has a gas flow at a negative pressure, while the second gas flow 304 has a gas flow at a positive pressure.

[0429] In some configurations, to prevent excessive mixing of the first gas flow 303 and the second gas flow 304, a manifold element 203, as described elsewhere herein, may be disposed between the first branch 111 and the second branch 112, and thus between the first inlet 121 and the second inlet 122. The manifold element 203 may partially restrict the flow or may completely restrict the flow.

[0430] Reference Figure 11 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is as described in reference... Figure 9 The aforementioned includes a first gas inlet 121 and a second gas inlet 122.

[0431] Additionally, in this configuration, a first fork element 201, a second fork element 202, a manifold element 203, a first gas inlet element 209, and a second gas inlet element 208 are provided as flow-changing features to increase the resistance to the gas flow therethrough. The first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, and the manifold element 203 may be the same as those described elsewhere herein, for example, referring to... Figure 2 .

[0432] Although Figure 11 The first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, the manifold element 203, the first (gas) inlet element 209 and the second (gas) inlet element 208 are shown with the following detailed construction, but individual elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 may be present in the nose interface 100, or any combination of elements may be present.

[0433] The components 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 used throughout the text can also be referred to as flow restrictors or flow limiting parts.

[0434] When present, the second fork element 202 is positioned within the second fork 112 and configured to increase the resistance to the gas flow through the second fork 112. The second fork element 202 may be positioned at or near the second base 136, at or near the second end 132, or at any location between the second end 132 and the second base 136.

[0435] In some configurations, the flow resistance provided by any of the elements 201, 202, 203, 208, 209 described herein may allow very little (e.g., negligible) or no flow to pass through the element.

[0436] When present, manifold element 203 is positioned within manifold chamber 125 and serves to increase the flow resistance of gas flow through gas manifold 120. Manifold element 203 is positioned between inlets for flow passages between corresponding first forks 111 and second forks 112, for example, between first base 135 and second base 136. Similarly, manifold element 203 is positioned between first gas inlet 121 and second gas inlet 122. Therefore, since first gas inlet 121 is substantially positioned on the side of gas manifold 120 closer to first fork 111, gas flow from first gas inlet 121 through manifold chamber 125 will be restricted for the second fork 112 positioned on the opposite side of manifold element 203, but not for the other first fork 111 closer to first gas inlet 121. Similarly, since the second gas inlet 122 is substantially located on the other side of the gas manifold 120 near the second fork 112, the gas flow from the second gas inlet 122 through the manifold chamber 125 will be restricted for the first fork 111 located on the opposite side of the manifold element 203, but will not be restricted for the second fork 112 near the second gas inlet 122.

[0437] When present, the first fork element 201 is positioned within the first fork 111 and serves to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the first fork 111. The first fork element 201 may be positioned at or near the first base 135, at or near the first end 131, or at any location between the first end 131 and the first base 135.

[0438] When present, the first gas inlet element 209 is positioned close to the first inlet 121 and is used to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the first inlet 121 (e.g., from the first gas delivery conduit 201 into the manifold chamber 125). The first inlet element 209 can be positioned anywhere between the first gas delivery conduit 301 and a location within the gas manifold 120 prior to the first base 135. In some arrangements, where the first gas inlet 121 is a pipe or channel, the first inlet element 209 is positioned within the channel or at the end of the channel.

[0439] When present, the second gas inlet element 208 is positioned close to the second inlet 122 and is used to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the second inlet 122 (e.g., from the second gas delivery conduit 302 into the manifold chamber 125). The second inlet element 208 can be positioned anywhere between the second gas delivery conduit 302 and a location within the gas manifold 120 prior to the second base 136. In some arrangements, where the second gas inlet 122 is a pipe or channel, the second inlet element 208 is positioned within the channel or at the end of the channel.

[0440] Each of elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209, individually or in combination, induces an asymmetric gas flow through the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, and thus at each nostril. Therefore, a single first fork element 201, second fork element 202, manifold element 203, second inlet element 208, or first inlet element 209 can provide flow restriction to correspondingly induce an asymmetric gas flow through each fork 111, 112. In the case of the second inlet element 208 or the first inlet element 209, the flow restriction induced by a single element 208, 209 has the same characteristics as referenced... Figure 9 Describe the similar and different gas delivery conduits 301, 302 or gas inlets 121, 122. Therefore, the flow through the first gas inlet 121 or the second gas inlet 122 will differ from the other gas inlets, and thus cause different flows supplied to the proximal nose forks 111, 112.

[0441] In some configurations, there are individual elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209, while other elements are absent. Therefore, at least one of the first fork 111, the second fork 112, the manifold chamber 125, the first inlet 121, or the second inlet 122 is not subject to flow restrictions, for example, by elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209.

[0442] A combination of two or more elements 201, 202, 203, 208, 209 will also result in a restriction of flow to at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112, which will cause asymmetric flow.

[0443] Although variations in the magnitude of the flow restrictions in each of elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 allow for various combinations of asymmetric flow at forks 111 and 112, some combinations are interpreted non-restrictively as follows:

[0444] 1) The first inlet element 209 and the second inlet element 208 are combined, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the gas manifold 120 through the first gas inlet 121 and the second gas inlet 122, respectively. Each of the first inlet element 209 and the second inlet element 208 has different characteristics so as to affect the flow in different ways. Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0445] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, or the manifold element 203 are not present.

[0446] 2) The first inlet element 209 is combined with the manifold element 203, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow therethrough. Therefore, the flow through the first gas inlet 121 to the first fork 111 is restricted by the first inlet element 209. However, the manifold element 203 also ensures that the flow through the second gas inlet 122 across the manifold chamber 125 to the first fork 111 is also restricted. The flow from the second gas inlet 122 to the second fork 112 is unimpeded (or has minimal resistance). Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0447] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, or the second inlet element 208 are not present.

[0448] 3) The second inlet element 208 is combined with the manifold element 203, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow therethrough. Therefore, the flow through the second gas inlet 122 to the first fork 112 is restricted by the second inlet element 208. However, the manifold element 203 also ensures that the flow through the first gas inlet 121 across the manifold chamber 125 to the second fork 112 is also restricted. The flow from the first gas inlet 121 to the first fork 111 has no resistance (or minimal resistance). Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0449] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, or the first inlet element 209 are not present.

[0450] 4) The first fork element 201 and the second fork element 202 are combined, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, respectively. Each of the first fork element 201 and the second fork element 202 has different characteristics so as to affect the flow in different ways. Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0451] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the first inlet element 209, the second inlet element 208, or the manifold element 209 are not present.

[0452] 5) The first inlet element 209 is combined with the manifold element 203 and the first fork element 201, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow therethrough. Therefore, the flow through the first gas inlet 121 to the first fork 111 is restricted by the first inlet element 209 and the first fork element 201. However, the manifold element 203 ensures that the flow through the second gas inlet 122 across the manifold chamber 125 to the first fork 111 is also restricted. The flow from the second gas inlet 122 to the second fork 112 is unimpeded (or has minimal resistance). Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0453] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the second fork element 202 or the second inlet element 208 is not present. In some arrangements, the manifold element 203 can be removed if the first fork element 201 performs a similar function.

[0454] 6) The combination of the second inlet element 208 with the manifold element 203 and the second fork element 202 is each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow therethrough. Therefore, the flow through the second gas inlet 122 to the second fork 112 is restricted by the second inlet element 208 and the second fork element 202. However, the manifold element 203 also ensures that the flow through the first gas inlet 121 across the manifold chamber 125 to the second fork 112 is restricted. The flow from the first gas inlet 121 to the first fork 111 has no resistance (or minimal resistance). Therefore, the flow to each fork 111, 112 and thus to each nostril is asymmetrical.

[0455] In this arrangement, in some configurations, the first fork element 201 or the first inlet element 209 is absent. In some arrangements, the manifold element 203 may be removed, and the second fork element 202 performs a similar function of restricting flow from the first gas inlet 121 to the second fork 112.

[0456] Although elements 201, 202, and 203 are shown as rectangles, these elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 can take any suitable form. For example, these elements can be orifice plates with a single hole, orifice plates with multiple holes, venturi throats, or nozzles. Other examples are provided in this disclosure.

[0457] For reference Figure 11 The described construction can be combined with any other part of this disclosure. For example, the form of the elements (e.g., refer to...) Figures 3A to 3C The hole 207 (described as being formed in the plate or wall 205) can be applied to elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 of this construction. Similarly, for reference... Figure 4 and 5The described rotatable limiter 225 or the manual flow limiter 220 with a slider 221 can also be applied to elements 201, 202, 203, 208, and 209 of this configuration. The flow rate variations of the first gas flow 303 and the second gas flow 304 can be used in combination with this configuration. (Reference) Figures 6 to 8 The manifold opening 230 and the optional pressure drop member 232 can also be applied to this configuration.

[0458] Reference Figure 12 The image shows a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is as described with reference to FIG1.

[0459] Furthermore, in this configuration, the gas delivery conduit 300 is in fluid communication with the first gas flow 303, as shown in the reference. Figure 10 As described in the first gas delivery conduit 301. The first gas flow 303 provides a gas flow with a specific set of characteristics (e.g., flow rate or flow velocity).

[0460] The nasal interface 100 of this configuration also includes an auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305. The auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is smaller than the gas delivery conduit 300; for example, the inner diameter of the inner lumen of the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner lumen of the gas delivery conduit 300. The auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is smaller than the first fork 111. For example, the inner diameter of the inner lumen of the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is smaller than the inner diameter of the flow passage of the first fork 111.

[0461] Auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 and as referenced Figure 10 The second gas flow 304 is connected (fluid communication). Therefore, the second gas flow 304 has different characteristics from the first gas flow 303.

[0462] An auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is located within the gas delivery conduit 300 and extends into the manifold chamber 125. The auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 terminates in the first nose fork 111 and thus has a gas outlet leading to the first nose fork 111. Because the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is smaller than the first nose fork 111 and the gas delivery conduit 300, it does not obstruct the conduit and also allows the first gas flow 303 to flow through it.

[0463] The second gas flow 304 via the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 causes asymmetric flow at the first fork 111 and the second fork 112, because the different gas properties are directed only to the first fork 111 and thus to a single nostril of the patient. The gas flow from the first gas flow 303 is directed to the second fork 112 without any flow restriction.

[0464] The different gas characteristics of the first gas flow 303 and the second gas flow 304 can also be as shown in the reference. Figure 10The aforementioned negative pressure. Therefore, a lower dynamic pressure is provided at one of the nose forks 111 and 112.

[0465] In some configurations, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is positioned outside and / or extends parallel to the gas delivery conduit 300. In some configurations, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is in fluid communication with a flow generator at its inlet; in other configurations, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit 300 at its inlet, wherein the characteristics of the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 induce a flow different from that of the gas delivery conduit 300 at its outlet. In some configurations, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 has its outlet located at the first end 131 of the first fork 111; alternatively, the auxiliary gas delivery conduit 305 extends to the second fork 112 and has its outlet there, thus inducing an asymmetric flow between forks 111 and 112.

[0466] Reference Figure 13 The image shows a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is similar to the arrangement described with reference to Figure 1.

[0467] In this configuration, the nose inlet 100 includes a flow guiding element 240 to provide an asymmetric gas flow to the first fork 111 and the second fork 112.

[0468] A flow guiding element 240 is formed at or near the gas inlet 121. The flow guiding element 240 is configured as a sub-channel to guide the gas flow to the first fork 111. The flow guiding element 240 guides the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 into the first fork guiding flow 243. Thus, a majority of the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 is guided into the first fork 111 and into the patient's nostrils.

[0469] In this configuration, the flow guiding element 240 is formed as a curved channel, having an inlet end 246 facing the gas delivery conduit 300 and an outlet end 247 facing the first end 131 of the first fork 111. The inlet end 246 is positioned in the gas manifold 120, between the gas inlet 121 and the first base 135. The outlet end 247 is positioned in the first fork 111, at or between the first base 135 and the first end 131.

[0470] In some configurations, the inlet end 246 of the flow guiding element 240 is positioned in the gas delivery conduit 300 or in the gas inlet 121. In some configurations, the outlet end 247 of the flow guiding element 240 is positioned in the gas manifold 120 and faces the first base 135 of the first fork 111.

[0471] The flow guiding element 240 is positioned to provide a first fork gap 242 between itself and the inner wall of the first fork 111. Therefore, the external dimensions of the portion of the flow guiding element 240 positioned within the first fork 111 (e.g., outlet end 247) are smaller than the internal dimensions of the first fork 111. The first fork gap 242 provides a first manifold guiding flow 245. The first manifold guiding flow 245 allows flow along the first fork 111, i.e., in the direction from the first end 131 to the first base 135, to be partially guided through the first fork gap 242. Thus, patient exhaled air entering the first fork 111 can be at least partially guided as the first manifold guiding flow 245 through the first fork gap 242 and flow into the gas manifold 120 in the direction of the second fork 112.

[0472] The shape of the flow guide element 240 can be described as having angled protrusions.

[0473] The turbulent gas flow or the flow that interacts with the patient's exhaled flow appearing from the outlet end 247 of the flow guiding element 240 may also be the first manifold guiding flow 245 before reaching the patient's nostrils.

[0474] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first fork gap 242 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet end 247 of the flow guiding element 240. However, in some configurations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first fork gap 242 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet end 247 of the flow guiding element 240.

[0475] In some configurations, the flow guiding element 240 is positioned to provide a manifold gap 241 between itself and the inner wall of the gas manifold 120. The manifold gap 241 provides a second manifold guiding flow 244. The second manifold guiding flow 244 allows gas flow entering the gas manifold 120, i.e., from the gas delivery conduit 300, to be partially guided through the manifold gap 241. Therefore, a portion of the gas flow entering the gas manifold 120 is guided as the second manifold guiding flow 244 through the manifold gap 241 and flows into the gas manifold 120 in the direction of the second fork 112.

[0476] The cross-sectional area of ​​the manifold gap 241 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end 246 of the flow guiding element 240. However, in some configurations, the cross-sectional area of ​​the manifold gap 241 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet end 246 of the flow guiding element 240.

[0477] Therefore, the flow guiding element 240 guides all or most of the gas flow as the first fork guide flow 243 from the gas delivery conduit 300 into the first fork 111. The gas flow to the second fork 112 is the first manifold guide flow 245 through the first fork gap 242 and / or the second manifold guide flow 244 through the manifold gap 241.

[0478] The gas flow reaching the first fork 111 has less directional change as it passes through the flow guide element 240.

[0479] This arrangement results in a larger dynamic pressure at the first fork and a smaller dynamic pressure at the second fork 112. Therefore, an asymmetric flow is provided to forks 111 and 112.

[0480] Reference Figure 14 The image shows a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is similar to that described with reference to FIG1, and has the same characteristics as the referenced interface 100. Figure 13 The described flow guiding element 240 has different constructions.

[0481] In this configuration, the flow guiding element 240 provides an asymmetric gas flow to the first fork 111 and the second fork 112.

[0482] A flow guiding element 240 is formed at or near the gas inlet 121. The flow guiding element 240 includes a first angled protrusion 248 to guide the gas flow to the first fork 111. The first angled protrusion 248 is formed as a plate or wall. The gas flow from the gas inlet 121 enters the flow guiding element 240, and the first angled protrusion 248 is guided toward the first fork 111 as a first fork guiding flow 243. Therefore, the flow guiding element 240 and the first angled protrusion 248 generally guide the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 to the first fork 111. The greater dynamic pressure at the first fork 111 compared to the second fork 112 creates an asymmetric flow.

[0483] The first angled protrusion 248 is located within the gas manifold 120 near the gas inlet 121. Therefore, the flow guiding element 240 and the first angled protrusion 248 do not impede or (completely) restrict the flow in the manifold chamber 125, but rather rely on guiding the flow to provide an asymmetric flow to one of the forks 111, 112.

[0484] The flow provided to the second fork 112 via the first manifold guide flow 245 allows the patient's exhaled air to be guided back to the first fork 111 and can be guided by the opposite side of the first angled protrusion 248. Additionally, some flow may not be completely guided from the gas inlet 121 to the first nasal fork 111, but instead flows into the manifold chamber 125 and into the second fork 112.

[0485] In some configurations, to assist in guiding the flow, the gas inlet 121 is positioned on the wall of the gas manifold 120 generally opposite the first fork 111 (or the second fork 112, if necessary). Thus, the flow guiding element 240 and the first angled protrusion 248 facilitate the guidance of flow through the inlet into the gas inlet itself of the manifold chamber 125 to the associated forks 111, 112. This may also be referred to as the forward inlet 121.

[0486] In some configurations, the flow guiding element includes a second angled protrusion 249. The second angled protrusion 249 facilitates the first angled protrusion 248 in guiding the flow from the gas inlet 121. The first angled protrusion 248 and the second angled protrusion 249 are formed on opposite sides of the gas inlet 121. The first angled protrusion 248 and the second angled protrusion 249 can be formed in a nozzle shape.

[0487] The flow guiding element 240 can be positioned to guide the flow to the second fork 112 instead of the first fork 111 to provide asymmetric flow.

[0488] Reference Figure 15 A patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 is shown. This arrangement is consistent with a reference. Figure 14 The arrangement is the same as described, including the flow guiding element 240.

[0489] In this configuration, the nose interface 100 also includes an additional flow guiding element 250 or a second flow guiding element 250.

[0490] The second flow guide element 250 is arranged in or near the entrance of the first fork 111 within the manifold chamber 125, i.e., near the first base 135.

[0491] In addition to the flow guiding element 240, an additional flow guiding element 250 guides the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 into the first fork 111. Thus, the additional flow guiding element 250 further facilitates the flow 243 through the manifold chamber 125 into the first fork 111. This ensures that the majority of the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit 300 is directed into the first fork 111 and into the patient's nostrils, thus providing an asymmetric flow compared to the second fork 112.

[0492] The additional flow guiding element 250 is formed as an angled plate or wall, optionally having a wedge shape, thereby forming another nozzle shape at the inlet of the first fork 111 to guide the flow therein. The gas flow from the gas inlet 121 enters the flow guiding element 240 and is guided toward the first fork 111 as the first fork guided flow 243, and the additional flow guiding element 250 guides any flow that has been diverted into the first fork 111. The greater dynamic pressure at the first fork 111 compared to the second fork 112 creates an asymmetric flow.

[0493] The flow provided to the second fork 112 via the first manifold guide flow 245 directs the patient's exhaled air back to the first fork 111. An additional flow guiding element 250 forms a guiding channel for the first manifold guide flow 245 into the manifold chamber 125. Therefore, more of the exhaled air is directed into the manifold chamber 125 and thus towards the second fork 112. Additionally, some airflow may not be completely directed from the air inlet 121 into the first nasal fork 111, but instead flows into the manifold chamber 125 and into the second fork 112. The additional flow guiding element 250 also guides this flow as part of the second manifold guide flow 244.

[0494] The additional flow guiding element 250 can be positioned to guide the flow to the second fork 112 instead of the first fork 111 to provide asymmetric flow. This can be combined with the flow guiding element 240 that guides the flow to the second fork 112.

[0495] The flow guiding element 240 and the additional flow guiding element 250 can be combined with other configurations discussed herein. For example, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, the manifold element 203, the first inlet element 209, and the second inlet element 208 can be used to further restrict the flow. Similarly, multiple gas delivery conduits 300 can also be used as needed with one or more flow guiding elements 240 and additional flow guiding elements 250 to generate asymmetric flow at forks 111, 112.

[0496] The flow guiding elements 240 and 250 described herein can be formed as part of the gas inlet 121, gas manifold 120, or gas delivery conduit 300. That is, the flow guiding elements 240 and 250 can be formed as walls, components, or features of the gas inlet 121, gas manifold 120, or gas delivery conduit 300. This structure can be a separate structure subsequently integrated with the gas inlet 121, gas manifold 120, or gas delivery conduit 300, or it can be formed together (e.g., by extrusion or molding processes), or it can be part of an entire structure (e.g., for the nozzle shape of the gas inlet 121). The term "formed together" can also be understood to mean that the flow guiding elements 240 and 250 are not removable or permanently integrated with the gas inlet 121, gas manifold 120, or gas delivery conduit 300.

[0497] Reference Figure 16 The diagram shows a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is the same as that described with reference to FIG1, and, as will be readily understood, can be optionally combined with any disclosure herein without requiring any modification to the described features.

[0498] In this configuration, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are modified to have different lengths. Thus, a longer first fork 111a is provided, wherein the distance between the first end 131 and the first base 135 is longer than the distance between the second end 132 and the second base 136 of the shorter second fork 112a.

[0499] By providing a long first fork 111a and a short second fork 112a, the forks 111a and 112a are modified to have different internal flow resistances (relative to each other). Therefore, the amount of flow through each fork 111a and 112a is different as the gas flow must proceed further, and thus the resulting flow is asymmetrical. One approach is to make the forks have different lengths, noting that the flow resistance also depends on the length of the flow path.

[0500] In some configurations, the longer first fork 111a is lengthened relative to the second fork 112, such that the shorter second fork 112a has the same length as the second fork 112 as described elsewhere in this document. Alternatively, the shorter second fork 112a is shortened relative to the first fork 111, such that the longer first fork 111a has the same length as the first fork 111 as described elsewhere herein. However, in other arrangements, the lengths of both the first fork 111a and the second fork 112a are varied. This variation in relative length can be used to provide the desired asymmetric flow.

[0501] The change in length of forks 111a and 112a can be assumed to be based on the assumption that the inner diameter is the same. In some configurations, the inner diameter can be different, which results in different forks 111a and 112a requiring different lengths. In the infant patent interface 10, the effect of fork length is more significant when both the fork height and inner diameter are small. Therefore, small differences in fork length will have a relatively large impact on flow resistance and thus on asymmetric flow.

[0502] In some configurations, the second fork 112 is relatively longer than the first fork 111. Variations in fork lengths 111a and 112a can be combined with any of the disclosures herein, for example, the first fork element 201, the second fork element 202, the manifold element 203, the first inlet element 209, and the second inlet element 208 can be used to further restrict flow.

[0503] Forks of varying lengths, such as a long first fork 111a and a short second fork 112a, or any variation in the lengths of forks 111 and 112, can be combined with any construction described herein, such as, in a non-limiting example, with other features that provide asymmetric flow.

[0504] Reference Figure 17 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is identical to that described with reference to Figure 1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. As will be readily understood, no modifications to the described features will be required for any alternative combinations with any disclosure herein.

[0505] In this configuration, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are modified to have different end geometries. Thus, a nozzle-type first fork 111b is provided, wherein the first end 131 tapers or narrows at its tip to form a nozzle. A diffuser-type second fork 112b is disposed at the location where the second end 132 extends at its tip to form a diffuser.

[0506] In some configurations, one of a nozzle-type first fork 111b or a diffuser-type second fork 112b is provided.

[0507] By providing a nozzle-type first fork 111b and a diffuser-type second fork 112b, the forks 111b and 112b are modified to have different internal flow resistances (relative to each other). Therefore, the flow rate through each fork 111b and 112b is different because the gas flow has different outlet profiles determined by the ends 131 and 132.

[0508] The nozzle-type first fork 111b behaves like a nozzle, resulting in a higher velocity and narrower profile of the flow exiting the nozzle-type first fork 111b compared to the unmodified forks 111, 112. Therefore, the higher gas velocity at one fork will result in asymmetric flow.

[0509] The diffuser-type second fork 112b behaves similarly to a diffuser, thus guiding the flow exiting the diffuser-type second fork 112b with a wider profile and a lower exit velocity. Therefore, the lower gas velocity at one fork will result in asymmetric flow.

[0510] While the diffuser's effect is to result in a lower outlet velocity, in some configurations, another effect of using a diffuser-type second fork 112b is that the diffuser end may block the patient's nostril, where the end extends to fill the nasal cavity. This can lead to increased flow resistance. However, compared to the unmodified forks 111, 112, this has the advantage of generating a different gas flow. Therefore, an asymmetric flow is formed at the fork.

[0511] Another advantage of the diffuser-type second fork 112b is that noise can be attenuated compared to the unmodified forks 111, 112 or the nozzle-type first fork 111b. The same gas flow exiting through the larger opening has a lower velocity, and therefore produces less noise.

[0512] In some configurations, a nozzle may be disposed at the second fork 112 and / or a diffuser may be disposed at the first fork 111. The nozzle-type first fork 111b and diffuser-type second fork 112b described herein can be combined with any other configuration described herein, and optionally also with as referenced Figure 16 The described combinations of forks of different lengths.

[0513] Reference Figure 18 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is identical to that described with reference to FIG1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. It will be understood that no modifications are required to combine other features with the embodiments described herein.

[0514] In this configuration, the first fork 111 is modified to have an internal ridge. Thus, a ridged first fork 111c is provided, wherein a ridge 260 is formed on the inner surface of the ridged first fork 111c.

[0515] Through the ridged first fork 111c and the unmodified second fork 112, forks 111c and 112 have different internal flow resistances (relative to each other) due to their different inner surface areas. Therefore, the flow rate through each fork 111c and 112 is different because the gas flow varies, is obstructed, or is disturbed in the ridged first fork 111c, and the resulting flow is asymmetrical.

[0516] To increase the surface area, the ridge 260 is formed either as a groove in the inner surface of the ridged first fork 111c or as a protrusion in the inner surface of the ridged first fork 111c. In some structures, the ridge 260 is formed by adding material from the ridged first fork 111c; in other structures, the ridge 260 is formed by removing material from the ridged first fork 111c.

[0517] The ridge 260 may be formed in a substantially concentric pattern as a loop, spiral, or band inside the first fork 111c with the ridge. Any number of ridges 260 may be formed, such as a single ridge 260 or multiple ridges 260. The ridges 260 may be equally spaced or have varying spacing. The dimensions of the ridges 260 (e.g., protrusion dimensions) may be the same for all ridges 260 or may be varied.

[0518] In some configurations, the ridge 260 may be formed in the second fork 112. When formed in the second fork 112, or when the ridge 260 is absent in the first fork 111, or when the ridged first fork 111c has different ridges 260, different internal flow resistances are generated, thereby providing asymmetric flow at the fork.

[0519] The ridged first fork 111c can be combined with other constructions described herein, and can also optionally be combined with, for example, references Figure 16 The different lengths of forks and / or references Figure 17 The aforementioned combination of structures such as the nozzle-type first fork 111b / diffuser-type second fork 112b.

[0520] Reference Figure 19 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is the same as that described with reference to FIG1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. It will be understood that no modifications are required to combine other features with the embodiments described herein.

[0521] In this configuration, the first fork 111 is modified to have internal fins 261. Thus, a finned first fork 111d is provided, wherein fins 261 are formed on the inner surface of the finned first fork 111d.

[0522] The combination of the finned first fork 111d and the unmodified second fork 112 results in different internal flow resistances (relative to each other) due to their different inner surface areas. Therefore, the flow rate through each fork 111d and 112 is different because the gas flow varies, is obstructed, or is disturbed in the finned first fork 111d, and the resulting flow is asymmetrical.

[0523] To increase the surface area, fins 261 are either formed as grooves in the inner surface of the finned first fork 111d or as protrusions on the inner surface of the finned first fork 111d. In some configurations, fins 261 are formed by adding material from the finned first fork 111d; in other configurations, fins 261 are formed by removing material from the finned first fork 111d.

[0524] Fins 261 may be patterned as lines, bands, or strips in a generally axial direction within the first fork 111d of the finned fin. Any number of fins 261 may be formed, such as one fin 261 or multiple fins 261. Fins 261 may be equally spaced or have varying spacing. The dimensions of fins 261 (e.g., protrusion dimensions) may be the same for all fins 261 or may be varied.

[0525] In some configurations, fins 261 may be formed in the second fork 112. When formed in the second fork 112, fins 261 are either not present in the first fork 111, or the finned first fork 111d has fins 261 with different configurations, such as different sizes, arrangements, or numbers, to generate different internal flow resistances, thereby providing asymmetric flow at the fork.

[0526] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 The features described for ridge 260 or fin 261 can be collectively referred to as surface features.

[0527] The finned first fork 111d can be combined with other constructions described herein, and optionally with, for example, references... Figure 16 The different lengths of forks, reference Figure 17 The nozzle-type first fork 111b / diffuser-type second fork 112b, or refer to Figure 18 The construction combination such as ridge 260 in either the first fork 111 or the second fork 112.

[0528] Reference Figure 20 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is identical to that described with reference to Figure 1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. As will be readily understood, no modifications to the described features will be required for any alternative combinations with any disclosure herein.

[0529] In this configuration, the first fork 111 is modified to have a non-circular cross-section or a non-circular cross-sectional shape. Thus, a non-circular first fork 111e is provided, wherein the shape of the inner cavity of the non-circular first fork 111e differs from that of a cylinder or a basic cylinder (which is the typical shape of a catheter).

[0530] The combination of the non-circular first fork 111e and the unmodified second fork 112 results in different internal flow resistances (relative to each other) due to their different inner surface areas. Therefore, the flow rate through each fork 111e, 112 differs compared to the substantially circular cross-section of the second fork 112, because the gas flow is altered, obstructed, or disturbed in the non-circular first fork 111e, and the resulting flow is asymmetrical.

[0531] To increase or change the surface area, the profile of the non-circular first profile 111e can take various forms. In a non-limiting example, when viewed along the axial direction, the first profile 111f has a circular profile with additional smaller-diameter circular profiles formed on its walls. Therefore, the flow area of ​​the first profile is reduced by the size of the smaller-diameter circle. In another non-limiting example, when viewed along the axial direction, the second profile 111g has a circular profile with additional smaller-equivalent-diameter U-shaped profiles formed on its walls. The curved portion of the U-shape protrudes to the center of the circular profile. Therefore, the flow area of ​​the first profile is reduced by the U-shaped profile. In another non-limiting example, when viewed along the axial direction, the third profile 111h has a triangular profile with curved corners. Therefore, the flow area of ​​the first profile varies depending on the size of the third profile 111h, or the shape of the channel formed by the third profile 111h itself results in flow characteristics different from those of the circular profile. In some constructions, any profile other than a circular cross-section can be used.

[0532] The non-circular first fork 111e may be formed along the length of the fork, or may be formed partially along the fork, for example at one of the first end 131 and the first base 135 or between both. The dimensions and variations of the profile shape may vary along the length of the fork.

[0533] In some configurations, a non-circular profile (e.g., a first profile 111f, a second profile 111g, or a third profile 111h) may be formed in the second fork 112. When formed in the second fork 112, the non-circular first fork 111e may be replaced by an unmodified first fork 111, or the non-circular first fork 111e may have a different cross-sectional profile than the second fork 112. This results in different internal flow resistances, providing asymmetric flow at the fork.

[0534] The first contour 111f, the second contour 111g, and the third contour 111h can be oriented in any direction, just like the nose forks 111 and 112. Therefore, any feature (e.g., the protruding U-shaped shape of the first contour 111f or the second contour 111g, or the flat surface of the triangle of the third contour 111h) can face inward toward the patient's face, away from the patient's face, or laterally across the patient's face – or any other orientation.

[0535] In some configurations, the protruding portions of the fork profiles (e.g., the U-shape of the first profile 111f or the second profile 111g) are used to accommodate auxiliary tubes, such as nasogastric tubes. Such auxiliary tubes can be positioned inside or outside the forks 111, 112.

[0536] In some constructions, such as reference Figure 20 The modified profiles, or any other variations of the profiles, of the forks 111 and 112 may exist only at the ends 131 and 132 of the forks 111 and 112. Such profiles may include gaps or protrusions to accommodate auxiliary tubes as described elsewhere. These auxiliary tubes may be located on the outer or inner sides of the forks 111 and 112. The auxiliary tubes themselves may obstruct the flow orifice, increasing flow resistance and thus providing asymmetric flow at (at least one) fork 111 and 112.

[0537] The non-circular first fork 111e can be combined with any other construction described herein, and optionally with, for example, reference... Figure 16 The different lengths of forks, reference Figure 17 The nozzle-type first fork 111b / diffuser-type second fork 112b, reference Figure 19 The ridge 260 of at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112, and / or reference Figure 20 The structural combination such as fins 261 formed in at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112.

[0538] In some configurations, the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 can be further modified to alter the surface area or flow rate through it, for example, referring to... Figure 2 , 11 As described in 16 to 20, such modifications may be provided as an alternative or addition to the embodiments described herein. In one configuration, at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 has an increased wall thickness relative to the other. The increased wall thickness results in at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 having a reduced cross-sectional flow area, and therefore less gas flow can pass through it. This results in asymmetric flow due to the difference in internal flow resistance of the forks 111, 112.

[0539] In another configuration, at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 has a limiting portion at the ends 131, 132 of the forks 111, 112. This limiting portion is an alternative to or addition to the first fork element 201 or the second fork element 202. For example, in some configurations, the limiting portion is formed as part of the ends 131, 132 of the forks 111, 112 themselves, for example, having a partially closed portion formed thereon.

[0540] In another configuration, at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 has a base restraint 262 at a first base 135 or a second base 136 of the fork 111 or 112. This restraint is an alternative to or an addition to the first fork element 201 or the second fork element 202. Figure 21 An exemplary configuration of the base-end limiting portion 262 is provided. Figure 21 The diagram shows a base end restriction 262 formed at the second base 136 of the second fork 112. The base end restriction 262 is formed to have a flow disturbance inlet leading to the second fork 112, for example, having a flat flow-facing surface with sharp edges extending upwards into the flow channel of the second fork 112. This arrangement provides flow disturbance to reduce the gas flow through the base end restriction 262 relative to the first fork 111, which does not have any base end restriction 262. Therefore, asymmetric flow is provided at the fork.

[0541] The base restrictor 262 has a flow guiding surface for reverse flow through the second fork 112. Therefore, exhaled air is not restricted through the base restrictor 262 in the same way to ensure that no pressure buildup occurs at the patient's nostrils.

[0542] In some configurations, the base-end constriction 262 may be formed in the first fork 111. When formed in the first fork 111, the second fork 112 may be an unmodified second fork 112, or it may have a base-end constriction 262 that provides different flow characteristics. While an example of the base-end constriction 262 has been provided, other variations are possible.

[0543] Reference Figure 22 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is identical to that described with reference to Figure 1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. As will be readily understood, no modifications to the described features will be required for any alternative combinations with any disclosure herein.

[0544] In this configuration, the first fork 111 is modified to have a valve. Therefore, a first fork 111i with a valve is provided, wherein a duckbill valve 263 is formed within the first fork 111i with a valve.

[0545] The duckbill valve 263 is positioned in the direction of the first fork 111i with valve to allow gas flow from the manifold chamber 125 through the first fork 111i with valve to the patient's nostrils by a varying amount based on the pressure difference of the duckbill valve 263. In some configurations, the duckbill valve 263 may only allow flow above a defined pressure, at which point the gas flow increases based on that pressure difference. To operate in this manner, the duckbill valve 263 is in the closed position 265 until a defined pressure is achieved, at which point the duckbill valve 263 begins to open to allow flow. The flow rate / volume creates a pressure difference that further opens the duckbill valve 263 until it reaches the fully open position 264. Alternatively, the duckbill valve 263 may only allow flow at low pressure differences, and the flow varies as a function of that pressure difference increases, with the flow increasing as the pressure difference increases. The duckbill valve 263 functions as a one-way valve to prevent backflow of gas from the patient. Therefore, the greater pressure difference between the first end 131 and the first base 135 of the valved first fork 111i forces the duckbill valve 263 to the closed position 265. At this point, the valved first fork 111i is a non-sealing fork to ensure that no pressure buildup occurs in the patient's nostrils. The pressure requirement allowing flow through the valved first fork 111i and the duckbill valve 263 results in asymmetric flow relative to the unmodified second fork 112.

[0546] In some configurations, the duckbill valve 263 may be formed in the second fork 112. When formed in the second fork 112, the first fork 111 may be an unmodified first fork 111, or it may have the duckbill valve 263 configured to cause different flow characteristics. While an example of the duckbill valve 263 has been provided, other valves may also be used.

[0547] The duckbill valve 263 can be combined with any other construction described herein.

[0548] In some configurations, at least one of the first forks 111 or the second fork 112 is angled relative to the midline plane of the nasal inlet 100, and optionally angled relative to the patient's nasal septum during use. Thus, the axis of the first fork 111 may be at different relative angles to the axis of the second fork 112 (refer to the midline plane of the nasal inlet 100). For example, one fork 111, 112 may be unmodified, while the other fork 111, 112 is angled "outward," for example toward the proximal wall of the gas manifold 120 (or away from the opposing fork 111, 112), such that forks 111, 112 abut against the nostril wall. The gas flow from the angled forks 111, 112 may encounter resistance from the nostril wall and generate different pressures at the ends 131, 132 of each fork, resulting in asymmetrical flow.

[0549] In some configurations, at least one of the first fork 111 or the second fork 112 is angled, for example, toward the opposing forks 111, 112 "inward". This can result in a less restricted flow depending on the degree of the angle.

[0550] Reference Figure 23 The diagram illustrates a patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100. This arrangement is identical to that described with reference to Figure 1 and can be combined with any disclosure herein. As will be readily understood, no modifications to the described features will be required for any alternative combinations with any disclosure herein.

[0551] In this configuration, the nose inlet 100 includes a first nose fork 111, a second nose fork 112, and a third nose fork 115. The third nose fork 115 is formed in the same manner as the first nose fork 111 or the second nose fork 112, and has a flow passage that allows gas to flow through it.

[0552] In addition to the first nose fork 111 and the second nose fork 112, the third nose fork is also in fluid communication with the gas inlet 121 via the manifold 120. The gas inlet 121 is located at the manifold 120 such that the first nose fork 111 is closer to the gas inlet 121, the third nose fork 115 is further away from the gas inlet 121, and the second nose fork 112 is located between the first nose fork and the second nose fork.

[0553] The first nasal fork 111, the second nasal fork 112, and the third nasal fork 115 are spaced apart so that they can engage as adjacent pairs of nasal forks into the patient's nostrils. Thus, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 can engage with the patient's nostrils as described elsewhere in this disclosure regarding the configuration of the two forks 111, 112, or the second fork 112 and the third fork 115 can engage with the patient's nostrils.

[0554] Therefore, the nasal inlet 100 of this structure has a first fork 111 or a third fork 115 that is not engaged and opens to the atmosphere during use. To avoid pressure loss and gas flow within the gas manifold through the unengaged forks 111, 115, the closure 119 is releasably engaged within the unused forks 111, 115. Thus, the nasal inlet 100 can be reconfigured by moving the closure 119 between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 allow gas to pass through to the patient's nostrils, and in the second configuration, the second fork 112 and the third fork 115 allow gas to pass through to the patient's nostrils. The closure 119 is engaged to prevent gas flow through the third fork 115 or the first fork 111, respectively, between the first and second configurations.

[0555] The closure 119 can be of any suitable form, such as a plug or cap. Furthermore, in some configurations, the closure 119 may engage with other portions of the nose port 100. For example, inlet 121 or gas delivery conduit 300 may be inserted into the gas manifold 120 to block at least one of the forks 111, 112, 115. Flow is then supplied to the unblocked forks 111, 112, 115. In this configuration, the closure 119 is formed at the base of the forks 111, 112, 115. The closure 119 can be movable by, for example, inserting the gas delivery conduit 300 into the opposite side of the gas manifold 120 (e.g., where the second inlet 122 is located). Thus, the forks near the respective inlets 121, 122 are blocked by the gas delivery conduit 300. Alternatively, the closure 119 is formed by the distance the gas delivery conduit 300 is inserted into the gas manifold 120, for example by having an opening in the conduit aligned at a different location with the fork opening or an opening within the gas manifold 120. Other portions of the nose interface 10 may be reconfigurable to close at least one fork 111, 112, 115 as described herein.

[0556] The first fork 111, the second fork 112, and the third fork 115 are configured to have different gas flows passing through them to produce an asymmetric flow as described throughout this document. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, at least one of the first fork 111, the second fork 112, or the third fork 115 has a flow restriction element, which takes the form of a first fork element 201, a second fork element 202, a manifold element 203, a first inlet element 209 and a second inlet element 208, a flow guiding element 240, an additional flow guiding element 250, as shown in the reference. Figure 16 The different lengths of forks mentioned, as shown in the reference Figure 17 The nozzle and diffuser, as referred to Figure 19 The spine 260, as referred to Figure 20 The fin 261, as shown in the reference Figure 21 The base end limiting portion 262, or as referred to Figure 22 The duckbill valve 263 is described above. Furthermore, in some configurations, as shown in reference... Figure 9 The second inlet 122, combined with the first fork 111, the second fork 112, and the third fork 115, allows gas to flow on either side of the gas manifold 120. This provides additional control for asymmetric flow.

[0557] The flow restriction portion of at least one of the first fork 111, the second fork 112, and the third fork 115 allows the user to move their nostrils between engagement with the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 and engagement with the second fork 112 and the third fork 115, thereby enabling asymmetric flow with different configurations.

[0558] In some configurations, the first fork 111 and the third fork 115 are configured to have the same gas flow through them, while the second fork 112 is configured to have a different gas flow through it, to allow switching of asymmetric flow between the left and right nostrils. Thus, a larger dynamic pressure is provided at the second fork 112 and a smaller dynamic pressure is provided at the first fork 111 and the third fork 115, or a larger dynamic pressure is provided at the first fork 111 and the third fork 115 and a smaller dynamic pressure is provided at the second fork 112.

[0559] In an alternative construction, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are modular to allow for the removal and replacement of fork types with different flow restriction sections.

[0560] As described above, the patient interface 10 with a nasal inlet 100 constructed according to the present invention can be used in methods of delivering gas to the airway of a patient in need, improving ventilation of a patient in need, reducing the volume of anatomical dead zones within the airway volume of a patient in need, and / or treating the respiratory condition of a patient in need.

[0561] The patient interface 10, including the nasal interface 100 of the type disclosed herein, can be used in a respiratory therapy system for delivering gas to a patient.

[0562] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 1000 includes a respiratory therapy device 1100 and a patient interface 10, which includes a nasal interface 100.

[0563] Figure 24 An exemplary respiratory therapy device 1100 is shown in the figure.

[0564] The respiratory therapy device 1100 includes a main housing 1101 that houses a flow generator 1011 in the form of a motor / impeller device (e.g., a blower), an optional humidifier 1012, a controller 1013, and a user interface 1014 (including, for example, a display and input devices such as buttons, a touch screen, etc.).

[0565] The controller 1013 may be configured or programmed to control the operation of the device. For example, the controller may control components of the device, including but not limited to: operating the flow generator 1011 to generate a gas flow (airflow) for delivery to the patient; operating the humidifier 1012 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the generated gas flow; controlling the oxygen flow into the flow generator blower; receiving user input from the user interface 1014 for reconfiguration and / or user-defined operations of the device 1000; and outputting information to the user (e.g., on a display).

[0566] Users can be patients, healthcare professionals, or anyone else interested in using the device. As used herein, “gas flow” can mean any gas flow that can be used in a respiratory aid or breathing device, such as a flow of ambient air, a flow that includes essentially 100% oxygen, a flow that includes some combination of ambient air and oxygen, and / or the like.

[0567] The patient breathing tube 300 is connected at one end to the gas outlet 1021 in the housing 1100 of the respiratory therapy device 1100. At the other end, the patient breathing tube 300 is connected to the nasal inlet 100 via a gas manifold 120 and nasal forks 111, 112.

[0568] The gas flow generated by the respiratory therapy device 1100 can be humidified and delivered to the patient via the patient catheter 300 and the nasal interface 100. The patient catheter 300 may have a heater to heat the gas flow passing through it to the patient. For example, the patient catheter 300 may have a heating wire 300a to heat the gas flow passing through it to the patient. The heating wire 300a may be under the control of a controller 1013. The patient catheter 300 and / or the nasal interface 100 may be considered part of the respiratory therapy device 1100, or alternatively, peripheral to it. The respiratory therapy device 1100, the breathing catheter 300, and the patient interface 10 including the nasal interface 100 together can form a respiratory therapy system 1000.

[0569] Controller 1013 can control flow generator 1011 to generate a gas flow at a desired flow rate. Controller 1013 can also control supplemental oxygen inlet to allow delivery of supplemental oxygen, humidifier 1012 (if present) to humidify the gas flow and / or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level, etc. The gas flow is directed to the patient via patient catheter 300 and nasal interface 100. Controller 1013 can also control heating elements in humidifier 1012 and / or heating elements 300a in gas delivery catheter 300 to heat the gas to a desired temperature for a desired therapeutic level and / or a level of patient comfort. Controller 1013 can be programmed to have or can determine an appropriate target temperature for the gas flow. In some configurations, a gas mixture composition including supplemental oxygen and / or therapeutic drug administration can be provided through the supplemental oxygen inlet. The gas mixture composition may include oxygen, helium-oxygen mixture, nitrogen, nitric oxide, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, methane, sulfur hexafluoride, and combinations thereof, and / or the supplemental gas may include aerosolized medication.

[0570] Oxygen inlet port 1028 may include valve 1028a through which pressurized gas enters a flow generator or blower. The valve controls the oxygen flow into the flow generator or blower. The valve can be any type of valve, including proportional valves or dual-state valves. The oxygen source can be an oxygen cylinder or a hospital oxygen supply. Medical-grade oxygen typically has a purity between 95% and 100%. Lower purity oxygen sources may also be used. Examples of valve modules and filters are disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO2018 / 074935 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0255276, both entitled "Valve Modules and Filters." The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0571] The respiratory therapy device 1100 can measure and control the oxygen content of the gas delivered to the patient, and therefore measure and control the oxygen content of the gas inhaled by the patient. During high-flow therapy, the high-flow-rate gas delivered can meet or exceed the patient's peak inspiratory flow rate. This means that the volume of gas delivered to the patient by the device during inspiration meets or exceeds the volume of gas inhaled by the patient during inspiration. Therefore, high-flow therapy helps prevent the entrainment of ambient air during the patient's inhalation, as well as the flushing of exhaled air through the patient's airways. If the flow rate of the delivered gas reaches or exceeds the patient's peak inspiratory flow rate, the entrainment of ambient air can be prevented, and the gas delivered by the device is substantially the same as the gas inhaled by the patient. Thus, the oxygen concentration measured in the device, the fraction of delivered oxygen (FdO2), will be substantially the same as the oxygen concentration inhaled by the user, the fraction of inhaled oxygen (FiO2), and thus these terms can be considered equivalent.

[0572] Operating sensors 1003a, 1003b, 1003c (e.g., flow, temperature, humidity, and / or pressure sensors) can be placed at various locations within the respiratory therapy device 1100. Additional sensors (e.g., sensors 1020, 1025) can be placed at various locations on the patient catheter 300 and / or nasal interface 100 (e.g., temperature sensor 1029 may be present at or near the end of the inspiratory tube). Outputs from the sensors can be received by the controller 1013 to assist the controller in operating the respiratory therapy device 1100 in a manner that provides appropriate therapy. In some configurations, providing appropriate therapy includes meeting the patient's peak inspiratory flow rate. The device 1100 may have a transmitter and / or receiver 1015 to enable the controller 1013 to receive signals 1008 from the sensors and / or control various components of the respiratory therapy device 1100, including but not limited to a flow generator 1011, a humidifier 1012, and a heating wire 300a, or accessories or peripheral devices associated with the respiratory therapy device 1100. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter and / or receiver 1015 may transmit data to a remote server or enable remote control of the device 1100.

[0573] Oxygen can be measured by placing one or more gas composition sensors (such as an ultrasonic transducer system, also known as an ultrasonic sensor system) after the oxygen and ambient air have been mixed. Measurements can be taken within the device, delivery catheter, patient interface, or at any other suitable location.

[0574] The respiratory therapy device 1100 may include a patient sensor 1026, such as a pulse oximeter or a patient monitoring system, to measure one or more physiological parameters of the patient, such as the patient's oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, respiratory rate, perfusion index, and to provide a measurement of signal quality.

[0575] The patient sensor 1026 can communicate with the controller 1013 via a wired connection or via communication through a wireless transmitter on the patient sensor 1026.

[0576] The patient sensor 1026 can be a disposable adhesive sensor designed to attach to a patient's finger. The patient sensor 1026 can also be a non-disposable sensor.

[0577] Sensors designed for different age groups and attached to different locations on the patient are available and can be used with the respiratory therapy device 1100.

[0578] A pulse oximeter is typically attached to the user's finger, although other locations such as the earlobe are also optional. The pulse oximeter is connected to a processor within the device and continuously provides a signal indicating the patient's blood oxygen saturation. The patient sensor 1026 may be a heat-exchangeable device that can be attached to or exchanged during operation of the respiratory therapy device 1100. For example, the patient sensor 1026 may connect to the respiratory therapy device 1100 using a USB interface or a wireless communication protocol such as Near Field Communication, WiFi, or Bluetooth®. When the patient sensor 1026 is disconnected during operation, the respiratory therapy device 1100 may continue operating in its previous operating state for a defined period of time. After the defined period of time, the respiratory therapy device 1100 may trigger an alarm, transition from automatic mode to manual mode, and / or exit control mode entirely (e.g., automatic or manual mode). The patient sensor 1026 may be a bedside monitoring system or other patient monitoring system that communicates with the respiratory therapy device 1100 via a physical or wireless interface.

[0579] The respiratory therapy device 1100 may include a high-flow therapy device. As discussed herein, high-flow therapy is intended to be given its typical, common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, and generally refers to a respiratory support system that delivers a target flow of humidified breathing gas at a flow rate generally designed to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow rate via an intentionally unsealed patient interface. Typical patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal or tracheal patient interfaces. Typical flow rates for adults are typically in the range of about 15 liters per minute (lpm) to about 70 liters per minute or greater, but are not limited thereto. Typical flow rates for pediatric patients (e.g., newborns, infants, and children) are typically in the range of about 1 liter per minute per kilogram of patient body weight to about 3 liters per minute per kilogram of patient body weight or greater, but are not limited thereto. High-flow therapy may also optionally include a gas mixture composition comprising supplemental oxygen and / or the administration of therapeutic drugs. High-flow therapy is commonly referred to as nasal high-flow (NHF), humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high-flow therapy (HFT), or tracheal high-flow (THF), among other common names. The flow rate used to achieve a “high flow rate” can be any of the flow rates listed below. For example, in some configurations, for adult patients, “high flow rate therapy” can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than or equal to about 10 liters per minute (10 lpm), such as between about 10 lpm and about 100 lpm, or between about 15 lpm and about 95 lpm, or between about 20 lpm and about 90 lpm, or between 25 lpm and 75 lpm, or between about 25 lpm and about 85 lpm, or between about 30 lpm and about 80 lpm, or between about 35 lpm and about 75 lpm, or between about 40 lpm and about 70 lpm, or between about 45 lpm and about 65 lpm, or between about 50 lpm and about 60 lpm. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients, "high-flow therapy" can refer to delivering gas to the patient at a flow rate greater than 1 lpm, for example, between about 1 lpm and about 25 lpm, or between about 2 lpm and about 25 lpm, between about 2 lpm and about 5 lpm, or between about 5 lpm and about 25 lpm, or between about 5 lpm and about 10 lpm, or between about 10 lpm and about 25 lpm, or between about 10 lpm and about 20 lpm, or between about 10 lpm and about 15 lpm, or between about 20 lpm and 25 lpm. High-flow therapy devices for adult, neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients can deliver gas to the patient at a flow rate between about 1 lpm and about 100 lpm, or at any of the above subranges.The flow therapy device 1000 can deliver oxygen (e.g., FdO2) of any concentration, up to 100%, at any flow rate between about 1 lpm and about 100 lpm. In some configurations, any flow rate can be combined with oxygen concentrations (FdO2) of about 20%-30%, 21%-30%, 21%-40%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, and 90%-100%. In some combinations, the flow rate can be between about 25 lpm and 75 lpm, combined with oxygen concentrations (FdO2) of about 20%-30%, 21%-30%, 21%-40%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, and 90%-100%. In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 1100 may include a safety threshold to prevent the user from delivering large amounts of oxygen to the patient when operating in manual mode.

[0580] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 1100 includes a controller 1013; a blood oxygen saturation sensor 1026; an ambient air inlet 1027; an oxygen inlet 1028; a valve 1028a in fluid communication with the oxygen inlet 1028 to control the flow of oxygen through the oxygen inlet 1028; and a gas outlet 1021; wherein the controller 1013 is configured to control the valve 1028a based on at least one measurement of oxygen saturation from the blood oxygen saturation sensor 1026.

[0581] The patient interface 10 used in the respiratory therapy system 1000 having a respiratory therapy device 1100 includes a nasal interface 100, which includes: a first fork 111 and a second fork 112 that are asymmetrical to each other; and a gas manifold 120 including a gas inlet 121, wherein the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are in fluid communication with the gas inlet 121. The nasal interface 100 is configured to induce an asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nostrils.

[0582] The first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are asymmetrical or dissimilar to each other, or differ in shape and construction from each other, or are asymmetrical when compared to each other.

[0583] In some configurations, the nose interface 100 includes an interface body 118, which includes a first fork 111 and a second fork 112.

[0584] In some configurations, the gas manifold 120 is integrated with the interface body 118, or it is separate from the interface body 118 but can be connected to it.

[0585] In some configurations, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are configured to engage with the nasal passage in a non-sealing manner.

[0586] In some configurations, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 allow exhaled gas to escape around the first and second forks.

[0587] In some configurations, the first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are configured to deliver gas to the patient without interfering with the patient's spontaneous breathing.

[0588] The nose interface 100 may have any one or more features and / or functions described herein with respect to the nose interface 100.

[0589] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 1000 includes a flow generator 1011 and a humidifier 1012.

[0590] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system includes a patient catheter 300 with a heater 300a.

[0591] In some configurations, the patient interface includes a breathable tube in fluid communication with the gas inlet 121, and the patient interface further includes a cap to hold the nose interface on the patient's face.

[0592] Patients with a variety of health conditions and diseases can benefit from oxygen therapy. For example, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, sleep apnea, lung disease, respiratory trauma, acute respiratory distress, those receiving pre- and post-operative oxygen delivery, and other conditions or diseases may benefit from oxygen therapy. A common approach to treating these problems is to provide supplemental oxygen to prevent their blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) from dropping too low (e.g., below about 90%). However, supplying patients with too much oxygen can over-oxidize their blood and is also considered dangerous. Typically, a patient's SpO2 is maintained in the range of about 80% to about 99%, preferably about 92% to about 96%, although these ranges may vary depending on the patient's condition. Due to various factors such as respiratory rate, tidal volume, heart rate, activity level, height, weight, age, sex, and others, there is no single prescribed level of supplemental oxygen that can consistently achieve an SpO2 response within the target range for every patient. Each patient will periodically require their delivered FdO2 to be monitored and regulated to ensure they receive the correct FdO2 to achieve the target SpO2. Achieving correct and consistent SpO2 is a crucial factor in the treatment of patients with various health conditions or diseases. Furthermore, patients with these health problems can benefit from systems that automatically control oxygen saturation. This disclosure is applicable to a wide range of patients requiring rapid and accurate oxygen saturation control.

[0593] Reference Figure 24The controller 1013 can be programmed or configured to perform a closed-loop control system for controlling the operation of the respiratory therapy device 1100. The closed-loop control system can be configured to ensure that the patient's SpO2 reaches a target level and remains at or near that level.

[0594] The controller 1013 can receive input from a user, which can be used by the controller 1013 to execute a closed-loop control system. The target SpO2 value can be a single value or a range of values. This value can be preset, selected by a clinician, or determined based on the patient's type, where the patient's type can refer to the current ailment and / or information about the patient, such as age, weight, height, sex, and other patient characteristics. Similarly, the target SpO2 can be two values, each selected in any of the above ways. These two values ​​represent a range of acceptable SpO2 values ​​for the patient. The controller can use values ​​within this range as targets. The target value can be the middle value of the range, or any other value within the range, which can be preset or selected by the user. Alternatively, the range can be automatically set based on the target value of SpO2. The controller can be configured to have one or more preset responses when the patient's SpO2 value moves out of range. Responses can include alarms, manual control to change to FdO2, changing FdO2 to a specific value, and / or other responses. The controller can have one or more ranges, where one or more different responses occur when moving out of each range.

[0595] Typically, SpO2 will be controlled between approximately 80% and approximately 100%, or between approximately 80% and approximately 90%, or between approximately 88% and approximately 92%, or between approximately 90% and approximately 99%, or between approximately 92% and approximately 96%. SpO2 can be controlled between any two suitable values ​​selected from any two of the above ranges. Target SpO2 can be between approximately 80% and approximately 100%, or between approximately 80% and approximately 90%, or between approximately 88% and approximately 92%, or between approximately 90% and approximately 99%, or between approximately 92% and approximately 96%, or approximately 94%, or 94%, or approximately 90%, or 90%, or approximately 85%, or 85%. The SpO2 target can be any value between any two suitable values ​​selected from any two of the above ranges. The SpO2 target can correspond to the median of the defined range of SpO2.

[0596] FdO2 can be configured to be controlled within a range. If the flow rate reaches or exceeds the patient's peak inspiratory flow rate, the oxygen concentration measured in the device (FdO2) can be substantially the same as the oxygen concentration (FiO2) breathed by the patient, and therefore these terms can be considered equivalent. Each limit of the range can be preset, user-selected, or determined based on the patient type, where the patient type can refer to the current ailment and / or information about the patient, such as age, weight, height, sex, and / or other patient characteristics. Alternatively, a single value of FdO2 can be selected, and the range can be determined at least in part based on that value. For example, the range can be above and below set amounts of the selected FdO2. The selected FdO2 can be used as a starting point for the controller. If the controller attempts to move the FdO2 out of the range, the system can have one or more responses. These responses can include alarms, preventing the FdO2 from moving out of the range, switching to manual control of the FdO2, and / or switching to a specific FdO2. The device can have one or more ranges, where one or more different responses occur when it reaches the limit of each range.

[0597] refer to Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a closed-loop control system 1500 is shown. The closed-loop control system can utilize two control loops. The first control loop can be implemented by an SpO2 controller. The SpO2 controller can determine the target FdO2 in part based on the target SpO2 and / or the measured SpO2. As mentioned above, the target SpO2 value can be a single value or a range of acceptable values. This value can be pre-set, selected by the clinician, or automatically determined based on client characteristics. Typically, the target SpO2 value is received or determined before or at the start of the treatment period, although it can be received at any time during the treatment period. During the treatment period, the SpO2 controller can also receive the following as inputs: the measured FdO2 reading from the gas composition sensor, and the measured FdO2 reading and signal quality reading from the patient sensor. In some configurations, the SpO2 controller can receive the target FdO2 as input, in which case the output of the SpO2 controller can be directly provided back to the SpO2 controller as input. Based at least in part on this input, the SpO2 controller can output the target FdO2 to the second control loop.

[0598] During the treatment period, the SpO2 and FdO2 controllers can continue to automatically control the operation of the respiratory therapy device 1100 until the end of the treatment period or an event triggers a change from automatic mode to manual mode.

[0599] The increased flushing caused by the asymmetry of the forks 111 and 112 in the nasal inlet 100 can improve the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen. Closed-loop SpO2 control with an asymmetric nasal inlet 100 allows the patient's SpO2 to remain at or near the target value, reducing the amount of oxygen used compared to symmetrical high-flow nasal connections. This can lead to oxygen conservation.

[0600] The respiratory therapy system may have any one or more features and functions described in PCT Publication No. WO2021 / 049954 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 898,464. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0601] Figure 26 An alternative exemplary respiratory therapy system 2000 is shown that can utilize a patient interface 10 including a nasal interface 100.

[0602] In the illustrated configuration, the respiratory therapy system 2000 includes a respiratory therapy device 2100. The respiratory therapy device may include a flow generator 2101.

[0603] The illustrated flow generator 2101 includes a gas inlet 2102 and a gas outlet 2104. The flow generator 2101 may include a blower 2106. The blower 2106 may draw in gas from the gas inlet 2102. In some configurations, the flow generator 2101 may include a source or container of compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.). The container may include a valve that can be adjusted to control the flow of gas leaving the container. In some configurations, the flow generator 2101 may use such a compressed gas source and / or other gas source instead of the blower 2106. In some configurations, the blower 2106 may be used in conjunction with another gas source. In some configurations, the blower 2106 may include a motorized blower or may include a bellows device or some other structure capable of generating a gas flow. In some configurations, the flow generator 2101 draws in atmospheric gas through the gas inlet 2102. In some configurations, the flow generator 2101 is adapted to draw in atmospheric gases through the gas inlet 2102 and receive other gases (e.g., oxygen, nitric oxide, carbon dioxide, etc.) through the same gas inlet 2102 or different gas inlets. Other configurations are also possible.

[0604] The illustrated flow generator 2101 includes a user control interface 2108. The user control interface 2108 may include one or more buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touch screens, speakers, displays, and / or other input or output modules that the user can use to input commands into the flow generator 2101 in order to view data and / or control the operation of the flow generator 2101 and / or control other aspects of the operation of the respiratory therapy system 2000.

[0605] The flow generator 2101 can guide gas through the gas outlet 2104 to the first conduit 2110. In the illustrated configuration, the first conduit 2110 guides the gas to the gas humidifier 2112. The gas humidifier is optional.

[0606] A gas humidifier 2112 is used to entrain moisture in a gas to provide a humidified gas flow. The gas humidifier 2112 shown includes a humidifier inlet 2116 and a humidifier outlet 2118. The gas humidifier 2112 may include, be configured to contain, or contain water or other humidifying or moisturizing agents (hereinafter referred to as water).

[0607] In some configurations, the gas humidifier 2112 includes a heating element (not shown). The heating element can be used to heat water in the gas humidifier 2112 to promote water evaporation and / or entrainment in the gas flow and / or increase the temperature of the gas passing through the gas humidifier 2112. The heating element can, for example, include a resistance metal heating plate. However, other heating elements are also conceivable. For example, the heating element may include a plastic conductive heating plate or a chemical heating system with controllable heat output.

[0608] In the illustrated configuration, the gas humidifier 2112 includes a user control interface 2120. The user control interface 2120 includes one or more buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touchscreens, speakers, displays, and / or other input or output modules that the user can use to input commands into the gas humidifier 2112 to view data, and / or control the operation of the gas humidifier 2112, and / or control other aspects of the operation of the respiratory therapy system 2000.

[0609] In some configurations, the flow generator 2101 and the gas humidifier 2112 may share the housing 2126. In some configurations, the gas humidifier 2112 may share only a portion of the housing 2126 with the flow generator 2101. Other configurations are also possible.

[0610] In the illustrated configuration, gas travels from the humidifier outlet 2118 to the second conduit 300. The second conduit 300 may include, as described above... Figure 24The aforementioned conduit heater. The conduit heater can be used to add heat to gas passing through the second conduit 300. The heat can reduce or eliminate the possibility of water entrained in the gas flow condensing along the wall of the second conduit 300. The conduit heater may include one or more resistance wires located in, on, around, or near the wall of the second conduit 300. In one or more configurations, one or more such resistance wires may be located outside any gas passage. In one or more configurations, one or more such resistance wires do not directly contact the gas passing through the second conduit 300. In one or more configurations, the wall or surface of the second conduit 300 is interceded between one or more resistance wires and the gas passing through the second conduit 300.

[0611] Gas can be delivered through the second conduit 300 to the nasal interface 100. The nasal interface 100 can pneumatically connect the respiratory therapy system 2000 to the patient's airway. In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 2000 utilizes a dual-branch system, which includes separate inspiratory and expiratory gas pathways that engage with one or more of the patient's airways.

[0612] In some configurations, a short-length tube connects the nasal inlet 100 to the second conduit 300. In some configurations, the short-length tube may have smooth orifices. For example, a flexible short-length tube can connect the nasal inlet to the second conduit 300. The short-length tube connecting the nasal inlet to the second conduit 300 may be permeable, allowing vapor to pass through the tube wall. In some configurations, the short-length tube may be combined with one or more heating wires as described elsewhere herein. Smooth orifices, whether heated or not, can improve the efficiency of delivering atomized material, as described elsewhere herein.

[0613] The respiratory therapy device 2100 includes a nebulizer 2128. In some configurations, if the nebulizer 2128 is used, the flow generator 2101, the gas humidifier 2112, and the nebulizer 2128 may share a housing 2126. In some configurations, the nebulizer 2128 is separate from the housing 2126.

[0614] The nebulizer 2128 may be connected to a portion of a gas passage extending between the flow generator 2101 (which may include a gas inlet 2102) and the nose port 100, although other arrangements of the nebulizer 2128 or another nebulizer may be used. In some configurations, the nebulizer 2128 is not positioned linearly between the humidifier outlet 2118 and the nose port 100. Instead, the nebulizer 2128 is positioned upstream of the humidifier outlet 2118 or upstream of the inlet of the second conduit 2122. In some configurations, the nebulizer 2128 may be positioned upstream of the inlet leading to the humidifier. In some configurations, the nebulizer 2128 may be positioned between the gas flow source and the chamber.

[0615] The nebulizer 2128 may include a substance (e.g., a drug, tracer gas, etc.) that can be introduced into the gas stream. This substance can be trapped in the gas stream and delivered to the patient's airway along with the breathing gas. The nebulizer 2128 may be connected to a portion of the gas pathway via a delivery device 2130, which may include a tubing or adapter. Alternatively, the nebulizer 2128 may be directly connected to the gas pathway, eliminating the need for the delivery device 2130.

[0616] The respiratory therapy device 2100 may include a controller 2113. The controller 2113 may be configured or programmed to control the operation of the device. For example, the controller 2113 may control components of the device, including but not limited to: operating the flow generator 2101 to generate a gas flow (airflow) for delivery to the patient; operating the humidifier 2112 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the generated gas flow; controlling the oxygen flow into the flow generator blower; receiving user input from the user interface 2108 and / or 2120 for reconfiguration and / or user-defined operation of the device 2100; and outputting information to the user (e.g., on a display).

[0617] Controller 2113 can control flow generator 2101 to produce a gas flow at a desired flow rate. Controller 2113 can also control supplemental oxygen inlet to allow delivery of supplemental oxygen, humidifier 2112 (if present) to humidify the gas flow and / or heat the gas flow to an appropriate level, etc. Controller 2113 can also control the operation of nebulizer 2128. The gas flow is directed to the patient via patient catheter 300 and nasal interface 100. Controller 2113 is also capable of controlling heating elements in humidifier 2112 and / or patient catheter 300 to heat the gas to a desired temperature for a desired therapeutic level and / or a level of patient comfort. Controller 2113 can be programmed or can determine an appropriate target temperature for the gas flow. In some configurations, a gas mixture composition including supplemental oxygen and / or therapeutic drug administration can be provided via supplemental oxygen inlet. The gas mixture composition may include oxygen, helium-oxygen mixture, nitrogen, nitric oxide, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, methane, sulfur hexafluoride and combinations thereof, and / or supplementary gas may include aerosolized drug from nebulizer 2128.

[0618] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 2100 includes a gas inlet 2102, a gas outlet 2118, and a nebulizer 2128 for delivering one or more substances into the gas stream. A nasal interface 100 used in a respiratory therapy system 2000 having the respiratory therapy device 2100 includes: a gas inlet 121 in fluid communication with the gas outlet 2118 to receive gas and one or more substances from the respiratory therapy device; a first fork 111 and a second fork 112; and a gas manifold 120 including the gas inlet 121. The first fork 111 and the second fork 112 are in fluid communication with the gas inlet 121. The nasal interface 100 is configured to induce an asymmetric gas flow at the patient's nostrils.

[0619] The respiratory therapy system 2000 may include catheters 300, 320 (examples of which are described below) to receive gas and one or more substances from the respiratory therapy device 2100 and to deliver the gas and one or more substances to the gas inlet 121 of the nasal interface 100.

[0620] In the illustrated configuration, the respiratory therapy system 2000 operates as follows: Gas is drawn into the flow generator 2101 through the gas inlet 2102 due to the rotation of the impeller of the motor of the blower 2106. The gas is expelled through the gas outlet 2104 and through the first conduit 2110. The gas enters the gas humidifier 2112 through the humidifier inlet 2116. Once in the gas humidifier 2112, the gas carries moisture as it passes through or approaches the water in the gas humidifier 2112. The water is heated by a heating element, which helps to humidify and / or heat the gas passing through the gas humidifier 2112. The gas exits the gas humidifier 2112 through the humidifier outlet 2118 and enters the second conduit 300. Before entering the second conduit 300, the gas receives one or more substances from the nebulizer 128. The gas flows from the second conduit 300 to the nasal inlet 100, where it is inhaled into the patient's airway to aid in the treatment of respiratory ailments.

[0621] Figure 27An exemplary type of conduit or tube 300 that can be used to deliver gas to a nasal interface 100 is shown. The conduit or tube 300 is shown having a smooth orifice 3021 or a non-corrugated orifice. This type of conduit is best described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0202462 (also published as PCT Publication No. WO2012 / 164407A1) and PCT Publication No. WO2014 / 088430. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As described, the conduit is formed from beads 3041 and tubes or bubbles 3061. Typically, the peak-valley surface roughness of such a conduit is on the order of 0.15-0.25 mm. In one configuration, the conduit or tube has an inner bore diameter of 13-14 mm. The two components 3041, 3061 together define a conduit or tube with a lumen having minimal surface deviation. In some configurations, the bead 304 comprises wires 3081. One or more wires may be used to heat the conduit wall, rather than being positioned within the flow conveyed by the conduit or pipe 300. In the configuration shown, the bead 3041 comprises four wires 3081. In some configurations, the bead 304 may comprise two wires 3081. Other numbers of wires may also be used.

[0622] Figure 28 An alternative exemplary type of tube or conduit 320 that can be used to deliver gas to the nasal interface 100 is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 28 The conduit or pipe 320 shown is a bellows. In one configuration, the conduit or pipe 320 has an inner bore diameter of 20-21 mm. The bellows 320 includes a deep groove 322 along the wall 324 of the pipe 320. In many cases, the groove 322 results in one or more helical breaks extending along the length of the lumen defined by the wall 324. Therefore, the inner surface of the conduit or pipe is significantly larger than... Figure 26 The smooth-hole pipe shown has a roughness of 300. Typically, the peak-valley surface roughness of a corrugated duct or pipe is approximately 1.5-2.5 mm. Figure 28 In the configuration shown, one or more heating wires 326 can also be coiled and positioned to directly contact the gas flow through the cavity. When the wire is located within the gas flow path, the heating wire increases the "surface roughness" by 2-3 mm, although this is only an estimate of the effect of the heating wire positioned within the gas flow path.

[0623] With use such Figure 28 Compared to the more conventional heated breathing tube 320 shown, using such Figure 27The smooth-hole heating tube 300 shown is used to deliver medication from the aforementioned nebulizer 2128, resulting in a significant increase in medication delivery efficiency. This increase in efficiency is attributed to a substantial reduction in the amount of atomized medication trapped within the grooves 322 and exposed heating wires 326 of the more conventional heated breathing tube 320. For example, it has been estimated, but not limited to, that, with... Figure 27 The nebulized drug shown is 300% more captured by the surface compared to the drug held within the smooth-hole heated breathing tube 300. It is believed that the deposition process, for example, is less impacted due to smaller eddies and fewer obstacles (which provide effective roughness) in the flow.

[0624] In some configurations, delivery efficiency was found to decrease when the flow rate exceeded the optimal flow rate. In other words, at some high flow rates above 30 lpm, the flow rate was inversely proportional to nebulization efficiency to some extent (i.e., high flow rates resulted in more drug being trapped in the loop rather than being delivered to the patient).

[0625] Using a nasal cannula 100 with nose forks 111, 112, a reduction in flow rate is possible for equal dead zone gaps, which can improve the delivery of respiratory therapy using nebulized medications. Due to the smoother flow transition, nebulized medication is less likely to "crash out," in which a portion of the medication deposits on the inner surface of the flow path instead of being delivered to the patient, or suffers other losses on the surface due to impact. The partially unidirectional flow provided by the nasal cannula 100 means that less medication is wasted when the patient exhales against the flow than would otherwise be possible. Other aspects of the nasal cannula 100 with nose forks 111, 112 (including the cross-sectional areas of the forks and the relationships between these cross-sectional areas) can further improve the delivery of respiratory therapy using nebulized medications.

[0626] The patient interface 10 and nasal interface 100 used in the respiratory therapy system 2000 may have any one or more features and / or functions described herein with respect to the nasal interface 100.

[0627] The respiratory therapy system 2000 may have any one or more features and / or functions of the system described in PCT Publication No. WO2016 / 085354 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0312472. The contents of these specifications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0628] Although this disclosure has been described with respect to certain embodiments, other embodiments that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, various components may be repositioned as needed. Features from any of the described embodiments may be combined with each other and / or the device may include one, several, or all of the features of the above embodiments. Furthermore, not all features, aspects, and advantages are necessary for practicing this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to be defined only by the appended claims.

[0629] For clarity, the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings to identify similar elements. However, for convenience, certain features present or annotated with reference numerals in some drawings of this disclosure are not shown or are not annotated with reference numerals in other drawings of this disclosure. Unless the context explicitly requires it, these omissions should not be construed as meaning that a feature omitted from one drawing cannot be equivalently incorporated into or implemented in the construction of the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems associated with or embodied in other drawings. Rather, unless the context explicitly requires it, it should not be assumed that the presence of certain features in some drawings of this disclosure means that the disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems associated with or embodied in these drawings must include these features.

[0630] Terms and Conditions

[0631] Additional embodiments are included in the following terms or numbered statements.

[0632] 1. A nose connector, comprising:

[0633] i. A first fork, having a first base and a first end;

[0634] ii. A second fork, having a second base and a second end;

[0635] iii. A gas manifold, comprising a manifold chamber and a gas inlet; and

[0636] iv. At least one element located in the first fork, second fork, or manifold chamber;

[0637] b. Wherein, the at least one element is configured to increase the resistance of the gas flow traveling through at least one of the first fork, the second fork, or the manifold chamber, and

[0638] c. Wherein, the gas inlet is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit, or is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit.

[0639] 2. The nose interface according to Clause 1, wherein the increase in resistance to the gas flow is configured to cause asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0640] 3. The nose interface according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the at least one element is a second fork element positioned within the second fork.

[0641] 4. The nose interface according to Clause 3, wherein the second fork element is configured to increase the resistance of the gas flow traveling through the second fork.

[0642] 5. The nose interface according to Clause 3 or Clause 4, wherein the second fork element is positioned at the second base.

[0643] 6. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the second base of the second fork includes an inlet leading to a flow passage formed by the wall of the second fork.

[0644] 7. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the at least one element is a manifold element, wherein the manifold element is positioned in the manifold chamber of the gas manifold.

[0645] 8. The nose interface according to Clause 7, wherein the manifold element is configured to increase the resistance to the gas flow traveling through the manifold chamber.

[0646] 9. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the gas flow is substantially in the direction of flow from the gas manifold inlet, through the gas manifold chamber, and into the flow passage of the first fork and / or the second fork.

[0647] 10. The nose interface according to Clause 7 or Clause 8, wherein the manifold element is substantially positioned at the center of the manifold chamber.

[0648] 11. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the nose interface includes a first fork element, wherein the first fork element is positioned within a first fork.

[0649] 12. The nose interface according to Clause 11, wherein the first fork element is configured to increase the resistance of the gas flow traveling through the first fork.

[0650] 13. The nose interface according to Clause 11 or Clause 12, wherein the first fork element is positioned at the first base of the first fork.

[0651] 14. The nose interface according to Clause 12, wherein the first fork element provides different resistance to gas flow compared to the second fork element.

[0652] 15. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein a gas delivery catheter is located between the patient catheter and the gas inlet.

[0653] 16. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the gas manifold is integrally formed with or connected to the gas delivery conduit.

[0654] 17. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the gas manifold includes a manifold width, and wherein the manifold width is as large as or greater than the inner diameter of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0655] 18. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the nasal interface includes a cannula body, the cannula body including a first fork and a second fork, and wherein the outer surface of the cannula body between the first fork and the second fork includes a recess to receive a portion of the patient's nose and reduce pressure on the underside of the received portion.

[0656] 19. A nasal inlet according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the size of at least one of the first or second forks is determined to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the at least one fork and the patient's skin to avoid sealing the gas path between the nasal inlet and the patient.

[0657] 20. A nasal inlet according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein at least the first fork or the second fork is made of an elastomeric material, said elastomeric material being such that the first fork is deformable in response to temperature and contact with the patient's nostril and is shaped in use.

[0658] 21. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein at least one of the first fork or the second fork is not made of silicone.

[0659] 22. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the first fork or the second fork is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0660] 23. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the gas manifold includes a flow channel having a gas flow direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow path through the first fork and the second fork.

[0661] 24. The nose interface according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the manifold element includes a manifold orifice for gas flow, wherein the manifold orifice has a smaller cross-sectional opening than the manifold chamber for gas flow.

[0662] 25. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the second fork element includes a second hole for gas flow, wherein the second hole has a smaller cross-sectional opening than the second fork for gas flow.

[0663] 26. The nose interface according to Clause 24 or Clause 25, wherein the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice are formed in the plate or wall.

[0664] 27. The nose interface according to Clause 26, wherein the plate or wall has an inlet surface and an outlet surface, and a manifold orifice and / or a second orifice are formed between the inlet surface and the outlet surface.

[0665] 28. The nose interface according to Clause 27, wherein the gas flow is in the direction from the inlet surface through the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice to the outlet surface.

[0666] 29. The nose interface according to Clause 27 or Clause 28, wherein the transition between the outlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is tapered.

[0667] 30. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is substantially right-angled.

[0668] 31. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is tapered, wherein the tapering angle of the outlet surface is greater than the tapering angle of the inlet surface.

[0669] 32. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the manifold orifice and / or the second orifice is substantially a sharp corner.

[0670] 33. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 26 to 32, wherein at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice are gaps, cuts or slits extending vertically longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0671] 34. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 26 to 32, wherein at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice are gaps, cuts or slits extending horizontally longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0672] 35. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 24 to 34, wherein at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice are substantially circular perforations.

[0673] 36. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 24 to 35, wherein at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice comprises a perforation pattern.

[0674] 37. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 26 to 34, wherein the plate or wall of at least one manifold orifice and / or a second orifice comprises a porous medium.

[0675] 38. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 37, wherein the at least one element comprises a valve.

[0676] 39. The nose interface according to clause 38, wherein the valve is configured to open only at a threshold pressure or a threshold flow rate.

[0677] 40. The nose interface according to Clause 38 or Clause 39, wherein the valve is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0678] 41. A nose port according to any one of clauses 38 to 40, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0679] 42. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 41, wherein the at least one element comprises a nozzle.

[0680] 43. The nose interface according to clause 42, wherein the nozzle is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0681] 44. The nasal interface pursuant to Clause 7 or Clause 8, wherein the manifold element is configured to be adjusted by manual actuation to increase or decrease the degree of restriction imposed by the manifold element.

[0682] 45. The nose interface according to clause 44, wherein the manifold element is configured to be slidably movable in the upstream-downstream direction.

[0683] 46. ​​The nose interface according to Clause 44, wherein the manifold element includes a rotatable part having a helical thread.

[0684] 47. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 45 or Clause 46, wherein the manifold element further includes an external portion located outside the gas manifold of the nose interface.

[0685] 48. The nose interface according to clause 47, wherein the manifold element is configured to be rotatably movable such that when the outer portion rotates, the manifold element vertically translates into or out of the manifold chamber flow path, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of flow restriction in the flow path, respectively.

[0686] 49. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 48, wherein the gas manifold includes an opening at a wall substantially opposite to the gas inlet of the gas manifold and / or substantially opposite to the second base of the second fork.

[0687] 50. The nose interface according to clause 49, wherein the opening comprises one or more holes.

[0688] 51. The nose interface according to Clause 50, wherein the number and diameter of the holes are configured to provide a defined pressure drop.

[0689] 52. A nose port according to any one of clauses 49 to 51, wherein an opening in the wall of the manifold is pneumatically connected to a member configured to provide a defined pressure drop.

[0690] 53. The nose interface according to Clause 52, wherein the component is at least one of a porous medium, a nozzle, a pressure reducing valve, an auxiliary tube, or a bubble CPAP bubble chamber.

[0691] 54. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 53, wherein the axis of the gas inlet is coaxial with respect to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0692] 55. A nasal inlet according to any one of clauses 1 to 53, wherein the angle of the axis of the gas inlet is perpendicular to the axis of at least the first or second fork.

[0693] 56. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 55, wherein the gas manifold includes a second gas inlet.

[0694] 57. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 56, wherein the nasal interface includes an auxiliary gas inlet to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0695] 58. The nose interface according to Clause 57, wherein the auxiliary gas inlet terminates in the first or second fork.

[0696] 59. The nasal interface according to clause 57 or 58, wherein the auxiliary gas inlet is in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas delivery conduit.

[0697] 60. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 57 to 59, wherein at least one of the gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a second internal cross-sectional area.

[0698] 61. The nose interface according to Clause 60, wherein one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0699] 62. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 61 or Clause 62, wherein the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are different.

[0700] 63. The nose interface according to clause 63, wherein the second internal cross-sectional area is smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first fork or the second fork.

[0701] 64. The nasal interface according to Clause 59, wherein the gas delivery conduit and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit are arranged on the same side of the manifold chamber.

[0702] 65. The nasal interface according to Clause 59, wherein an auxiliary gas delivery conduit is positioned within a gas delivery conduit.

[0703] 66. The nasal interface according to Clause 59, wherein at least one of the gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes a second length.

[0704] 67. The nose interface according to Clause 66, wherein the first length and the second length are not equal to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0705] 68. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 66 or Clause 67, wherein a first length is longer than a second length to induce or facilitate asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0706] 69. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 66 or Clause 67, wherein a first length is shorter than a second length to induce or facilitate asymmetrical gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0707] 70. The nasal interface according to Clause 59, wherein the gas delivery conduit is in communication with a first gas flow and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit is in communication with a second gas flow.

[0708] 71. The nasal interface according to Clause 70, wherein the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0709] 72. The nose interface according to Clause 70 or Clause 71, wherein the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is a flow direction different from the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0710] 73. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 70 to 72, wherein one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an inhalation flow.

[0711] 74. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 70 to 73, wherein the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from the gas pressure of the second gas flow.

[0712] 75. The nasal interface according to Clause 74, wherein the negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0713] 76. A nasal connector, comprising:

[0714] i. A first fork, having a first base and a first end;

[0715] ii. A second fork, having a second base and a second end; and

[0716] iii. Gas manifold, including:

[0717] 1. Manifold;

[0718] 2. First gas inlet; and

[0719] 3. Second gas inlet,

[0720] b. Wherein, the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are in fluid communication with the first gas delivery conduit and the second gas delivery conduit, respectively.

[0721] i. Wherein, the nasal interface is configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0722] 77. The nose interface according to Clause 76, wherein the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are arranged on opposite sides of the manifold chamber.

[0723] 78. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 76 or Clause 77, wherein the first gas inlet is closer to the first fork than the second gas inlet, and wherein the second gas inlet is closer to the second fork than the first gas inlet.

[0724] 79. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 78, wherein at least one of the first gas inlet and the first gas delivery conduit is formed as an integral structure, or the second gas inlet and the second gas delivery conduit are formed as an integral structure.

[0725] 80. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 79, wherein a first gas delivery conduit is in communication with a first gas flow and a second gas delivery conduit is in communication with a second gas flow.

[0726] 81. The nose interface according to clause 80, wherein the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0727] 82. The nose interface according to Clause 80 or Clause 81, wherein the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is a flow direction different from the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0728] 83. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 80 to 82, wherein one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an inhalation flow.

[0729] 84. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 80 to 83, wherein the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from the gas pressure of the second gas flow.

[0730] 85. The nasal interface according to clause 84, wherein the negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0731] 86. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 85, wherein at least one of the first gas inlet or the first gas delivery conduit includes a lumen having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the second gas inlet or the second gas delivery conduit includes a lumen having a second internal cross-sectional area.

[0732] 87. The nose interface according to Clause 86, wherein one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0733] 88. The nose interface according to Clause 86, wherein one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially non-circular.

[0734] 89. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 86 to 88, wherein the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are not equal to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0735] 90. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 86 to 89, wherein a first internal cross-sectional area is greater than a second internal cross-sectional area to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0736] 91. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 86 to 89, wherein a first internal cross-sectional area is smaller than a second internal cross-sectional area to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0737] 92. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 91, wherein at least one of the first gas inlet or the first gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and at least one of the second gas inlet or the second gas delivery conduit includes a second length.

[0738] 93. A nose interface according to Clause 92, wherein the first length and the second length are not equal to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0739] 94. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 92 or Clause 93, wherein a first length is longer than a second length to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0740] 95. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 92 or Clause 93, wherein the first length is shorter than the second length to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0741] 96. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 95, wherein the inner surface of at least one of the first gas inlet or the first gas delivery conduit includes a first raised feature pattern.

[0742] 97. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 96, wherein the inner surface of at least one of the second gas inlet or the second gas delivery conduit includes a second raised feature pattern.

[0743] 98. The nose interface according to Clause 97 when subordinate to Clause 96, wherein the first raised feature pattern is substantially coarser than the second raised feature pattern to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0744] 99. The nose interface according to Clause 97 when subordinate to Clause 96, wherein the first raised feature pattern is substantially smoother than the second raised feature pattern to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0745] 100. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 96 to 99, wherein the raised feature pattern includes one or more of the following: pits, protrusions, ribs and / or fins.

[0746] 101. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 100, wherein the axis of at least one of the first gas inlet or the second gas inlet is coaxial with respect to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0747] 102. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 100, wherein the angle of the axis of the first gas inlet and / or the second gas inlet is perpendicular to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0748] 103. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 76 to 102, comprising at least one of the following:

[0749] (i) The first fork element positioned within the first fork;

[0750] (ii) The second fork element positioned within the second fork;

[0751] (iii) A manifold element located in the manifold chamber and between the first base of the first fork and the second base of the second fork;

[0752] (iv) A first gas inlet element, positioned at a first gas inlet leading to a gas manifold; or

[0753] (v) A second gas inlet element, positioned at the second gas inlet leading to the gas manifold.

[0754] a. Each of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, and / or the second gas inlet element is configured to increase the resistance to the gas flow entering the corresponding element, so as to cause asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0755] 104. The nose interface according to Clause 103 includes a first gas inlet element and a second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows entering the gas manifold through the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet, respectively.

[0756] 105. The nose interface according to clause 103 includes the first fork element and the second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

[0757] 106. The nose interface according to clause 103, including the manifold element and the first gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows through the manifold element and the first gas inlet element in the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively.

[0758] 107. The nose interface according to clause 103, including the manifold element and the second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow through the manifold element and the second gas inlet element in the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively.

[0759] 108. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 103 to 107, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element includes an orifice for reducing gas flow.

[0760] 109. The nose interface according to clause 108, wherein the hole is formed in a plate or wall.

[0761] 110. The nose interface according to clause 109, wherein the plate or wall has an inlet surface and an outlet surface in which an opening is formed therebetween.

[0762] 111. The nose port according to clause 110, wherein the gas flow is in the direction from the inlet surface through the hole to the outlet surface.

[0763] 112. The nose interface according to Clause 109 or Clause 110, wherein the transition between the outlet surface and the orifice is tapered.

[0764] 113. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 112, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the hole is substantially right-angled.

[0765] 114. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 112, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the orifice is tapered, wherein the tapering angle of the outlet surface is greater than the tapering angle of the inlet surface.

[0766] 115. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 112, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the hole is substantially a sharp corner.

[0767] 116. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 115, wherein at least one hole is a gap, cut or slit extending vertically longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0768] 117. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 115, wherein at least one hole is a gap, cut or slit extending horizontally longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0769] 118. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 108 to 115, wherein at least one hole is a substantially circular perforation.

[0770] 119. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 108 to 115, wherein at least one hole comprises a perforated pattern.

[0771] 120. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 109 to 115, wherein the plate or wall of at least one hole comprises a porous medium.

[0772] 121. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 103 to 108, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element includes a valve.

[0773] 122. The nose interface according to clause 121, wherein the valve is configured to open only at a threshold pressure or threshold flow rate.

[0774] 123. The nose interface according to Clause 121 or Clause 122, wherein the valve is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0775] 124. A nose port according to any one of clauses 121 to 123, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0776] 125. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 103 to 124, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element includes a nozzle.

[0777] 126. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 125, wherein the nozzle is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0778] 127. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 103 to 126, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element is configured to be manually actuated to increase or decrease the degree of restriction imposed by said element.

[0779] 128. The nose interface according to clause 127, wherein the element is configured to be slidably movable in the upstream-downstream direction.

[0780] 129. The nose interface according to clause 128, wherein the element includes a rotatable part having a helical thread.

[0781] 130. The nose interface according to clause 129, wherein the element further includes an external portion located outside the nose interface.

[0782] 131. The nose interface according to clause 130, wherein the element is configured to be rotatably movable such that when the outer portion rotates, the element translates vertically into or out of the flow path, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of flow restriction in the flow path, respectively.

[0783] 132. A nose connector, comprising:

[0784] i. First fork and second fork;

[0785] ii. A gas manifold, comprising a manifold chamber and a gas inlet, the gas inlet being in fluid communication with or configured to be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit; and

[0786] iii. At least one flow guiding element, which is formed as part of at least one of a manifold chamber, a gas inlet, or a gas delivery conduit;

[0787] b. wherein the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow to one of the first fork or the second fork to produce an asymmetric gas flow.

[0788] 133. The nose interface according to Clause 132, wherein the flow guiding element is configured to provide a larger dynamic pressure at the first fork and a smaller dynamic pressure at the second fork during use to produce an asymmetric gas flow.

[0789] 134. A nasal interface according to Clause 132 or Clause 133, wherein the size of at least one of the first or second forks is determined to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the at least one fork and the patient's skin to avoid sealing the gas path between the nasal interface and the patient.

[0790] 135. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 132 to 134, wherein the first fork and the second fork are in fluid communication with the manifold chamber.

[0791] 136. A nose port according to any one of clauses 132 to 135, wherein the gas inlet is located in the manifold chamber opposite to at least one of the first or second forks.

[0792] 137. A nose port according to any one of clauses 132 to 137, wherein the axis of the gas inlet is coaxial with respect to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0793] 138. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 132 to 136, wherein the angle of the axis of the gas inlet is perpendicular to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0794] 139. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 138, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is positioned in the gas manifold chamber.

[0795] 140. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 138, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within a gas delivery conduit.

[0796] 141. The nasal interface according to clause 140, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is positioned within a gas delivery conduit at the junction of the gas delivery conduit and the gas inlet.

[0797] 142. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 141, wherein the at least one flow guiding element includes at least one angled protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to guide a flow of gas from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0798] 143. The nose interface according to clause 142, wherein the at least one flow guiding element further includes an angled second protrusion positioned relative to the first protrusion in the flow path and similarly configured to guide a gas flow from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0799] 144. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 143 includes a second flow guide element positioned in the gas manifold at an inlet leading to one of the first or second forks.

[0800] 145. The nose interface according to clause 144, wherein the second flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks.

[0801] 146. The nasal interface pursuant to Clause 144 or Clause 145, wherein the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the exhaled airflow from the first or second fork to the opposite fork.

[0802] 147. The nasal interface according to Clause 144 or Clause 145, wherein the second flow guiding element includes at least one angled protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to guide a flow of gas from the gas inlet toward one of the first or second forks and is configured to guide an exhaled gas flow from the first or second fork to the opposite fork.

[0803] 148. A nose port according to any of clauses 134 to 147, wherein the gas inlet is located substantially centrally in the manifold chamber between the first and second forks.

[0804] 149. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 148, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is positioned in the gas manifold chamber and near the first fork.

[0805] 150. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 149, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow from a gas delivery conduit toward the inlet of a first fork.

[0806] 151. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 144 to 147, wherein the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the inlet of the first fork into the flow passage of the first fork.

[0807] 152. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 151, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is positioned in the gas manifold chamber and near the second fork.

[0808] 153. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 134 to 148, wherein the at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow from a gas delivery conduit toward the inlet of a second fork.

[0809] 154. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 144 to 147, wherein the second flow guiding element is configured to guide the gas flow from the inlet of the second fork into the flow passage of the second fork.

[0810] 155. A nose interface pursuant to any one of clauses 134 to 154, comprising at least one of the following:

[0811] (i) The first fork element positioned within the first fork;

[0812] (ii) The second fork element positioned within the second fork;

[0813] (iii) A manifold element located within the manifold chamber and between the first base of the first fork and the second base of the second fork;

[0814] b. Wherein, the first fork element, the second fork element and / or the manifold element are each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the respective element.

[0815] 156. The nose interface according to clause 155 includes the first fork element and the second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

[0816] 157. The nose interface according to clause 155 includes the manifold element and the second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows entering the second fork and manifold chambers through the second fork element and the manifold element, respectively.

[0817] 158. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 155 to 157, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element and / or the manifold element includes an orifice for reducing gas flow.

[0818] 159. The nose interface according to clause 158, wherein the hole is formed in a plate or wall.

[0819] 160. The nose interface according to clause 159, wherein the plate or wall has an inlet surface and an outlet surface therebetween forming the hole.

[0820] 161. The nose port according to clause 160, wherein the gas flow is in the direction from the inlet surface through the hole to the outlet surface.

[0821] 162. A nose interface according to Clause 160 or Clause 161, wherein the transition between the outlet surface and the orifice is tapered.

[0822] 163. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 160 to 162, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the hole is substantially right-angled.

[0823] 164. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 160 to 162, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the orifice is tapered, wherein the tapering angle of the outlet surface is greater than the tapering angle of the inlet surface.

[0824] 165. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 160 to 162, wherein the transition between the inlet surface and the orifice is substantially a sharp corner.

[0825] 166. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 159 to 165, wherein at least one hole is a gap, cut or slit extending vertically longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0826] 167. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 159 to 165, wherein at least one hole is a gap, cut or slit extending horizontally longitudinally through the plate or wall.

[0827] 168. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 158 to 167, wherein at least one hole is a substantially circular perforation.

[0828] 169. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 158 to 167, wherein at least one hole comprises a perforated pattern.

[0829] 170. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 159 to 169, wherein the plate or wall of at least one hole comprises a porous medium.

[0830] 171. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 155 to 170, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element and / or the manifold element includes a valve.

[0831] 172. The nose interface according to clause 171, wherein the valve is configured to open only at a threshold pressure or threshold flow rate.

[0832] 173. The nose interface according to Clause 171 or Clause 172, wherein the valve is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0833] 174. A nose port according to any one of clauses 171 to 173, wherein the valve is a duckbill valve.

[0834] 175. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 155 to 174, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element and / or the manifold element includes a nozzle.

[0835] 176. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 175, wherein the nozzle is configured to provide a defined pressure drop in the flow path.

[0836] 177. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 155 to 176, wherein, when present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, and / or the manifold element is configured to be manually actuated to increase or decrease the degree of restriction through said element.

[0837] 178. The nose interface according to clause 177, wherein the element is configured to be slidably movable in the upstream-downstream direction.

[0838] 179. The nose interface according to clause 177, wherein the element includes a rotatable part having a helical thread.

[0839] 180. The nose interface according to clause 179, wherein the element further includes an external portion located outside the nose interface.

[0840] 181. The nose interface according to clause 180, wherein the element is configured to be rotatably movable such that when the outer portion rotates, the element translates vertically into or out of the flow path, thereby increasing or decreasing the degree of flow restriction in the flow path, respectively.

[0841] 182. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 181, wherein the first fork has a first fork length and the second fork has a second fork length, and the first fork length is different from the second fork length.

[0842] 183. The nose interface according to Clause 182, wherein the length of the first fork is longer than the length of the second fork, so as to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0843] 184. The nose interface according to clause 182 or 183, wherein the length of the first fork is shorter than the length of the second fork, so as to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0844] 185. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 184, wherein the first fork has a first fork cross-sectional width and the second fork has a second fork cross-sectional width, and wherein the first fork cross-sectional width is different from the second fork cross-sectional width.

[0845] 186. The nose interface according to Clause 185, wherein the cross-sectional width of the first fork is greater than the cross-sectional width of the second fork, so as to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0846] 187. The nose interface according to Clause 185, wherein the cross-sectional width of the first fork is less than the cross-sectional width of the second fork, so as to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0847] 188. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 187, wherein a first fork has a first end and a second fork has a second end, and wherein the geometry of the first end and the geometry of the second end are different to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0848] 189. The nose interface as shown in Clause 188, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end narrows or tapers to form a nozzle shape.

[0849] 190. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 188 or Clause 189, wherein at least one of the first or second ends is widened or tapered to form a diffuser shape.

[0850] 191. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 190, wherein the first fork has a first inner surface and the second fork has a second inner surface, wherein at least one of the first inner surface or the second inner surface has a surface feature configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one first fork or the second fork.

[0851] 192. The nose interface according to Clause 191, wherein the surface features are ridges formed in a concentric pattern around the first inner surface or the second inner surface as a ring, a spiral or a band.

[0852] 193. The nose interface according to clause 190 or 191, wherein the surface features are fins patterned as lines, bands or strips along a first inner surface or a second inner surface in a substantially axial direction.

[0853] 194. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 191 to 193, wherein the surface features are different when present on a first inner surface and a second inner surface, so as to cause asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0854] 195. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 194, wherein at least one of the first fork and the second fork is a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the non-circular cross-sectional shape being configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one first fork or the second fork.

[0855] 196. The nose interface according to Clause 195, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is reduced by the size of the circular cross-sectional shape removed therefrom.

[0856] 197. The nose interface according to Clause 195, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped.

[0857] 198. The nose interface according to Clause 195, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is a basic polygon.

[0858] 199. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 195 to 198, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional shape is different when it is present on each of the first and second forks to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0859] 200. A nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 199, wherein at least one of the first fork and the second fork includes a base restriction at the base of the fork, the base restriction being configured to affect internal flow resistance in at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

[0860] 201. The nose interface according to Clause 200, wherein the base limiting portion is a nozzle or diffuser formed at the base of the fork.

[0861] 202. The nose interface according to Clause 200 or Clause 201, wherein when a base restrictive portion is present on the first fork and the second fork, the base restrictive portion is different to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0862] 203. The nose interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 202, wherein at least one of the first fork and the second fork includes a fork valve located within the fork, the fork valve being configured to affect the internal flow resistance of at least one first fork or the second fork.

[0863] 204. The nose port according to Clause 203, wherein the fork valve is configured to restrict or prevent gas flow through it until the gas flow exceeds a predetermined pressure.

[0864] 205. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 203 or Clause 204, wherein the fork valve is a duckbill valve.

[0865] 206. The nose port according to any of clauses 203 to 205, wherein the fork valve is a one-way valve.

[0866] 207. A nose port according to any one of clauses 203 to 206, wherein when a fork valve is present in each of the first fork and the second fork, the fork valve has different characteristics to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0867] 208. The nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 207 further includes a third fork, wherein the first fork, the second fork and the third fork are spaced apart to be able to engage into the patient’s nostril as an adjacent pair, wherein at least one of the first fork, the second fork or the third fork has flow characteristics different from the other forks to induce or facilitate asymmetric gas flow at each fork.

[0868] 209. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 208 also includes a closure for releasably preventing gas flow through the first fork, second fork, or third fork.

[0869] 210. A nose connector, comprising:

[0870] i. A first fork, having a first base and a first end;

[0871] ii. A second fork, having a second base and a second end;

[0872] iii. Gas manifold;

[0873] iv. First gas inlet; and

[0874] v. Auxiliary gas inlet;

[0875] vi. Wherein, the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are in fluid communication with the first gas delivery conduit and the second gas delivery conduit, respectively;

[0876] viii. The nasal interface is configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0877] 211. The nose interface according to Clause 210, wherein the first gas inlet terminates in a gas manifold.

[0878] 212. The nose port according to clauses 201 or 211, wherein the auxiliary gas inlet terminates in the first or second fork.

[0879] 213. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 210 to 212, wherein the auxiliary gas inlet is in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas delivery conduit.

[0880] 214. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 210 to 213, wherein at least one of the first gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes a lumen having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes a lumen having a second internal cross-sectional area.

[0881] 215. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 214, wherein one or both of the first and second internal cross-sectional areas are substantially circular.

[0882] 216. The nose interface according to clauses 214 or 215, wherein the first internal cross-sectional area and the second internal cross-sectional area are different.

[0883] 217. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 216, wherein the second internal cross-sectional area is smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the first fork or the second fork.

[0884] 218. The nasal interface according to Clause 213, wherein the gas delivery conduit and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit are arranged on the same side of the gas manifold.

[0885] 219. A nasal interface according to any of Clause 213, wherein an auxiliary gas delivery conduit is located in a gas delivery conduit.

[0886] 220. The nasal interface according to Clause 213, wherein at least one of the first gas inlet or gas delivery conduit includes a first length, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes a second length.

[0887] 221. The nose interface according to Clause 220, wherein the first length and the second length are not equal to induce asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

[0888] 222. The nose interface pursuant to Clause 220 or Clause 221, wherein the first length is longer than the second length to induce or facilitate asymmetrical gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0889] 223. A nose interface pursuant to Clause 220 or Clause 221, wherein a first length is shorter than a second length to induce or facilitate asymmetrical gas flow at the first and second forks.

[0890] 224. The nasal interface according to Clause 214, wherein the gas delivery conduit is in communication with a first gas flow and the auxiliary gas delivery conduit is in communication with a second gas flow.

[0891] 225. The nose interface according to clause 224, wherein the first gas flow has a different flow rate than the second gas flow.

[0892] 226. The nose interface according to Clause 224 or Clause 225, wherein the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the first gas flow is a different flow direction from the combined flow direction between the gas manifold and the second gas flow.

[0893] 227. A nasal interface pursuant to any of clauses 224 to 226, wherein one of the first gas flow or the second gas flow is an inhalation flow.

[0894] 228. A nasal interface according to any one of clauses 224 to 227, wherein the gas pressure of the first gas flow is different from the gas pressure of the second gas flow.

[0895] 229. The nasal interface according to Clause 228, wherein the negative gas pressure relative to the environment is formed by a first gas flow or a second gas flow.

[0896] 230. A patient interface comprising a nasal interface according to any one of clauses 1 to 229.

[0897] 231. The patient interface pursuant to Clause 230 also includes a head cap for holding the nasal interface on the patient's face.

[0898] 232. The patient interface according to Clause 230 or 231 also includes a gas delivery conduit in fluid communication with a gas inlet.

[0899] 233. The patient interface according to Clause 232, wherein the gas delivery catheter is a ventilated tube.

[0900] 234. The patient interface according to Clause 233, wherein the gas manifold is integrally formed with or connected to the gas delivery catheter.

[0901] 235. A patient interface according to any one of clauses 232 to 234, wherein a gas delivery conduit connects a gas inlet to a patient catheter, the patient catheter providing gas from a flow generator.

[0902] 236. The patient interface according to any one of clauses 232 to 235 also includes a gas delivery catheter retainer clip.

[0903] 237. A respiratory therapy system, comprising:

[0904] i. Respiratory therapy equipment, including:

[0905] ii. Controller;

[0906] iii. Blood oxygen saturation sensor;

[0907] iv. Ambient air inlet;

[0908] v. to introduce oxygen;

[0909] vi. A valve, which is in fluid communication with the oxygen inlet to control the flow of oxygen through the oxygen inlet; and

[0910] vii. Gas outlet;

[0911] b. Wherein, the controller is configured to control the valve based on at least one oxygen saturation measurement from a blood oxygen saturation sensor; and

[0912] i. Patient interface according to any of clauses 230 to 236.

Claims

1. A nasal connector, characterized in that, The nose interface includes: A first fork, the first fork having a first base and a first end; A second fork, the second fork having a second base and a second end; and Gas manifold, the gas manifold comprising: Manifold; First gas inlet; and Second gas inlet, The first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are respectively in fluid communication with the first gas delivery conduit and the second gas delivery conduit. The nasal inlet is configured to induce asymmetric gas flow at the first fork and the second fork, wherein the nasal inlet includes at least one of the following: (i) A first fork element positioned within the first fork; (ii) A second fork element positioned within the second fork; (iii) A manifold element, the manifold element being positioned in the manifold chamber and located between the first base of the first fork and the second base of the second fork; (iv) A first gas inlet element, positioned at the first gas inlet leading to the gas manifold; or (v) A second gas inlet element, positioned at the second gas inlet leading to the gas manifold. Each of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, and / or the second gas inlet element is configured to increase the resistance to the gas flow entering the corresponding element, so as to cause asymmetrical gas flow at the first fork and the second fork.

2. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gas inlet and the second gas inlet are arranged on opposite sides of the manifold chamber.

3. The nasal interface according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The first gas inlet is closer to the first fork than the second gas inlet, and wherein the second gas inlet is closer to the second fork than the first gas inlet.

4. The nose interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nose interface includes a first gas inlet element and a second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows entering the gas manifold through the first gas inlet and the second gas inlet, respectively.

5. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nose inlet includes a first fork element and a second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

6. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nasal interface includes the manifold element and the first gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow within the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively, through the manifold element and the first gas inlet element.

7. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nasal interface includes the manifold element and the second gas inlet element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow within the manifold chamber and into the gas manifold, respectively, through the manifold element and the second gas inlet element.

8. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, When present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, the manifold element, the first gas inlet element, or the second gas inlet element includes an orifice for a reduced passage for gas flow.

9. A nose connector, characterized in that, The nose interface includes: First fork and second fork; A gas manifold, comprising a manifold chamber and a gas inlet, the gas inlet being in fluid communication with, or configured to be in fluid communication with, a gas delivery conduit; and At least one flow guiding element, said at least one flow guiding element being formed as part of at least one of the manifold chamber, the gas inlet, or the gas delivery conduit; The at least one flow guiding element is configured to guide a gas flow to one of the first fork or the second fork to generate an asymmetric gas flow, wherein the nose interface includes at least one of the following: (i) A first fork element positioned within the first fork; (ii) A second fork element positioned within the second fork; (iii) A manifold element, the manifold element being positioned in the manifold chamber and located between the first base of the first fork and the second base of the second fork; Each of the first fork element, the second fork element, and / or the manifold element is configured to increase the flow resistance of the gas flow entering the corresponding element.

10. The nose interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The flow guiding element is configured to provide a larger dynamic pressure at the first fork and a smaller dynamic pressure at the second fork during use, in order to generate an asymmetric gas flow.

11. The nasal interface according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that, The size of at least one of the first or second forks is determined to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the at least one fork and the patient's skin to avoid sealing the gas path between the nasal inlet and the patient.

12. The nose interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first fork and the second fork are in fluid communication with the manifold chamber.

13. The nasal interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gas inlet is located in the manifold chamber opposite to at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

14. The nose interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The axis of the gas inlet is coaxial with respect to the axis of at least one of the first fork or the second fork.

15. The nasal interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The nose inlet includes a first fork element and a second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flows entering the first fork and the second fork, respectively.

16. The nasal interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The nasal inlet includes a manifold element and a second fork element, each configured to increase the flow resistance of gas flow entering the second fork and the manifold chamber via the second fork element and the manifold element, respectively.

17. The nasal interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, When present, at least one of the first fork element, the second fork element, and / or the manifold element includes an orifice for a reduced passage for gas flow.

18. A respiratory therapy system, characterized in that, The respiratory therapy system includes: Respiratory therapy device, the respiratory therapy device comprising: Controller; Blood oxygen saturation sensor; Ambient air inlet; Oxygen inlet; A valve, which is in fluid communication with the oxygen inlet to control the oxygen flow through the oxygen inlet; and Gas outlet; The controller is configured to control the valve based on at least one oxygen saturation measurement from the blood oxygen saturation sensor; and The patient interface includes a nasal interface, the nasal interface comprising: A first fork, the first fork having a first base and a first end; The second fork has a second base and a second end; A gas manifold, the gas manifold including a manifold chamber and a gas inlet; and At least one element positioned in the first fork, the second fork, or the manifold chamber. The at least one element is configured to increase the resistance of the gas flow traveling through at least one of the first fork, the second fork, or the manifold chamber, and The gas inlet is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit, or is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit.

19. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The first gas inlet terminates in the gas manifold.

20. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The auxiliary gas inlet terminates in either the first fork or the second fork.

21. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 20, characterized in that, The auxiliary gas inlet is in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas delivery conduit.

22. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 21, characterized in that, At least one of the gas inlet or the gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a first internal cross-sectional area, and at least one of the auxiliary gas inlet or the auxiliary gas delivery conduit includes an inner cavity having a second internal cross-sectional area.

23. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The patient interface also includes a cap that holds the nose interface on the patient's face.

24. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 18 or claim 23, characterized in that, The patient interface also includes a gas delivery conduit that is in fluid communication with the gas inlet.

25. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 24, characterized in that, The gas delivery conduit is a ventilated tube.

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