Humidification platform for use with a portable cpap device

Abstract

To provide a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient.SOLUTION: The humidifier includes a dock and a humidification chamber. The dock comprises a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to supply the pressurized flow of breathable gas. The dock also includes a humidification chamber fluidly connected to the device chamber. The humidification chamber is configured to contain a volume of water and is removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber such that, in an operational configuration, the humidification chamber is arranged to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas and output the pressurized flow of breathable gas having an increased humidity. The dock also includes a heater secured to the humidification tub. The heater is configured to heat the volume of water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 075,375, filed September 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present technology relates to one or more of screening, diagnosing, monitoring, treating, preventing, and ameliorating respiratory-related disorders. The present technology also relates to medical devices or instruments and uses thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] [Description of Related Art] Human Respiratory System and Its Disorders The body's respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to a patient's airways.

[0004] The airways contain a series of branching tubes that become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from inhaled air into venous blood and carbon dioxide to move in the opposite direction. The trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi, which ultimately divide into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi constitute conducting airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Further division of the airways gives rise to respiratory bronchioles and ultimately to alveoli. Gas exchange occurs in the alveolar region of the lung, known as the respiratory zone. See Respiratory Physiology, 9th Edition, by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012.

[0005] There are a variety of respiratory disorders. Particular disorders can be characterized by particular episodes (e.g., apnea, hypopnea, and hyperpnea).

[0006] Respiratory disorders include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory failure, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular diseases (NMD), and chest wall disorders.

[0007] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is characterized by events involving the obstruction or closure of the upper airway during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results from an abnormally small upper airway combined with the normal loss of muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall regions during sleep. As a result of this condition, affected patients typically stop breathing for periods lasting 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. This results in excessive daytime sleepiness, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. This syndrome is common, particularly among middle-aged, overweight men, but sufferers often experience no symptoms. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0008] Respiratory failure is a general term for breathing problems in which the lungs cannot take in enough oxygen or exhale enough CO2 to meet the patient's needs. Respiratory failure may include some or all of the following problems:

[0009] Patients with respiratory insufficiency (a type of respiratory failure) may experience abnormal shortness of breath during exercise.

[0010] A range of treatments are available to treat or ameliorate these conditions, and may even be successfully used by otherwise healthy individuals to prevent the onset of respiratory disorders. However, these treatments have a number of drawbacks.

[0011] Therapy A variety of respiratory therapies (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IV), and high-flow therapy (HFT)) are used to treat one or more of the above-mentioned respiratory disorders.

[0012] Respiratory Pressure Therapy Respiratory pressure therapy is the application of air to the entrance of the airways at a controlled target pressure that is nominally positive relative to the atmosphere throughout the patient's respiratory cycle (as opposed to negative pressure therapy, e.g., a tank ventilator or positive-negative pressure extracorporeal ventilator (cuirass)).

[0013] Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Its mechanism of action is that continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint and may prevent closure of the upper airway by pushing the soft palate and tongue forward or backward against the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Because treatment of OSA with CPAP therapy can be voluntary, patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they find the devices used to deliver such treatment to be one or more of the following: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0014] flow therapy Not all respiratory therapies aim to deliver a predetermined therapeutic pressure. Some aim to deliver a predetermined respiratory volume by delivering an inspiratory flow profile that overlaps a positive baseline pressure as closely as possible for a targeted duration. In some cases, the interface to the patient's airway is "open" (unsealed), and respiratory therapy with a flow of conditioned or concentrated gas is used solely to support the patient's spontaneous breathing. In one example, high-flow therapy (HFT) involves providing a continuous, heated, humidified airflow through an unsealed or open patient interface at the entrance to the airway at a "therapeutic flow" that remains nearly constant throughout the respiratory cycle. The therapeutic flow is nominally set to exceed the patient's peak inspiratory flow. HFT is used to treat OSA, CSR, respiratory failure, COPD, and other respiratory disorders. One mechanism of action is that a high flow of air at the airway entrance improves ventilation efficiency by flushing or washing out exhaled CO2 from the patient's anatomical dead space. Therefore, HFT is sometimes referred to as dead-space therapy (DST). Other benefits may include increased warmth and humidification (which may aid in secretion management) and the potential for modest increases in airway pressure. As an alternative to a constant flow rate, the therapeutic flow rate may follow a profile that varies over the respiratory cycle.

[0015] Another form of flow therapy is long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), or supplemental oxygen therapy. A physician may prescribe a continuous flow of oxygen-enriched air at a specific oxygen concentration (the fraction of oxygen in ambient air, from 21% to 100%) delivered to a patient's airways at a specific flow rate (e.g., 1 liter per minute (LPM), 2 LPM, 3 LPM, etc.).

[0016] Supplemental oxygen For certain patients, a combination of oxygen therapy and respiratory pressure therapy or HFT can be achieved by adding supplemental oxygen to the pressurized airflow. When oxygen is added to respiratory pressure therapy, this is called RPT with supplemental oxygen. When oxygen is added to HFT, this is called HFT with supplemental oxygen.

[0017] Respiratory Therapy Systems These respiratory therapies may be provided by respiratory treatment systems or devices. Such systems and devices may be used to screen, diagnose, or monitor disease without treating it.

[0018] The respiratory therapy system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, an oxygen source, and data management.

[0019] Patient Interface A patient interface may be used to connect a respiratory device to its wearer by, for example, providing airflow to an entrance to the airway. Airflow may be provided via a mask to the nose and / or mouth, a tube to the mouth, or a tracheostomy tube to the patient's trachea. Depending on the therapy being applied, the patient interface may form a seal with, for example, the patient's facial area, thereby facilitating gas delivery at a pressure sufficiently different from ambient pressure, e.g., approximately 10 cmH2O above ambient pressure, to effectively implement therapy. For other forms of therapy, such as oxygen delivery, the patient interface may not include a sufficient seal to facilitate delivery of a gas supply to the airway at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cmH2O. For flow therapy, such as nasal HFT, the patient interface is positioned to insufflate the nares but not seal completely. An example of such a patient interface is a nasal cannula.

[0020] Seal formation structure The patient interface may include a seal-forming structure. Because the seal-forming structure is in direct contact with the patient's face, the shape and configuration of the seal-forming structure may directly affect the effectiveness and comfort of the patient interface.

[0021] Patient interfaces may be characterized in part according to the design intent of the seal-forming structure when it is intended to engage the face in use. In one form of patient interface, the seal-forming structure may include a first dependent portion for forming a seal around the left nostril and a second dependent portion for forming a seal around the right nostril. In one form of patient interface, the seal-forming structure may include a single element that surrounds both nostrils in use. Such a single element may be designed to overlap, for example, the upper lip region and the nose bridge region of the face. In one form of patient interface, the seal-forming structure may include an element that surrounds the mouth region in use, for example, by forming a seal over the lower lip region of the face. In one form of patient interface, the seal-forming structure may include a single element that surrounds both the nostril and mouth regions in use. These different types of patient interfaces may be referred to by various names depending on their manufacturer, such as nasal masks, full face masks, nasal pillows, nasal puffs, and oronasal masks.

[0022] A seal-forming structure that may be effective in one area of ​​a patient's face may be inappropriate in another area, for example, due to different shapes, structures, variability, and sensitive areas of the patient's face. For example, a seal on swimming goggles that overlaps the patient's forehead may be inappropriate for use on the patient's nose.

[0023] Positioning and stabilization The seal-forming structures of patient interfaces used in positive pressure therapy are subjected to corresponding forces of air pressure that can compromise the seal. Accordingly, various techniques have been used to position and maintain the seal-forming structures in sealing relationship with the appropriate portion of the face.

[0024] Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices Respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) devices can be used individually or as part of a system to deliver one or more of the above therapies, for example, by activating the device to generate and deliver airflow to an interface to the airway. The airflow can be pressure-controlled (for respiratory pressure therapy) or flow-controlled (for flow therapy such as HFT). As such, RPT devices can also function as flow therapy devices. RPT devices include CPAP devices and mechanical ventilators.

[0025] Air pressure generators are known for a wide range of applications (e.g., industrial-scale ventilation systems). However, air pressure generators for medical applications have specific requirements that are not met by more common air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical treatment may suffer from shortcomings including one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, effectiveness, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0026] One example of a special requirement for a particular RPT device is acoustic noise.

[0027] Table of noise output levels for conventional RPT devices (measured at 10cmH2O in CPAP mode using the test method specified in ISO3744, one sample only) [Table 1]

[0028] A known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed Limited. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. Ventilators (e.g., the ResMed Stellar™ series of adult and pediatric ventilators) can provide invasive and non-invasive independent ventilation support for a range of patients to treat many conditions (e.g., including, but not limited to, NMD, OHS, and COPD).

[0029] The ResMed Elis Accent-Aiguée® 150 ventilator and ResMedVS III™ ventilators can provide invasive and non-invasive dependent ventilatory support suitable for adult or pediatric patients for the treatment of multiple medical conditions. These ventilators offer volumetric and pressure ventilation modes using single or dual limb circuits. RPT devices typically include a pressure generator, such as an electric blower or compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to deliver airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow can be delivered to the patient's airway at positive pressure. The outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a patient interface, as described above.

[0030] A device designer may be presented with a myriad of choices. Often, conflicting design criteria may make certain design choices unconventional or unavoidable. Furthermore, the comfort and effectiveness of a particular implementation may be significantly affected by minor changes in one or more parameters.

[0031] Air circuit An air circuit is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged so that, in use, airflow travels between two elements of a respiratory therapy system (e.g., an RPT device and a patient interface). In some cases, there may be separate limbs of the air circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single-limb air circuit is used for both inhalation and exhalation.

[0032] humidifier Delivery of airflow without humidification can cause drying of the airway. When a humidifier is used with an RPT device and patient interface, it produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases comfort in the patient's airway. Also, in cooler climates, warm air applied within the patient interface and to the facial area surrounding the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cool air.

[0033] Although various artificial humidification devices and systems are known, these may not meet the special requirements of a medical humidifier.

[0034] Medical humidifiers are used to increase the humidity and / or temperature of an airflow relative to the ambient air when needed, typically while a patient is sleeping or resting (e.g., in a hospital). Bedside medical humidifiers may be small. Medical humidifiers may be configured to only humidify and / or heat the airflow delivered to a patient without humidifying and / or heating the patient's ambient environment. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, or evaporative coolers) may also humidify the air inhaled by the patient, but these systems may also humidify and / or heat the entire room, which may cause discomfort to the occupants. Furthermore, medical humidifiers may have more stringent safety constraints than industrial humidifiers.

[0035] Although many medical humidifiers are known, these humidifiers suffer from one or more drawbacks: some medical humidifiers provide insufficient humidification, while others are difficult or inconvenient for the patient to use.

[0036] Data Management For clinical reasons, data may be obtained to determine whether a patient prescribed respiratory treatment is "compliant" (e.g., whether the patient is using their RPT device in accordance with one or more "compliance rules"). An example compliance rule for CPAP treatment may require a patient to use the RPT device for at least four hours per night for at least 21 days out of 30 consecutive days to be considered compliant. To determine patient compliance, a provider of the RPT device (e.g., a healthcare provider) may manually obtain data describing the patient's treatment with the RPT device, calculate usage rates over a given period, and compare this to the compliance rules. If the healthcare provider determines that the patient used their RPT device in accordance with the compliance rules, the healthcare provider may notify a third party that the patient is compliant.

[0037] There may be other aspects of patient care that benefit from communication of treatment data to third parties or external systems.

[0038] Existing processes for communicating and managing such data can be costly, time consuming, and / or error prone.

[0039] Ventilation Technology Some forms of treatment systems may include a vent to push out exhaled carbon dioxide, which may allow gas flow from an interior space of the patient interface (e.g., a plenum chamber) to an exterior of the patient interface (e.g., ambient).

[0040] Screening, diagnostic, and surveillance systems Polysomnography (PSG) is a conventional system used for diagnosing and monitoring cardiopulmonary diseases, typically requiring specialized clinical staff for system application. PSG typically involves placing 15–20 contact sensors on the patient to record various body signals, including electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG), and electromyography (EMG). PSG for sleep-disordered breathing requires the patient to be observed in the clinic for two nights: the first night for pure diagnosis and the second night for titration of treatment parameters by the clinician. Therefore, PSG is expensive and inconvenient. PSG is particularly unsuitable for home screening, diagnosis, and monitoring.

[0041] Screening and diagnosis generally involve the identification of disease through signs and symptoms. Screening typically provides a true / false result indicating whether a patient's SDB warrants further investigation, while diagnosis often provides clinically actionable information. Screening and diagnosis tend to be one-time procedures, whereas monitoring the progression of a disease can continue indefinitely. Some screening / diagnostic systems are suitable only for screening / diagnosis, while others can also be used for monitoring.

[0042] A clinical expert may adequately screen, diagnose, or monitor a patient based on visual observation of the PSG signal. However, there are situations where a clinical expert is unavailable or cannot be paid for. Different clinical experts may have different opinions about a patient's condition. Furthermore, some clinical experts may apply different criteria at different times. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0043] A brief overview of the technology The present technology relates to providing medical devices for use in screening, diagnosing, monitoring, ameliorating, treating or preventing respiratory disorders, which medical devices have one or more of improved comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use and manufacturability.

[0044] One form of the present technology comprises a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient.

[0045] One form of the present technology comprises a chamber and a reservoir removably disposed within the chamber.

[0046] One form of the present technology comprises a chamber configured to removably support a humidifier tub and / or an RPT device.

[0047] One form of the present technology comprises a humidifier including a tub, the tub including a heating element for heating an interior cavity of the tub.

[0048] One form of the present technology comprises a humidifier that includes a water reservoir configured for insertion into and / or removal from a dock with one hand.

[0049] One form of the present technology comprises a humidifier dock having a device chamber that removably receives an RPT device and a humidification chamber that removably receives a water reservoir.

[0050] Another aspect of one form of the present technology is that the RPT device is configured to be at least partially exposed when fully inserted into the device chamber, and the water reservoir is configured to be at least partially exposed when fully inserted into the humidification chamber.

[0051] Another aspect of one form of the present technology is where the reservoir includes a lid configured to be exposed when the reservoir is fully inserted into the humidification chamber, allowing a patient to refill the reservoir while it is fully inserted into the humidification chamber.

[0052] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: Dock and a tub configured to hold a predetermined amount of water and removably coupled to the dock.

[0053] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: The humidifier includes a reservoir containing a predetermined amount of water and configured to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas and output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity.

[0054] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to removably receive an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas; a dock including a humidification chamber spaced apart from and fluidly connected to the device chamber; a reservoir containing a volume of water and configured to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, the reservoir comprising: a tub base including a cavity configured to contain the volume of water; a heater secured to the tub base and configured to heat the quantity of water; and a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base and configured to selectively cover an opening to the cavity, the tub lid, the heater, and the tub lid integrally including a humidifier removably positioned within the humidification chamber.

[0055] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide the flow of pressurized breathable gas; a dock including a humidification chamber connected to the device chamber; a humidification tub containing a quantity of water and configured to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged to receive, in an operative configuration, the flow of pressurized breathable gas and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity; a heater secured to the humidification tub and configured to heat the predetermined amount of water.

[0056] In some examples, a) the humidification tub is positioned to engage and disengage with the dock in a generally vertical direction along a humidification tub insertion axis, b) the humidification tub includes a tub base positioned to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber, b) the tub base includes a cavity configured to hold a predetermined amount of water, c) the humidification tub includes a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base, and / or d) the heater is attached to the tub base.

[0057] In some examples, a) the heater is overmolded inside the bath base, b) the bath base includes an electrical connector connected to the heater, the electrical connector disposed in the bath base configured to electrically connect with an electrical connector disposed in the humidification chamber, and / or c) the bath lid is removably coupled to the bath base and configured for one-handed operation.

[0058] In some examples, a) the tub lid further includes a water inlet that allows the tub base to be filled with water; b) a cap is removably coupled to the tub lid for selectively covering the water inlet; c) the humidification tub is only partially received within the humidification chamber so as to extend beyond the space defined by the humidification tub; d) the cap is removable when at least the tub lid is exposed to the ambient environment during use and is not covered by the dock; and / or e) the tub base is at least partially disposed within the humidification chamber.

[0059] In some examples, a) the tank lid includes a shroud configured to be received within the cavity when the tank lid is coupled to the tank base, b) the shroud is spaced apart from the water inlet, and / or c) the shroud is oriented in a negative dome shape relative to the water inlet.

[0060] In some examples, a) the outlet is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient, the outlet being spaced apart from the device chamber and the humidification chamber; b) the first fluid conduit extends between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas from the device chamber to the humidification chamber; c) the second fluid conduit extends between the humidification chamber and the outlet and is configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas from the humidification chamber to the outlet; d) the humidification chamber includes a third fluid conduit in communication with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit; and / or e) the outlet is tubular and defines an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the humidification tank insertion axis.

[0061] In some examples, a) the vessel base includes a vessel base opening configured to allow pressurized breathable gas to flow into and / or out of the cavity; b) the vessel base opening includes a passageway configured to receive the third fluid conduit in the operational configuration so as to be coaxial with the third fluid conduit; c) a shroud is disposed adjacent to the opening of the third fluid conduit when the vessel lid is coupled to the vessel base in the operational configuration; d) at least one of the passageway and the third fluid conduit has a frusto-conical shape; e) the third fluid conduit extends above the passageway in the operational configuration; f) the third fluid conduit includes a divider that divides the third fluid conduit into an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the divider being configured to at least partially isolate the inlet portion from the outlet portion; g) the shroud and the third fluid conduit are disposed adjacent to each other; the conduit is configured such that when the humidification tub is in an operating configuration in the humidification chamber, the shroud prevents water from entering the inlet and outlet portions when water is poured into the cavity through the water inlet; h) a flow of pressurized breathable gas is configured to enter the cavity through the inlet portion and to exit the cavity through the outlet portion; i) the divider is configured to extend above the passage in the tub base opening; j) an outer surface adjacent the opening of the third fluid conduit includes a sealing member configured to engage an inner surface of the passage in the tub base opening, the sealing member being configured to prevent pressurized breathable gas from flowing between the passage and the third fluid conduit; and / or k) the sealing member is a silicone lip seal or an O-ring.

[0062] In some examples, a) the dock includes a humidification chamber retention feature disposed within the humidification chamber; b) the tub includes a humidification reservoir retention feature located at the tub base outside the cavity and configured to reversibly engage with the humidification chamber retention feature; c) the humidification tub is configured to be guided into and / or retained in an operating configuration by appropriate engagement between the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature; d) the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature are magnets of opposite polarity; e) the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature each include one or more magnets and are arranged so that electromagnetic forces between the magnets of each polarity only enable engagement in the operating configuration; and / or f) the humidification tub is configured to engage with the humidification chamber by a magnetic connection and at least one additional connection selected from the group consisting of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a pneumatic connection, and the magnetic connection and the additional connection are configured to act simultaneously.

[0063] In some examples, a) the RPT device is configured to be inserted into the device chamber along an RPT insertion axis and the humidification tank is configured to be inserted into the humidification chamber along a reservoir insertion axis parallel to the RPT insertion axis, b) the outlet is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directions of the RPT insertion axis and the second insertion axis, c) the device chamber is configured to receive only a portion of the engaged RPT device, and / or d) the RPT device is at least partially exposed when fully positioned within the device chamber.

[0064] In some examples, a) the medical device comprises: a humidifier as described above; an RPT device configured to supply a flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within a device chamber of the humidifier; a patient interface configured to seal against the patient's face and deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity to the patient's airway; and a conduit arranged to fluidly connect an outlet to the patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface; b) when the RPT device is fully inserted into the device chamber, at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be held by the patient; and / or c) when the humidification reservoir is fully inserted into the humidification chamber, at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be held by the patient.

[0065] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device room; a humidification chamber spaced apart from the device chamber; an outlet spaced apart from the device chamber and the humidification chamber; a first fluid conduit extending between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the device chamber to the humidification chamber; a dock including a second fluid conduit extending between the humidification chamber and the outlet, the second fluid conduit configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the humidification chamber to the outlet; a reservoir containing a volume of water and configured to receive a flow of pressurized breathable gas through a first fluid conduit and to output a flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity through a second fluid conduit, said reservoir comprising: a tub base including a cavity configured to contain the volume of water; a tank lid configured to selectively cover an opening to the cavity; the device chamber is configured to removably receive an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas; The tub includes a humidifier that is removably positionable within the humidification chamber.

[0066] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a dock base having a bottom surface and at least one vertical sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the bottom surface and the at least one vertical sidewall at least partially defining a compartment; a compartment inlet configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas into the compartment; a dock including a humidification chamber retention feature disposed within the compartment; a reservoir containing a predetermined volume of water, removably positionable within the compartment, configured to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the compartment inlet and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, the reservoir comprising: a tub base including a cavity configured to contain the volume of water; a humidification reservoir retention feature coupled to the reservoir base outside the cavity and configured to removably engage the humidification chamber retention feature; a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base and configured to selectively cover an opening to the cavity; The tub includes a humidifier configured to be guided into an engaged position by appropriate engagement between the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature.

[0067] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a dock base having a bottom surface and at least one vertical sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the bottom surface and the at least one vertical sidewall at least partially defining a compartment; a dock including a compartment inlet configured to direct the flow of pressurized breathable gas into the compartment; a reservoir containing a predetermined volume of water, removably positionable within the compartment, configured to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the compartment inlet and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, the reservoir comprising: a tub base including a cavity configured to contain the volume of water; a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base and configured to selectively cover an opening to the cavity, the tub lid including a water inlet passage; a cap removably coupled to the tub lid for selectively covering the water inlet passage; In use, the tank lid is exposed to the ambient environment and is not covered by the housing; The cap includes a humidifier that is removable when the tub base is placed within the compartment.

[0068] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to removably receive an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas; a dock including a humidification chamber spaced apart from and fluidly connected to the device chamber, the humidification chamber having a humidification chamber depth; a reservoir containing a volume of water and configured to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, the reservoir comprising: a tub base having a length and including a cavity configured to receive the volume of water; a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base and configured to selectively cover an opening to the cavity; The lid base and the tank lid can be removably disposed integrally within the humidifying chamber, wherein, in use, the tub is configured to be inserted into the humidification chamber along the insertion axis such that a depth and a length of the humidification chamber are measured parallel to the insertion axis, the length being greater than a depth of the humidification chamber, thereby exposing a portion of the tub base; The tub lid includes a humidifier configured to be removed from the tub base along the insertion axis during use.

[0069] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier dock for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide the flow of pressurized breathable gas; a humidification chamber fluidly connected to the device chamber; The humidification chamber includes a humidifier dock configured to at least partially removably receive a humidification tub and positioned such that at least one of the RPT device and the humidification tub is received vertically within the dock.

[0070] In some examples, a) the dock includes a humidification tub, b) the humidification tub is configured to hold a predetermined amount of water, and / or c) the humidification tub is configured to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber such that, in an operational configuration, the humidification tub is arranged to receive a flow of pressurized breathable gas and to output a flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity.

[0071] In some examples, a) the length of the reservoir is about 25% to about 90% greater than the depth of the humidification chamber; b) the length of the reservoir is about 66% greater than the depth of the humidification chamber; c) the humidification chamber includes a fluid passage extending along the insertion axis; and / or d) the reservoir base includes a passage configured to at least partially receive the fluid passage during use.

[0072] In some examples, a) the dock further includes a humidification chamber holding feature disposed within the humidification chamber, b) the humidification tank further includes a humidification reservoir holding feature disposed on the humidification tank base outside the cavity and configured to removably engage with the first holding feature, c) the humidification tank is configured to be guided into the engagement position by interaction between the humidification chamber holding feature and the humidification reservoir holding feature, and / or d) the number of each of the humidification chamber holding feature and the humidification reservoir holding feature is one or more.

[0073] In some examples, a) the heater is secured to the bottom or wall of the vessel base and configured to heat a predetermined amount of water, and / or b) the heater is overmolded to the vessel base (to the bottom or wall of the vessel base).

[0074] In some examples, a) the humidification chamber has a humidification chamber depth, b) the humidification tub has a tub length, c) in use, the humidification tub is configured to be engageable with the humidification chamber along a vertical insertion axis such that the humidification chamber depth and the tub length are measured parallel to the vertical insertion axis, d) the tub length is longer than the humidification chamber depth such that when the tub is fully engaged, an upper portion of the tub base extends above the humidification chamber to allow handling by a user, e) the humidification tub includes a base and a lid configured to selectively engage the base, and / or f) the lid is removable from the base when the humidification tub is placed within the humidification chamber.

[0075] In some examples, a) the medical device includes a humidifier dock, the RPT device having a length of the RPT device and configured to supply a flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within the device chamber, the patient interface configured to seal the patient's airway and deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity to the patient's airway, and the conduit arranged to fluidly connect the humidifier outlet to the patient interface to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface, b) the device chamber arranged to receive the RPT device in a direction parallel to the insertion axis such that the depth of the device chamber and the length of the RPT device are measured parallel to the insertion axis, and the length of the RPT device is greater than the depth of the device chamber, thereby exposing a portion of the RPT device and allowing it to be handled by a user, and / or c) the conduit of the patient interface is connected to the dock in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0076] Another form of the present technology includes a medical device comprising: an RPT device configured to supply a flow of pressurized breathable gas; a humidifier configured to humidify the flow of pressurized breathable gas; and a patient interface configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient's airway.

[0077] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier dock for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device room; a humidification chamber spaced apart from the device chamber; the device compartment is configured to receive a portable RPT device; The humidification chamber includes a humidifier dock configured to receive a water reservoir. Another form of the present technology is a system for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient to ameliorate disordered breathing, comprising: a device chamber having a device chamber bottom and a device chamber sidewall; a dock fluidly connected to the device chamber and including a humidification chamber having a humidification chamber bottom and a humidification chamber sidewall; an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within the device chamber of the dock, wherein the device chamber sidewall extends partially alongside the RPT device when the RPT device is positioned within the device chamber; a humidification basin configured to contain a volume of water and to be removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas in an operational configuration and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, wherein when the humidification basin is disposed within the device chamber, the device chamber sidewall extends partially along the humidification basin; the RPT device is at least partially exposed from the device chamber in an operating position; The humidification tub includes a system that is at least partially exposed from the humidification chamber in an operating position.

[0078] In some embodiments, a) the humidification chamber is spaced apart from the device chamber such that the device chamber sidewalls are separated from the humidification chamber sidewalls, b) the device chamber sidewalls are oriented perpendicular to the device chamber bottom surface, c) the humidification chamber sidewalls are oriented perpendicular to the humidification chamber bottom surface, d) the device chamber sidewalls are at least partially curved, and / or e) the humidification chamber sidewalls are at least partially curved.

[0079] In some forms, a) the humidification tub is arranged to engage and disengage from the dock along a humidification tub insertion axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the humidification chamber, b) the RPT device is arranged to engage and disengage from the dock along an RPT device insertion axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the device chamber, and / or c) the RPT device and humidification tub are configured to be inserted into the dock along parallel axes.

[0080] In some forms, a) the humidification chamber further includes a humidification chamber retention feature, b) the humidification tank further includes a humidification reservoir retention feature configured to reversibly engage with the humidification chamber retention feature, and / or c) the humidification tank is configured to be guided into and / or retained in the operating configuration by suitable engagement between the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature.

[0081] In some embodiments, a) the humidification chamber holding feature includes a first magnet and a second magnet having an opposite polarity to the first magnet, b) the humidification reservoir holding feature includes a first magnet and a second magnet having an opposite polarity to the first magnet, and / or c) the humidification reservoir is configured to be guided into and / or held in an operating configuration by aligning the first magnet of the humidification chamber holding feature with the second magnet of the humidification reservoir holding feature, and by aligning the second magnet of the humidification chamber holding feature with the first magnet of the humidification reservoir holding feature.

[0082] In some embodiments, a) the humidification chamber further includes a first conductive portion and the humidification tank includes a second conductive portion configured to contact the first conductive portion; b) contact between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion is configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element on the humidification tank; c) the fluid conduit extends from a bottom surface of the humidification chamber; d) the humidification tank has a passage configured to receive the fluid conduit when the humidification tank is received within the humidification chamber; and / or e) the fluid conduit has a first flow path and a second flow path parallel to the first flow path.

[0083] In some forms, a) the dock further includes an outlet configured to output a flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity; b) the outlet is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the device chamber and / or a bottom surface of the humidification chamber; c) the patient interface is configured to seal against the patient's face and deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity to the patient's airway; and / or d) the conduit is arranged to fluidly connect the outlet to the patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface.

[0084] Another form of the present technology is a humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide the flow of pressurized breathable gas; A humidifying chamber, The exit and a first fluid conduit extending between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the device chamber to the humidification chamber; a second fluid conduit extending between the humidification chamber and the outlet, the second fluid conduit configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the humidification chamber to the outlet; a dock including a third fluid conduit in communication with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit; a humidification reservoir configured to contain a quantity of water and to be removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged, in an operative configuration, to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas through the first fluid conduit and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity through the second fluid conduit to the outlet; The humidification tub includes a humidifier having a passageway configured to receive the third fluid conduit in the operating configuration.

[0085] In some embodiments, a) the third fluid conduit extends substantially perpendicularly from the humidification chamber; b) the third fluid chamber has a divider that forms a first passageway and a second passageway; c) the first passageway is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas from the first fluid conduit into the humidification tank; d) the second passageway is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity to the second fluid conduit; and / or e) the divider extends beyond an end of the third fluid conduit.

[0086] In some embodiments, a) in the operating configuration, the third fluid conduit extends above the passageway, b) at least one of the passageway and the third fluid conduit has a frusto-conical shape, c) the outlet is oriented substantially perpendicular to the third conduit, d) the first fluid conduit extends substantially perpendicular into the device chamber, and e) the device chamber includes a first sidewall and the humidification chamber includes a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall.

[0087] Another form of the present technology is a medical device comprising: a humidifier according to any one of the above aspects; an RPT device removably positionable within the device chamber of the humidifier, the RPT device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas; a patient interface configured to seal against a patient's face and deliver the humidified flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway; a conduit positioned to fluidly connect the outlet to the patient interface for conveying the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface.

[0088] In some forms, a) when the RPT device is fully inserted into the device chamber, at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be grasped by the patient, and / or b) when the humidification tub is fully inserted into the humidification chamber, at least a portion of the humidification tub is exposed and configured to be grasped by the patient.

[0089] One form of the present technology is a portable RPT device that can be carried by a user, for example, in the user's home.

[0090] One aspect of the present technology is a portable humidifier that can be carried by a user, for example in the user's home.

[0091] Of course, some of the above aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology, and various combinations of the sub-aspects and / or each of the aspects may in turn form further aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0092] Other features of the present technology will become apparent in light of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0093] The present technology is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals include like elements as follows:

[0094] [Figure 1A] Respiratory Treatment System: Shown is a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000. The system takes the form of nasal pillows and receives positively pressurized air supplied by an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 through an air circuit 4170. A bed partner 1100 is also shown. The patient is sleeping in a supine sleeping position. [Figure 1B] A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000. The system takes the form of a nasal mask and receives positively pressurized air supplied by an RPT device 4000. Air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 through an air circuit 4170. [Figure 1C]A system is shown including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, which takes the form of a full face mask and receives positively pressurized air supplied by an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and delivered to the patient 1000 through an air circuit 4170. The patient is sleeping in a lateral sleep position. Respiratory system and facial anatomy [Figure 2A] Shows an overview of the human respiratory system, including the nasal and oral cavities, larynx, vocal folds, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveolar sacs, heart, and diaphragm. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a patient interface in the form of a nasal mask in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 3B] 3C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point, where the curvature at this point has a positive sign and a relatively large magnitude compared to the curvature shown in FIG. [Figure 3C] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point, where the curvature at this point has a positive sign and a relatively small magnitude compared to the curvature shown in FIG. [Figure 3D] Schematic cross-section of a structure cut at a point, where the outward normal at this point is shown and the curvature value at this point is zero. [Figure 3E] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point. The curvature at this point has a negative sign and a relatively small magnitude compared to the curvature shown in FIG. 3F. [Figure 3F] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure cut at a point, showing the outward normal at this point, where the curvature at this point has a negative sign and a relatively large magnitude compared to the curvature shown in FIG. [Figure 3G] 1 shows a mask cushion including two pillows, the outer surface of the cushion pad is shown, the edge of the surface is shown, and the dome region and saddle region are shown. [Figure 3H]1 shows a mask cushion. The outer surface of the cushion pad is shown. The edge of the surface is shown. The path on the surface between points A and B is shown. The linear distance between A and B is shown. Two saddle regions and a dome region are shown. RPT device [Figure 4A] 1 shows an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4B] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air pressure path of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. The upstream and downstream directions are indicated with reference to the blower and the patient interface. The blower is defined as being upstream of the patient interface, and the patient interface is defined as being downstream of the blower, regardless of the actual flow direction at a particular time. Items located in the air pressure path between the blower and the patient interface are downstream of the blower and upstream of the patient interface. Humidifier [Figure 5A]

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a humidifier in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5B] FIG. 51 shows an isometric view of a humidifier in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 removed from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. [Figure 5C] 1 shows a schematic of a humidifier in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5D] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a humidifier base supporting an RPT device and a water reservoir. [Figure 5E] 5D with the base and lid joined together. FIG. [Figure 5F] 5D and 5E, with the lid separated from the base. [Figure 5G] 5D-5F show bottom perspective views of the reservoir lids of FIGS. 5D-5F. [Figure 5H] 5D-5F show top views of the base of the reservoir of FIGS. 5D-5F with the lid removed. [Figure 5I] 5D, showing a perspective view of the RPT device and reservoir with the lid coupled to the base and the cap separated from the reservoir lid, exposing a water inlet passageway in communication with the base. [Figure 5J]5I shows a perspective view of the reservoir of FIG. 5I illustrating how a patient adds water to the reservoir via a water inlet passage. [Figure 5K] 5D-5J show bottom perspective views of the water tanks. [Figure 5L] FIG. 5E shows a top perspective view of the humidifier base of FIG. 5D with the RPT device and reservoir removed. [Figure 5M] 5K shows an enlarged top perspective view of the humidifier receiving portion of the humidifier base of FIG. 5L. [Figure 5N] 5G illustrates an alternative top perspective view of the humidifier base of FIG. 5L with the reservoir removed but the RPT device engaged with the base. [Figure 5O] 5L shows a perspective view of the humidifier base of FIG. 5L illustrating an RPT device being inserted into the humidifier base. [Figure 5P] 5L shows a bottom perspective view of the humidifier base of FIG. 5L. [Figure 5Q] FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional front view of the humidifier base of FIG. 5D, with the RPT device and reservoir engaging the humidifier base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0095] Before describing the present technology in further detail, it should be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific examples described herein, which may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used in the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing the specific examples described herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0096] The following description is provided in connection with various examples that may share one or more common characteristics and / or features. It should be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combined with one or more features of another example or other examples. Additionally, any single feature or combination of features in any of these examples may be arranged into additional examples.

[0097] treatment In one form, the present technology includes a method of treating disordered breathing, the method including applying positive pressure to the entrance of the airways of a patient 1000.

[0098] In a particular example of the present technology, a supply of air at positive pressure is provided to the patient's nasal passages via one or both nostrils.

[0099] In certain instances of the present technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited, or prevented.

[0100] Respiratory Therapy Systems In one form, the present technology includes a respiratory treatment system for treating respiratory disorders. The respiratory treatment system may include an RPT device 4000 for supplying airflow to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 and a patient interface 3000 or 3800.

[0101] Patient Interface As shown in FIG. 3A , a non-invasive patient interface 3000 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology includes, as functional aspects, a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, a vent 3400, a form of connection port 3600 for connecting to an air circuit 4170, and a forehead support 3700. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical location elements. In some forms, a single physical location element may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is positioned to surround an entrance to the patient's 1000 airway to maintain positive pressure at the entrance to the patient's 1000 airway. As such, the sealed patient interface 3000 is suitable for delivery of positive pressure therapy.

[0102] If the patient interface cannot comfortably deliver a minimum level of positive pressure to the airway, the patient interface may be unsuitable for respiratory pressure therapy.

[0103] A patient interface 3000 in accordance with one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2 relative to ambient.

[0104] A patient interface 3000 in accordance with one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide an air supply at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2 relative to ambient.

[0105] A patient interface 3000 in accordance with one form of the present technology is constructed and arranged to provide a supply of air at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2 relative to ambient.

[0106] Seal formation structure In one form of the present technology, the seal-forming structure 3100 of Fig. 3A may form a target seal-forming area and further provide a cushioning function. The target seal-forming area is the area where a seal may occur in the seal-forming structure 3100. The area where a seal actually occurs (i.e., the actual sealing surface) may vary from day to day and from patient to patient within a given treatment session depending on various factors such as, for example, placement of the patient interface on the face, tension in the positioning and stabilizing structure, and the shape of the patient's face.

[0107] In one form, the target seal-forming area is located on an exterior surface of the seal-forming structure 3100 .

[0108] In certain forms of the present technology, the seal-forming structure 3100 is constructed from a biocompatible material such as silicone rubber.

[0109] A seal-forming structure 3100 according to the present technology may be constructed from a soft, flexible and resilient material (eg, silicone).

[0110] In certain forms of the present technology, a system is provided that includes a plurality of seal-forming structures 3100, each configured to accommodate a range of different sizes and / or shapes. For example, the system may include one form of seal-forming structure 3100 that is suitable for large head sizes but not small head sizes, and another that is suitable for small head sizes but not large head sizes.

[0111] Ventilation section In one form, the patient interface 3000 includes a vent 3400 constructed and arranged to allow the expulsion of exhaled gases (eg, carbon dioxide).

[0112] In some forms, the vent 3400 is configured to allow continuous ventilation flow from the interior of the plenum chamber 3200 to the ambient when the pressure within the plenum chamber is positive relative to the ambient. The vent 3400 is configured such that the magnitude of the ventilation flow is sufficient to reduce rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient while maintaining therapeutic pressure within the plenum chamber in use.

[0113] One embodiment of the vent 3400 according to the present technology includes a plurality of holes, for example, about 20 to about 80 holes, or about 40 to about 60 holes, or about 45 to about 55 holes.

[0114] The vent 3400 may be located within the plenum chamber 3200. Alternatively, the vent 3400 is located within a decoupling structure, such as a swivel.

[0115] Uncoupling structure In one form, the patient interface 3000 includes at least one decoupling structure, such as a swivel, a ball and socket, and / or an elbow.

[0116] Connection Port The connection port 3600 allows connection to the air circuit 4170 .

[0117] forehead support In one form, the patient interface 3000 includes a forehead support 3700 .

[0118] Anti-asphyxiation valve In one form, the patient interface 3000 includes an anti-asphyxiation valve.

[0119] port In one form of the present technology, the patient interface 3000 includes one or more ports that allow access to the volume within the plenum chamber 3200. In one form, this allows a clinician to provide supplemental oxygen. In one form, this allows a property of the gas within the plenum chamber 3200, such as pressure, to be measured directly.

[0120] RPT Device 4A and 4B, an RPT device 4000 according to one aspect of the present technology includes mechanical, pneumatic, and / or electrical positioning elements and is configured to execute one or more algorithms, such as all or part of the methods described herein. The RPT device 4000 can be configured to generate an airflow that is delivered to a patient's airway to treat, for example, one or more of the respiratory conditions described elsewhere herein.

[0121] In one form, the RPT device 4000 is constructed and arranged to deliver an air flow in the range of -20 L / min to +150 L / min while maintaining a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O, or at least 10 cmH2O, or at least 20 cmH2O.

[0122] The RPT device may have an outer housing 4010 formed in two portions, an upper portion 4012 and a lower portion 4014. Additionally, the outer housing 4010 may include one or more panels 4015. The RPT device 4000 includes a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internally located elements of the RPT device 4000. The RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.

[0123] The air pressure path of the RPT device 4000 may include one or more air path items, such as an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (e.g., a blower 4142) capable of supplying air at positive pressure, an outlet muffler 4124, and one or more transducers 4270, such as a pressure sensor or a flow sensor.

[0124] One or more of the air path items may be disposed within a removable, unitary structure referred to as a pneumatic block 4020. The pneumatic block 4020 may be located within the outer housing 4010. In one form, the pneumatic block 4020 is supported by or formed as part of the chassis 4016.

[0125] The RPT device 4000 may have a power supply 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a pressure generator 4140, one or more protection circuits, a memory, and a transducer 4270. The electrical components 4200 may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202. In the alternative, the RPT device 4000 may include two or more PCBAs 4202.

[0126] Mechanical and pneumatic components of the RPT device The RPT device may include one or more of the following elements in an integral unit: In the alternative, one or more of the following elements may each be deployed as separate units.

[0127] In some embodiments, the RPT device is portable.

[0128] In some embodiments, the RPT device may be modular. For example, the RPT device may be removably coupled to other systems (e.g., external batteries, humidifiers, etc.). The RPT device may operate as an individual unit (e.g., without another modular system) or may operate when connected to one of the other systems. In some embodiments, a dock may be used to connect various modular systems to each other. In other words, if the RPT device can be used alone, the RPT device can operate without being connected to a dock. The RPT device may be coupled to a dock only if it can be used with one of the other systems.

[0129] air filter An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0130] In one form, the inlet air filter 4112 is located at the beginning of the air pressure path upstream of the pressure generator 4140 .

[0131] In one form, an outlet air filter 4114 , such as an antibacterial filter, is located between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3800 .

[0132] muffler An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more mufflers 4120.

[0133] In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is located in the air pressure path upstream of a pressure generator 4140 .

[0134] In one form of the present technology, the outlet muffler 4124 is located in the pneumatic path between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3800.

[0135] pressure generator In one form of the present technology, the pressure generator 4140 for producing the positive pressure air flow or supply is a controllable blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 having one or more impellers. The impellers may be arranged in a spiral configuration. The blower is capable of delivering a supply of air at a rate of, for example, up to about 120 liters / minute and at a positive pressure ranging from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or up to about 30 cmH2O when delivering other forms of respiratory pressure therapy. Blowers are described in any one of the following patents or patent applications: U.S. Patent No. 7,866,944; U.S. Patent No. 8,638,014; U.S. Patent No. 8,636,479; and PCT International Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 020167, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0136] The pressure generator 4140 may be under the control of the therapy device controller.

[0137] In other forms, pressure generator 4140 may be a piston-driven pump, a pressure regulator connected to a high pressure source (eg, a compressed air reservoir), or a bellows.

[0138] Converter The transducer may be internal to the RPT device or external to the RPT device. An external transducer may be provided in or form part of an air circuit, e.g., a patient interface. The external transducer may be in the form of a non-contact sensor, such as a Doppler radar motion sensor, that transmits or transfers data to the RPT device.

[0139] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 are located upstream and / or downstream of the pressure generator 4140. The one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to generate a signal representative of a characteristic of the airflow, such as flow rate, pressure or temperature, at that point in the pneumatic path.

[0140] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be placed proximate to the patient interface 3000 or 3800.

[0141] In one form, the signal from the converter 4270 may be filtered, such as by low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, or band-pass filtering.

[0142] Anti-spillback valve In one form of the present technology, the anti-spillback valve 4160 is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-spillback valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing upstream from the humidifier 5000 (e.g., towards the motor 4144).

[0143] Electrical components of RPT devices power supply The power supply 4210 may be located inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000 .

[0144] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0145] Input devices In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons, switches, or dials to allow human interaction with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical devices or software devices accessible via a touchscreen. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the external housing 4010 in one form, or may communicate wirelessly with a receiver electrically connected to a central controller in another form.

[0146] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0147] Air circuit The air circuit 4170 according to one aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow air flow to travel between two positioned elements, such as the RPT device 4000 and the patient interface 3800, during use.

[0148] In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be fluidly connected to the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface. The air circuit may also be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there may be separate limbs of the air circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single limb is used.

[0149] In some forms, the air circuit 4170 may include one or more heating elements configured to heat the air in the air circuit, for example, to maintain or increase the temperature of the air. The heating elements may take the form of a heated wire circuit and may include one or more transducers, such as temperature sensors. The heated wire circuit may be spirally wound around the axis of the air circuit 4170. The heating elements may be in communication with a controller, such as a central controller. An example of an air circuit 4170 including a heated wire circuit is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 8,733,349, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] Auxiliary gas delivery In one form of the present technology, a supplemental gas, for example oxygen 4180, is delivered to one or more points in the pneumatic pathway, such as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020, the air circuit 4170, and / or the patient interface 3800.

[0151] humidifier Humidifier Overview In one form of the present technology, a humidifier 5000 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A) is provided for modifying the absolute humidity of air or gas delivered to a patient relative to the ambient air. Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity (relative to ambient air) and increase the temperature of the air stream before delivery to the patient's airways.

[0152] The humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier tank or humidifier reservoir 5110, a humidifier inlet 5002 for receiving the flow of air, and a humidifier outlet 5004 for delivering the humidified air flow. In some forms, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the inlet and outlet of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be the humidifier inlet 5002 and the humidifier outlet 5004, respectively. The humidifier 5000 may further include a humidifier base 5006 adapted to receive the humidifier reservoir 5110 and may include a heating element 5240.

[0153] Humidifier parts water tank According to one arrangement, the humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold or maintain a predetermined amount of liquid (e.g., water) to evaporate for humidifying the airflow. The water reservoir 5110 may be configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water to provide adequate humidification for at least the duration of a respiratory therapy session (e.g., a night's sleep). Typically, the water reservoir 5110 is arranged to hold several hundred milliliters, e.g., 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml of water. In another form, the humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive the predetermined amount of water from an external water source, such as a building's water system.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to humidify the airflow from the RPT device 4000 as the airflow passes through the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to encourage the airflow to travel in a tortuous path through the water reservoir 5110 while coming into contact with a predetermined amount of water within the reservoir.

[0155] According to one form, the reservoir 5110 may be laterally removable from the humidifier 5000, for example as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0156] The reservoir 5110 may be configured to inhibit liquid from exiting the reservoir, for example, through any openings and / or between its subordinate elements, for example, when the reservoir 5110 is moved and / or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Because the air stream to be humidified by the humidifier 5000 is typically pressurized, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent loss of air pressure due to leakage and / or flow impedance.

[0157] 5D-5Q, rather than being designed as a separate entity that engages with an RPT device, the humidifier 5000 may be designed as a form of docking station, such as a humidifier reservoir dock 5130 configured to receive the RPT device 4000 and the reservoir 5110. Such a configuration allows the reservoir 5110 to be designed to have an ergonomic shape and / or configuration that makes it easier to pick up or otherwise handle.

[0158] In some forms, the ergonomic shape can allow a patient to comfortably pick up or otherwise handle the reservoir 5110 with one hand. For example, the reservoir 5110 can be a water bottle or other portable water container that a patient would normally hold in one hand. The patient can hold the reservoir 5110 to fit comfortably in one hand, thereby eliminating the need to use a second hand to carry or support the reservoir 5110.

[0159] The reservoir 5110 may be circular in shape and sized to be easy to grip. For example, the reservoir 5110 may have a cylindrical or rectangular prism shape (e.g., a planar outer surface 5009 with rounded edges) that can be comfortably received in a patient's hand. This shape can fit comfortably in a patient's hand with little or no discomfort (e.g., due to jagged edges).

[0160] In one form, the reservoir 5110 may have a circular rectangular prism shape. In other words, at least some of the corners of the reservoir 5110 may be rounded, but the sides of the reservoir 5110 may be planar (e.g., flat). A planar surface allows the patient to easily grip the surface, while the rounded corners may prevent sharp edges from coming into contact with the patient's hands and causing discomfort.

[0161] In certain forms, the reservoir 5110 may be symmetrical about at least one axis, such as the reservoir axis 5116. This symmetrical shape allows the reservoir 5110 to be more easily grasped by a patient's hand and held for extended periods of time (e.g., when cleaning and / or refilling the reservoir 5110).

[0162] Additionally, the width of the reservoir 5110 may be less than the average width of a patient's hand (i.e., the distance measured from the tip of the patient's thumb to the tip of the patient's little finger). Furthermore, the width of the reservoir 5110 may be substantially less than the average width of a patient's hand, for example, less than half the average width of a patient's hand. This width allows a patient to comfortably hold the reservoir 5110 without straining their hand or using their other hand to support the reservoir 5110.

[0163] In some embodiments, the width of the water reservoir 5110 may be less than 25 cm. In some examples, the width of the water reservoir 5110 may be 20 cm or less. In some examples, the width of the water reservoir 5110 may be 15 cm or less. In some examples, the width of the water reservoir 5110 may be 10 cm or less.

[0164] The ergonomic shape and vertical orientation of the reservoir 5110, as well as the vertical orientation for insertion / removal, may be particularly useful for patients with conditions other than respiratory disorders (e.g., OSA, etc.). For example, a patient may suffer from arthritis, which may make it difficult for the patient to grip the reservoir 5110 and impede their ability to refill and / or clean the reservoir 5110. As noted above, reducing the width of the reservoir 5110 may allow a patient with the condition to more easily handle the reservoir 5110 independently (e.g., without assistance from a bed partner, clinician, etc.). This may improve compliance (e.g., because the patient is less dependent on others).

[0165] The ergonomic shape also allows a single size of reservoir 5110 to be used by a variety of patients (e.g., one size fits most). In other words, hand width varies by patient and gender (e.g., the average width of a woman's hand may be smaller than the average width of a man's hand). By designing the width of the reservoir 5110 to be smaller than average (e.g., smaller than the average width of a woman's hand), most patients will be able to hold the reservoir 5110 in one hand.

[0166] As shown in Figures 5E-5H, some forms of the humidifier 5000, reservoir 5110 may include a humidifier reservoir base 5007 and a humidifier lid 5008 that selectively covers an opening to a reservoir cavity 5112 (see, e.g., Figure 5H) that may be configured to hold or maintain a predetermined amount of liquid.

[0167] In some forms, the humidifier reservoir base 5007 includes an outer surface 5009 and an inner surface 5010 (or the outer surface 5009 and the inner surface 5010). The outer surface 5009 may be exposed to the environment and may be held by a patient. The inner surface 5010 may face the outer surface 5009 across the thickness of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The inner surface 5010 may at least partially form a boundary of the reservoir cavity 5112 (e.g., fluid in the reservoir cavity 5112 may directly contact the inner surface 5010).

[0168] In some forms, the humidifier lid 5008 can be removably coupled to the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The humidifier lid 5008 is selectively movable between an open position in which at least a portion of the reservoir cavity 5112 is exposed, and a closed position in which the reservoir cavity 5112 is covered by the humidifier lid 5008.

[0169] In certain embodiments, the humidifier lid 5008 can be in a closed position when fully coupled to the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The humidifier lid 5008 can be in an open position when partially coupled to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., not in sealing engagement) and / or when fully removed from the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0170] In certain forms, the humidifier reservoir base 5007 may include a stepped surface 5300 proximate the opening of the reservoir cavity 5112. The protrusions 5302 may extend over (e.g., substantially parallel to) the stepped surface 5300. The humidifier lid 5008 may include complementary protrusions 5304 spaced along its inner surface and configured to selectively engage with the protrusions 5302 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 such that, upon rotation of the humidifier lid 5008, the lid is secured to the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0171] In one form, the shape of the opening to the reservoir cavity 5112 differs from the shape of the outer periphery of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5D-5K, the opening to the reservoir cavity 5112 can be circular and the outer periphery can form a rounded rectangle to more effectively facilitate relative rotation between the humidifier lid 5008 and the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The humidifier lid 5008 can have a shape complementary to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., the outer periphery can be a rounded rectangle and the inner periphery can be circular). In other examples, the opening to the reservoir cavity 5112, the outer periphery of the humidifier reservoir base 5007, and / or the humidifier lid 5008 can all have the same shape (e.g., circular, rounded rectangle, etc.).

[0172] In certain forms, the humidifier reservoir base 5007 may be coupled to the humidifier lid 5008 by a threaded engagement in the closed position. In other forms, the humidifier reservoir base 5007 may be coupled to the humidifier lid 5008 by a threaded engagement (although other types of engagement, such as a bayonet engagement, can also be used) in the closed position. In other words, when the humidifier lid 5008 is rotated (e.g., clockwise) relative to the humidifier reservoir base 5007, the protrusion 5304 of the humidifier lid 5008 can engage with the protrusion 5302 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The protrusion 5302 can pull the humidifier lid 5008 (e.g., by the protrusion 5304) toward the humidifier reservoir base 5007 to selectively cover the reservoir cavity 5112.

[0173] In one form, the threaded engagement between the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and the humidifier lid 5008 may form a sealed engagement. In other words, in the closed position, a liquid-tight seal may exist between the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and the humidifier lid 5008 due to engagement of the protrusions 5302, 5304. The liquid-tight seal may limit and / or prevent water leakage from the reservoir cavity 5112 (e.g., if the reservoir 5110 is tilted or turned upside down).

[0174] In one form, a seal (e.g., a thin (e.g., silicone) lip seal or O-ring) may be disposed around the opening to the reservoir cavity 5112 and / or around the inner periphery of the humidifier lid 5008. The seal may provide a fluid-tight engagement between the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and the humidifier lid 5008. The seal may also provide another form of sealing where the threaded engagement itself forms a fluid-tight seal.

[0175] In some forms, a patient can remove the humidifier lid 5008 from the humidifier reservoir base 5007 with one hand. For example, the weight and / or stability of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and the ease of engagement between the humidifier lid 5008 and the humidifier reservoir base 5007 may be arranged to allow a patient to twist the humidifier lid 5008 relative to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 with one hand to disengage the protrusions 5302 and 5304 without supporting the humidifier reservoir base 5007. One-handed operation is further aided by the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the humidifier reservoir 5110, which may prevent the humidifier reservoir 5110 from rotating within its dedicated humidification chamber 5134 while the cover is open. Such one-handed operation may be advantageous for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, as it may be easier and less uncomfortable (e.g., compared to using both hands). One-handed lid operation can be achieved at least in part by ensuring that little force is required to separate the humidifier lid 5008 from the humidifier reservoir base 5007, and that the patient does not have to strain to rotate and remove the humidifier lid 5008. Making the separation process easier and more comfortable (e.g., one-handed operation) may increase the frequency of use of the RPT device and increase compliance rates for some patients.

[0176] As shown in FIGS. 5E-FJ, some forms of the humidifier 5000 may include a plug or cap 5308 that may be removably coupled to the humidifier lid 5008 to selectively cover the water inlet 5310.

[0177] In some forms, the cap 5308 can be constructed from a resilient material. The resilient material can include rubber, synthetic rubber, or any similar material. Using a resilient material, the cap 5308 can seal the water inlet 5310. For example, the cap 5308 can selectively limit or prevent the inflow and / or outflow of fluid through the water inlet 5310. In other forms, the cap 5308 can be constructed from a reinforced, rigid, and / or semi-rigid material capable of sealing the water inlet 5310. A combination of a more rigid material and a resilient material can also be used, with the resilient material being used to provide a seal with the opening in the humidifier lid 5008.

[0178] 51, in some forms, the cap 5308 can have a lower portion 5312 and a body 5314. The lower portion 5312 can extend away from the body 5314 and have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the spout 5310 (e.g., a substantially cylindrical shape).

[0179] In certain forms, the cap 5308 may also include a user engagement portion 5316, which may be an extension of the body 5314. For example, the body 5314 and the user engagement portion 5316 may be formed in the same plane, with the lower portion 5312 extending away from the body 5314 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. The body 5314 may form a "teardrop" shape with the user engagement portion 5316. In other words, the body 5314 may have a substantially circular shape, and the user engagement portion 5316 may have a substantially triangular shape that blends with the substantially circular shape.

[0180] In some forms, the cap 5308 may seal the inlet 5310 via a press fit, a friction fit, and / or a snap fit. For example, the lower portion 5312 may be slightly wider (e.g., have a larger diameter) than the inlet 5310.

[0181] In one form, the resilient material can deform to fit within the smaller diameter of the water inlet 5310. Once inside, the lower portion 5312 can expand at least partially to its original shape. The expanding material can contact the inner surface 5010 of the water inlet 5310 and form a seal that restricts fluid from flowing out of and / or into the reservoir cavity 5112 through the water inlet 5310.

[0182] In one form, the wider diameter of the lower portion 5312 can be removably positioned around the outside of the water inlet 5310. For example, the resilient material of the lower portion 5312 can deform and expand to fit the outside of the water inlet 5310. The resilient material can attempt to contract around the water inlet 5310, thereby forming a seal that limits the flow of fluid out of and / or into the reservoir cavity 5112 via the water inlet 5310.

[0183] 51, the cap 5308 can be removed with one hand, and the cap 5308 can be structured and configured so that it does not require much force to remove the cap 5308 from the humidifier lid 5008 and expose the water inlet 5310. As mentioned above, this can be useful for patients with arthritis and other similar conditions.

[0184] In some forms, the patient can grasp the cap 5308 by the user engagement portion 5316, which is configured to handle the free portion and / or edge of the cap 5308 (i.e., extended and / or spaced apart from the surface of the humidifier lid 5008). This allows the patient to grasp their fingers around the user engagement portion 5316 and pull the cap 5308 off the humidifier lid 5008 without much difficulty. The user engagement portion 5316 (e.g., along with the rest of the cap 5308) may also be constructed from a resilient material, which allows the patient to flex the user engagement portion 5316 when grasping the cap 5308. This can provide additional leverage, allowing the patient to more easily remove the cap 5308.

[0185] 5J, once the cap 5308 is removed, the patient can add more water (or other liquid) to the reservoir 5110 via the water inlet 5310. The diameter of the water inlet 5310 can be large enough to allow the patient to easily pour or add liquid through the water inlet 5310.

[0186] In some forms, the water inlet 5310 can have a diameter of at least about 1 cm. In some forms, the water inlet 5310 can have a diameter of at least about 2 cm. In some forms, the water inlet 5310 can have a diameter of at least about 3 cm. In some forms, the water inlet 5310 can have a diameter of at least about 4 cm. In some forms, the water inlet 5310 can have a diameter of at least about 5 cm.

[0187] In the example described above, the water fill port 5310 allows the patient to fill the reservoir 5110 in place without removing the humidifier lid 5008 from the humidifier reservoir base 5007. Removing the cap 5308 from the humidifier lid 5008 may be easier and / or quicker than removing the humidifier lid 5008 from the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., the patient may not need to disengage and re-engage the reservoir 5110 and the reservoir dock 5130). This allows the patient to more easily refill the reservoir 5110.

[0188] 5F-5H, the humidifier lid 5008 may further include a shroud 5318. As described below, the shroud 5318 aids in the operation of the humidification platform by redirecting airflow, while also shielding the inlet / outlet conduit dividers 5346, 5350 (FIG. 5O) from water poured from the water inlet 5310, thereby allowing the water reservoir 5110 to be filled without removing it from the dock.

[0189] In some forms, the shroud 5318 has a periphery with a shape complementary to the shape of the opening to the reservoir cavity 5112. For example, the periphery of the shroud 5318 can be substantially circular.

[0190] In some forms, the humidifier lid 5008 may include an upper portion 5320 that the patient can grasp to rotate the humidifier lid 5008. The shroud 5318 may be spaced apart from the upper portion 5320. For example, the shroud 5318 may be offset downwardly from the upper portion 5320 when the humidifier lid 5008 is coupled to the humidifier reservoir base 5007. In other words, the shroud 5318 may be positioned within the reservoir cavity 5112 when the humidifier lid 5008 is coupled to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., in the closed position).

[0191] 5F and 5G, the shroud 5318 can have a positive dome-shaped curvature, such that when positioned within the reservoir cavity 5112, the shroud 5318 has a positive dome-shaped curvature relative to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (i.e., the shroud 5318 has a concave surface facing the humidifier reservoir base 5007) and a negative dome-shaped curvature relative to the top 5320.

[0192] In certain configurations, the shroud 5318 may have a uniform curvature across its surface area. For example, the shroud 5318 may be symmetrical about multiple axes (e.g., if the shroud is a portion of a sphere).

[0193] In some forms, the shroud 5318 may be coupled to a wall of the water inlet 5310. One end of the wall of the water inlet 5310 may be coupled to the top 5320 and the other end may be coupled to the shroud 5318, which allows the shroud 5318 to be spaced apart from the top 5320 (e.g., by the length of the water inlet 5310). As shown in FIGS. 5G and 5Q, the water inlet 5310 may form a flow path that extends through the thickness of the humidifier lid 5008, such that the water inlet 5310 may include a separately located inlet and outlet that are separated by the length of the flow path (e.g., the thickness of the humidifier lid 5008).

[0194] In some forms, the shroud 5318 may define a surface configured to block liquid injected into the water inlet 5310 from directly entering the humidifier reservoir base 5007. As shown in FIG. 5G , the outlet 5322 may be disposed adjacent to the shroud 5318 (e.g., at the apex of the curvature of the shroud 5318). The shroud 5318 may engage with the water inlet 5310 to form the outlet 5322. The outlet 5322 includes a circumferential opening that may extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the water inlet 5310, with at least a portion of an upper boundary of the outlet 5322 defined by the wall of the water inlet 5310 and at least a portion of a lower boundary of the outlet 5322 defined by the top surface of the shroud 5318. Fluid may exit the outlet 5322 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid enters the water inlet 5310.

[0195] In some forms, the humidifier lid 5008 may be constructed of a thin membrane having a substantially thin thickness. The water inlet 5310 may not include a passageway (e.g., as described above and shown in FIGS. 5G and 5Q) and instead may include a single opening that functions as an inlet and outlet for the humidifier lid 5008 (e.g., the thickness of the humidifier lid 5008 is so thin that the inlet and outlet are indistinguishable). Because the water inlet 5310 includes a substantially thin thickness, it may not include a wall, such that the shroud 5318 may be coupled to another region of the humidifier lid 5008.

[0196] In some forms, the convex curvature of the shroud 5318 may direct fluid exiting the outlet 5322 downward toward the bottom of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The curvature may therefore assist gravity in directing the fluid into the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The shroud 5318 may also direct the fluid radially away from the reservoir axis 5116 of the reservoir 5110 and toward the outer surface 5009 (also referred to as the sidewall or side) of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., toward the flat outer surface 5009).

[0197] 5H, the reservoir cavity 5112 of the reservoir 5110 may include a generally open spatial volume. For example, the outermost boundary of the reservoir cavity 5112 may extend to the inner surface 5010 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0198] In some forms, the column 5324 may be disposed within the reservoir cavity 5112. The column 5324 may extend at least partially vertically along the height of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 when the humidifier 5000 is in use.

[0199] In some forms, the columns 5324 may be concentrically arranged and extend along the reservoir axis 5116 of the reservoir cavity 5112.

[0200] In some forms, the column 5324 can have a generally symmetrical shape. For example, the column 5324 can have a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The reservoir cavity 5112 can also have a generally symmetrical shape overall.

[0201] In some forms, column 5324 can be hollow and can include passageway 5326. The shape of passageway 5326 can be substantially the same as the shape of column 5324. In other words, the outer and inner surfaces of column 5324 can be substantially the same shape.

[0202] In certain configurations, the diameter of the passageway 5326 can be substantially equal to the diameter of the water inlet 5310. The apex of the shroud 5318 can also be concentric with the center of the passageway 5326 such that the shroud 5318 is symmetrical about the passageway 5326.

[0203] In certain forms, the shroud 5318, in use, may be wider than the diameter of at least the outlet opening of the passageway 5326 (see, e.g., FIG. 5Q) facing the shroud 5318. In examples in which the shroud 5318 and the passageway 5326 are concentric, the outer edge of the shroud 5318 may extend completely beyond the passageway 5326. Liquid exiting the outlet 5322 may be guided by the shroud 5318 to flow outside the passageway 5326. In other words, the shroud 5318 may restrict liquid from entering the passageway 5326 and instead guide the liquid to flow into the space of the reservoir cavity 5112 surrounding the column 5324.

[0204] In some forms, the passageway 5326 can be open on both ends. For example, both the bottom of the column 5324 and the top of the column 5324 include an opening to the passageway 5326. The bottom opening to the passageway 5326 can extend through the bottom surface 5014 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0205] In certain forms, at least one of the bottom and top openings to the passageway 5326 includes a rounded edge. For example, the bottom opening to the passageway 5326 may include a rounded edge. In other words, the edge that forms the transition between the bottom surface 5014 and the passageway 5326 may be rounded. In some examples, this may provide a smooth surface and may aid in inserting an object into the passageway 5326.

[0206] In some forms, at least one retention feature 5330 may be disposed on the bottom surface 5014 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The at least one retention feature 5330 may be a separate element connected to the humidifier reservoir base 5007, or the at least one retention feature 5330 may be integrally formed with the humidifier reservoir base 5007. As shown in FIG. 5K , some forms of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 may include a pair of retention features 5330 (although any number of retention features 5330 may be used). In the illustrated example, the retention features 5330 are symmetrically spaced on the bottom surface 5014. For example, the retention features 5330 may be disposed on opposite sides of the passageway 5326 (e.g., approximately 180° apart). The retention features 5330 may be radially outward of the passageway 5326 so as not to obstruct or block the passageway 5326.

[0207] In some forms, the pair of retaining features 5330 may be magnets or may be constructed of a magnetic material. As described later herein, the features 5330 may be used to lock or otherwise removably secure the humidifier reservoir base 5007 to the housing or humidifier reservoir dock 5130.

[0208] Conductive part According to one arrangement, the reservoir 5110 may include a thermally conductive portion 5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the external heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid within the reservoir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 may be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may be suitable. All or a portion of the conductive portion 5120 may be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, such as about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.5 mm, or about 3 mm), another thermally conductive metal, or some plastic. In some cases, adequate thermal conductivity may be achieved by a less conductive material in an appropriate shape.

[0209] In some forms, the reservoir 5110 may not include a conductive portion that is heated by an external heating element. Instead, the heating element 5240 may be coupled to the interior of the reservoir 5110. Specifically, the base or wall of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 of the reservoir 5110 may include the heating element 5240, such that the liquid in the reservoir 5110 may be directly heated by the humidifier reservoir base 5007. In one example, the heating element 5240 may include a heating wire embedded in the inner surface (bottom surface 5014 or outer surface 5009) of the humidifier reservoir base 5007, or a printed circuit board (PCB) in-molded into the inner surface of the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0210] To this end, the reservoir 5110 may include a conductive portion 5334 that may be electrically connected to the heating element and that may be arranged to electrically connect to a corresponding conductive portion 5336 of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 when the reservoir 5110 is engaged with the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. The connection between these conductive portions 5334, 5336 may provide power to the heating element 5240. This connection may also be used to transmit signals from any sensors in the reservoir 5110 to a controller located in the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. In some cases, sensor signals may further be passed from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 to the RPT device 4000.

[0211] 5K, some forms of the reservoir 5110 may include a conductive portion 5334 on the bottom surface 5014 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. A wire may extend through the material of the base 5007 between the heating element 5240 and the conductive portion 5334. In other forms, the conductive portion 5334 may be located on another surface of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., the outer surface 5009).

[0212] In some forms, the conductive portion 5334 may extend around a portion of the periphery of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. In other words, the conductive portion 5334 may be asymmetrically disposed on the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0213] In certain forms, the conductive portion 5334 may be used to aid in positioning the reservoir 5110 within the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. For example, the asymmetrical positioning of the conductive portion 5334 means that there is only one orientation of the reservoir 5110 relative to the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 that completes the electrical connection. This may help the patient properly orient the reservoir 5110, where the reservoir 5110 may otherwise be symmetrical and / or its proper orientation may be difficult to distinguish (e.g., in the dark).

[0214] In some forms, the conductive portion 5334 can be spaced apart from the retaining features 5330 of the humidification reservoir 5110. In the example shown, the conductive portion 5334 can be approximately 90 degrees apart from each of the first retaining features 5330.

[0215] In certain forms, the conductive portion 5334 may include an electrical pad positioned such that the conductive portion 5336 can connect to the conductive portion 5334 while the retaining feature 5330 of the humidification reservoir 5110 is engaged (e.g., the electrical pad may extend from the bottom surface 5014 a similar distance as the retaining feature 5330).

[0216] Humidifier water tank dock In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier reservoir dock 5130 (see FIGS. 5B and 5L) configured to receive the humidifier reservoir 5110.

[0217] In some arrangements (see, e.g., FIG. 5B ), the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 may include a locking feature, such as a locking lever 5135, configured to retain the reservoir 5110 within the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. The locking lever 5135 may be exposed while the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 receives the humidifier reservoir 5110. The locking lever 5135 may restrict the humidifier reservoir 5110 from moving upward and / or laterally (e.g., left / right) out of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. A user may actuate the locking lever 5135 (e.g., by pushing downward) to allow removal of the humidifier reservoir 5110 from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. The locking lever 5135 may be biased to a locked position (e.g., a position that restricts movement of the humidifier reservoir 5110), so that the patient may need to use both hands to remove the humidifier reservoir 5110 (e.g., one hand to hold the locking lever 5135 in an unlocked position and the other hand to remove the humidifier reservoir 5110).

[0218] In some forms, as best shown in FIG. 5L , the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 may include a first or device chamber 5132 and a second or humidification chamber 5134. The device chamber 5132 and the humidification chamber 5134 may be spaced apart and / or isolated from one another by a central wall 5136. In the illustrated example, the device and humidification chambers 5132, 5134 are formed entirely within the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. In other words, the entire perimeter of each chamber 5132, 5134 is entirely within the volume of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. The device and humidification chambers 5132, 5134 may be at least partially recessed within the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 (e.g., the bottom surface of each chamber 5132, 5134 is below the central wall 5136). Both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier reservoir 5110 are at least partially exposed when inserted into their respective chambers 5132, 5134 (e.g., have at least a portion of their surface not within their respective chambers 5132, 5134 and covered by the humidifier reservoir dock 5130). In other words, the length of the RPT device 4000 and / or the length of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be greater than the depth of their respective chambers 5132, 5134. This may aid in removal of the RPT device 4000 and / or the reservoir 5110 because a surface is always exposed for the patient to grasp (e.g., with one hand).

[0219] The RPT device 4000 may have a length that extends substantially parallel to the RPT insertion axis 5137 to position the RPT device 4000 within the device chamber 5132 (see, for example, FIG. 5O). Both the RPT insertion axis 5137 and the RPT device 4000 are oriented vertically when the humidifier reservoir dock system is in an operational configuration. Therefore, the length of the RPT device in this case may also be referred to as the "height." In some examples, about 25% to about 90% of the length of the RPT device 4000 may be exposed when the RPT device 4000 is inserted into the device chamber 5132. In some examples, about 40% to about 80% of the length of the RPT device 4000 may be exposed when the RPT device 4000 is inserted into the device chamber 5132. In some examples, about 50% to about 75% of the length of the RPT device 4000 may be exposed when the RPT device 4000 is inserted into the device chamber 5132. In some examples, when the RPT device 4000 is inserted into the device chamber 5132, approximately 66% of the length of the RPT device 4000 may be exposed.

[0220] The humidifier reservoir 5110 may have a length (which is also a height) that extends perpendicular and parallel to the reservoir insertion axis 5138 in the operational configuration to position the humidifier reservoir 5110 within the humidification chamber 5134. In some examples, between about 25% and about 90% of the length of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be exposed when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidification chamber 5134. In some examples, between about 40% and about 80% of the length of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be exposed when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidification chamber 5134. In some examples, between about 50% and about 75% of the length of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be exposed when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidification chamber 5134. In some examples, when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidification chamber 5134, approximately 66% of the length of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be exposed.

[0221] In some forms, the device chamber 5132 and the humidification chamber 5134 have different shapes. For example, the device chamber 5132 may include a substantially oval opening, and the humidification chamber 5134 may include a substantially rectangular opening. The shapes of both chambers 5132, 5134 may have rounded corners. The different shapes may help the patient accurately identify each chamber 5132, 5134 (e.g., in the dark). In some forms, the device chamber 5132 and the humidification chamber 5134 may have different depths.

[0222] Device Room In some forms, the shape (e.g., oval) of the device chamber 5132 may be asymmetrical. For example, the oval may have a larger radius on one side than on the other side. This may help the patient properly identify the particular side of the device chamber 5132.

[0223] In some forms, the RPT device 4000 may be removably positioned within the device chamber 5132. As mentioned above, the RPT device 4000 may be operable without the humidifier 5000. In other words, the RPT device 4000 may deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient without being positioned within the device chamber 5132 (or otherwise connected to the humidifier reservoir dock 5130). However, the RPT device 4000 may be positioned within the device chamber if a clinician has prescribed or the patient desires a humidified flow of pressurized breathable gas.

[0224] In some forms, the device chamber 5132 may include an opening to the first fluid conduit 5140. The opening to the first fluid conduit 5140 may be located in a position that corresponds to an outlet on the RPT device (e.g., in proximity to the outlet air filter 4114). In other words, the first fluid conduit 5140 may or may not be in the center of the device chamber 5132 to align with the outlet of the RPT device 4000.

[0225] In some forms, the first fluid conduit 5140 may receive a flow of pressurized air from the RPT device 4000. For example, the first fluid conduit 5140 may receive dry, unhumidified air from the RPT device 4000.

[0226] In some forms (see, for example, FIG. 5P), the first fluid conduit 5140 may extend toward the humidification chamber 5134 and may deliver a flow of dry, unhumidified air to the humidification chamber 5134. The first fluid conduit 5140 may fluidly connect the device and the humidification chambers 5132, 5134 to one another.

[0227] In some forms, the RPT device 4000 is portable and may be battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). The device chamber 5132 may include a charging connector 5142 that may connect with the RPT device 4000 when the RPT device 4000 is disposed within the device chamber 5132. The charging connector 5142 may provide electrical power to recharge the battery of the RPT device 4000 and / or to power a motor of the RPT device 4000. The opening of the first fluid conduit 5140 and the charging connector 5142 may be positioned such that, when the RPT device 4000 is inserted into the device chamber 5132, an air outlet of the RPT device 4000 pneumatically engages with the opening of the first fluid conduit 5140 substantially simultaneously with electromechanical engagement of the charging connector 5142 with a corresponding electrical connector of the RPT device 4000. Alternatively, the pneumatic and electromechanical engagement may occur sequentially. The charging connector 5142 may also help support the RPT device 4000 in the device chamber 5132 in the proper orientation (e.g., so that the outlet of the RPT device 4000 is aligned with the opening to the first fluid conduit 5140). Thus, in addition to the shape of the device chamber 5132 and the location of the opening to the first fluid conduit 5140, the charging connector 5142 may provide further guidance to the user as to proper alignment and orientation when inserted into the device chamber 5132 of the RPT device 4000. Specific alignment / guidance marks may also be provided on both the device chamber 5132 and the RPT device 4000.

[0228] In some forms, the RPT device 4000 can be inserted into and / or removed from the device chamber 5132 with one hand (see, e.g., FIG. 5O). The retention force between the RPT device 4000 and the device chamber 5132 (e.g., via the charging connector 5142) can be small such that a patient using one hand can engage or disengage the RPT device 4000 from the device chamber 5132. This can help patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis to more easily remove and / or handle the RPT device 4000. Furthermore, as described herein above, the depth of the device chamber 5132 is shallower than the height of the RPT device 4000 (see, e.g., FIG. 5D), such that a portion of the RPT device 4000 is exposed from the device chamber 5132, allowing the patient to conveniently grasp it.

[0229] Additionally, although the partial insertion and electromechanical engagement between the electrical contacts provides mechanical support to the RPT device when inserted into the device chamber 5132, the device chamber 5132 may include additional mechanical features to support the engaged RPT device, such as tongue and groove engagement features, locking clips, etc.

[0230] humidification room In some forms, the shape of the humidification chamber 5134 (e.g., substantially rectangular) may be symmetrical. For example, the humidification chamber 5134 may have a circular or substantially square shape. The humidification chamber 5134 may be square but have rounded corners. This allows the shape of the humidification chamber 5134 to be symmetrical about multiple (e.g., four) axes.

[0231] In some forms, the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be removably positioned within the humidification chamber 5134, which may have a complementary (e.g., substantially the same) shape as the humidification chamber 5134. The device chamber 5132 has a different shape than the humidification chamber 5134, which may prevent a patient from improperly inserting the humidifier reservoir 5110 into the device chamber 5132. The humidifier reservoir 5110 may be supported (e.g., in an upright (vertical) orientation) within the humidification chamber to limit spillage of liquid within the reservoir cavity 5112 (e.g., if the humidifier lid 5008 and / or cap 5308 is not properly sealed).

[0232] In some forms, the humidification chamber 5134 may include at least one retention feature 5338 that may be disposed on a lower surface 5146 (e.g., a concave surface) of the humidification chamber 5134. The retention feature 5338 may engage with a corresponding retention feature 5330 to lock or otherwise removably secure the humidifier reservoir base 5007 within the humidifier reservoir dock 5130.

[0233] In some forms, the humidification chamber 5134 includes a pair of retention features 5338 (although any number of retention features 5338 may be used). In the illustrated example, the two retention features 5338 may be symmetrically spaced on the lower surface 5146. For example, the retention features 5338 of the humidification chamber 5134 may be located on opposite sides of the lower surface 5146 (e.g., approximately 180° apart).

[0234] In some forms, both pairs of corresponding retaining features 5330, 5338 may be magnets or may be composed of a magnetic material. Each of the pair of retaining magnetic features 5338 may have an opposite polarity to its respective mating retaining feature 5330 to facilitate retaining engagement. With respect to the polarity of each retaining feature 5338 relative to one another, they may be selected to have opposite polarities (e.g., one having a positive polarity and the other having a negative polarity). In another form, all of the retaining features 5338 have the same polarity (e.g., all positive or all negative).

[0235] In certain embodiments, the attributes of the retention features 5330, 5338 of the humidification reservoir 5110 and the humidification chamber 5134 may each be selected to perform one or more functions. For example, the polarity of the retention features 5330, 5338 of the humidification reservoir 5110 and the humidification chamber 5134, respectively, may help the patient properly orient the humidifier reservoir 5110 within the humidification chamber 5134. For example, the retention feature 5330 may include at least one magnet with a positive polarity and at least one magnet with a negative polarity. Similarly, the retention feature 5338 may include at least one magnet with a positive polarity and at least one magnet with a negative polarity. This may result in limited orientations (e.g., only a single orientation) in which the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be inserted into the humidification chamber 5134. For example, like polarities repel each other, and the patient may feel the repulsion as a tactile response, alerting the patient to improper orientation. Additionally, the magnetic force may pull the retaining feature 5330 towards the retaining feature 5338 of the humidification chamber of the opposite polarity, thereby guiding the patient into proper alignment. This may be particularly useful if the patient is attempting to insert the humidifier reservoir 5110 into the humidification chamber 5134 in a poor visibility environment (e.g., in the dark). Once the retaining features 5330, 5338 are properly aligned, the patient may feel a tactile response that the humidifier reservoir 5110 is being pulled towards the underside 5146 (e.g., by magnetic attraction).

[0236] Additionally, if the patient orients the humidifier reservoir 5110 so that the retention features 5338 of the humidification chamber 5134 are not aligned with any of the retention mechanisms 5330 of the humidification reservoir 5110, a lack of tactile response (e.g., no magnetic repulsion or magnetic attraction) may alert the patient that they need to rotate the humidifier reservoir 5110 (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise) to properly align the retention features 5330, 5338.

[0237] The alignment / guiding function of the magnetic retaining features 5330 and 5338 can be further enhanced if the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the humidification chamber 5134 each have more magnets (e.g., four magnets). These magnets can be aligned appropriately (e.g., four magnets can be aligned on the four side walls of the humidifier reservoir 5110). If only one of the magnetic retaining features 5330 on the humidifier reservoir 5110 is of a different polarity (e.g., positive polarity) and only one magnetic retaining feature 5338 of the opposite polarity (negative polarity in this case) is correspondingly positioned on the humidification chamber 5134 (e.g., the remaining magnets there are positive), this arrangement is such that engagement between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the humidification chamber 5134 is possible in only a single (e.g., correct) orientation. In this case, the magnet can be said to have not only a locking function but also a guiding function.

[0238] The alignment / guidance function can be further enhanced by positioning the magnetic retention feature 5338 around the periphery of the top opening (not shown) of the chamber 5134, rather than at the bottom of the chamber 5134, as shown in FIG. 5L. In this way, the magnetic retention feature 5338 is close to the bottom of the humidifier reservoir 5110 upon initial engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the humidification chamber 5134. This allows the magnets of the two components to interact very early in the engagement of the components, indicating to the user whether this is the correct engagement orientation. This may function as a poke-yoke feature to prevent engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the humidification chamber 5134 in the wrong orientation. An alternative mechanically based poke-yoke feature (such as a tongue and groove) or the use of an asymmetrically shaped cross-section for the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be used instead.

[0239] Thus, the retention features 5330, 5338 also help to align the engagement between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the humidification chamber 5134. On the other hand, if all of the retention features 5330 and / or 5338 have the same polarity (e.g., all positive or all negative), the reservoir can be positioned in any orientation and still engage with the magnet.

[0240] In some forms, the conductive portion 5336 may be disposed on the lower surface 5146. The conductive portion 5336 may be disposed between a pair of retaining features 5338 (e.g., about 90° apart), with approximately the same spacing as between the conductive portion 5334 and the retaining feature 5330. The conductive portion 5336 may be oriented in alignment with the polarity of the retaining mechanism 5338, such that there may be only one orientation in which the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be inserted into the humidification chamber 5134 and properly mechanically coupled (e.g., via magnetic forces) and electrically coupled (e.g., via contact between the conductive portions 5334, 5336).

[0241] In certain configurations, the magnetic force between the retention features 5330, 5338 may be relatively low. For example, it may be relatively easy to remove the humidifier reservoir 5110 from the humidification chamber 5134. This may assist patients suffering from certain ailments (e.g., arthritis) to grasp and remove the humidifier reservoir 5110 with one hand.

[0242] Instead of, or in addition to, being located on the bottom of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and humidification chamber 5134 (see, e.g., FIG. 5L and corresponding description in the text below), the retention features 5330 and 5338 may be located on the outer surfaces 5009 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and humidification chamber 5134, respectively. Locating one or more retention features 5330 on one of the outer surfaces 5009 closer to the stepped surface 5300 of the humidifier reservoir 5110 may provide faster engagement.

[0243] In addition to, or instead of being used as retention features, the features 5330 and 5338 may also be used to help the user position / orient the humidifier reservoir 5110 when inserting the reservoir into the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. To that end, the features 5330 and 5338 may be arranged in asymmetric orientations to ensure that the humidifier reservoir 5110 is properly inserted into the humidification chamber 5134 and limit the number of orientations it can be in an operational configuration. In some forms, there may be a single orientation of the humidifier reservoir 5110 that achieves the operational configuration. Also, by locating one or more retention features 5330 on one of the multiple outer surfaces 5009 (as described above), the retention features 5330 can be made larger and provide stronger tactile feedback.

[0244] 5O and 5P, the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 may include a second fluid conduit 5144 extending between the humidification chamber 5134 and the humidifier outlet 5004. Thus, the first fluid conduit 5140 may deliver dry air from the RPT device 4000 in the device chamber to the humidification chamber 5134, and the second fluid conduit 5144 may deliver humidified air from the humidification chamber 5134 (i.e., via the humidifier outlet 5004) to the patient.

[0245] 5L-5O, the humidification chamber 5134 may include a third fluid conduit 5148 that may extend upward (in use) from a lower surface 5146 of the humidification chamber 5134. For example, the third fluid conduit 5148 may extend substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 5146. In other words, the third fluid conduit 5148 may extend substantially along an up-and-down direction when the humidifier 5000 is in use. Furthermore, the upper end of the third fluid conduit 5148 may be the uppermost point, or one of the uppermost points, on the humidifier reservoir dock 5130.

[0246] In some forms, the third fluid conduit 5148 may be disposed in the center of the humidification chamber 5134. In other words, the third fluid conduit 5148 may be concentric with the lower surface 5146 of the humidification chamber 5134.

[0247] In some forms, the third fluid conduit 5148 can have a generally symmetrical shape. For example, the third fluid conduit 5148 can have a cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The third fluid conduit 5148 can also have substantially the same outer shape as the column 5324 of the humidifier reservoir 5110.

[0248] In some forms, the seal member 5152 may be disposed on the exterior surface of the third fluid conduit 5148 to pneumatically seal the humidifier reservoir 5110 upon insertion. For example, the seal member 5152 may be disposed proximate the top end of the third fluid conduit 5148. In the illustrated example, the seal member 5152 is a thin (e.g., silicone) lip seal that requires little force to achieve a seal. However, the seal member may be in another form, such as an O-ring made of a resilient material. The seal member 5152 may comprise a compression seal such that upon insertion of the passageway 5326 onto the third fluid conduit 5148, two opposing walls may compress the seal member 5152, thereby forming a pneumatic seal between the passageway 5326 and the third fluid conduit 5148. Alternatively, the sealing member 5152 may comprise a lip seal, whereby the seal comprises a relatively thin wall arranged such that pressure within the humidifier reservoir 5110 acts against the surface of the wall, further pressing the wall into its sealing configuration and strengthening the seal.

[0249] In some forms, the seal member can restrict or prevent the flow of fluid (eg, pressurized air) through the passageway 5326 when the third fluid conduit 5148 is inserted into the passageway 5326 .

[0250] The upright configuration of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 allows the conduits 5140 and 5148 to be removed from the humidifier reservoir 5110 and instead contained in the base of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130, where they are external. This simplifies manufacture of the humidifier reservoir 5110, reduces the number of seals used (compared to some prior art RPT devices), reduces costs, and improves the overall aesthetics of the entire system.

[0251] Upon insertion of the humidifier reservoir 5110 into the chamber 5134, several engagements occur, including a full mechanical support engagement (related to the support engagement between the inner wall of the humidification chamber 5134 and the outer surface 5009 of the humidifier reservoir 5110), a magnetic support engagement (provided by engagement of the magnetic retaining portions 5330 and 5338), a pneumatic sealing engagement (at the seal member 5152), and an electrical coupling between the conductive portions 5334 and 5336. At least two or more of these engagements may occur substantially simultaneously. Alternatively, at least some of these engagements may occur sequentially, with one or more of these engagements occurring at a different time than the remaining engagements.

[0252] In some forms, the third fluid conduit 5148 may include a divider 5342, which may be formed as a substantially flat plate. The divider 5342 may extend along the entire length of the third fluid conduit 5148. In some examples, the divider 5342 may extend upwardly beyond the third fluid conduit 5148. In other words, the divider 5342 may extend above the opening to the third fluid conduit 5148 and may be the uppermost portion of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 in the operating configuration.

[0253] In some forms, the divider 5342 can divide the third fluid conduit 5148 into a first or inlet portion 5346 and a second or outlet portion 5350. The inlet portion 5346 and the outlet portion 5350 can each be a fluid conduit configured to transmit a fluid.

[0254] In some forms, the divider 5342 can separate the inlet portion 5346 and the outlet portion 5350 so that they are substantially isolated from one another. For example, the fluid in the inlet portion 5346 can be isolated from the fluid in the second portion 5350, thereby restricting the fluids in either portion 5346, 5350 from mixing in the third fluid conduit 5148.

[0255] In certain configurations, the divider 5342 can divide the third fluid conduit 5148 so that each portion 5346, 5350 has substantially the same volume. In other words, the divider 5342 can be positioned in the center of the third fluid conduit 5148, and the opening to each portion 5346, 5350 is substantially semicircular.

[0256] In some forms, the retention feature 5338 can be radially outward of the third fluid conduit 5148 and does not occlude or block the third fluid conduit 5148. Similarly, the conductive portion 5336 can also be disposed radially outward of the third fluid conduit 5148.

[0257] 5P and 5Q, the third fluid conduit 5148 may be in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit 5140 and the second fluid conduit 5144. For example, fluid from the first fluid conduit 5140 may be routed to the inlet portion 5346, and fluid from the second portion 5350 may be routed to the second fluid conduit 5144. Thus, the inlet portion 5346 may route fluid in an upward direction, and the second portion 5350 may route fluid in a downward direction.

[0258] Water Level Indicator 5A-5B, the humidifier reservoir 5110 may include a water level indicator 5150. In some forms, the water level indicator 5150 may provide one or more indications to a user, such as the patient 1000 or a caregiver, regarding the amount of water in the humidifier reservoir 5110. The one or more indications provided by the water level indicator 5150 may include an indication of a maximum predetermined amount of water, any fraction thereof, such as 25%, 50%, or 75%, or a volume, such as 200 ml, 300 ml, or 400 ml.

[0259] In some forms, the water level indicator 5150 may be lower than the maximum height of the column 5324. In other words, when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is in its operational vertical orientation, the water level indicator 5150 is below the top inlet to the passageway 5326. This ensures that the maximum liquid level in the reservoir 5110 will not cause liquid to enter the passageway 5326.

[0260] Humidifier Converter The humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210 instead of or in addition to the transducer 4270 described above. The humidifier transducer 5210 may include one or more of an air pressure sensor or transducer 5212, an air flow transducer 5214, a temperature sensor 5216, or a humidity sensor 5218, as shown in FIG. 5C . The humidifier transducer 5210 may generate one or more output signals that may be communicated to a controller, such as a central controller and / or humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, the humidifier transducer may be located outside the humidifier 5000 (e.g., within the air circuit 4170) while transmitting the output signal to the controller.

[0261] Pressure Transducer In addition to, or instead of, a pressure sensor provided in the RPT device 4000, one or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided in the humidifier 5000.

[0262] Flow Converter In addition to, or instead of, a flow sensor provided in the RPT device 4000, one or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided in the humidifier 5000.

[0263] Temperature Converter The humidifier 5000 may include one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5216 may be configured to measure one or more temperatures, such as the temperature of the heating element 5240 and / or the temperature of the airflow downstream of the humidifier outlet 5004. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may further include a temperature sensor 5216 to detect the temperature of the ambient air.

[0264] Humidity transmitter In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidity sensors 5218 to detect the humidity of a gas, such as ambient air. The humidity sensor 5218 may, in some forms, be positioned toward the humidifier outlet 5004 to measure the humidity of the gas delivered from the humidifier 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor.

[0265] heating element In some cases, a heating element 5240 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 to provide heat input to at least a portion of the water in the humidifier reservoir 5110 and / or the airflow. The heating element 5240 may comprise a heat-generating component such as an electrical resistance heating track. One suitable example of the heating element 5240 is a layered heating element, such as the layered heating element described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2012 / 171072, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0266] In some forms, a heating element 5240 is provided within the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and may provide heat to the humidifier reservoir 5110 primarily by conduction, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0267] As shown in FIG. 5H, some forms of the humidifier 5000 may include a heating element 5240 within the reservoir 5110 such that heat is provided directly to the fluid within the reservoir 5110.

[0268] In some forms, the heating element 5240 may be disposed within the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and coupled to a wall of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., the inner surface 5010, the inner bottom wall 5114 (FIG. 5Q), etc.). For example, the heating element 5240 may be molded into the wall of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. The heating element 5240 may or may not be in direct contact with the fluid in the reservoir 5110 (e.g., the heating element 5240 may be between the outer surface 5009 and the inner surface 5010). The material used to construct the wall of the reservoir 5110 may have a relatively high thermal conductivity to more efficiently conduct heat through the inner surface 5010 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007.

[0269] In some forms, the heating element 5240 may be coupled to a wall of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 and disposed within the reservoir 5110. In other words, the heating element 5240 may be coupled (e.g., by overmolding, adhesive, etc.) to the inner surface 5010 of the humidifier reservoir base 5007. Convective heat transfer may be the primary means of transferring heat from the heating element 5240 to the fluid within the reservoir 5110. The humidifier reservoir base 5007 may be constructed of a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity (e.g., compared to the examples above) to increase the efficiency of the heating element 5240 (so that, for example, limited heat is lost through the humidifier reservoir base 5007 rather than being convected to the fluid).

[0270] In certain forms, to minimize thermal discomfort to a user when holding the reservoir 5110, the heating element 5240 may extend only partially around the periphery of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 or may be positioned at least partially around the passageway 5326 on the bottom surface 5014. In examples where the humidifier reservoir base 5007 is constructed with a high thermal conductivity, positioning the heating element 5240 only partially around the periphery may limit portions of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 from becoming too hot for the patient to touch.

[0271] In some forms, a wire, flexible printed circuit (FPC), or other conductor arrangement may extend through the wall of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 to reach the conductive portion 5334. Thus, the heating element 5240 may be electrically connected to the conductive portion 5334 and may receive power when the conductive portion 5334 contacts the conductive portion 5336.

[0272] Humidifier controller According to one arrangement of the present technology, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier controller 5250, as shown in FIG. 5C. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be part of a central controller. In another form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a separate controller that may be in communication with the central controller.

[0273] In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may receive as inputs, for example, measurements on the airflow, the water reservoir 5110, and / or the properties of the water (such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and / or flow rate) in the humidifier 5000. The humidifier controller 5250 may also be arranged to run or implement a humidifier algorithm and / or deliver one or more output signals.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 5C , the humidifier controller 5250 may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 arranged to control the temperature of the heated air circuit 4171, and / or a heating element controller 5252 arranged to control the temperature of the heating element 5240.

[0275] Humidifier operation As previously described, the patient may insert the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier reservoir 5110 into their respective chambers 5132, 5134. Both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be inserted with one hand, and the insertion axes 5137, 5138 for both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be substantially parallel to each other and oriented substantially vertical (perpendicular to the horizontal plane in which the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 is disposed in its operational configuration).

[0276] In some forms, the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be inserted into the humidification chamber 5134 by inserting the third fluid conduit 5148 into the lower opening of the passageway 5326. The passageway 5326 may have a larger diameter than the third fluid conduit 5148, and the curved edges of the passageway 5326 may help the passageway 5326 receive the third fluid conduit 5148.

[0277] In some forms, the frustoconical shape of the passageway 5326 may cause the passageway 5326 to narrow upward. The narrowing diameter of the passageway 5326 may cause the seal member 5152 to frictionally engage the inner surface of the passageway 5326 when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is fully inserted. For example, the seal member 5152 may engage the passageway proximate the top opening of the passageway 5326. The walls of the passageway 5326 may compress the seal member 5152, thereby forming a pneumatic seal. Once the humidifier lid 5008 is connected to the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., before or after the walls of the passageway 5326 engage the seal member 5152), the reservoir cavity 5112 may be enclosed and / or pressurized within the full volume of the humidifier 5000.

[0278] In some forms, the retention features 5330, 5338 may engage with one another as described above to guide the humidifier reservoir 5110 into the proper orientation and, once engaged, to hold the humidifier reservoir 5110 there. The retention force must be sufficient to maintain the humidifier reservoir 5110 in place during operation. Some of the forces that the retention force must overcome may include repulsive forces that arise when the RPT device is turned on and pressurized air is delivered to the humidifier reservoir 5110, applying operating pressure to the humidifier reservoir 5110 (particularly the shroud 5318), repulsive forces exerted by any pogo pins, if any, used in electrical contact between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the humidifier reservoir dock 5130, etc. However, if the engagement force between the retention features 5330, 5338 is sufficiently low, it may be relatively easy for a patient to detach the retention feature 5330 from the retention feature 5338 with one hand and lift the humidifier reservoir 5110 upward. Thus, the retention force between the retention features 5330, 5338 (e.g., the force of a magnet, which may be used as such a retention feature) may provide a calibrated engagement force that may help a patient suffering from an impairment such as arthritis to easily remove the humidifier reservoir 5110 from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 (e.g., to clean the different parts), while still providing the necessary support for the humidifier reservoir 5110 in the engaged configuration. A similar calibrated retention feature may also be used to retain the RPT device 4000 in its device chamber 5132, although this is not strictly necessary and is not shown in the drawings.

[0279] Both the RPT device and the humidifier reservoir 5110 are held in an essentially vertical orientation and are moved up and down during insertion into or removal from their respective chambers 5132, 5134. Once inserted, the humidifier reservoir 5110 may be held upright (e.g., oriented along an up and down direction) by its engagement with the chamber 5134 and its engagement with the third fluid conduit 5148. In other words, when the third fluid conduit 5148 is received within the passageway 5326, the humidifier reservoir 5110 is restricted from pivoting toward the support surface (e.g., about a horizontal axis toward a table) because the third fluid conduit 5148 substantially fills the passageway 5326.

[0280] In some forms, the third fluid conduit 5148 can extend above the top opening to the passageway 5326 after being fully inserted into the passageway 5326. The divider 5342 also extends above the top opening to the passageway 5326.

[0281] In certain configurations, the divider 5342 can be adjacent to the shroud 5318. As shown in FIG. 5Q, the uppermost point of the divider 5342 is positioned adjacent to the shroud 5318, and the shroud 5318 has a positive dome shape relative to the divider 5342. In other configurations, the divider 5342 can contact the shroud 5318.

[0282] In use, the RPT device 4000 may generate a flow of pressurized breathable gas and deliver the gas to the inlet of the first fluid conduit 5140. The first fluid conduit 5140 may be in communication with the humidification chamber 5134 and may deliver the gas from the device chamber 5132 towards the humidification chamber 5134. The divider 5342 may block the fluid from entering the second portion 5350 and instead direct the fluid to the inlet portion 5346 of the third fluid conduit 5148. The gas may travel upwardly through the inlet portion 5346 and exit the third fluid conduit 5148 in proximity to the shroud 5318. The divider 5342 may restrict the gas from immediately exiting the reservoir cavity 5112 (e.g., via the second portion 5350) and instead direct the gas to contact the shroud 5318. The curvature of the shroud 5318 may direct the gas toward the bottom of the humidifier reservoir base 5007 (e.g., toward the heated liquid), where moisture may be added to the gas. Low pressure may exist at the inlet to the second section 5350, and the now-humidified gas may exit the reservoir cavity 5112 through the second section 5350. Positive pressure in the divider 5342 and inlet section 5346 may prevent the humidified air in the second section 5350 from returning to the reservoir cavity 5112 through the inlet section 5346. The second section may route the humidified air to the second fluid conduit 5144, which may then route the humidified air to the humidifier outlet 5004. The conduits of the air circuit 4170 and the patient interface 3000 may be used to route the humidified gas to the patient.

[0283] In some forms, the humidifier outlet 5004 may be located on either side of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. The flow of pressurized breathable gas may exit the humidifier outlet 5004 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier reservoir 5110. Also, because the humidifier outlet 5004 is perpendicular to the structure supporting the humidifier 5000 (e.g., a table, nightstand, etc.), a decoupling structure such as an elbow may not be required. Alternatively, the humidifier outlet 5004 may be located on the top surface of the humidifier reservoir dock 5130.

[0284] The shape, size, and vertical orientation of both the RPT device 400 and the water reservoir 5110 have several positive effects on a patient's ability to handle the reservoir 5110. First, their cross-sectional dimensions may make the reservoir 5110 more suitable for comfortable holding without requiring the user's palm to overextend. At the same time, handling vertically oriented objects, such as handles or small boxes, may be easier for the user due to reduced dexterity and wrist bending / twisting. This may be particularly suitable for elderly users, whose wrist movements are often affected by joint pain. Furthermore, the fact that both the RPT device 4000 and the water reservoir 5110 are inserted into and removed from the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 vertically may reduce the overall friction of these components with the humidifier reservoir dock 5130. This, combined with the use of gravity to hold the humidifier reservoir dock 5130 in place during removal, may also facilitate convenient one-handed operation of the reservoir 5110.

[0285] It is envisioned that the system may be such that only one of the RPT device 400 and the reservoir 5110 may be positioned for vertical insertion and removal. For example, in some arrangements, only the reservoir 5110 may be positioned for vertical insertion and removal.

[0286] Aspects of the present invention The present technology can also be described by the following list of aspects.

[0287] A1. A humidifier dock for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to supply said flow of pressurized breathable gas; and a humidification chamber fluidly connected to said device chamber, said humidification chamber configured to at least partially removably receive a humidification basin, said humidifier dock being arranged so that at least one of said RPT device and said humidification basin is received vertically within said dock.

[0288] A2. A humidifier dock as described in aspect A1, further comprising a humidification tub configured to contain a predetermined volume of water and to be removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber so as to be positioned to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas in an operating configuration and output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity.

[0289] A3. A humidifier dock as described in aspect A1 or A2, wherein the humidification chamber has a chamber depth and the humidification tub has a tub length, and wherein, in use, the humidification tub is configured to engage with the humidification chamber along a vertical insertion axis such that the humidification chamber depth and the tub length are measured parallel to the axis, and wherein the tub length is greater than the humidification chamber depth such that when the humidification tub is fully engaged, an upper portion of the humidification tub extends above the humidification chamber to allow handling by the patient.

[0290] A4. The humidifier dock of aspect A3, wherein the length of the tub is about 25% to about 90% greater than the depth of the humidification chamber.

[0291] A5. The humidifier dock of aspect A4, wherein the length of the tub is about 66% greater than the depth of the humidification chamber.

[0292] A6. The humidifier dock of any one of aspects A1-A5, wherein the humidification chamber includes a fluid passageway extending along the insertion axis.

[0293] A7. The humidifier dock of aspect A6, wherein the humidification tub includes a passageway configured to at least partially receive the fluid passageway during use.

[0294] A8. A humidifier dock described in any one of aspects A1 to A7, wherein the dock further includes a humidification chamber holding feature disposed within the humidification chamber, and the humidification tank further includes a humidification reservoir holding feature located outside the cavity of the humidification tank and configured to removably engage with the humidification chamber holding feature.

[0295] A9. The humidifier dock of aspect A8, wherein the humidification tub is configured to be guided into an engaged position by interaction of the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature.

[0296] A10. The humidifier dock of aspect A8 or A9, wherein the humidification chamber holding feature and the humidification reservoir holding feature each include one or more magnets.

[0297] A11. The humidifier dock of any one of aspects A1-A10, further comprising a heater secured to the humidification tub and configured to heat the quantity of water.

[0298] A12. The humidifier dock of aspect A11, wherein the heater is overmolded onto the humidification tub.

[0299] A13. The humidifier dock of any one of aspects A1-A12, wherein the humidification tub includes a base and a lid configured to selectively engage the base when the humidification tub is positioned within the humidification chamber.

[0300] A14. A medical device comprising: a humidifier dock according to any one of aspects A1-A13; an RPT device having a length of an RPT device and configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas, the RPT device being removably positionable within a device chamber; a patient interface configured to seal a patient's airway and deliver the increased humidity flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway; and a conduit positioned to fluidly connect a humidifier outlet to the patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface.

[0301] A15. A medical device according to aspect A14, when including any one of aspects A3-A13, wherein the device chamber is positioned to receive the RPT device in a direction parallel to the insertion axis, such that the depth of the device chamber and the length of the RPT device are measured parallel to the insertion axis, and the length of the RPT device is greater than the depth of the device chamber, thereby exposing a portion of the RPT device and allowing it to be handled by a user.

[0302] A16. The medical device of aspect A14 or A15, when including any one of aspects A3-A13, wherein the conduit is connected to the dock in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion axis.

[0303] B1. A system for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient to ameliorate respiratory disorders, comprising: a dock including a device chamber having a device chamber bottom and a device chamber sidewall; a humidification chamber fluidly connected to the device chamber and having a humidification chamber bottom and a humidification chamber sidewall; and an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within the device chamber of the dock, wherein the device chamber sidewall extends partially alongside the RPT device when the RPT device is positioned within the device chamber. and a humidification tub configured to contain a predetermined amount of water and to be removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber so as to be positioned to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas in an operating configuration and output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, wherein when the humidification tub is positioned within the device chamber, a device chamber side wall extends partially along the humidification tub, and the RPT device is at least partially exposed from the device chamber in an operating position, and the humidification tub is at least partially exposed from the humidification chamber in an operating position.

[0304] B2. The system of aspect B1, wherein the humidification chamber is spaced apart from the device chamber such that the device chamber sidewall is separated from the humidification chamber sidewall.

[0305] B3. The system of aspect B1 or B2, wherein the device chamber sidewalls are oriented perpendicular to the device chamber bottom surface.

[0306] B4. The system of any one of aspects B1-B3, wherein the humidification chamber sidewalls are oriented perpendicular to the humidification chamber bottom surface.

[0307] B5. The system of any one of aspects B1-B4, wherein the device chamber sidewall is at least partially curved.

[0308] B6. The system of any one of aspects B1-B5, wherein the humidification chamber sidewall is at least partially curved.

[0309] B7. The system of any one of aspects B1-B6, wherein the humidification tub is positioned to engage and disengage from the dock along a humidification tub insertion axis oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the humidification chamber.

[0310] B8. The system of any one of aspects B1-B7, wherein the RPT device is positioned to engage and disengage from the dock along an RPT device insertion axis oriented substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the device chamber.

[0311] B9. The system of any one of aspects B1-B8, wherein the RPT device and the humidification tub are configured to be inserted into the dock along parallel axes.

[0312] B10. The system of any one of aspects B1-B9, wherein the humidification chamber further includes a humidification chamber retention feature, the humidification tank further includes a humidification reservoir retention feature configured to reversibly engage with the humidification chamber retention feature, and the humidification tank is configured to be guided into and / or retained in an operating configuration by suitable engagement between the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature.

[0313] B11. The system of aspect B10, wherein the humidification chamber holding feature includes a first magnet and a second magnet having an opposite polarity to the first magnet, the humidification reservoir holding feature includes a first magnet and a second magnet having an opposite polarity to the first magnet, and the humidification reservoir is configured to be guided into and / or held in an operating configuration by aligning the first magnet of the humidification chamber holding feature with the second magnet of the humidification reservoir holding feature and by aligning the second magnet of the humidification chamber holding feature with the first magnet of the humidification reservoir holding feature.

[0314] B12. The system of any one of aspects B1-B11, wherein the humidification chamber further includes a first conductive portion, the humidification tub includes a second conductive portion configured to contact the first conductive portion, and the contact between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion is configured to supply electrical energy to a heating element on the humidification tub.

[0315] B13. The system of any one of aspects B1-B12, wherein a fluid conduit extends from a bottom surface of the humidification chamber, and wherein the humidification tub has a passage configured to receive the fluid conduit when the humidification tub is received within the humidification chamber.

[0316] B14. The system of any one of aspects B1-B13, wherein the fluid conduit has a first flow path and a second flow path parallel to the first flow path.

[0317] B15. The system of any one of aspects B1-B14, wherein the dock further includes an outlet configured to output a flow of the pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, the outlet being perpendicular to a bottom surface of the device chamber and / or a bottom surface of the humidification chamber.

[0318] B16. The system of aspect B15, further comprising a patient interface configured to seal with a patient's face and deliver the increased humidity flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway, and a conduit positioned to fluidly connect the outlet to the patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface.

[0319] C1. A humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide said flow of pressurized breathable gas; a humidification chamber; an outlet; a first fluid conduit extending between said device chamber and said humidification chamber and configured to transfer pressurized breathable gas from said device chamber to said humidification chamber; and a second fluid conduit extending between said humidification chamber and said outlet and configured to transfer pressurized breathable gas from said humidification chamber to said outlet. a dock including a third fluid conduit in communication with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit; and a humidification tub configured to contain a quantity of water and to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber so as to be positioned, in an operational configuration, to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas through the first fluid conduit and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity through the second fluid conduit to the outlet, the humidification tub including a passage configured to receive the third fluid conduit in the operational configuration.

[0320] C2. The humidifier of aspect C1, wherein the third fluid conduit extends substantially perpendicularly from the humidification chamber.

[0321] C3. A humidifier as described in aspect C1 or C2, wherein the third fluid chamber has a partition plate forming a first passage and a second passage, the first passage configured to route the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the first fluid conduit into the humidification tank, and the second passage configured to route the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity to the second fluid conduit.

[0322] C4. The humidifier of aspect C3, wherein the divider extends beyond an end of the third fluid conduit.

[0323] C5. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C4, wherein the third fluid conduit extends above the passageway in the operating configuration.

[0324] C6. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C5, wherein at least one of the passageway and the third fluid conduit has a frustoconical shape.

[0325] C7. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C6, wherein the outlet is oriented substantially perpendicular to the third conduit.

[0326] C8. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C6, wherein the first fluid conduit extends substantially vertically into the device chamber.

[0327] C9. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C8, wherein the device chamber includes a first sidewall and the humidification chamber includes a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall.

[0328] C10. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C9, wherein the third fluid conduit extends in a different direction than the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit.

[0329] C11. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C10, wherein the first fluid conduit, the second fluid conduit, and the third fluid conduit are spaced apart from one another.

[0330] C12. The humidifier of any one of aspects C1-C11, wherein the third fluid conduit is configured to block fluid flow through the passageway.

[0331] C13. A medical device comprising: a humidifier according to any one of aspects C1-C12; an RPT device configured to provide a flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within a device chamber of said humidifier; a patient interface configured to seal against a patient's face and deliver said increased humidity flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway; and a conduit positioned to fluidly connect an outlet to said patient interface for delivering said flow of pressurized breathable gas from said humidifier to said patient interface.

[0332] C14. The medical device of aspect C13, wherein at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be grasped by a patient when the RPT device is fully inserted into the device chamber, and at least a portion of the humidification tub is exposed and configured to be grasped by the patient when the humidification tub is fully inserted into the humidification chamber.

[0333] Glossary For purposes of this disclosure, in certain aspects of the technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other aspects of the technology, alternative definitions may apply.

[0334] overview Air: In certain forms of the present technology, air may be considered to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be considered to mean some other combination of breathable gases, such as, for example, oxygen-enriched air.

[0335] Periphery: In certain forms of the present technology, the term periphery is considered to mean (i) external to the treatment system or patient, and (ii) immediately surrounding the treatment system or patient.

[0336] For example, the ambient humidity for a humidifier may be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity of the room the patient is sleeping in. Such ambient humidity may differ from the humidity outside the room where the patient is sleeping.

[0337] In another example, ambient pressure can be the pressure immediately surrounding or external to the body.

[0338] In certain embodiments, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise may be considered to be the background noise level in the room in which the patient is located, other than noise generated by the RPT device or emanating from the mask or patient interface, for example. Ambient noise may be generated by sources outside the room.

[0339] Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Therapy: A CPAP therapy in which the therapy pressure is automatically adjustable, eg, breath-to-breath, between minimum and maximum limits, depending on the presence or absence of signs of an SDB episode.

[0340] Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy: A respiratory pressure therapy in which the therapeutic pressure remains nearly constant throughout a patient's respiratory cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways is slightly higher during exhalation and slightly lower during inhalation. In some forms, the pressure varies during different respiratory cycles of the patient, for example, increasing in response to the detection of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and decreasing in the absence of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0341] Flow Rate: The amount (or mass) of air delivered per unit time. Flow rate can refer to an instantaneous quantity. In some cases, a reference to flow rate is to a scalar quantity, i.e., a quantity that has only magnitude. In other cases, a reference to flow rate is to a vector quantity, i.e., a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Flow rate may be given the symbol Q. "Flow rate" may also be written simply as "flow" or "air flow."

[0342] In the example of a patient breath, the flow rate may be nominally positive for the inspiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle and negative for the expiratory portion of the patient's respiratory cycle. The device flow rate Qd is the flow rate of air leaving the RPT device. The total flow rate Qt is the flow rate of air and any auxiliary gases that reach the patient interface via the air circuit. The ventilator flow rate Qv is the flow rate of air leaving the vent to allow for scrubbing of exhaled gases. The leak flow rate Ql is the flow rate of leakage from the patient interface system or elsewhere. The respiratory flow rate Qr is the flow rate of air admitted to the patient's respiratory system.

[0343] Flow Therapy: Respiratory therapy that involves delivering airflow to the entrance of the airways at a controlled flow rate, called the therapeutic flow rate, that is typically positive throughout the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0344] Humidifier: The word humidifier is taken to mean a humidifying device positioned, installed, or physically constructed to provide a therapeutically beneficial amount of water (H2O) vapor to an airstream to improve the medical respiratory condition of a patient.

[0345] Leak: The word leak refers to unintentional airflow. In one example, a leak can occur as a result of an imperfect seal between the mask and the patient's face. In another example, a leak can occur at the swivel elbow around the area.

[0346] Conducted (Acoustic) Noise: Conducted noise, as used herein, refers to noise carried to the patient by pneumatic pathways, such as the air circuit and patient interface, and the air therein. In one form, conducted noise can be quantified by measuring the sound pressure level at the end of the air circuit.

[0347] Radiated (acoustic) noise: Radiated noise herein refers to noise carried to the patient by the surrounding air. In one form, radiated noise can be quantified by measuring the volume / pressure level of the object in question according to ISO 3744.

[0348] Ventilation (acoustic) noise: Ventilation noise herein refers to noise generated by airflow through any vents, such as the vents of a patient interface.

[0349] Oxygen-enriched air: Air with an oxygen concentration greater than atmospheric (21%), such as at least about 50% oxygen, at least about 60% oxygen, at least about 70% oxygen, at least about 80% oxygen, at least about 90% oxygen, at least about 95% oxygen, at least about 98% oxygen, or at least about 99% oxygen. "Oxygen-enriched air" is sometimes referred to as "oxygen" for short.

[0350] Medical Oxygen: Medical oxygen is defined as oxygen-enriched air with an oxygen concentration of 80% or greater.

[0351] Patient: A person, whether or not suffering from a respiratory condition.

[0352] Pressure: Force per unit area. Pressure is measured in cmH2O or gf / cm 2 , and hectopascals. 1 cmH2O is 1 g-f / cm 2 is equal to approximately 0.98 hectopascals (1 hectopascal = 100 Pa = 100 N / m 2 = 1 mbar to 0.001 atm). In this specification, pressures are given in units of cmH2O unless otherwise stated.

[0353] The pressure in the patient interface is given the symbol Pm, and the treatment pressure, which represents the target value achieved by the interface pressure Pm at the current moment, is given the symbol Pt.

[0354] Respiratory pressure therapy: The application of air to the entrance of the airways at a treatment pressure that is typically positive relative to the atmosphere.

[0355] Ventilator: A mechanical device that provides pressure support to a patient and performs some or all of the work of breathing.

[0356] material Silicone or silicone elastomer: A synthetic rubber. References herein to silicone are references to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One commercially available form of LSR is SILASTIC (included in the range of products sold under this trademark) manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise specified, exemplary forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness ranging from about 35 to about 45, as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0357] Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0358] Positive curvature: If the curve at p bends outward toward the normal, the curvature at that point is considered positive (when the hypothetical little person leaves point p, they have to walk uphill). See Figure 3B (relatively large positive curvature compared to Figure 3C) and Figure 3C (relatively small positive curvature compared to Figure 3B). Such curves are commonly called concave curves.

[0359] Zero curvature: If the curve at p is a straight line, the curvature is considered to be zero (when the virtual little person leaves point p, they can walk horizontally, neither up nor down). See Figure 3D.

[0360] Negative curvature: If the curve at p moves away from the outer normal, the curvature in that direction at that point is considered negative (when a hypothetical little person leaves point p, they have to walk downhill). See Figure 3E (relatively small negative curvature compared to Figure 3F) and Figure 3F (relatively large negative curvature compared to Figure 3E). Such curves are commonly called convex curves.

[0361] Curvature of a two-dimensional surface A description of a shape at a given point on a two-dimensional surface according to the present technology may include multiple perpendicular cross sections. The multiple cross sections may cut the surface with a plane containing the outward normal (a "normal plane"), and each cross section may be taken in a different direction. Each cross section generates a planar curve with a corresponding curvature. Different curvatures at the point may have the same or different signs. Each curvature at the point has a magnitude, e.g., a relatively small magnitude. The planar curves in Figures 3B-3F may be examples of such multiple cross sections at a particular point.

[0362] Principal curvatures and directions: The directions of the normal plane where the curvature of a curve has its maximum and minimum values ​​are called the principal directions. In the example of Figures 3B-3F, the maximum curvature is in Figure 3B and the minimum curvature is in Figure 3F, so Figures 3B and 3F are cross sections of the principal directions. The principal curvature at p is the curvature in the principal direction.

[0363] Surface region: A set of connected points on a surface. A set of points within a region may have similar properties, such as curvature or sign.

[0364] Saddle region: A region where, at each point, the principal curvatures have opposite signs, one positive and the other negative. (Depending on the direction the hypothetical person is facing, they may be walking uphill or downhill.)

[0365] Dome region: A region in which the principal curvatures at each point have the same sign, e.g., both positive (a "concave dome") or negative (a "convex dome").

[0366] Cylindrical region: A region in which one principal curvature is zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances) and the other principal curvature is non-zero.

[0367] Planar Region: The region of a surface where both principal curvatures are zero (or, for example, zero within manufacturing tolerances).

[0368] Surface Edge: The boundary or limit of a surface or area.

[0369] Path: In certain forms of the present technology, a "path" is taken to mean a path in the mathematical, topological sense, e.g., a continuous space curve from f(0) to f(1) on a surface. In certain forms of the present technology, a "path" may be described, for example, as a route or course that includes a set of points on a surface. (A path for a virtual person is a place to walk on a surface, similar to a path in a garden.)

[0370] Path Length: In certain forms of the present technology, "path length" is taken to mean the distance along the surface from f(0) to f(1), i.e., the distance along a path on the surface. There may be multiple paths between two points on the surface, and such paths may have different path lengths. (The path length of a hypothetical person is the distance they must walk on the surface along the path.)

[0371] Straight-line distance: Straight-line distance is the distance between two points on a surface, regardless of the surface. In a planar area, there exists a path on the surface with a path length equal to the straight-line distance between two points on the surface. On a non-planar surface, there may not be a path with a path length equal to the straight-line distance between two points. (For a hypothetical person, straight-line distance corresponds to the "as the crow flies" distance.)

[0372] Other remarks A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is entitled to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of this patent document or this patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all copyright rights therefor for all other purposes.

[0373] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, when a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, between the upper and lower limits of that range, and any other stated or intervening value within that range, is encompassed within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges, which may be independently included in the intervening ranges, are also encompassed within the technology, subject to any explicitly excluded limits in the stated range. When the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also encompassed within the technology.

[0374] Furthermore, when one or more values ​​are described herein as being implemented as part of the present technology, unless otherwise noted, it is understood that such values ​​may be approximate and may be utilized to any suitable significant figure to the extent that practical technical implementation may permit or require it.

[0375] Additionally, as used herein, "about," "substantially," "nearly," or any similar term means + / -5% to + / -10% of the recited value.

[0376] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0377] When a particular material is identified as being used to deploy a deployment element, obvious alternative materials having similar properties may be substituted. Furthermore, unless specified to the contrary, any and all deployment elements described herein are understood to be manufacturable and may be manufactured together or separately.

[0378] It should be noted that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0379] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of those publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the technology of the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the publication dates provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0380] The terms "comprise" and "comprising" should be construed to refer to elements, arrangements, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that a referenced element, arrangement, or step can be present or combined with other elements, arrangements, or steps that are not explicitly referenced.

[0381] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included solely for the reader's ease of reference and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout this disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used in construing the scope of the claims or the limitations of the claims.

[0382] Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, terms and symbols may imply specific details not required to practice the technology. For example, the terms “first” and “second” may be used, but unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate an order but may be utilized to distinguish between different elements. Furthermore, while process steps in a methodology may be described or illustrated in a sequence, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and / or aspects thereof may occur simultaneously or synchronously.

[0383] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0384] Furthermore, the present invention preferably includes the following examples. [1] A humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide the flow of pressurized breathable gas; a dock including a humidification chamber fluidly connected to the device chamber; a humidification tub containing a quantity of water and configured to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged to receive, in an operative configuration, the flow of pressurized breathable gas and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity; a heater secured to the humidifying tub and configured to heat the predetermined amount of water; A humidifier comprising: [2] The humidification tank is a tub base disposed to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber, the tub base including a cavity configured to contain the predetermined amount of water; a tub lid removably coupled to the tub base; Equipped with The humidifier according to [1], wherein the heater is attached to the tub base. [3] The humidifier according to [1] or [2], wherein the heater is overmolded onto the inside of the tub base. [4] A humidifier according to any one of [1] to [3], characterized in that the humidifying tub is arranged so as to be detachable from the dock in a direction substantially perpendicular to the humidifying tub insertion axis. [5] A humidifier according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the tank base includes an electrical connector configured to electrically connect with an electrical connector arranged within the humidification chamber. [6] A humidifier according to any one of [2] to [5], characterized in that the tub lid is removably connected to the tub base and configured to be operable with one hand. [7] A humidifier described in any one of [2] to [6], characterized in that the tub lid further comprises a water inlet that allows the tub base to be filled with water, and a cap removably attached to the tub lid so as to selectively cover the water inlet. [8] The humidifier described in [7], characterized in that the humidification tub is only partially received within the humidification chamber so as to extend beyond the space defined by the humidification chamber, and the cap is removable when at least the tub lid is exposed to the ambient environment during use and is not covered by the dock, and the tub base is at least partially positioned within the humidification chamber. [9] A humidifier according to any one of [2] to [8], characterized in that the tank lid includes a shroud configured to be received within the cavity when the tank lid is coupled to the tank base.

[10] When subject to [7] or [8], the humidifier of [9], characterized in that the shroud is spaced from the water inlet and oriented in a negative dome shape relative to the water inlet.

[11] The dock is: an outlet configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient, the outlet spaced from the device chamber and the humidification chamber; a first fluid conduit extending between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the device chamber to the humidification chamber; A humidifier as described in any one of [1] to

[10] , further comprising a second fluid conduit extending between the humidification chamber and the outlet and configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the humidification chamber to the outlet.

[12] When subject to [4], the humidifier according to

[11] , characterized in that the outlet is tubular and defines an axis oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the humidification tub insertion axis.

[13] A humidifier described in any one of

[11] to

[12] , characterized in that the humidification chamber includes a third fluid conduit communicating with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit.

[14] The humidifier of

[13] , wherein the tub base includes a passage configured to receive the third fluid conduit in the operating configuration so as to be coaxial with the third fluid conduit.

[15] The humidifier according to

[14] , wherein the third fluid conduit extends above the passage in the operating configuration.

[16] A humidifier according to any one of

[14] to

[15] , characterized in that at least one of the passage and the third fluid conduit is frustoconical in shape.

[17] When subject to [9] or

[10] , the humidifier of any one of

[15] to

[16] is characterized in that the shroud is positioned adjacent to the opening of the third fluid conduit when the tank lid is coupled to the tank base in the operating configuration.

[18] A humidifier according to any one of

[13] to

[17] , characterized in that the outlet is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the third fluid conduit.

[19] A humidifier as described in any one of [2] to

[18] , characterized in that the tub base includes a tub base opening configured to allow the pressurized breathable gas to flow into and / or out of the cavity.

[20] When subject to [9] or

[10] , the humidifier of

[18] or

[19] is characterized in that the third fluid conduit includes a partition plate that divides the third fluid conduit into an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the partition plate is configured to at least partially isolate the inlet portion from the outlet portion, and the shroud and the third fluid conduit are configured such that when the humidification tank is in the operating configuration within the humidification chamber, the shroud prevents water from entering the inlet portion and the outlet portion when water is poured into the cavity from the water inlet.

[21]

[14] When subject to

[14] , the humidifier of

[20] is characterized in that the flow of pressurized breathable gas is configured to flow into the cavity through the inlet portion and the flow of pressurized breathable gas is configured to flow out of the cavity through the outlet portion.

[22] The humidifier according to

[21] , wherein the partition plate is configured to extend above the passage of the tub base opening.

[23] A humidifier as described in any one of

[14] ,

[21] or

[22] , characterized in that an outer surface adjacent the opening of the third fluid conduit includes a sealing member configured to engage an inner surface of a passage in the tub base opening, the sealing member configured to prevent the pressurized breathable gas from flowing between the passage and the third fluid conduit.

[24] The humidifier according to

[23] , wherein the sealing member is a silicone lip seal or an O-ring.

[25] The dock is: further comprising a humidification chamber retention feature disposed within the humidification chamber; the humidification tub further includes a humidification reservoir retention feature located at a tub base outside the cavity and configured to reversibly engage with the humidification chamber retention feature;

[0023] A humidifier as described in any one of [1] to

[24] , characterized in that the humidification tank is configured to be guided into and / or held in the operating configuration by appropriate engagement between the humidification chamber holding feature and the humidification reservoir holding feature.

[26] The humidifier described in

[25] , characterized in that each of the humidification chamber retention feature and the humidification reservoir retention feature includes one or more magnets and is arranged so that electromagnetic forces between magnets of each polarity only allow engagement in the operating configuration.

[27] The humidifier described in

[26] , characterized in that the humidification tank is configured to engage with the humidification chamber by a magnetic connection and at least one additional connection selected from the group consisting of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a pneumatic connection, and the magnetic connection and the additional connection are configured to act simultaneously.

[28] A humidifier described in any one of [1] to

[27] , characterized in that the device chamber is configured to receive only a portion of an engaged RPT device, whereby the RPT device is at least partially exposed when fully positioned within the device chamber in the operating configuration.

[29] A medical device, [1] to

[28] , and a humidifier according to any one of [1] to

[28] . an RPT device removably positionable within the device chamber of the humidifier, the RPT device configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas; a patient interface configured to seal against a patient's face and deliver the humidified flow of pressurized breathable gas to the patient's airway; a conduit positioned to fluidly connect an outlet to the patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurized breathable gas from the humidifier to the patient interface; A medical device comprising:

[30] When the RPT device is fully inserted into the device chamber, at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be grasped by a patient; When the humidification tub is fully inserted into the humidification chamber, at least a portion of the humidification tub is exposed and configured to be grasped by a patient. The medical device described in

[29] .

[31] A system for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient to ameliorate respiratory disorders, comprising: a device chamber having a device chamber bottom and a device chamber sidewall; a dock fluidly connected to the device chamber and including a humidification chamber having a humidification chamber bottom and a humidification chamber sidewall; an RPT device configured to deliver the flow of pressurized breathable gas and removably positionable within the device chamber of the dock, wherein the device chamber sidewall extends partially alongside the RPT device when the RPT device is positioned within the device chamber; a humidification basin configured to contain a volume of water and to be removably received at least partially within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas in an operational configuration and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity, wherein when the humidification basin is disposed within the device chamber, the device chamber sidewall extends partially along the humidification basin; the RPT device is at least partially exposed from the device chamber in an operating position; The system, wherein the humidification tub is at least partially exposed from the humidification chamber in an operating position.

[32] A humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, comprising: a device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to provide the flow of pressurized breathable gas; A humidifying chamber, The exit and a first fluid conduit extending between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the device chamber to the humidification chamber; a second fluid conduit extending between the humidification chamber and the outlet, the second fluid conduit configured to deliver pressurized breathable gas from the humidification chamber to the outlet; a dock including a third fluid conduit in communication with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit; a humidification tub containing a quantity of water and configured to be at least partially removably received within the humidification chamber so as to be arranged, in an operational configuration, to receive the flow of pressurized breathable gas through the first fluid conduit and to output the flow of pressurized breathable gas with increased humidity through the second fluid conduit to the outlet; Equipped with The humidifier, wherein the humidification tub includes a passage configured to receive the third fluid conduit in the operating configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0385] 1000 patients 1100 Bedmate 3000 Patient Interface, Non-Invasive Patient Interface 3100 Seal forming structure 3200 Plenum Chamber 3210 Strings 3220 Upper Point 3230 Rear Point 3300 Positioning and Stabilizing Structures 3400 Ventilation section 3600 connection port 3700 Forehead support 3744 ISO 4000 RPT devices 4010 Outer Housing 4012 Upper 4014 Lower 4015 Panel 4016 chassis 4018 Handle 4020 Pneumatic Block 4110 Air Filter 4112 Inlet Air Filter 4114 Outlet air filter 4120 Muffler 4122 Inlet muffler 4124 Exit muffler 4140 Pressure Generator 4142 Blower 4144 Motor 4160 Anti-spillback valve 4170 Air Circuit 4171 Heated Air Circuit 4180 Auxiliary Gas 4200 Electrical Components 4202 Single Printed Circuit Board Assembly 4210 Power supply 4220 input devices 4270 Converter 5000 humidifier 5002 Humidifier inlet 5004 Humidifier outlet 5006 Humidifier Base 5007 Humidifier water tank base 5008 Humidifier lid 5009 Exterior 5010 Inner surface 5014 bottom 5110 Water tank 5112 Water Tank Cavity 5114 Inner bottom wall 5116 Water tank axis 5120 Thermally conductive part 5130 Humidifier Water Tank Dock 5132 Device Room 5134 Humidification room 5135 Lock lever 5136 Central wall 5137 RPT Insertion Shaft 5138 Water tank insertion shaft 5140 First fluid conduit 5142 Charging Connector 5144 Second fluid conduit 5146 Bottom surface 5148 Third fluid conduit 5150 Water Level Indicator 5152 Sealing material 5210 Humidifier Converter 5212 Pressure Transducer 5214 Flow Converter 5216 Temperature Converter 5218 Humidity Sensor 5240 Heating Element 5250 Humidifier Controller 5251 Central Humidifier Controller 5252 Heating Element Controller 5254 Heated Air Circuit Controller 5300 Step surface 5302 Protrusion 5304 complementary protrusions 5308 Cap 5310 Water inlet 5312 Lower 5314 Main unit 5316 User engagement part 5318 Shroud 5320 Upper 5322 Exit 5324 Column 5326 aisle 5330 Humidification reservoir holding feature 5334, 5336 Conductive part 5338 Humidification chamber retention feature 5342 Divider 5346 Entrance 5350 Exit section

Claims

1. A humidifier for humidifying a flow of pressurized breathable gas delivered to a patient, Equipped with a dock, The aforementioned dock is A device chamber configured to at least partially removably receive an RPT device configured to supply a flow of pressurized breathable gas, A humidifying chamber fluidly connected to the device chamber, the humidifying chamber being configured to at least partially removably receive a humidifying tank, Includes, The dock is structured to receive the pressurized breathable gas flow and to output the pressurized breathable gas flow with increased humidity, guiding the pressurized breathable gas flow from the device chamber to the humidification chamber through the dock. a) The device chamber is configured to receive the RPT device at least partially in a substantially vertical orientation, and / or b) The humidification chamber is configured to receive the humidification tank at least partially in a substantially vertical orientation.

2. Further comprising the humidifier tank, The aforementioned humidifier tank is A tank base including a cavity configured to be at least partially removable and received within the humidifying chamber, and configured to hold a predetermined amount of water, A tank lid is detachably attached to the tank base, The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following:

3. The humidifier according to claim 2, further comprising a heater overmolded inside the tank base.

4. The humidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the humidifying chamber is configured to receive the humidifying tank in a substantially vertical orientation.

5. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the tank base includes an electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to an electrical connector located in the humidification chamber.

6. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the tank lid is detachably connected to the tank base and configured to be operated with one hand.

7. The humidifier according to claim 2, further comprising a tank lid which includes a water inlet that allows the tank base to be filled with water, and a cap which is detachably coupled to the tank lid so as to selectively cover the water inlet.

8. The humidifier according to claim 7, wherein the humidifying chamber is configured to receive only a portion of the humidifying tank such that the humidifying tank extends beyond the space defined by the humidifying chamber, and the cap is removable if at least the tank lid is exposed to the surrounding environment when in use and is not covered by the dock, and the tank base is at least partially positioned within the humidifying chamber.

9. The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the tank lid includes a shroud configured to be received within the cavity when the tank lid is coupled to the tank base.

10. The humidifier according to claim 9, wherein the tank lid further comprises a water inlet that allows the tank base to be filled with water, and the shroud is positioned at a distance from the water inlet and oriented in a negative dome shape relative to the water inlet.

11. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the dock further comprises a flow path configured to send the pressurized breathable gas flow from the device chamber to the humidification chamber through the dock.

12. The flow path includes a first fluid conduit that extends between the device chamber and the humidification chamber and is configured to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas flow from the device chamber to the humidification chamber through the dock, The aforementioned dock is An outlet configured to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas flow to the patient, and positioned at a distance from the device chamber and the humidification chamber, having a tubular shape and defining an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the humidification tank insertion axis, A second fluid conduit extends between the humidification chamber and the outlet and is configured to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas flow from the humidification chamber to the outlet, The humidifier according to claim 11, further comprising the above.

13. The humidifier according to claim 12, characterized in that the humidification chamber includes a third fluid conduit communicating with the first fluid conduit and / or the second fluid conduit.

14. The humidifier according to claim 13, characterized in that the third fluid conduit is configured to be inserted into the passage of the tank base of the humidifying tank in the operating configuration such that the passage and the third fluid conduit are coaxial.

15. The humidifier according to claim 14, characterized in that the third fluid conduit extends above the passage in the operating configuration.

16. The humidifier according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the passage and the third fluid conduit is frustoconical in shape.

17. The humidifier according to claim 15, characterized in that when the tank lid is coupled to the tank base in the operating configuration, the shroud is positioned adjacent to the opening of the third fluid conduit.

18. The humidifier according to claim 13, characterized in that the outlet is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the third fluid conduit.

19. The humidifier according to claim 2, wherein the tank base includes a tank base opening configured to allow the pressurized breathable gas to flow into and / or out of the cavity.

20. The dock is The humidification chamber further includes a humidification chamber holding feature located within the humidification chamber, The humidifying tank further includes a humidifying water storage tank holding feature configured to be located on the tank base outside the cavity and to reversibly engage with the humidifying chamber holding feature, The humidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that the humidifying tank is configured to be guided to and / or held in an operating configuration by appropriate engagement between the humidifying chamber holding feature and the humidifying water storage tank holding feature.

21. The humidifier according to claim 20, wherein each of the humidifying chamber holding feature and the humidifying water storage tank holding feature includes one or more magnets, and the humidifying chamber holding feature and the humidifying water storage tank holding feature are arranged such that the electromagnetic forces between the magnets of each polarity only enable engagement in the operating configuration.

22. The humidifier according to claim 21, wherein the humidifying tank is configured to engage with the humidifying chamber by a magnetic connection and at least one additional connection selected from the group consisting of mechanical connections, electrical connections and pneumatic connections, and the magnetic connection and the additional connection are configured to act simultaneously.

23. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the device chamber is configured to receive only a portion of the engaged RPT device, so that the RPT device is at least partially exposed when fully positioned within the device chamber in the operating configuration.

24. A medical device, A humidifier according to claim 1, including an outlet configured to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas flow to a patient, An RPT device configured to supply a flow of pressurized, breathable gas, and which can be detachably placed within the device chamber of the humidifier, A medical device characterized by having the following features.

25. When the RPT device is fully inserted into the device chamber, at least a portion of the RPT device is exposed and configured to be grasped by the patient, When the humidifier tank is fully inserted into the humidifier chamber, at least a portion of the humidifier tank is exposed and configured to be grasped by the patient. The medical device according to feature 24.

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