Humidifier reservoir

Abstract

To provide a medical device to be used for diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of respiratory-related disorders.SOLUTION: A reservoir 5110 configured to hold a liquid capacity for use in a device for humidifying a compressed airflow includes a base part and a lid part. The reservoir may be configured to improve the level of thermal contact to a heater plate by using the compressed airflow. The reservoir may be configured to improve the thermal contact between the reservoir and the heater plate by compression in advance when engaging a humidifier and the reservoir. The reservoir may include a removable intermediate part. The removable intermediate part may include an inlet tube and / or an outlet tube to improve an access for washing. The reservoir may also be configured to prevent excessive filling.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from the following Australian Provisional Patent Applications: Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013900901, filed March 15, 2013; Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013901965, filed May 31, 2013; Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013902601, filed July 15, 2013; and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013904923, filed December 17, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of respiratory-related diseases. In particular, the present technology relates to medical devices or apparatus and uses of medical devices or apparatus. [Background technology]

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

[0004] The airways are a series of branching tubes that become narrower, shorter, and more numerous the deeper they progress into the lungs. The primary function of the lungs is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from the air to the venous blood and carbon dioxide to move from the venous blood to the air. The trachea divides into the left and right main bronchi, which then divide further and finally into the terminal bronchioles. The bronchi form ductal airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Further branches of the airways become the respiratory bronchioles and ultimately the alveoli. The alveolar region of the lung is where gas exchange occurs and is called the pulmonary gas exchange zone. See West, Respiratory Physiology—the essentials.

[0005] A wide range of respiratory diseases exists.

[0006] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) characterized by the closure or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. OSA results from an abnormally small upper airway combined with a loss of normal muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharynx during sleep. This condition causes affected individuals to stop breathing for sustained periods, usually 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. It often causes excessive daytime somnolence and may lead to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. This syndrome is particularly common in middle-aged, obese men, although affected individuals may not be aware of the problem. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0007] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is a disorder of respiratory control in patients with alternating periods of cyclical waxing and waning of ventilation, causing repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. CSR can be harmful due to repeated hypoxia. In some patients, CSR is accompanied by repeated arousals from sleep, which can cause severe insomnia, sympathetic hyperactivity, and worsening afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

[0008] Obesity-hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia during wakefulness in the absence of other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0009] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes any of a group of lower respiratory tract diseases that share certain characteristics. These include increased resistance to air movement, prolongation of the expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal lung elasticity. Examples of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic tobacco smoking (a major risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include exertional dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0010] Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a broad term that encompasses many disorders and illnesses that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through neuropathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle damage that leads to loss of ambulation, wheelchair confinement, difficulty swallowing, respiratory muscle weakness, and ultimately death from respiratory failure. Neuromuscular diseases can be divided into rapidly progressive and slowly progressive: (i) rapidly progressive diseases, characterized by muscle damage that worsens over months and leads to death within a few years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in teenagers); and (ii) variable or slowly progressive diseases, characterized by muscle damage that worsens over years and only mildly reduces life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include worsening performance status, difficulty swallowing, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, fatigue, drowsiness, morning headache, and difficulty concentrating and mood changes.

[0011] Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities resulting in inadequate connections between the respiratory muscles and the rib cage. Disorders are usually characterized by limiting defects, potentially resulting in long-term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and / or kyphoscoliosis can cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include exertional dyspnea, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent chest infections, morning headache, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and loss of appetite.

[0012] Otherwise healthy individuals may be able to prevent the onset of respiratory illnesses by utilizing the systems and devices.

[0013] treatment Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is hypothesized that CPAP acts as a pneumatic splint, pushing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall, thereby preventing upper airway obstruction.

[0014] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to patients through the upper airway to help them breathe adequately and / or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body. Ventilatory support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD, and chest wall disorders.

[0015] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to patients who can no longer breathe effectively on their own and is provided using a tracheostomy tube.

[0016] Ventilators may control the timing and pressure of breaths delivered to the patient and monitor the breaths delivered by the patient. Control and patient monitoring methods typically include volume-controlled and pressure-controlled methods. Volume-controlled methods may include pressure-controlled volume ventilation (PRVC), volume ventilation (VV), and volume-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (VC-CMV) techniques, among others. Pressure-controlled methods may include assist-control (AC), synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV), controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), pressure support ventilation (PSV), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) techniques, among others.

[0017] system The treatment system may include a respiratory pressure therapy device (RPT device), an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, and data management.

[0018] Patient Interface A patient interface may be used to interface a respiratory device to a user, for example, by providing an airflow. The airflow may be provided to the nose and / or mouth via a mask or to the user's trachea via a tracheostomy tube. Depending on the therapy to be applied, the patient interface may form a seal with, for example, the patient's facial area to facilitate the delivery of air at a pressure variable enough to accommodate the ambient pressure at which the therapy is performed, such as a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm of H2O. For other forms of therapy, such as the delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may not include a seal sufficient to facilitate the delivery of a supply of air to the airways at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm of H2O. Some masks suffer from one or more of obstructions, aesthetic unpleasing, high cost, poor fit, difficulty to use, and discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods of time or when the patient is not accustomed to the system. Masks designed solely for aviators as part of personal protective equipment or for the administration of anesthetics may be tolerated for their intended applications, but may be undesirable and uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, e.g., during sleep or throughout the day.

[0019] Respiratory Pressure Therapy Devices (RPT Devices) One known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed, Inc. Another example of an RPT device is a mechanical ventilator. Mechanical ventilators, such as ResMed's Stellar™ series of adult and pediatric ventilators, may provide invasive and non-invasive independent ventilatory support to a wide range of patients to treat a number of conditions, such as, but not limited to, NMD, OHS, and COPD.

[0020] The ResMed Elisee™ 150 ventilator and ResMed VS III™ ventilators may provide support for invasive and non-invasive dependent ventilation suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a number of conditions. These ventilators provide volume and gas ventilation in single or double support circuits.

[0021] RPT devices typically include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to deliver a flow of air to the patient's airway. In some cases, the flow of gas may 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, such as those described above.

[0022] RPT devices also typically include an inlet filter, various sensors, and a microprocessor-based controller. The blower may include a servo-controlled motor, volute, and impeller. In some cases, a motor brake may be implemented to more rapidly reduce the blower speed to overcome the inertia of the motor and impeller. Braking allows the blower to more rapidly achieve a lower pressure condition in synchronization with exhalation, despite the inertia. In some cases, the pressure generator may also include a valve that can vent generated air to atmosphere as a means to vary the pressure delivered to the patient, as an alternative to motor speed control. Sensors, such as pressure transducers or the like, measure motor speed, mass flow rate, and outlet pressure, among others. The controller may include data storage capacity, with or without integrated data extraction and display capabilities.

[0023] Table of noise output levels of previous RPT devices (measured using the test method specified in ISO3744 in CPAP mode at 10cmH2O, using only one sample).

[0024] [Table 1]

[0025] humidifier Delivering an airflow to a patient's airways without humidifying it can cause the airways to dry out. 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). As a result, medical humidifiers can be small for bedside placement and configured to humidify and / or heat the airflow delivered to a patient without humidifying and / or heating the patient's surroundings. For example, room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, evaporative coolers) can also humidify and / or heat the air inhaled by a patient, but these systems do so by humidifying and / or heating the entire room, which can cause discomfort to the occupant.

[0026] The use of a humidifier with an RPT device and patient interface produces humidified air that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway comfort. In addition to cold weather, warm air, which is typically applied to the facial area in and around the patient interface, is more comfortable than cold air.

[0027] Respiratory system humidifiers are available in many forms and may be standalone devices coupled to an RPT device via an air conduit, integrated with an RPT device, or configured to be directly coupled to an associated RPT device. While known passive humidifiers may provide some relief, thermal humidifiers may generally be used to provide sufficient humidity and temperature to the air for patient comfort. Typically, a humidifier includes a water reservoir or tub with a capacity of several hundred milliliters (mL), a heating element that heats the water in the reservoir, controls that can vary the level of humidification, an air inlet that receives air from the RPT device, and an air outlet adapted to be connected to an air circuit that delivers the humidified air to a patient interface.

[0028] Heat pass-over humidification is one common form of humidification used with RPT devices. In such humidifiers, the heating element may be incorporated into a heater plate that is located below and in thermal contact with the water reservoir. Heat is therefore transferred primarily by conduction from the heater plate to the water reservoir. The airflow from the RPT device passes over heated water into the water reservoir, resulting in water vapor entrained by the airflow. The ResMed H4i™ and H5i™ humidifiers are examples of such heat pass-over humidifiers used in combination with the ResMed S8 and S9 CPAP devices, respectively.

[0029] Other humidifiers, such as bubble or diffuser humidifiers, jet humidifiers, or wicking humidifiers, may also be used. In bubble or diffuser humidifiers, air is conducted under the water surface, allowing bubbles to return to the top surface. Jet humidifiers produce a spray of water, and a baffle or filter may be used to remove or evaporate particles before leaving the humidifier. Wicking humidifiers use a water-absorbing material, such as a sponge or paper, to absorb water by capillary action. The water-absorbing material is located in or adjacent to at least a portion of the air flow path, allowing evaporation of water from the absorbing material that becomes entrained in the air flow.

[0030] An alternative form of humidification is provided by the ResMed HumiCare™ D900, which uses CounterStream™ technology to direct airflow in a first direction over a large surface area and deliver heated water in a second, opposite direction to the large surface area. The ResMed HumiCare™ D900 humidifier may be used with a wide range of invasive and non-invasive ventilators.

[0031] Typically, the heating element is incorporated into a heater plate that is located below the water tub and in thermal contact with the water tub, so that heat is transferred from the heater plate to the water reservoir primarily by conduction. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0032] A brief description of the technology The present technology is directed to providing medical devices used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory diseases that have one or more of improved comfort, cost, efficiency, ease of use and ease of manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] A first aspect of the present technology relates to a device for use in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory disease.

[0034] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for treating respiratory disorders that includes a patient interface, an air circuit, and a source of air at positive pressure.

[0035] Another aspect of the present technology relates to methods used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory disease.

[0036] One aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying an air flow, comprising a heater plate, a chamber in fluid communication with the air flow, and a reservoir including a conductive portion in thermal communication with the heater plate, wherein the apparatus is configured to vary a level of thermal communication between the conductive portion and the heater plate by varying a first pressure of the air flow in the chamber.

[0037] In one form, the reservoir further comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0038] In one form, the thermal contribution is in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the conductive portion.

[0039] In one form, the apparatus is further configured to vary a magnitude of force between the conductive portion and the heater plate in a first direction when the first pressure varies.

[0040] In one form, the chamber is part of a reservoir.

[0041] In one form, the chamber further comprises a compliant section.

[0042] In one form, the device further comprises a dock configured to receive the reservoir, the dock including a heater plate.

[0043] In one form, the dock further includes a cavity having a top and a bottom, the bottom having a heater plate located thereon, the cavity configured to hold at least a portion of the reservoir in the cavity.

[0044] In one form, the compliant section is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the cavity of the dock.

[0045] In one form, the top of the cavity is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to facilitate insertion of the reservoir into the cavity.

[0046] In one form, the compliant section is configured to adjust in size to vary the first pressure to vary the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate and the conductive section.

[0047] In one form, the reservoir further includes a base and a lid, the base being configured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion.

[0048] In one form, the base and lid are pivotally coupled together.

[0049] In one form, the compliant portion forms a seal between the base and the lid.

[0050] In one form, the reservoir further includes a latch for securing the base and lid together.

[0051] In one form, the reservoir further comprises at least one handle to facilitate attachment of the reservoir to the dock.

[0052] In one form, the reservoir further includes a retention clip adapted to engage a recess on the dock to retain the reservoir in the cavity of the dock.

[0053] In one form, the reservoir is configured to prevent refilling of the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0054] In one form, at least a portion of the reservoir is prevented from opening when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0055] In one form, the reservoir includes a refill cap.

[0056] In one form, the device further comprises an overfill protection element configured to prevent the reservoir from being filled above a predetermined maximum volume of water.

[0057] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice formed in a wall of the reservoir, the at least one orifice defining an evacuation path for water when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded.

[0058] In one form, the overfill protection element includes a sloping profile in the side profile of the reservoir wall, the sloping profile defining a path for water evacuation when a predetermined maximum capacity of water is exceeded.

[0059] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method of varying thermal contact between a heater plate and a reservoir in a humidification system for humidifying an air stream, the method comprising varying a pressure of the air stream in a reservoir that is in fluid communication with the air stream to vary a force between the heater plate and the reservoir.

[0060] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying an air stream, comprising a heater plate and a reservoir including an inlet for receiving the air stream, an outlet, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured such that varying the pressure of the air stream in the reservoir varies the force between the heater plate and the conductive portion in the direction of the thermal contact.

[0061] In one form, the device further comprises a dock connectable to the reservoir.

[0062] In one form, the dock is configured to constrain the reservoir from opening in the direction of thermal contact.

[0063] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to contain a volume of liquid for humidifying a stream of pressurized air, comprising a bottom including a conductive portion, a lid including an inlet and an outlet, and a compliant portion, wherein the bottom and lid are pivotally engaged and configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration while pivotally engaged, and a seal sealingly engages the bottom and lid when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0064] In one form, the compliant section includes an outlet tube and a flow straightener, the flow straightener configured to connect to the inlet tube.

[0065] One aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of air, comprising: a heater plate; and a reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, a compliant portion, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, wherein the apparatus is configured to vary the height of the compliant portion to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0066] In one form, the device is configured such that the thermal contribution is in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the conductive portion.

[0067] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of varying a level of thermal engagement in a humidifier device, the method including: (i) thermally engaging a conductive portion of a reservoir with a heater plate; and (ii) varying the height of a compliant portion of the reservoir to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0068] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a water reservoir for an apparatus for humidifying a stream of air, comprising a base configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water, the base including an overfill protection element constructed and arranged to prevent filling the base above the maximum volume of water.

[0069] In one form, the water reservoir further includes a lid portion movably connected to the bottom portion that allows the water reservoir to be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0070] In one form, the overfill protection element is constructed and arranged to prevent filling of the bottom portion above a maximum capacity with water when the water reservoir is in the open and / or closed configuration.

[0071] In one form, the water reservoir further includes a compliant portion configured to sealingly engage the lid portion and the bottom portion when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0072] In one form, the compliant portion is configured to block or seal against the overfill protection element to prevent fluid transmission to and from the reservoir.

[0073] In one form, the overfill protection element is configured such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base is in a normal operating orientation, excess water above the maximum water capacity will spill through the overfill protection element.

[0074] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice that defines a path for water to escape when the maximum water capacity is exceeded.

[0075] In one form, the overfill protection element is configured to allow only water to spill through the at least one orifice when the maximum water capacity is exceeded.

[0076] In one form, at least one orifice is provided at one or more positions along the perimeter of the base.

[0077] In one form, the at least one orifice is provided through an upper lip or flange provided along the perimeter of the base.

[0078] In one form, the at least one orifice comprises one or more openings, holes, slits or slots that allow fluid communication to and from the reservoir.

[0079] In one form, the water reservoir includes a compliant portion configured to sealingly engage the bottom when the reservoir is in the closed configuration, the compliant portion configured to block or seal at least one orifice to prevent fluid transmission to and from the reservoir.

[0080] In one form, the compliant portion sealingly engages the outer base of the at least one orifice.

[0081] In one form, the overfill protection element includes a sloped profile in the bottom side profile that defines a path for water to escape when the maximum water capacity is exceeded.

[0082] In one form, the sloped profile extends in more than one direction.

[0083] In one form, the overfill protection element is configured to allow only water to spill through a sloped profile when the maximum water capacity is exceeded.

[0084] In one form, the water reservoir further includes a compliant portion configured to sealingly engage the bottom when the reservoir is in the closed configuration, the compliant portion configured to block or seal the sloped profile to prevent fluid transfer to and from the reservoir.

[0085] In one form, the compliant section sealingly engages the bottom at the outer edge of the sloped profile.

[0086] In one form, the overfill protection element is constructed and arranged to prevent filling the bottom portion above a maximum capacity with water when the water reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0087] In one form, the overfill protection element is constructed and arranged to prevent filling the bottom portion above a maximum capacity with water when the water reservoir is in a closed configuration.

[0088] In one form, the overfill protection element forms one or more air locks to prevent further migration of water to the bottom when the maximum water capacity is reached.

[0089] In one form, the water reservoir further includes a lid portion movably connected to the bottom portion that allows the water reservoir to be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0090] In one form, the overfill protection element is constructed and arranged to form one or more air locks when the water reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0091] In one form, the water reservoir further includes an inlet tube and an outlet tube in communication with the bottom, the inlet tube and the outlet tube being positioned to prevent air in the reservoir from escaping through the inlet tube and the outlet tube when the maximum water capacity is reached, thereby preventing further migration of water to the bottom.

[0092] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a stream of air, comprising a water reservoir dock and a water reservoir substantially provided in the water reservoir dock as described above.

[0093] In one form, the water reservoir dock forms a cavity that receives the water reservoir.

[0094] In one form, the water reservoir dock includes a heater plate adapted to thermally engage a conductive portion provided in the water reservoir.

[0095] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of preventing overfill in a humidifier reservoir, the method including: (i) incorporating an overfill protection element in a bottom portion of the humidifier reservoir; and (ii) configuring the overfill protection element such that when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded and the bottom portion is in a normal operating orientation, excess water above the maximum volume of water spills through the overfill protection element.

[0096] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice.

[0097] In one form, the overfill protection element includes a sloped profile.

[0098] In one form, the method for preventing overfill in a humidifier reservoir further includes configuring the overfill protection element such that only water spills through the overfill protection element when the maximum water capacity is exceeded.

[0099] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water, including a plurality of walls forming a cavity configured to hold the predetermined maximum volume of water, an inlet tube configured to communicate a supply of air to the cavity, the inlet tube having an inlet inner end and an inlet outer end, and an outlet tube configured to communicate a supply of humidified air from the cavity, the inlet inner end and the outlet inner end being located within the cavity and the inlet outer end being located on one of the plurality of walls of the cavity, a first axis defined by the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end and a second axis defined by the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end, the first axis being at a first angle such that when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90 degrees with respect to a normal operating direction, the inlet inner end and the inlet outer end are positioned at different heights, whereby the predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the inlet inner end or the inlet outer end to prevent water from spilling through the inlet tube.

[0100] In one form, the reservoir is further configured such that when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90 degrees relative to a normal operating orientation, the second axis is at a second angle such that the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, whereby a predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or the outlet outer end to prevent water from returning through the outlet tube.

[0101] Of course, some of the aspects may form sub-aspects of the present technology, and further, various of the sub-aspects and / or aspects may be combined in various ways to form further aspects or sub-aspects of the present technology.

[0102] Other features of the technology will become apparent from consideration of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims.

[0103] The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0104] [Figure 1a] Figure 1a shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, receiving a supply of air at positive pressure in the form of nasal pillows from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. [Figure 1b] Figure lb shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, receiving a supply of air at positive pressure in the form of a nasal mask from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. [Figure 1c] Figure 1c shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000, in the form of a full face mask, receiving a supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000. [Figure 2a] Figure 2a shows an overview of the human respiratory system, including the nasal and oral cavities, larynx, vocal folds, esophagus, airways, bronchi, lungs, alveolar sacs, heart and diaphragm. [Figure 2b] Figure 2b shows an overview of the human upper respiratory tract, including the nasal cavity, nasal bones, lateral nasal cartilages, alar cartilages, nostrils, upper lip, lower lip, larynx, hard palate, soft palate, oropharynx, tongue, epiglottis, vocal folds, esophagus, and airway. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a shows a patient interface in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a shows an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4b] 4b shows a schematic diagram of the pneumatic circuit of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology, with upstream and downstream directions indicated. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4c shows a schematic diagram of the electrical components of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 4d] 4d shows a schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented in an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology, where solid arrows indicate the actual flow of information, e.g., via electrical signals. [Figure 4e] FIG. 4e is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by the therapy engine of FIG. 4d in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5 a shows a simplified diagram of a humidifier connected to a pressure generator 4140 via an air circuit 4170 . [Figure 5b] Figure 5b shows a schematic of a humidifier. [Figure 6a] Figure 6a shows a model of a normal breathing waveform for a sleeping human. The horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is respiratory flow. While parameter values ​​may vary, normal breathing may have the following approximate values: tidal volume (Vt) 0.5 L, inspiratory time (Ti) 1.6 s, peak inspiratory flow (Qpeak) 0.4 L / s, expiratory time (Te) 2.4 s, peak expiratory flow (Qpeak) -0.5 L / s. The total duration of breathing (Ttot) is approximately 4 s. Humans typically breathe at a rate of approximately 15 breaths per minute (BPM), with a ventilation (Vent) of approximately 7.5 L / min. The typical duty cycle, Ti to Ttot ratio, is approximately 40%. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a prior art example of an RPT device 4000 and a humidifier 5000. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an RPT device 4000 and integrated humidifier 5000 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "open" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110, in accordance with an example of the present technology, showing an exploded view of the humidifier reservoir 5110. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows the humidifier 5000 from one perspective, illustrating the engagement of the reservoir dock 5130 with the humidifier reservoir 5110 and / or the engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the humidifier 5000, in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the humidifier 5000 from one perspective, illustrating the engagement of the reservoir dock 5130 with the humidifier reservoir 5110 and / or the engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the humidifier 5000, in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the humidifier 5000 from one perspective, illustrating the engagement of the reservoir dock 5130 with the humidifier reservoir 5110 and / or the engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the humidifier 5000, in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the humidifier 5000 from one perspective, illustrating the engagement of the reservoir dock 5130 with the humidifier reservoir 5110 and / or the engagement of the air circuit 4170 with the humidifier 5000, in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 17a] FIG. 17a shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as air enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 17b] FIG. 17b shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as air enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 17c] FIG. 17c shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as air enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 18a] FIG. 18a shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 18b]FIG. 18b shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 18c] FIG. 18c shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 19a] FIG. 19a shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of the humidifier reservoir 5110 and then exits through the outlet 5122 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 19b] FIG. 19b shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of the humidifier reservoir 5110 and then exits through the outlet 5122 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 19c] FIG. 19c shows a time-lapse chart of an exemplary air flow path as it traverses through the interior of the humidifier reservoir 5110 and then exits through the outlet 5122 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary distribution of pressure / force in a humidifier reservoir 5110 in one configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary distribution of pressure / force in a humidifier reservoir 5110 in one configuration in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows variable configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 in particular variations of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 configurations in accordance with examples of the present technology. [Figure 30a] FIG. 30a shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 and in particular an orifice 5138 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 30b] FIG. 30b shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 and in particular an orifice 5138 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 30c] FIG. 30c shows the base 5112 of the humidifier and specifically the sloped profile 5139 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 30d] FIG. 30d shows the base 5112 of the humidifier and specifically the sloped profile 5139 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 31a] FIG. 31a shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 and particularly an orifice 5138 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 31b] FIG. 31b shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 and specifically a sloped profile 5139 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows a humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly showing the interaction between the lid reservoir protrusion 5142 and the dock locking recess 5144. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 shows a humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly showing the interaction between the lid reservoir protrusion 5142 and the dock locking recess 5144. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology, configured with a refill cap 5180 and a bottom, top and compliant section that may be affixed together. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 shows another representation of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly regarding the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 shows another representation of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly regarding the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows another representation of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly regarding the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 shows another representation of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology, particularly regarding the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of a reservoir lid 5114 and a compliant portion 5116 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 shows an example of a humidifier reservoir 5110 configured with a latch 5186 in accordance with another example of the present technology. [Figure 41a] FIG. 41a shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. [Figure 41b]FIG. 41b shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. [Figure 42] 42 shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a reservoir lid 5114 having an inlet tube 5124, a bottom portion 5112 (as shown in an exploded view in FIG. 42), and a middle portion 5202 that includes an outlet tube 5126. [Figure 43a] 43a shows an intermediate portion 5202 of a reservoir 5110 from an angle, in accordance with an example of the present technology, specifically to show the flow straightener 5192, outlet tube 5126, and support spokes 5194. [Figure 43b] 43b shows an intermediate portion 5202 of a reservoir 5110 from an angle, in accordance with an example of the present technology, specifically to show the flow straightener 5192, outlet tube 5126, and support spokes 5194. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 shows a bottom side view of the middle portion 5202 of the reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 45a] FIG. 45a shows a cross section of the reservoir lid 5114 and middle portion 5202 connected together. [Figure 45b] Figure 45b shows a cross section of the reservoir lid 5114 and intermediate portion 5202 connected together. Figure 45b shows a more detailed cross section of the flow straightener 5192, particularly showing the placement of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124, the positioning portion 5196 of the flow straightener 5192, and the deflection portion 5198 of the flow straightener 5192. [Figure 45c] FIG. 45c shows a reservoir lid 5114 showing the cross section shown in FIGS. 45a and 45b in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 46] 46 shows the top of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a reservoir lid portion 5114, a bottom portion (not shown), and a middle portion 5202 that includes an outlet tube 5126, an inlet tube 5124, and a wall portion 5206. [Figure 47a]47a shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. The reservoir lid 5114 is shown connected to the middle section 5202, and is intended to show, in particular, the inlet tube 5124, the outlet tube 5126, the deflector section 5198, and the flow director 5195. [Figure 47b] 47b shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. The reservoir lid 5114 is shown connected to the middle section 5202, and is intended to show, in particular, the inlet tube 5124, the outlet tube 5126, the deflector section 5198, and the flow director 5195. [Figure 48a] FIG. 48a shows an intermediate section 5202 in accordance with another example of the present technology, and is particularly intended to show the deflection section 5198, the flow director 5195, the positioning section 5196, and the compliant section 5116. [Figure 48b] FIG. 48b shows an intermediate section 5202 in accordance with another example of the present technology, and is particularly intended to show the deflection section 5198, the flow director 5195, the positioning section 5196, and the compliant section 5116. [Figure 49] 49 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology. In particular, FIG. 49 shows a water level 5184 where an air lock is formed to prevent further migration into the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum capacity of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. [Figure 50a] FIG. 50a shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 50b] FIG. 50b shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 51a] FIG. 51a shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 51b]FIG. 51b shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "open" configuration, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 52a] Figure 52a shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. Figure 52a shows a top view of the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "open" configuration, showing the cross section shown in Figure 52b. [Figure 52b] Figure 52b shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with an example of the present technology. Figure 52b shows a cross section of the reservoir 5110 through line 52b-52b in Figure 52a, with the cross section visible. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 shows a view of a reservoir bottom 5112 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 shows a view of a reservoir bottom 5112 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 55a] Figure 55a shows a collapsible tube 5208 in accordance with an example of the present technology. Figure 55a shows the collapsible tube 5208 in an "open" configuration. [Figure 55b] Figure 55b shows a collapsible tube 5208 in accordance with an example of the present technology. Figure 55b shows the collapsible tube 5208 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 shows a humidifier reservoir lid 5114 in accordance with an example of the present technology, where the inlet tube 5124 of the reservoir lid 5114 includes a flexible portion 5210 and a rigid portion 5212. [Figure 57a] FIG. 57a shows a side view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 (only showing the bottom portion 5112) and cross section 57b-57b shown in FIG. 57b, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 57b] Figure 57b shows a perspective view of the humidifier reservoir 5110 (showing only the bottom portion 5112), showing the cross section as shown in Figure 57a. In particular, Figure 57b shows the orifice 5138 and the water fill indicator markings 5140. [Figure 58a]FIG. 58a shows a top view of a humidifier reservoir 5110, showing cross section 58b-58b shown in FIG. 58b, in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 58b] Figure 58b shows a side view of the humidifier reservoir 5110, showing the cross section as shown in Figure 58a. In particular, Figure 58b shows the orifice 5138, the water level 5141_1 at a predetermined maximum volume of water, and the water level 5141_2 at a threshold volume of water. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 shows an exploded perspective view of an RPT device 4000, an integrated humidifier 5000, and a humidifier end cap 5300 in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of a humidifier end cap 5300 in accordance with an example of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0105] Before describing the present technology in further detail, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to the particular examples described herein, as such may vary. Moreover, it should be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the particular examples discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0106] The following description is provided in terms of multiple examples that may share common features and functionality. It should be understood that one or more features of any one example may be combined with one or more features of other examples. Furthermore, a single feature or combination of features of any of the examples may form additional examples.

[0107] Treatment System In one form, the present technology includes an apparatus for treating respiratory disorders, such as an RPT device. The apparatus or device may include a pressure generator or blower for supplying a flow of air to the patient 1000 via an air circuit leading to a patient interface 3000.

[0108] treatment In one form, the present technology includes a method for treating a respiratory disorder comprising applying positive pressure to an entrance to the airways of a patient 1000.

[0109] Nasal CPAP for OSA In one form, the present technology includes a method of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a patient by applying nasal continuous positive airway pressure to the patient.

[0110] In one 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.

[0111] Patient Interface 3000 A non-invasive patient interface 3000 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology includes the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilizing structure 3300, and a connection port 3600 for connecting to an air circuit 4170. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is configured to surround an entrance to the patient's airways to facilitate the delivery of air to the airways at positive pressure.

[0112] breathing apparatus An RPT device 4000 in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology is shown in FIG. 4a. The RPT device 4000 includes mechanical and pneumatic components 4100, electrical components 4200, and is programmed to execute one or more algorithms 4300. The RPT device may include an outer housing 4010, which may be formed in two parts, an upper portion 4012, and a lower portion 4014. Further, the outer housing 4010 may include one or more panels 4015. The RPT device 4000 may include a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. In one form, a pneumatic block 4020 is supported by or formed as part of the chassis 4016. The RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.

[0113] A schematic diagram of the pneumatic circuit of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with an example of the present technology is shown in Figure 4b. The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 may include an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler 4122, a pressure generator 4140 (preferably a blower 4142) capable of supplying air at positive pressure, a pneumatic block 4020, and an outlet muffler 4124. One or more transformers 4270, such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow sensor 4274, may be included in the pneumatic path.

[0114] The pneumatic block 4020 may include a portion of the pneumatic pathway located within the outer housing 4010 and may house the pressure generator 4140 .

[0115] The RPT device 4000 may include a power source 4210, one or more input devices 4220, a central controller 4230, a therapy device controller 4240, a pressure generator 4140, one or more protection circuits 4250, a memory 4260, a transformer 4270, a data communication interface 4280, and one or more output devices 4290. The electrical components 4200 may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 4202. In an alternative form, the RPT device 4000 may include more than one PCBA 4202.

[0116] 7 shows a prior art embodiment of an RPT device 4000 connectable to a humidifier 5000. The RPT device may also be integrated with the humidifier 5000 such that an external housing 4010 encloses components that perform equivalent functions of the RPT device 4000 as well as components that perform equivalent functions of the humidifier 5000.

[0117] 8 shows an embodiment of such an integrated device including an RPT device 4000 and a humidifier 5000, in accordance with an example of the present technology. It should be understood that subsequent references to the humidifier 5000 refer to the integrated device, and in particular to components that perform equivalent functions of the humidifier 5000.

[0118] Mechanical and pneumatic components of RPT devices 4100 Air Filter 4110 An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0119] In one form, the inlet air filter 4112 is located at the beginning of the air-laden path upstream of the blower 4142. See Figure 4b.

[0120] In one form, the outlet air filter 4114, for example an anti-bacterial filter, is located between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000. See Figure 4b.

[0121] Muffler 4120 In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is located in the aerated path upstream of a blower 4142. See Figure 4b.

[0122] In one form of the present technology, the outlet muffler 4124 is located in the pneumatic path between the blower 4142 and the patient interface 3000. See Figure 4b.

[0123] Pressure Generator 4140 In a preferred form of the present technology, the pressure generator 4140 for generating a flow of air at a positive pressure is a blower 4142. For example, the blower may include a brushless DC monitor 4144 with one or more impellers housed in a volute. The blower may preferably be capable of delivering a supply of air at a positive pressure ranging from 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to 30 cmH2O, for example, up to about 120 liters / minute. Examples of suitable blowers may include blowers such as those described in any one of the following patents or patent applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety: U.S. Patent No. 7,866,944, U.S. Patent No. 8,638,014, U.S. Patent No. 8,636,479, and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2013 / 020167.

[0124] The pressure generator 4140 is under the control of the treatment device controller 4240 .

[0125] 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.

[0126] Transformer 4270 The transformer may be internal to the RPT device or external to the RPT device. The external transformer may, for example, be located in or form part of the air circuit, e.g., the patient interface. The external transformer 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.

[0127] In one form of the present technology, one or more transformers 4270 may be located in the pneumatic path, such as upstream and / or downstream of the pressure generator 4140. The one or more transformers 4270 are constructed and arranged to measure a characteristic such as flow rate, pressure, temperature or humidity of the air flow at that point in the pneumatic path.

[0128] In one form of the present technology, one or more transformers 4270 are located proximate to the patient interface 3000, such as in the air circuit 4170.

[0129] In another form of the present technology, one or more transformers 4270 may be arranged to measure properties of the surrounding air.

[0130] In one form, the signal from the transformer 4270 may be filtered, for example low-pass filtered, high-pass filtered or band-pass filtered.

[0131] Flow Transformer 4274 A flow rate transformer 4274 according to the present technology may be based on a differential pressure transformer, for example, the SDP600 series differential pressure transformer from SENSIRION.

[0132] In one form, a signal representing a flow rate, such as total flow Qt from flow transformer 4274, is received by central controller 4230.

[0133] Pressure Transducer 4272 A pressure transducer 4272 according to the present technology is positioned in fluid communication with the pneumatic pathway. An example of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. Alternative suitable pressure transducers include: The force transducer is a sensor from the NPA series by GENERAL ELECTRIC.

[0134] In one form, the signal from the pressure transducer 4272 is received by the central controller 4230.

[0135] Motor Speed ​​Transformer 4276 In one form of the present technology, a motor speed transformer 4276 is used to determine the rotational speed of the motor 4144 and / or blower 4142. The motor speed signal from the motor speed transformer 4276 is preferably provided to the therapy device controller 4240. The motor speed transformer 4276 may be a speed sensor, such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor.

[0136] Anti-return valve 4160 In one form of the present technology, the anti-return valve is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The anti-return valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing upstream from the humidifier 5000, for example, to the motor 4144.

[0137] Air Circuit 4170 An air circuit 4170 according to an aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to be used to allow air flow to travel between two components, such as a pneumatic block 4020 and a patient interface 3000.

[0138] In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the pneumatic block and the patient interface. The air circuit may be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there may be separate legs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other forms, a single leg is used.

[0139] Additional Oxygen 4180 In one form of the present technology, the additional 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 3000.

[0140] power source 4210 The power source (or PSU) 4210 may be located inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000.

[0141] In one form of the present technology, the power source 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, the power source 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0142] Input Devices 4220 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 a human to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical or software devices accessible via a touchscreen. In one form, the buttons, switches, or dials may be physically connected to the external housing 4010, or in another form, may communicate wirelessly with a receiver electrically connected to the central controller 4230.

[0143] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a human to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0144] Central control unit 4230 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT device 4000.

[0145] Suitable processors may include x86 INTEL processors, processors based on ARM Cortex-M processors from ARM Holdings, e.g., the STM32 series of microcontrollers from ST MICROELECTRONIC, Inc. In alternative forms of the present technology, a 32-bit RISC CPU, e.g., the STR9 series of microcontrollers from MICROELECTRONIC, Inc., or a 16-bit RISC CPU, e.g., a processor from the MSP430 family of microcontrollers manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, Inc., may be suitable.

[0146] In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0147] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an application specific integrated circuit. In another form, the central controller 4230 includes discrete electronic components.

[0148] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive input signals from one or more transformers 4270 and one or more input devices 4220 .

[0149] The central controller 4230 may be configured to provide output signals to one or more of the output device 4290 , the therapy device controller 4240 , the data communication interface 4280 and the humidifier controller 5250 .

[0150] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement one or more methods described herein, such as one or more algorithms 4300. In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000. However, in some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 may be implemented discretely from the flow generation components of the RPT device 4000, e.g., for purposes of performing any of the methods described herein without directly controlling the delivery of respiratory therapy. For example, the central controller 4230 may perform any of the methods described herein for purposes of determining control settings for a ventilator or other respiratory-related event through analysis of stored data, such as from any of the transformers 4270 described herein.

[0151] Clock 4232 Preferably, the RPT device 4000 includes a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230 .

[0152] Therapeutic Device Control Device 4240 In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a control module 4330 that forms part of the algorithm 4300 executed by the central controller 4230.

[0153] In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit. For example, in one form, the MC33035 Brushless DC Motor Controller manufactured by ONSEMI, Inc. is used.

[0154] protection circuit 4250 The one or more protection circuits 4250 according to the present technology may include electrical protection circuits, temperature and / or pressure safety circuits.

[0155] Memory 4260 In accordance with one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 includes memory 4260, preferably non-volatile memory. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include battery-powered static RAM. In some forms, the memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.

[0156] Preferably, memory 4260 is located on PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may be in the form of EEPROM or NAND flash.

[0157] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 includes a removable form of memory 4260, for example a memory card made in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.

[0158] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 operates as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer program instructions that represent one or more of the methods described herein, such as one or more algorithms 4300.

[0159] Data Communication System 4280 In one preferred form of the present technology, a data communications interface 4280 is provided and connected to the central controller 4230. The data communications interface 4280 is preferably connectable to a remote external communications network 4282 and / or a local external communications network 4284. Preferably, the remote external communications network 4282 is connectable to a remote external device 4286. Preferably, the local external communications network 4284 is connectable to a local external device 4288.

[0160] In one form, the data communication interface 4280 is part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the data communication interface 4280 is separate from the central controller 4230 and may include an integrated circuit or processor.

[0161] In one form, remote external communications network 4282 is the Internet. Data communications interface 4280 may use wired communications (via Ethernet or optical fiber) or wireless protocols (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE) to connect to the Internet.

[0162] In one form, the local external communications network 4284 utilizes one or more communications standards, such as Bluetooth® or consumer infrared protocols.

[0163] In one form, the remote external device 4286 is one or more computers, for example, a cluster of networked computers. In one form, the remote external device 4286 may be a virtual computer rather than a physical computer. In either case, such a remote external device 4286 may be accessible to appropriately authorized personnel, such as a clinician.

[0164] Preferably, the local external device 4288 is a personal computer, a mobile phone, a tablet or a remote control.

[0165] Output Devices 4290 (including optical displays and alarms) An output device 4290 according to the present technology may take the form of one or more of a visual, auditory and tactile unit. The visual display may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0166] Display Driver 4292 Display driver 4292 receives as input characters, symbols or images intended to be displayed on display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause display 4294 to display those characters, symbols or images.

[0167] Display 4294 Display 4294 is configured to visually display characters, symbols, or images in response to commands received from display driver 4292. For example, display 4294 may be an eight-segment display, in which case display driver 4292 converts each character or symbol, such as the digit "0," into eight logic signals indicating whether each of the eight segments is to be activated to display the particular character or symbol.

[0168] RPT Device Algorithm 4300 Pretreatment Module 4310 A pre-processing module 4310 in accordance with one form of the present technology receives as input a signal from a transformer 4270, such as, for example, a flow transformer 4274 or a pressure transducer 4272, and preferably performs one or more process steps to calculate one or more output values ​​that are used as inputs to another module, such as, for example, a treatment engine module 4320.

[0169] In one form of the present technology, the output values ​​include patient interface or mask pressure Pm, respiratory flow Qr, and unintentional leak flow Ql.

[0170] In various forms of the present technology, the pre-processing module 4310 includes one or more of the following algorithms: a pressure compensation algorithm 4312, a vent flow algorithm 4314 (e.g., intentional leak), a leak flow algorithm 4316 (e.g., unintentional leak), and a respiratory flow algorithm 4318.

[0171] Pressure Compensation 4312 In one form of the present technology, a pressure compensation algorithm 4312 receives as an input a signal indicative of the pressure in the pneumatic path proximate the outlet of the pneumatic block. The pressure compensation algorithm 4312 estimates the pressure drop through the air circuit 4170 and provides as an output the estimated pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000.

[0172] Ventflow 4314 In one form of the present technology, a vent flow calculation algorithm 4314 takes as input the estimated pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000 and estimates the vent flow of air (Qv) from the vents 3400 in the patient interface 3000.

[0173] Leak Flow 4316 In one form of the present technology, the leak flow algorithm 4316 receives as input the total flow Qt and the vent flow Qv and provides as output an estimate of unintentional leak, i.e., leak flow Ql, by calculating the average of Qt~Qv over a period long enough to include multiple respiratory cycles, for example, about 10 seconds.

[0174] In one form, the leak flow algorithm 4316 receives as inputs the total flow Qt, vent flow Qv, and estimated pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000, and provides as output the leak flow Ql by calculating the leak conductance and determining the leak flow Ql as a function of the leak conductance and the pressure Pm. Preferably, the leak conductance is calculated as the quotient of the low-pass filtered unvented flow QtQv and the low-pass filtered square root of the pressure Pm, and the low-pass filter time constant has a value long enough to include multiple respiratory cycles, for example, about 10 seconds.

[0175] Respiratory Flow 4318 In one form of the present technology, the respiratory flow algorithm 4318 receives as inputs the total flow Qt, the vent flow Qv and the leak flow Ql and estimates the respiratory flow of air Qr to the patient by subtracting the vent flow Qv and the leak flow Ql from the total flow Qt.

[0176] Treatment Engine Module 4320 In one form of the present technology, the therapy engine module 4320 receives as input one or more of the pressure Pm at the patient interface 3000 and the respiratory flow of air Qr to the patient and provides as output one or more therapy parameters.

[0177] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameter is a CPAP treatment pressure, Pt.

[0178] In one form of the present technology, the treatment parameters are one or more of a level of pressure support and a target ventilation.

[0179] In various forms of the present technology, the therapy engine module 4320 includes one or more of the following algorithms: a phase determination algorithm 4321, a waveform determination algorithm 4322, a ventilation determination algorithm 4323, a flow limitation determination algorithm 4324, an apnea / hypopnea determination algorithm 4325, a snoring determination algorithm 4326, a patency determination algorithm 4327, and a therapy parameter determination algorithm 4328.

[0180] phase decision 4321 In one form of the present technology, the RPT device 4000 does not determine phase.

[0181] In another form of the present technology, the RPT device 400 determines the phase using a phase determination algorithm 4321. The phase determination algorithm 4321 receives as an input a signal indicative of the respiratory flow Qr and provides as an output the phase of the respiratory cycle of the patient 1000.

[0182] In some forms, the phase output may include a discrete variable with one or more values ​​of inspiration, mid-inspiration pause, and expiration. For example, the phase output may be determined to have a discrete value of inspiration when respiratory flow Qr has a positive value above a positive threshold, and the phase may be determined to have a discrete value of expiration when respiratory flow Qr has a negative value below a negative threshold.

[0183] In one form, the phase output may comprise a continuous variable, for example varying from 0 to 1, or from 0 to 2Pi.

[0184] Waveform determination 4322 In one form of the present technology, a control module 4330 controls a pressure generator 4140 to provide approximately continuous positive airway pressure throughout the patient's breathing cycle.

[0185] In other forms of the present technology, the control module 4330 controls the pressure generator 4140 to provide positive airway pressure according to a predetermined waveform of pressure versus phase. In one form, the waveform is maintained at an approximately constant level for all values ​​of phase. In one form, the waveform is a square wave with higher values ​​for some values ​​of phase and lower values ​​for other values ​​of phase.

[0186] In some forms of the present technology, the waveform determination algorithm 4322 receives as input a value indicative of the current patient ventilation (Vent) and provides as output a pressure versus phase waveform. For example, the ventilation determination algorithm 4323 may receive as input a respiratory flow Qr and may determine a measure indicative of the patient ventilation (Vent). The current value of the patient ventilation (Vent) may be determined as half the low-pass filtered absolute value of the respiratory flow Qr.

[0187] Ventilation Decision 4323 In one form of the present technology, a ventilation determination algorithm 4323 receives as input respiratory flow Qr and determines a measurement indicative of the patient's ventilation (Vent).

[0188] In some forms of the present technology, a ventilation determination algorithm 4323 determines the current value of the patient's ventilation (Vent) as half the low-pass filtered absolute value of the respiratory flow Qr.

[0189] Determining Inspiratory Flow Limitation4324 In one form of the present technology, a central controller executes one or more algorithms 4324 for the detection of inspiratory flow limitation.

[0190] In one form, the algorithm 4324 receives as input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provides as output a metric of the extent to which the inspiratory portion of the breath exhibits inspiratory flow limitation.

[0191] In one form of the present technology, the inspiration portion of each breath is identified by a zero-crossing detector. A number of evenly spaced points (e.g., 65) representing points in time are interpolated by an interpolator along the inspiration flow-time curve for each breath. The curve described by the points is then scaled by a scaler to have unit length (duration / period) and unit area to remove the effects of varying respiratory rate and depth. The scaled breath is then compared in a comparator with a pre-stored template representing normal, undisturbed breathing, similar to the inspiration portion of the breath shown in FIG. 6a. Breaths that deviate from this template by more than a certain threshold (typically one scaled unit) at any time during inspiration, e.g., due to breathing, sighs, swallows, and hiccups, as determined by the test element, are rejected. For unrejected data, a running average of the first such scaled point is calculated by the central controller 4230 for the preceding inspiration event. This is repeated over the same inspiration event for the second such point, and so on. Thus, for example, 65 scaled data points may be generated by central controller 4230 and represent a moving average of multiple preceding inspiratory events, e.g., three events. This moving average of continuously updated values ​​of (e.g., 65) points is referred to hereinafter as the "scaled flow," denoted as Qs(t). Alternatively, a single inspiratory event may be utilized rather than a moving average.

[0192] From the scaled flow, two shape factors for determining partial occlusion may be calculated.

[0193] Shape factor 1 is the ratio of the middle (e.g., 32) scaled flow point to the average of all (e.g., 65) scaled flow points. If this ratio exceeds 1, the breath will be taken to be normal. If the ratio is less than or equal to 1, the breath will be taken to be obstructed. A ratio of approximately 1.17 is taken as the threshold between partially obstructed and unobstructed breaths, and equates to a degree of obstruction that allows for the maintenance of adequate oxygenation in a typical user.

[0194] Shape factor 2 is calculated as the RMS deviation from unit scaled flow and taken over an intermediate (e.g., 32) point. An RMS deviation of approximately 0.2 units is taken to be normal. An RMS deviation of zero is taken to be a totally flow-limited breath. The closer the RMS deviation is to zero, the more the breath will be taken to be flow-limited.

[0195] Shape factors 1 and 2 may be used alternatively or in combination. In one form of the present technology, the number of sampled points, breaths, and midpoints may be different from those described above. Additionally, thresholds may be other values ​​than those described.

[0196] Determining Apnea and Hypopnea4325 In one form of the present technology, a central controller 4230 executes one or more algorithms 4325 for determining the presence of apnea and / or hypopnea.

[0197] Preferably, the one or more algorithms 4325 receive as an input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provide as an output a flag indicating that an apnea or hypopnea has been detected.

[0198] In one form, apnea may be said to be detected when a function of respiratory flow Qr falls below a flow threshold for a predetermined period of time. The function may determine peak flow, a relatively short-term average flow, or a flow intermediate between the relatively short-term average flow and peak flow, e.g., RMS flow. The flow threshold may also be a measure of relatively long-term flow.

[0199] In one form, hypopnea may be said to be detected when a function of respiratory flow Qr falls below a second flow threshold for a predetermined period of time. The function may determine peak flow, a relatively short-term average flow, or a flow intermediate between the relatively short-term average flow and peak flow, e.g., RMS flow. The second flow threshold may be a measure of relatively long-term flow. The second flow threshold is greater than the flow threshold used to detect apnea.

[0200] Snoring Determination 4326 In one form of the present technology, a central controller 4230 executes one or more snore algorithms 4326 for snore detection.

[0201] In one form, the snore algorithm 4326 receives as input the respiratory flow signal Qr and provides as output a metric of the extent to which snoring is present.

[0202] Preferably, algorithm 4326 includes determining the strength of the flow signal in the range of 30-300 Hz. Even more preferably, algorithm 4326 includes filtering the respiratory flow signal Qr to reduce background noise, for example the sound of air flow in the system from a blower.

[0203] Determining airway patency4327 In one form of the present technology, a central controller 4230 executes one or more algorithms 4327 for determining airway patency.

[0204] In one form, the airway patency algorithm 4327 receives as input the respiratory flow signal Qr and determines the power of the signal in the frequency range from about 0.75 Hz to about 3 Hz. The presence of a peak in this frequency range is taken to indicate an open airway. The absence of a peak is taken to indicate a closed airway.

[0205] In one form, the frequency range in which the peak is searched is the frequency of a small forced oscillation in the treatment pressure Pt. In one implementation, the forced oscillation is at a frequency of 2 Hz with an amplitude of approximately 1 cmH20.

[0206] In one form, the airway patency algorithm 4327 receives as input the respiratory flow signal Qr and determines the presence or absence of a cardiogenic signal, the absence of which is taken to indicate a closed airway.

[0207] Treatment parameter determination 4328 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more therapy parameter determination algorithms 4328 for determining the target therapy pressure Pt to be delivered by the RPT device 4000.

[0208] Preferably, the treatment parameter determination algorithm 4328 receives as input one or more of the following: Respiratory phase measurement ·Waveform Ventilation measurement Measurement of inspiratory flow limitation Measuring the presence of apnea and / or hypopnea Measuring the presence of snoring Measurement of airway patency

[0209] The therapy parameter determination algorithm 4328 determines the therapy pressure Pt as a function of one or more indices or measures of flow limitation, apnea, hypopnea, patency, and snoring. In one implementation, these measures are determined on a single breath basis rather than an accumulation of multiple past breaths.

[0210] 4e is a flow chart illustrating a method 4500 performed by the central controller 4230 as one implementation of algorithm 4328. Method 4500 begins at step 4520, where the central controller 4230 compares a measurement of the presence of apnea / hypopnea to a first threshold to determine whether the measurement of the presence of apnea / hypopnea exceeds the first threshold, indicating that apnea / hypopnea has occurred for a predetermined period of time. If so, method 4500 proceeds to step 4540; otherwise, method 4500 proceeds to step 4530. In step 4540, the central controller 4230 compares the measurement of airway patency to a second threshold. If the measurement of airway patency exceeds a second threshold, indicating that the airway is patent, the detected apnea / hypopnea is deemed central and method 4500 proceeds to step 4560; otherwise, the apnea / hypopnea is deemed obstructed and method 4500 proceeds to step 4550.

[0211] In step 4530, the central controller 4230 compares the measurement of flow limitation to a third threshold. If the measurement of flow limitation exceeds the third threshold, indicating that inspiratory flow is limited, the method 4500 proceeds to step 4550; otherwise, the method 4500 proceeds to step 4560.

[0212] In step 4550, if the increased treatment pressure Pt does not exceed the upper limit Pmax, the central controller 4230 increases the treatment pressure Pt by a predetermined pressure increment ΔP. In one implementation, the predetermined pressure increment ΔP and the upper limit Pmax are 1 cmH20 and 20 cmH20, respectively. The method 4500 then returns to step 4520.

[0213] In step 4560, if the reduced treatment pressure Pt is not below the lower limit Pmin, the central controller 4230 decreases the treatment pressure Pt by a ramp-down. The method 4500 then returns to step 4520. In one implementation, the ramp-down is proportional to the value of Pt~Pmin, such that the ramp-down of Pt to the lower limit Pmin in the absence of any detected event is exponential. Alternatively, the ramp-down of Pt can be predetermined, such that the ramp-down of Pt to the lower limit Pmin in the absence of any detected event is linear.

[0214] Control Module 4330 A control module 4330 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology receives as an input a target treatment pressure Pt and controls a pressure generator 4140 to deliver that pressure.

[0215] A control module 4330 according to one aspect of the present technology receives as inputs the EPAP pressure and the IPAP pressure and controls the pressure generator 4140 to deliver those respective pressures.

[0216] Detecting fault conditions 4340 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 executes one or more methods for detecting a fault condition. Preferably, the fault condition detected by the one or more methods includes at least one of the following: Power failure (no power or insufficient power) Transformer fault detection -Failure to detect the presence of components Operating parameters outside the recommended range (e.g., pressure, flow, temperature, PaO2) Failure of the test alarm to generate a detectable alarm signal Upon detection of a fault condition, the corresponding algorithm signals the presence of a fault by one or more of the following: Initiation of an audible, visual and / or kinetic (e.g., vibration) alarm Sending messages to external devices Incident logs

[0217] humidifier 5000 Humidifier Overview In one form of the present technology, there is provided a humidifier 5000 for varying the absolute humidity of air for delivery to a patient relative to environmental air. Typically, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity and temperature of the air stream relative to environmental air before delivery to the patient's airways.

[0218] There are numerous performance and / or design requirements that may be associated with a humidifier. Some known performance and / or design requirements for humidifier design may include: reduced volume and / or humidifier footprint (e.g., with respect to bedside placement), ability to provide humidification for an entire treatment session, efficient use of the water supply, requirements for coupling to a respiratory device, minimizing pressure drop across the airflow through the humidifier, and / or requirements for maintaining positive pressure at the entrance to the patient's airways (e.g., thus, requirements for maintaining positive pressure in the humidifier). One objective of the present technology is to address or improve upon at least some of the foregoing performance and / or design requirements.

[0219] A simplified schematic of a humidifier 5000 is shown in Figure 5a. In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier reservoir 5110, a thermal element 5240, and one or more sensors 5270. The humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive a flow of air from a pressure generator 4140 via an air circuit 4170 and deliver a flow of humidified air to a patient interface 3000 (not shown in Figure 5a), for example, via a thermal air circuit 4171.

[0220] A simplified schematic of a humidifier 5000 in accordance with an example of the present technology is shown in Figure 5b. The humidifier 5000 may include one or more controllers 5250, which may be discrete controllers or one controller performing multiple functions, such as a hot air circuit controller 5254, a thermal element controller 5252, or a central humidifier controller 5251. The controller 5250 may be in electrical communication with one or more of the following: one or more sensors 5270, input devices 4220, output devices 4290, the hot air circuit 4171, and the thermal element 5240, as shown in Figure 5b.

[0221] Humidifier Mechanical Components 5100 Water Reservoir Dock 5130 As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir dock 5130 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. As shown in FIG. 14, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include a cavity 5160 formed in the water reservoir dock 5130 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the water reservoir dock 5130 may be integral with the humidifier 5000, as shown in FIGS. 13-16. The water reservoir dock 5130 may further connect the water reservoir 5110 to the air-containing pathway. In this arrangement, the reservoir dock 5130 includes a dock air outlet 5168 for communicating the air flow to the water reservoir 5110, a dock air inlet 5170 for receiving the air flow humidified by the water reservoir 5110, and a humidifier outlet 5172 for communicating the humidified air flow to the air circuit 4170. The cavity 5160 may include a top configured to cover at least a portion of the lid of the reservoir 5110 and a bottom including the heater plate 5120 .

[0222] It should be understood that the reservoir dock 5130 may be provided separately to the humidifier 5000 in alternative arrangements. In such arrangements, an additional interface may be used to connect the reservoir dock 5130 to the humidifier 5000.

[0223] In another arrangement, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include an opening in a substantially horizontal plane so that the water reservoir 5110 may be inserted from above or below the water reservoir dock 5130.

[0224] Water Reservoir 5110 9-12 show one form of a water reservoir 5110 including a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and a middle portion 5202 having a compliant portion 5116. The reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of liquid (e.g., water), typically several hundred milliliters, e.g., 300 mL, 325 mL, 350 mL, or 400 mL, although it should be understood that other volumes of liquid may be utilized, e.g., 100 milliliters (mL), 200 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, or more or less. In one form, the reservoir 5110 may include a cavity formed by multiple walls to hold the predetermined maximum volume of liquid, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to the air flow from the RPT device 4000. The water reservoir 5110 may be configured to do so by encouraging the air flow to travel a tortuous path through the reservoir 5110. The reservoir 5110 is further configured to prevent liquid from draining from the reservoir 5110, such as by preventing liquid from leaking through openings and / or between its subcomponents, when the reservoir 5110 is moved out of and / or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Because the air flow to be humidified by the humidified air 5000 is typically compressible, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent loss in pneumatic pressure due to leaks and / or flow impedance.

[0226] The water reservoir 5110 may include an inlet 5118 for receiving airflow into the reservoir 5110 and an outlet 5122 for communicating airflow from the reservoir 5110. In one form, the reservoir 5110 may include an inlet tube 5124 and / or an outlet tube 5126 (see, e.g., FIGS. 10 and 12). In one configuration, the inlet 5118 and the inlet tube 5124 are integrally formed as a single inlet component, and the outlet 5122 and the outlet tube 5126 are integrally formed as a single outlet component (see FIGS. 10-12, 22-29, and 47a-52b). In other configurations, the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 may be separate tubes coupled to the inlet 5118 and / or the outlet 5122, respectively (see FIGS. 41a-46). The water reservoir 5110 is configured to increase humidification of the air flow as the air flows through the reservoir 5110 .

[0227] Water Reservoir Lid 5114 In one form, the water reservoir lid 5114 is pivotally connected to the base 5112 by a hinge 5158 such that the reservoir 5110 is convertible between an open configuration, as shown in Figure 11, and a closed configuration, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. When the water reservoir 5110 is in the closed configuration, the compliant portion 5116 is in sealing engagement between the base 5112 and the lid 5114 to seal the base 5112 and the lid 5114 and prevent water from escaping from the reservoir 5110. The hinge 5158 may be coupled to a complementary hinge recess 5159 (see FIG. 12) located in the reservoir base 5112. In one form, the lid 5114 may be constructed from a biocompatible material, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polycarbonate material.

[0228] Another aspect of the present technology relates to the pivoting action of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112. As the lid 5114 rotates about the hinge 5158, a range of rotation may be defined as shown in Figures 51a and 51b. In one form, the two ends of the range of rotation may be defined by the closure of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112, and one of the two ends may be a fully open position defined by a rotation guide 5220 that may interfere with a rotation stop 5222 in the fully open position.

[0229] According to another embodiment, the lid 5114 may be configured such that the lid 5114 disengages from the base 5112 when a user attempts to open the lid 5114 further than the rotation stop 5222 and rotation guide 5220. As shown in FIGS. 51b and 52b, in the fully open position, the rotation guide 5220 may contact the rotation stop 5222. In this configuration, attempting to open the lid 5114 further relative to the base 5112 causes the rotation stop 5222 to act as a cantilever pivot, moving the lid 5114 away from the base 5112 at the hinge 5158, thereby avoiding damage to the reservoir 5110 due to, for example, application of excessive force thereto. In one embodiment, the hinge 5158 may be configured to facilitate easier disengagement in one orientation of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112 than in another orientation (e.g., such that the reservoir 5110 is then in the fully open position). This may be achieved, for example, by introducing tapering to the hinge 5158 in the lid 5114, as shown in Figures 47a and 47b.

[0230] Compliant Division 5116 In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in use, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114. The compliant portion 5116 may also perform other functions, for example, to improve thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described in more detail below.

[0231] The compliant portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or may be provided independently of both, for example, as part of the intermediate portion 5202. The compliant portion 5116 may engage the reservoir lid 5114 or the reservoir base 5112 by any number of means, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction bonding, adhesives, or the use of an intermediate component. The intermediate portion 5202 may include the compliant portion 5116 and a carrier 5117 (as shown in FIG. 12 ).

[0232] The compliant portion 5116 preferably includes a sufficiently resilient configuration so as to be able to resist forces and / or pressures generated on the reservoir 5110, for example, forces and / or pressures generated by a user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or airflow through the reservoir 5110. The compliant portion 5116 can further be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or base 5112 and be compliant to conform to the shape thereof. In one form, the carrier 5117 of the middle portion can be constructed from a nylon material approximately 2 mm thick (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), and a silicone material can be used to overmold onto the carrier 5117 to form the compliant portion of the middle portion 5202.

[0233] In some arrangements, the compliant portion 5116 may be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, and the base 5112 and / or the lid 5114 may be formed as two separate pieces that can be assembled with the compliant portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0234] In an alternative arrangement, the compliant portion 5116 may be located within the walls of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the walls of the reservoir lid 5114, for example, integrally by overmolding, or may be located as separate components connected as a subassembly. In such an arrangement, the compliant portion is not located between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but is located within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be more than one compliant portion 5116, and the compliant portion may be formed of multiple pieces to provide additional compliance to movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0235] Water Reservoir Base 5112 According to one arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion (e.g., a base conductor plate 5152, see, e.g., FIG. 12 ) configured to thermally couple with the heater plate 5120 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heater plate 5120 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or a portion of the base conductor plate 5152 may be made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., approximately 2 mm thick, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm) or another thermally conductive material such as a metal. In some cases, adequate heat transfer may be achieved with an appropriate thickness of less conductive material.

[0236] The reservoir base 5112 may further be configured as a container for maintaining a predetermined maximum volume of liquid that the reservoir base 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may include additional features, such as an overfill prevention feature, as described in more detail below. In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may include a base top body 5146 and a base bottom plate 5148, which may form a container together with a base conductor plate 5152 (see, e.g., FIG. 12 ).

[0237] The base upper body 5146 and / or base bottom plate 5148 may be constructed of a biocompatible material, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, e.g., ABS or polycarbonate material, suitable for maintaining a volume of liquid. The base conductor plate 5152 may comprise a sealing element 5150 (see, e.g., FIG. 12 ) integral with and / or sealingly connected to both the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148 to prevent drainage of water from the water reservoir 5110, particularly the base 5112. For example, the sealing element 5150 may be overmolded onto the base conductor plate 5152, and the resulting component may be secured between the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148.

[0238] In one form, as shown in FIG. 12 , the base 5112 may include a base upper body 5146, a base bottom plate 5148, and a base conductor plate 5152. However, it should be appreciated that the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed of any number of parts. The reservoir base 5112 may be constructed as a single piece made of another thermally conductive material, such as aluminum or metal. In another arrangement, the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed of two parts, for example, a lower component and an upper component. In such an arrangement, the lower component may be constructed of a thermally conductive material and serve as the base conductor plate 5152, sealing element 5150, and base bottom plate 5148, and the upper component may be identical to the base upper body 5146 and may be constructed of a polycarbonate material.

[0239] 53 and 54, the reservoir base 5112 may further include an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226. According to one embodiment, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 may prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir 5110 through the interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the compliant portion 5116) and the base 5112, for example, when the middle portion 5202 is compressed or when the middle portion 5202 is under vibration.

[0240] Water Reservoir to Humidifier Connection During use, the water reservoir 5110 receives the flow of air output by, for example, the RPT device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to the humidifier 5000 as shown in FIGS. 13-16 , for example, by inserting the water reservoir into the water reservoir dock 5130 by sliding it. The inlet 5118 of the water reservoir 5110 is configured to receive the flow of air output by the RPT device 4000 and direct the air flow toward the water reservoir 5110. As the air travels through the reservoir 5110, humidity (i.e., water vapor) is added to the air flow, and the humidified air flow exits the reservoir 5110 through the outlet tube 5126 to the reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to the air circuit 4170 to communicate the humidified air flow to the patient 1000.

[0241] The double-headed arrows in Figures 14-16 indicate the direction of relative movement, i.e., generally horizontal movement, between the connected and disconnected humidifier 5000 and water reservoir 5110 in this arrangement. However, the water reservoir 5110 may be coupled to the humidifier 5000 in other ways, such as by generally vertical insertion, connection by one or more intermediate components (e.g., tubing), or be formed integrally with the humidifier.

[0242] Although not shown, in an alternative arrangement, the water reservoir 5110 may be inserted vertically into the dock cavity 5160 rather than using a sliding motion. In such an arrangement, the dock cavity of the humidifier 5000 may include a movable cover portion, such as a lid or top, that opens at least partially to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 and closes to secure the water reservoir 5110 within the dock cavity 5160 after insertion.

[0243] In the arrangement shown (see FIG. 16 ), the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to a reservoir dock air inlet 5170, through which a flow of humidified air travels to a humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to an air circuit 4170, as shown in FIG. 13 by the dashed double-headed arrow (see, for example, FIG. 13 ). An advantage of such an arrangement is that the humidifier reservoir 5110 can be removed from the dock cavity 5160, while the air circuit 4170 remains attached to the humidifier outlet 5172. Thus, insertion and removal of the humidifier reservoir 5110 is independent of the connection of the air circuit 4170. An additional advantage is that the humidifier reservoir 5110 must be removed from the reservoir dock 5130 in order to fill the humidifier reservoir 5110 with liquid. In this configuration, neither the inlet 5118 nor the outlet 5122 of the reservoir 5110 are exposed, but the reservoir 5110 can be inserted into the humidifier 5000 in an operational configuration while the reservoir 5110 itself remains accessible to the patient 1000, for example, so that it can be easily removed from the humidifier 5000. This arrangement can reduce the likelihood of a user overfilling the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum capacity for water, as the humidifier reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent overfilling, as described further below. Still further, the user is prompted to remove the water reservoir 5110 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, thereby reducing the likelihood of water spilling on or into the humidifier 5000 and / or RPT device 4000.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 16, a first dock seal 5132 and a second dock seal 5134 may be provided to help seal the connection between the reservoir inlet 5118 and the dock 5130 and the connection between the reservoir outlet 5122 and the dock 5130.

[0245] 15 and 16, the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 in the water reservoir dock 5130. In this arrangement, the height and shape of the dock interior cavity 5160 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that the compliant portion 5116 is compressed, for example, between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, e.g., about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to engage the water reservoir 5110 with the water reservoir dock 5130. Thus, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 that is inserted into the dock 5130 complements the shape of the dock cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the compliant portion 5116 is compressed is slightly less than the height of the dock cavity 5160 so that the water reservoir 5110 is insertable into the dock cavity 5160.

[0246] The compliant section 5116 may be configured with a cross-sectional shape such as that shown in FIG. 39. A compressive force is required to compress the compliant section 5116 sufficiently to allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130. For example, a compressive force of between about 10 N and about 30 N, i.e., about 20 N, or some other compressive force, as measured at the handle recesses 5154 and 5156, may be required to allow the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the dock cavity 5160. The vertical gap achieved between the water reservoir 5110 and the dock interior cavity 5160 during insertion (or removal) may be between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, e.g., about 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, when this compressive force is applied at the handle recesses and the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into the reservoir dock 5130. The water reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 5130 may be positioned such that when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the reservoir dock 5130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force, the amount of compression in the compliant section 5116 decreases. The decrease in compression may be between about 0.5 mm and about 2.5 mm, for example, about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0247] The compliant portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material, such as a silicone thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a TPE polyester, a TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. When selecting a material for use in the compliant portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select one that does not experience mechanical relaxation over the range of storage and operating temperatures to which the compliant portion 5116 may be exposed. One example of a material for the compliant portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0248] 40 , a reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110 to secure the reservoir lid 5114 and the lid base 5112 together when the reservoir latch 5186 is engaged. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and reservoir base 5112 from moving away from the compliant portion 5116 and maintain the compliant portion 5116 when the lid 5114 and base 5112 are in sealing engagement, for example, due to compression. In one form, the latch 5186 may be configured to limit relative movement of the lid 5114 with respect to the base 5112 in only one direction, thereby allowing further compression of the compliant portion 5116 and preventing separation of the lid 5114 and base 5112. This may allow the water reservoir 5110 to be inserted into the reservoir dock 5130 and / or allow the compliant portion 5116 to assist in thermal communication between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0249] Reservoir Handle 5154, 5156 13-16 show an upper handle 5154 located on the reservoir lid 5114 and a lower handle 5156 located on the reservoir base 5112. These handles are intended to assist the patient (or user) 1000 in gripping or holding the water reservoir 5110. In the arrangement shown, the handles 5154, 5156 are located away from the hinge 5158 such that by holding the reservoir 5110 by the handles 5154, 5156, the patient 1000 applies a force to the reservoir 5110 that compresses the compliant portion 5116 and pushes the lid 5114 and base 5112 together. The compressive force may further aid in maintaining the compliant portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, such as during transfer of liquid to / refill of liquid from the reservoir 5110. It should be understood that the handles 5154 and 5156 may be located on other components or areas of the water reservoir 5110.

[0250] 14 , a handle grip 5166 may be provided on either or both of the handles 5154, 5156. The handle grip 5166 may be configured to assist the patient 1000 in holding the reservoir 5110, for example, by being made of a higher friction material, higher friction fabric, and / or an easier-to-hold shape than the surrounding area of ​​the reservoir 5110. For example, the handle grip 5166 may be made of an elastomeric material such as silicone, while the water reservoir 5110 may be made primarily of a polycarbonate material. Additionally or alternatively, the handle grip 5166 may include geometric features such as ribs or ridges that reduce the likelihood of slippage between the fingers and the handles 5154, 5156.

[0251] Air flow path In one form of the present technology, the air flow is directed to travel in the reservoir 5110 in a tortuous path between the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122. This prevents any "short circuiting" of the air flow, which may result in the air flow being insufficiently humidified when delivered to the patient 1000.

[0252] 17a-17c, 18a-18c, and 19a-19c illustrate exemplary paths of air flow through the reservoir 5110 as it enters through the inlet 5118 and exits through the outlet 5122. The figures arrange three separate orthogonal views in a chronological order to visually illustrate the exemplary flow paths. In this arrangement, air flow received through the inlet 5118 passes through the inlet tube 5124 (FIGS. 17a-17c) and into the interior volume of the water reservoir 5110 (FIGS. 18a-18c). The air flow then passes through the outlet tube 5126 and exits the water reservoir 5110 as humidified air at the outlet 5122 (FIGS. 19a-19c). 17a-17c, 18a-18c, and 19a-19c clearly illustrate the reservoir 5110 with the lid 5114 and base 5112 in an exploded orientation, with any air flow occurring in the interior volume of the water reservoir 5110 shown with dotted lines. Note that while the dotted arrows shown indicate the general direction of exemplary air flow, the nature of the air flow means that any air flow path will include air agitation (e.g., turbulence) rather than a straight and direct air flow path.

[0253] In some forms of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 may include a flow element configured to increase the length of a tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from draining into the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126, such as the flow straightener 5192 shown in FIG. 42. For example, the reservoir 5110 may include a deflector 5198 as shown in FIGS. 41 a, 41 b, 42, 43 a, 43 b, and 44, or a deflector 5198 and flow director 5195 as shown in FIGS. 47 a and 47 b. In some arrangements, the flow straightener 5192 may further include a positioning portion 5196, as described in more detail below.

[0254] 41a, 41b, 42, 43a, 43b, and 44, the deflection portion 5198 is configured to prevent air flow from entering the outlet tube 5126 immediately (i.e., short circuit) after exiting the inlet tube 5124 through the inlet tube inner end (or inner tube outlet) 5125. In some of the arrangements (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 41a, 41b, 42, 43a, 43b, and 44), the outlet tube 5126 may be formed as part of the middle section 5202 and connected to the reservoir outlet 5122 when assembled with the lid section 5114. When the middle section 5202 and the lid section 5114 are assembled together as shown in FIG. 41a, the deflection portion 5198 may be located near the inlet tube inner end 5125, for example, by being abutting it. In this arrangement, the deflector 5198 forms a cover between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the base of the outlet tube inner end 5127. This cover may have the additional advantage of moving air flow in the channel created by the cover and the volume of water in the reservoir 5110 to improve humidity uptake.

[0255] 47a and 47b, the reservoir 5110 includes a flow director 5195 and a diverter 5198. The diverter 5198 is configured to prevent short circuiting of the air flow, and the flow director 5195 is further configured to direct the air flow exiting the inlet tube 5124 in a direction approximately parallel to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. This ameliorates the occurrence of "blowback" that can occur when the air flow exits the inlet tube 5124 in a direction perpendicular to the circumference of the liquid volume.

[0256] As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the reservoir 5110 may include an end wall 5128 near or opposite the inlet tube inner end 5125. The inner end wall 5128 of the reservoir 5110 is oriented so that air exiting the inlet tube 5124 flows across the water surface before reaching the outlet tube inner end 5127, passing through the outlet tube 5126, and exiting the outlet 5122. FIGS. 24-27 show an example of another arrangement of flow elements in which the reservoir 5110 may include a turning vane 5136 positioned near the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The turning vane 5136 may be integrally formed as an extension of the inlet tube 5124, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 , or the turning vane 5136 may be a separate component located adjacent to or coupled to the inlet tube 5124. The turning vanes 5136 may also be profiled as shown in FIGS.

[0257] The air flow path shown in Figures 17a-17c, 18a-18c, and 19a-19c is merely exemplary and is intended to show one of many paths that the air flow may travel through the water reservoir 5110, i.e., the air flow enters the water reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 and experiences some degree of agitation within the volume of the water reservoir 5110 before exiting through the outlet 5122. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particles or molecules forming the air flow may not follow a single path within the water reservoir 5110 due to a number of factors including, for example, local turbulence (vortices) or pressure gradients within the water reservoir 5110. As a result, the cumulative path of the air flow may include any number of paths, with the air flow experiencing various degrees of "agitation" within the water reservoir 5110 before exiting the outlet 5122 via the outlet tube 5126. It is possible that some small portion of the air flow escapes from the water reservoir 5110 as a leak.

[0258] Thermal Contact / Engagement As mentioned above, in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, the water reservoir 5110 and heater plate 5120 of the humidifier are in thermal contact or thermal communication. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, as measured by, for example, thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, can vary according to a number of parameters.

[0259] In the prior art, additional components have been used to improve thermal contact between the water reservoir and the heater plate by increasing the contact pressure between them. One example is the use of a spring element, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,027, which is used to connect the heater plate to the humidifier body, thereby urging the heater plate toward the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, as described in WO 2010 / 031126, in which the lid is provided with a compressible elastomeric seal. In this example, when the lid is in the closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir and urges the water reservoir against the heater plate.

[0260] Pre-compression for improved thermal contact In the present technology, for example, pre-compression of the water reservoir 5110 engaging the water reservoir dock 5130 may be used to help improve thermal contact between the lid 5110 and the heater plate 5120.

[0261] In one arrangement, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured such that when in an operational configuration, such as when disposed in the water reservoir dock 5130, the compliant portion 5116 is compressed as described above. The reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 5130 may further be configured such that a counter force on the compliant portion 5116 presses the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heater plate 5120 to improve thermal contact between the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120.

[0262] As such, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a spring biased to push the reservoir base 5112 and / or reservoir lid 5114 in a direction perpendicular to the heater plate 5120. Because the reservoir 5110 is externally fixed, such as confined within the reservoir dock 5130, compression of the compliant portion 5116 is responded to by a force that promotes improved thermal engagement with the heater plate 5120. Figure 20 illustrates this effect by showing the distributed force or pressure applied to the lid 5114, compliant portion 5116, and base 5112 with the indicated arrows.

[0263] When the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000, the force required to compress the compliant section 5116 is preferably in the same direction as normal to the surface of the conductive section, which may also preferably be in the same direction as the direction of thermal engagement. This force is reacted by the water reservoir dock 5130 at the contact points and / or surfaces, thereby pressing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 together.

[0264] When the water reservoir 5110 is placed in the water reservoir dock 5130, the magnitude of the compressive force may be between about 5 N and about 15 N, as measured at the heater plate 5120. However, it should be understood that differently configured water reservoirs 5110 may require different amounts of compressive force. The magnitude of this force may be changed by modifying the design of any or all of the compliant portion 5116, lid 5114, base 5112, or reservoir dock 5130. For example, if the compliant portion 5116 is constructed from a material with a higher Young's modulus, the magnitude of the force will increase accordingly. It should be noted that FIG. 20 only illustrates forces and pressures in the vertical direction.

[0265] In some cases, the amount of compression of the compliant portion 5116 in the reservoir 5110 is It may be used to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate 5120 .

[0266] Use of compressed air to improve thermal contact. According to another embodiment, when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000, the flow of air received from the RPT device may increase the pressure in a chamber, such as the interior of the reservoir 5110. The increased pressure in the chamber may be used to increase the level of thermal engagement (i.e., thermal contact) between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120. The reservoir 5110 may further be configured such that changing the level of pressure in the chamber may change the level of thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120.

[0267] In one form, the compliant portion 5116 may be configured to be expandable in the direction of thermal contact, and the reservoir 5110 may be constrained in the same direction by the reservoir dock 5130. In this form, internal pressure pushes the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heater plate 5120 to improve the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate 5120 and the base 5112.

[0268] FIG. 21 illustrates this effect by showing the distributed force or pressure applied to the lid 5114 and base 5112 with the arrows shown. FIG. 21 only shows forces and pressures in the vertical direction, and in this configuration, the thermal engagement occurs in the vertical direction. The presence of prior environmental pressure within the water reservoir 5110 results in a force in the direction of the thermal engagement that is reacted by the water reservoir dock 5130 at the interface, thereby pushing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 together in the direction of the thermal engagement. The magnitude of this force may be between about 5 N and about 15 N as measured on the heater plate 5120 at 20 cmH2O pressure.

[0269] It should be understood that different configurations of the water reservoir 5110 may require different amounts of force, which may be achieved by varying the surface area over which the pressure acts, i.e., the effective pressure acting on the surface. Such variation may be achieved, for example, by a pressure regulating valve.

[0270] In another arrangement, substantially the same effect as described above may be achieved by a non-opening compliant portion of the water reservoir 5110. The water reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 5130 may be arranged so that elasticity or flexibility is provided in the direction of heat transfer by an elastomeric material or joint (e.g., a sliding connection or a flexible plastic bellows section or flexible portion of the water reservoir) that allows freedom of movement. In this configuration, the lid 5114 and base 5112 are not constrained to each other in the direction of thermal contact. The reservoir 5110 may then be constrained in another way (e.g., by a water reservoir dock or similar housing) in the direction of heat transfer to generate a reactive force that balances the pressure generated inside the reservoir 5110 by the increased pressure air flow, and some of the reactive force may be generated in the heater plate 5120 to improve thermal contact. In such an arrangement, a separate opening for refilling the water reservoir 5110 may be introduced into the reservoir 5110, such as a lid 5114, which may include a separate seal around such opening.

[0271] 34 shows an example of such an arrangement, including a base 5174, an upper portion 5176, a compliant portion 5178, and a refill cap 5180. The base, upper portion, and compliant portion may be affixed together in another arrangement, where refilling of the reservoir is accommodated by the refill cap 5180. The refill cap 5180 may be positioned such that the refill cap 5180 is not accessible when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Such an arrangement may preserve the advantages discussed above, i.e., the reservoir 5110 cannot be refilled while engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Furthermore, the compliant portion 5178 may be replaced by any mechanism known in the art that can accommodate changes in vertical length within the reservoir.

[0272] In yet another alternative arrangement, air flow may be used to improve the level of thermal contact between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 by increasing the pressure or expanding a secondary component. The secondary component may be a chamber, body, or surface acting on the humidifier reservoir 5110, which in turn pushes the water reservoir 5110 and heater plate 5120 together in the direction of thermal engagement. Similarly, the secondary component may act on the heater plate 5120 to push the heater plate 5120 and water reservoir 5110 in the direction of thermal engagement.

[0273] The secondary component may be located external to the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120. Additionally, the secondary component may be configured to vary the area in contact with the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120 as the pressure of the air flow changes to further profile the changes to the thermal contact.

[0274] In an alternative arrangement, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include a retention mechanism (e.g., a lid that closes around the water reservoir 5110) to hold the water reservoir 5110 in the intended position. In such an arrangement, the reservoir dock lid may be configured to compress and / or restrict the compliant portion 5116 to improve the level of thermal contact.

[0275] The level of thermal contact may also be further improved using loaded or biased springs, as known in the art. The heater plate may be configured with a convex or dome shape relative to the humidifier reservoir 5110 such that when the humidifier reservoir 5110 engages the reservoir dock 5130, the convex heater plate flattens, thereby generating a clamping force that presses the heater plate 5120 against the water reservoir 5110. Similarly, the conductor plate 5152 of the water reservoir 5110 may be convex or dome shaped and configured to flatten against the heater plate when the water reservoir 5110 engages the dock cavity 5160 of the humidifier 5000.

[0276] Any one of the foregoing means for improving thermal contact may be used independently of one another, or any combination thereof may be used, including combinations of prior art means for achieving or improving thermal contact between the humidifier reservoir and the heater plate.

[0277] Reservoir inlet / outlet As described above, the reservoir inlet 5118 is configured to admit a flow of air into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 is configured to output a flow of humidified air. The inlet 5118 and / or outlet 5122 are preferably further configured to prevent drainage of liquid from the reservoir 5110 when the reservoir 5110 is moved and / or rotated out of its normal operating orientation. Still further, the inlet 5118 and / or outlet 5122 are preferably configured to prevent short-circuiting of the air flow, as described above. In one form, the inlet 5118 may be configured to prevent "splashing" or splashing of liquid, which may be caused by a jet of air impacting a volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110.

[0278] In one arrangement, as shown in FIG. 22 , the reservoir inlet 5118 includes an inlet tube 5124 for providing an air flow path to the reservoir inlet 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 includes an outlet tube 5126 for providing a flow path to the outlet for the flow of humidified air from the reservoir 5110.

[0279] 26 and 27, it is advantageous to configure the turning vanes 5136 so that the bottom of the turning vanes 5136 extends below the bottom of the outlet tube 5126. This can further prevent any water "splashing" from migrating into the inlet tube 5124.

[0280] The water reservoir 5110 is preferably configured to provide backflow protection from backflow of water through the outlet tube 5126 or the inlet tube 5124. Discharge of water through the inlet tube 5124 can be particularly undesirable because the inlet tube 5124 can introduce water into the RPT device 4000, where exposure to water can damage electronic components (such as electric motors, flow sensors, or printed circuit boards).

[0281] In one arrangement of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 achieves return protection by positioning the inlet tube inner end 5125 such that when the reservoir 5110 is rotated 90 degrees in any direction from its operating horizontal orientation, a predetermined maximum volume of water will be stored in the reservoir 5110 without reaching the inlet tube inner end 5125.

[0282] In another arrangement of the reservoir 5110, the axes of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may intersect when viewed in a plan view, such as those shown previously in Figures 28 and 29. The inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may not be connected to one another because one of the tubes passes underneath the other, e.g., the inlet tube 5124 passes underneath the outlet tube 5126.

[0283] This configuration may improve tip-back protection by positioning the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 so that when the reservoir 5110 is tilted away from its working orientation, water must reach higher than the end of the inlet tube 5124 or outlet tube 5126 to exit the reservoir 5110. For example, if the reservoir 5110 is tilted such that water reaches below the inlet tube inner end 5125, the water must remain elevated higher than it reaches the outer end of the inlet tube 5124 of the inlet 5118 to exit the reservoir 5110, as shown in FIG.

[0284] Simplified diagrams of the effect produced by intersecting inlet and outlet tubes are shown in Figures 35-38. The interior surfaces are shown in dotted lines. These figures show alternative arrangements of a water reservoir 5110 having an inlet 5118 and an outlet 5122, each including an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126. Figures 35 and 36 show a configuration in which the tube axes intersect when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 36), while Figures 37 and 38 show an alternative configuration in which the tube axes are substantially parallel when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 38). In Figures 35-38, a volume of water 5182 is assumed to fill approximately half the volume of the reservoir 5110, and the water level 5184 is indicated by a horizontally extended dotted line.

[0285] When the water reservoir 5110 is oriented as shown in Figures 35 and 36, the arrangement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 requires that the water level 5184 rise above the higher end of the inlet tube 5124 or the higher end of the outlet tube 5126 for any water 5182 to exit the water reservoir 5110. In contrast, in the arrangement shown in Figures 37 and 38, the water level 5184 only needs to rise to the same height as the lower end of the inlet tube 5124 or outlet tube 5126 in order to exit the water reservoir 5110.

[0286] Because the water level 5184 varies as a function of the orientation of the water reservoir 5110, this effect of intersecting the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 may be recreated at any orientation when needed by reorienting the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 to match the shape of the water reservoir 5110. In some forms, the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 may intersect when viewed from multiple angles that are perpendicular to one another.

[0287] In the configurations shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 and 35-38, the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the outlet tube inner end 5127 are located within the cavity, and the inlet tube outer end 5126 and the outlet tube outer end are located on one of the cavity's walls at the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122, respectively. A first axis (the inlet tube axis) is defined between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the inlet 5118, and a second axis (the outlet tube axis) is defined between the outlet tube inner end and the outlet 5122. When the reservoir is tilted (e.g., approximately 90 degrees relative to the normal operating orientation), the first axis is at a first angle such that the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the inlet 5118 are positioned at different heights, such that a predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the inlet tube inner end 5125 or the inlet 5118 to prevent water return through the inlet tube 5124. Furthermore, when the reservoir is tilted (e.g., approximately 90 degrees relative to the normal operating orientation), the second axis is at a second angle such that the outlet tube inner end 5127 and the outlet 5122 are positioned at different heights, such that a predetermined maximum volume of water is below at least one of the outlet tube inner end 5127 or the outlet 5122 to prevent water from returning through the outlet tube 5126. This effect may also be produced with the design reservoir tilted at any other angle to suit the design and / or tilt requirements of the humidifier 5000 and / or reservoir 5110.

[0288] Reservoir arrangement with removable inlet / outlet tubes In yet a further example of the present technology, a reservoir 5110 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 41a, 41b, and 42. In this example, the reservoir 5110 includes a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (the base portion is not shown in FIGS. 41a and 41b for clarity). The lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may be configured to releasably engage with one another. They may further be configured to include multiple features when engaged with one another, such as an inlet 5118, an outlet 5122, an inlet tube 5124, and an outlet tube 5126, while releasably engaging with one another. As shown in FIG. 41b, for example, the lid portion 5114 may include the inlet 5118, the outlet 5122, and the inlet tube 5124, and the middle portion 5202 may include the outlet tube 5126.

[0289] As shown, the intermediate section 5202 may also include a carrier 5117, a flow straightener 5192, and at least one support spoke 5194. The support spokes 5194 may be provided for structural support and / or to position the outlet tube 5126 and / or the flow straightener 5192 in the intermediate section. The flow straightener 5192 is positioned to block a direct air path (or a short circuit, as described above) between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the outlet tube inner end 5127 to encourage air flow movement within the reservoir 5110 to improve humidity uptake by the air flow within the reservoir 5110. Additionally, the compliant section 5116 may be integral with the intermediate section 5202, as shown, or may be formed as a separate component from the intermediate section.

[0290] An advantage of this arrangement may be improved cleanability of the reservoir 5110 by separating some of the components, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, from the reservoir. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in situations where at least one of the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 extends into the interior volume of the reservoir 5110, and such features may obstruct access to the interior of the reservoir 5110. It can be seen in FIGS. 41 a and 41 b that the middle portion 5202 engages with the lid portion 5114 in the normal operating orientation. However, because the middle portion 5202 is separable from the lid portion 5114, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be separated to improve access to the interior of the lid portion 5114.

[0291] By using two separate portions 5114, 5202 to construct the top of the reservoir, and / or by configuring the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 to releasably engage the reservoir 5110, the number of small, hard-to-access areas may be reduced, thereby improving the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. Furthermore, the removable inlet tube 5124 and / or the removable outlet tube 5126 may themselves be more easily accessible for cleaning.

[0292] In another example of the present technology (not shown), the lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may each include components of a function that combine to form a complete function. For example, the lid portion 5114 may include a portion of the inlet tube 5124 and a portion of the outlet tube 5126, and the middle portion 5202 may include another portion of the inlet tube 5124 and another portion of the outlet tube 5126. Those skilled in the art will understand that the reservoir may be further subdivided into any number of separable portions, and that separable features, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, may be located in any number of configurations relative to the separable portions.

[0293] Another advantage of the current arrangement may be to improve the return performance (prevention of liquid draining through the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126) of the reservoir 5110. The return performance may be improved by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, which may be achieved by the introduction of a void above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126.

[0294] Another way to improve return performance is to position the inlet tube inner end 5125 and / or the outlet tube inner end 5127 closer to the center of the reservoir 5110, for example, closer to the center of gravity of the reservoir volume. In this configuration, when the reservoir 5110 is rotated 90 degrees in any direction from its horizontal orientation of operation, the maximum water level that can be stored in the reservoir 5110 will be the same without reaching the inlet tube inner end 5125 and / or the outlet tube inner end 5127. In examples, such a configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 may be provided by a single molded component, for example, by combining horizontal and vertical mold tools to form the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 in the desired arrangement. Because the reservoir 5110 is typically produced by injection molding, forming the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126 as part of the lid 5114 prohibits the introduction of voids above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126. In such a configuration, the mold tool containing the interior volume of the lid 5114 is pinned in place by the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126, which makes molding not possible or requires complex and costly tooling arrangements. In such cases, the ability to separate the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 can be an additional advantage.

[0295] It will be understood that the lid portion 5114, the intermediate portion 5202, and the base portion 5112 may be configured in any number of ways. For example, the relative sizes of the lid portion 5114 and the base portion 5112 may vary, and the lid portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112 may further include multiple materials or components in its construction. One or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be removably or releasably coupled to the lid portion 5114 or the base portion 5112, for example, as part of the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may also be configured to initially engage the lid portion 5114 and / or the base portion 5112, for example, by being configured to be inserted into the lid portion 5114 or the base portion 5112.

[0296] Another feature of this arrangement is the use of the support spokes 5194 to provide structural rigidity to the middle portion 5202. The spokes 5194, by themselves or in combination with the commutation device 5192, may provide a handle for detachment of the middle portion 5202 from the lid portion 5114 or base portion 5112. This may improve usability by allowing a user to grasp the commutation device 5192 and / or the spokes 5194 to separate the middle portion 5202 from the lid portion 5114 or base portion 5112. It should be understood that numerous other configurations are possible in which the support spokes 5194 are alternatively arranged to the exemplary arrangements shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 .

[0297] In an example of the current technology, as seen in FIGS. 43a, 43b, and 44, the flow straightener 5192 may include a positioning portion 5196 and a deflection portion 5198. The positioning portion 5196 may be in the shape of a cylinder to assist in accurately positioning the flow straightener 5192 relative to the inlet tube 5124 by fitting around the outside of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124, i.e., the inlet tube inner end 5125. In some forms, the flow straightener 5192 may further include a flow straightener seal 5197 for sealing between the flow straightener 5192 and the inlet tube 5124, as shown in FIG. 48b, for example. The flow straightener 5192 may also be configured in combination with spokes 5194 such that at least some portions of the flow straightener 5192 can serve as the spokes 5194, or vice versa.

[0298] An exemplary cross section of the assembled lid 5114 is shown in Figures 45a and 45b. The diameter of the inlet tube 5124 or locating portion 5196 may vary along its length to incrementally engage one another, for example, in a frustoconical arrangement. The inlet tube 5124 and locating portion 5196 may also incorporate complementary retention mechanisms, such as a protrusion / groove combination 5205, as shown in Figures 45a and 45b.

[0299] It should be understood that the compliant portion 5116 may be located in alternative locations relative to the exemplary arrangements shown in Figures 41a, 41b, 42, 43a, 43b, and 44. For example, the compliant portion 5116 may be formed as part of the lid portion 5114, as part of the reservoir base portion 5112, or as a separate component that is not integrally formed with any of the lid portion 5114, the intermediate portion 5202, and the base 5112. One exemplary method of forming the compliant portion 5116 with the lid portion 5114 or the base portion 5112 is by overmolding or using a chemical adhesive.

[0300] FIG. 46 shows an exploded view of another example of the current technology. In this arrangement, a reservoir 5110 includes a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (not shown in FIG. 46 for clarity). The middle portion 5202 includes a wall portion 5206 configured to be coupled to the lid portion 5114, along with an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126. Alternatively, the middle portion 5202 may engage the base portion 5112 and may include one or both of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. In some cases, the wall portion 5206 configured to be coupled to the lid portion 5114 may connect with one or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0301] This configuration allows for removal of the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126 to improve the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. Additionally, this configuration may improve the return performance of the reservoir 5110 by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, as described above.

[0302] In some cases, the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may be positioned such that removal of either or both of the tubes 5124, 5126 from the reservoir 5110 does not affect the predetermined maximum volume of water that the reservoir 5110 can hold. Such a configuration allows for cleaning of the tubes 5124, 5126 without removing any water from the reservoir 5110.

[0303] Preventing overfilling In some prior art humidifier water reservoirs, for example, overfilling the water reservoir 5110 with a volume of liquid that exceeds and exceeds a predetermined maximum volume of liquid may reduce the effectiveness of the spill prevention feature. For example, if the reservoir 5110 is rotated away from its intended orientation while overfilled, the overfilled liquid in the reservoir 5110 may reach the inlet 5118 at a smaller angle of inclination than if the reservoir 5110 had been filled only with the predetermined maximum volume of liquid. As a result, some prior art humidifier water reservoirs have included water fill indicator marks to reduce the occurrence of such overfills, but this may only provide some relief from this risk because the user (patient 1000), for example, may not be able to see the indicator mark or be aware of its meaning.

[0304] Some prior art humidifier water reservoirs include one or more tubes that can serve as an evacuation path for liquid when the reservoir is filled with a volume of liquid (usually water) that exceeds a threshold volume. One example of such a prior art humidifier is described in PCT Patent Publication WO 2009 / 156921. However, one drawback of such an arrangement is that when the reservoir is filled to this threshold volume, any movement of the reservoir can lead to the evacuation of liquid from the reservoir (e.g., due to movement of the liquid volume). Consequently, it may be difficult to transport such a reservoir (from a patient's kitchen or bathroom) without spilling, and the risk of spillage during use (i.e., through one or more tubes in the reservoir) may be high. Consequently, such prior art humidifier water reservoirs often include water fill indicator markings that indicate a recommended predetermined maximum volume of water to which the reservoir may be filled, the recommended predetermined maximum volume of water being below (sometimes well below) a threshold volume at which water may begin to spill out of one or more tubes of the reservoir. In some cases, such prior art humidifier water reservoirs may further include a secondary chamber configured to contain water that bypasses the reservoir before it can enter an upstream RPT device, for example.

[0305] Another aspect of the present technology is the inclusion of one or more overfill protection features configured to prevent filling the reservoir above a maximum volume of water when filling the humidifier reservoir, for example, in the open and / or closed configuration.

[0306] In one arrangement, as seen in FIGS. 30a and 30b, the overfill protection feature may include at least one orifice 5138 in the water reservoir 5110 to indicate an overfill. In accordance with this aspect of the technology, when the water reservoir 5110 is filled with the reservoir lid 5114 open, any water introduced into the reservoir 5110 beyond the reservoir's 5110's predetermined maximum volume will spill through the orifice 5138. This both indicates to the user that the reservoir 5110 is full and prevents such overfilling. Advantageously, water spills only through the at least one orifice 5138, rather than from all areas of the water reservoir, resulting in less overflow spillage for the user to clean. Thus, the at least one orifice defines an evacuation path for water when the water's predetermined maximum volume is exceeded. Figure 30a shows the water reservoir 5110 in an open configuration, where the upper flange or lip 5224 of the base 5112 creates an orifice 5138 without extending the perimeter of the entire opening. Figure 30b shows a portion of the base 5112 showing the at least one orifice 5138. The at least one orifice 5138 may be in the form of one or more openings, holes, slits, slots, or any other form that allows for the transfer of fluid to and from the water reservoir 5110. The at least one orifice 5138 may be formed at one or more positions around the periphery of the upper lip or flange 5224 of the base 5112.

[0307] In an alternative arrangement, the overfill protection feature may include a sloped profile 5139. As shown in FIGS. 30c and 30d, the reservoir base 5112 may be arranged so that its side profile has a sloped profile 5139 in one or more directions. This arrangement may also indicate an overfill when the reservoir base 5112 is filled with water. In this arrangement, when the reservoir lid 5114 is in the open configuration, water spills at the base of the sloped profile 5139 rather than from all areas of the reservoir. The sloped profile thus defines an evacuation path for water when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded. The advantage of the previous approach is that overfilling may be more difficult than in the prior art, and spillage may occur in a more predictable location corresponding to an intended overfill, offering another advantage.

[0308] In the example of at least one orifice 5138 and sloped profile 5139 as described above, the overfill protection function is independent of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. That is, the drainage path for water is provided by the at least one orifice 5138 or sloped profile 5139, rather than spilling through the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126.

[0309] In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in a closed configuration, water reaches the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126; therefore, the threshold volume of water required for the tubes 5124, 5126 to define an exit path for the water may be greater than the predetermined maximum volume of water. Such an arrangement may reduce the risk of water exiting the reservoir 5110 during transport or use of the reservoir 5110.

[0310] In some cases, the reservoir 5110 may include at least one water fill indicator marking 5140 (e.g., on the base 5112, as shown in FIGS. 57a and 57b). The water fill indicator marking 5140 may indicate to a user a predetermined maximum volume of water that the reservoir 5110 contains, such as by indicating the water level to which the reservoir 5110 will be filled. Additional water fill indicator markings 5140_a, 5140_b (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 57a and 57b) may indicate the level of fill of the reservoir 5110. In one arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 57a and 57b), the reservoir 5110 may be further configured such that the predetermined maximum volume of water substantially corresponds to the maximum volume of water that will remain in the reservoir without being expelled via the at least one orifice 5138 as shown (or a sloped profile 5139, not shown). Thus, when a user (e.g., patient 1000) attempts to fill reservoir 5110 beyond water fill indicator mark 5140, the user will cause water to be expelled through at least one orifice 5138 or sloped profile 5139.

[0311] The reservoir 5110 may further be configured, for example, as shown in FIGS. 58a and 58b, such that when the reservoir 5110 is in the closed configuration, the threshold volume of water required for water to reach the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 (indicated by water line 5141_2) may be a volume greater than a predetermined maximum volume of water (indicated by water line 5141_1). As shown in FIG. 58b, the water line 5141_1 at the predetermined maximum volume of water may substantially coincide with the base or lower edge of the at least one orifice 5138 that allows for the drainage of any excess water added above the water fill indicator mark 5140. Such an arrangement may allow the patient 1000 to more easily carry the reservoir 5110 while the reservoir 5110 contains the predetermined maximum volume of water, as well as reduce the risk of water spillage / drainage during use of the humidifier 5000.

[0312] In alternative examples, the base or lower end of at least one orifice 5138 or sloping profile 5139 may be above a predetermined maximum volume of water (indicated by water line 5141_1) but below a threshold volume of water (indicated by water line 5141_2). Preferably, the base or lower end of at least one orifice 5138 or sloping profile 5139 is closer to the predetermined maximum volume of water (indicated by water line 5141_1) than to the threshold volume of water (indicated by water line 5141_2).

[0313] Another aspect of the present technology is that when the water reservoir 5110 is in a closed configuration, the compliant portion 5116 sealingly engages the base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, blocking or sealing the orifice 5138 or sloped profile 5139 and preventing fluid transfer to and from the water reservoir 5110. One arrangement of this feature is shown in Figure 31a, which shows that when the reservoir lid 5114 is closed (lid not shown in this figure), the compliant portion 5116 sealingly engages the base 5112 outside the orifice 5138 and no longer allows liquid or air to pass through the orifice 5138 to or from the water reservoir 5110. Similarly, as shown in Figure 31b, the compliant portion 5116 engages the base 5112 around the edge of the sloped profile, preventing liquid or air from passing through the sloped profile 5139 to or from the water reservoir 5110.

[0314] In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, an overfill prevention feature may be configured to prevent overfilling when the reservoir 5110 is in a closed configuration and a user is attempting to fill the reservoir 5110, for example, via the inlet 5118 or the outlet 5122.

[0315] In one form (shown in FIG. 49 without the reservoir base 5112), the overfill prevention feature may form one or more air locks to prevent further transfer of liquid into the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum volume of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. In this form, when filling the reservoir 5110 in the closed configuration via the inlet 5118 or the outlet 5122, the one or more air locks form an enclosure of air in the reservoir 5110 that is not displaced by the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. In the example shown in FIG. 49, the user orients the reservoir 5110 while filling it with water so that the reservoir 5110 is oriented perpendicular to the inlet 5118 and perpendicular to the outlet 5122. The water level 5184 rises and reaches the level shown in FIG. 49 , where the remaining volume of air in the reservoir 5110 is no longer accessible to the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 and therefore can no longer escape the reservoir 5110. Thus, the reservoir 5110 cannot accept any further volume of water into the interior volume of the reservoir 5110. The addition of further water will fill the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126, depending on whether the reservoir was being refilled through the inlet 5118 or the outlet 5122, respectively, and then overflow from the inlet 5118 or the outlet 5122, respectively. This indicates to the user that the reservoir 5110 has been overfilled.

[0316] Preferably, the volume of water in the reservoir 5110 when any further transfer of water into the reservoir 5110 is prevented by the formation of one or more air locks is substantially equal to a predetermined maximum volume of liquid maintained in the reservoir 5110. In some cases, the reservoir 5110 may allow further filling of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 while further transfer of water into the interior volume is prevented by the air locks. In such cases, the volumes of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 together with the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110 when the air locks are formed may be configured such that, when added together, they are substantially equal to the predetermined maximum volume of liquid maintained in the reservoir 5110.

[0317] In some cases, for example, the perpendicular to the inlet 5118 and the perpendicular to the outlet 5122 may not be parallel, and a user may fill the reservoir 5110 in one of multiple orientations while closed. In such cases, the reservoir 5110 may be configured so that a suitable air lock can be formed in one or more of the multiple orientations. An air lock need not be formed by simple occlusion of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. (Not shown) In some forms, one or more air locks may be formed by occlusion of any cavity or port that allows fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the reservoir 5110. Furthermore, occlusion need not be caused by the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. In some forms, as the volume of liquid increases, it may deform or move another component to form a seal (and therefore an air lock) in the reservoir.

[0318] Collapsible inlet / outlet tubes As mentioned above, any spillage of water from the reservoir 5110, particularly through the inlet tube, may be undesirable. One scenario in which water spillage may occur is when the reservoir 5110 and / or humidifier 5000 is tilted away from its normal operating orientation by its user (e.g., patient 1000). Tilting of the reservoir 5110 and / or humidifier 5000 may occur while the patient 1000 is not receiving treatment, for example, because the humidifier 5000 has been picked up for moving and / or packaging.

[0319] The humidifier 5000 may include one or more collapsible tubes, such as a collapsible inlet tube and / or a collapsible outlet tube. The collapsible tube 5208 may be capable of assuming one of a number of configurations, such as an open state (as shown in FIG. 55a) and a closed state (as shown in FIG. 55b). In some cases, the collapsible tube may be capable of assuming various degrees of "openness" therebetween, such as 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80% (e.g., as measured by the percentage of cross-sectional area that is "fully open").

[0320] The collapsible tube may include a soft portion 5210 that may be configurable between multiple states for closing or opening the collapsible tube 5208, as shown in FIGS. 55a and 55b (where the soft portion 5210 is marked with a dotted border). Alternatively or additionally, the collapsible tube 5208 may include a hard portion 5212 to position and / or support the soft portion 5210. In some forms, the hard portion 5212 may comprise approximately half (50%) of the collapsible tube 5208 (e.g., in cross-section), although other amounts, such as 30%, 40%, 60%, 70%, etc., may be appropriate depending on the particular configuration of the collapsible tube 5208.

[0321] In one form, upon the occurrence of an event, such as water impacting the collapsible tube or the orientation of the reservoir 5110 (and thus the orientation of the collapsible tube), the collapsible tube may be biased toward one state, such as an open state, or may assume another state, such as a closed state. In another form, the collapsible tube may be biased toward the closed state and may be further configured to assume the open state when acted upon by an increased pressure air flow, for example, when the RPT device 4000 is switched on. In some forms, the collapsible tube may be biased toward the most recent state the collapsible tube was assuming. That is, if an increased pressure gas flow causes the collapsible tube to be in the open state, the collapsible tube may remain in that state until forced to the closed state.

[0322] The collapsible tube 5208 may be configured in any one of a number of suitable arrangements, one of which may be by overmolding the soft portion 5210 onto the hard portion 5212. In other arrangements, the soft portion 5210 and hard portion 5212 may be constructed separately and fastened together, such as by a snap fit, or by the use of a one-way permanent latch or adhesive. In one form, the soft portion 5210 of the collapsible tube 5208 may extend the entire length of the collapsible tube 5208, in which case the soft portion 5210 and hard portion 5212 may be joined at or around the circumference of the collapsible tube 5208. In another form, the soft portion 5210 may extend over only a portion of the entire length of the collapsible tube 5208, such that the soft portion 5210 and the hard portion 5212 may be joined at or around the circumference of the collapsible tube 5208 and are adjacent to one another. Any number of other arrangements (e.g., geometries, configurations, components) of the collapsible tube may be suitable to achieve the same effects as those described in this disclosure.

[0323] The example of the present technology shown in FIG. 56a shows a humidifier lid 5114 that includes an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126. In this example, the inlet tube 5124 includes a rigid portion 5212 against the top of the inlet tube 5124 and a flexible portion 5210 (shaded in FIG. 56) against the bottom of the inlet tube 5124. Thus, in one arrangement, the flexible portion 5210 may be biased toward an open configuration and will only collapse when pressure from a volume of water (e.g., from within the reservoir 5110) acts on the exterior of the flexible portion 5210. In another arrangement, the flexible portion 5210 may be biased toward a closed configuration and will only open when a flow of air with increased pressure is delivered to the reservoir 5110 from the reservoir inlet 5118.

[0324] The use of a collapsible tube may be advantageous in that the volume of the collapsible tube effectively adds to the interior of the reservoir, thereby lowering the depth of the volume of water in the reservoir. This may have two results: it reduces the likelihood that the volume of water in the reservoir will reach the openings of the inlet and / or outlet tubes, and it allows the size of the reservoir to be smaller than would otherwise be possible. Another advantage of a collapsible tube may be that it may be able to act as a one-way valve by closing when water reaches it and / or opening when a pressurized air flow reaches it.

[0325] Retaining clip The reservoir lid 5114 may include features that will retain the water reservoir 5110 in the water reservoir dock 5130 once the two members engage with one another. In one arrangement, the retention feature may be a protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114, as shown in FIGS. 32-33. FIGS. 32-33 show the water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130, where the protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114 releasably engages with a corresponding dock locking recess 5144 on the water reservoir dock 5130 when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into the water reservoir dock 5130. This connection secures the water reservoir 5110 to the water reservoir dock 5130.

[0326] As described above, the compliant portion 5116 of the reservoir is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the dock 5130. Compression of the compliant portion 5116 allows a portion of the reservoir 5110 to slide into the dock 5130, allowing the protrusion (or clip) 5142 to slide initially under the outer edge surface of the dock 5130 to reach the dock locking recess 5144. The compressive force applied to the reservoir for insertion may then be released to allow the protrusion (or clip) 5142 to engage the dock locking recess 5144 and secure the reservoir 5110 within the dock 5130. When the reservoir 5110 is secured within the dock 5130, the compliant portion 5116 is no longer in or is in a compressed state. Similarly, to remove the water reservoir 5110 from the water reservoir dock 5130 , the compliant portion 5116 must be compressed to disengage the lid projection 5142 from the dock locking recess 5144 .

[0327] As shown in FIG. 33 , the lid protrusion 5142 may further be configured with a taper. The tapering may be oriented to increase in height away from the direction of insertion, so as to gradually increase the amount of interference between the protrusion 5142 and the dock 5130 during insertion. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that in an alternative arrangement, the lid protrusion 5142 may be a recess and the dock locking recess 5144 may be a corresponding protrusion. Alternatively, one of any number of retention features known in the art may be used to achieve the same result as described above.

[0328] Heater Plate 5120 The heater plate 5120 is used to transfer heat to the water reservoir 5110. The heater plate 5120 may form part of the reservoir dock 5130 or may be located at or near the base of the humidifier 5000 as shown in FIG. 14. The heater plate 5120 may be formed from, for example, nickel chromium alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum oxide. The heater plate 5120 may include a thermal element 5240, such as, for example, a layered thermal element such as that described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012 / 171072, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0329] Humidifier End Cap 5300 In one example of the present technology as shown in FIG. 59 , a humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier end cap 5300 configured to direct airflow from the RPT device 4000 to the humidifier outlet 5172. In some arrangements, when humidification is not required and the humidifier 5000 is integrated with the RPT device 4000, the humidifier 5000 may include an end cap in place of the humidifier reservoir 5000. As shown in FIG. 59 , the humidifier end cap 5300 may be configured to be received in a water reservoir dock 5130 that is interchangeable with the reservoir 5110.

[0330] In one form, as shown in Figures 59 and 60, the humidifier end cap 5300 may include an end cap inlet 5310 for receiving an air flow (e.g., from the dock outlet 5168), an end cap outlet 5320 for transmitting the air flow (e.g., to the dock air inlet 5170), and an end cap latch 5330 for locking and / or releasing the end cap 5300 to / from the water reservoir dock 5130.

[0331] The end cap 5300 may include an identification element to enable a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidifier controller 5250, to detect its presence (or absence), for example, in the reservoir dock 5130. The reservoir dock 5130 may include a complementary detection element for detecting the presence (or absence) of the end cap 5300. In one form, detecting the presence or absence of the humidifier controller 5250 may cause the controller to do one or more of the following: switch the heater plate 5120 off / on, adjust the power output of the heater plate 5120, switch the hot air circuit 4171 off / on, adjust the power output of the hot air circuit 4171, adjust the pressure drop estimate between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000, disable / enable user interface elements related to the operation of the humidifier 5000, or disable / enable data logging / data reporting related to the operation of the humidifier 5000. 59 and 60, the humidifier end cap 5300 may include an identification element (shown in the form of a magnet 5340) disposed on the end cap 5300, such as an end cap magnet holder 5345. The identification element may be used for detection of the humidifier end cap 5300 by a controller via a sensing element, which may include, for example, a Hall effect sensor at or near the reservoir dock 5130 (not shown), such as on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the RPT device 4000.

[0332] One advantage of the end cap 5300 including an identification element may be to allow for reduced power consumption or customized operation of the humidifier 5000 in which the end cap 5300 is used. A further advantage of having a heater plate that is on by default and powered off upon engagement of the end cap 5300 is that in the single step of installing the end cap, the heater plate 5120 is deactivated and access to the heater plate is prevented.

[0333] Furthermore, if a manufacturer may produce additional systems that include a humidifier 5000 with a reservoir 5110 rather than a system that includes an end cap 5300, it may be advantageous for the manufacturer (e.g., cost) to place an identification element on the end cap 5300 as an identification element, which may impose additional cost (or time) on either component that may be combined (i.e., the reservoir 5110 or the end cap 5300).

[0334] Electrical and thermal components of humidifier 5200 The humidifier 5000 may include a number of electrical and / or thermal components, such as those listed below.

[0335] Sensor 5270 The humidifier 5000 may include one or more sensors 5270, such as an air pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a relative humidity sensor. The sensors may generate output signals indicative of the property they measure, which may be communicated to a controller, such as the central controller 4230 and / or the humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, the sensors may be located outside the humidifier 5000 (e.g., in the air circuit 4170 or an external module), while communicating the output signals to a controller.

[0336] Flow Sensor A flow sensor may be provided in the humidifier 5000 in addition to or instead of the flow sensor 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000.

[0337] Temperature Sensor The humidifier 5000 may include a temperature sensor that may be configured to measure the temperature of the thermal element 5240 and / or the temperature of the air flow in the reservoir 5110. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the ambient air.

[0338] Humidity Sensor In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidity sensor for detecting the relative humidity of the ambient air. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor. When a relative humidity sensor is used, the absolute humidity value may be determined based on the relative humidity measurement and the temperature of the air flow.

[0339] Heat Element 5240 The thermal element 5240 may be a heat-generating component, such as an electrically resistive heat track. One suitable example of the thermal element 5240 is a layered thermal element, such as that described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO2012 / 171072, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0340] Hot air circuit 4171 The hot air circuit 4171 may be used in addition to or instead of the air circuit 4170. The temperature of the air flow that is output from the humidifier 5000 may be higher than the ambient temperature. As a result, heat loss may occur from the air flow relative to the ambient air, thereby increasing the relative humidity of the humidified air flow. In some cases, condensation may occur when the relative humidity increases to or near 100% RH.

[0341] In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include or be connected to a hot air circuit 4171. Use of the hot air circuit 4171 may prevent or reduce condensation of water from the air stream as it travels from the humidifier 5000 to the patient interface 3000. For example, the hot air circuit 4171 may provide heat to the air stream to compensate for heat loss to the ambient air.

[0342] The hot air circuit 4171 may include one or more sensors, such as a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The use of a temperature sensor and / or humidity sensor may be useful for determining the (absolute and / or relative) temperature and / or humidity in the hot air circuit 4171, such as at the outlet of the hot air circuit 4171. In some cases, the hot air circuit 4171 may include a thermal element 5240, such as a heat coil, configured to provide a heat input to the hot air circuit 4171.

[0343] Humidifier control device 5250 In accordance with one arrangement of the present technology, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier controller 5250 as shown in FIG. 5b. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be part of the central controller 4230. In another form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a separate controller and may be in communication with the central controller 4230.

[0344] In one form, the humidifier control device 5250 may receive as input (e.g., from a sensor 5270) measurements of characteristics (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure and / or flow rate), such as air flow, water, in the reservoir 5110 and / or humidifier 5000. The humidifier controller 5250 may be configured to execute or implement a humidifier algorithm and / or to communicate one or more output signals.

[0345] 5b, the humidifier controller may include multiple controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a hot air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of the hot air circuit 4171, and / or a thermal element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of the hot plate. The hot air circuit controller 5254 may receive input from one or more sensors to control the operation of the hot air circuit 4171. By way of example, the hot air circuit controller 5254 may receive the temperature and relative humidity of the humidified air flow from a sensor 5270 to adjust the heat output by the hot air circuit 4171.

[0346] Glossary For purposes of this disclosure, in some aspects of the present technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other aspects of the present technology, alternative definitions may apply.

[0347] General matters Air: Air will be taken to include breathable gases, such as atmospheric air and additional oxygen.

[0348] Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP therapy will be taken to mean the application of air supplied to the entrance to the airways at a pressure that is continuously positive with respect to the atmosphere.

[0349] RPT Device Aspects Air Circuit: A conduit or tube constructed and arranged to be used to convey a supply of air between an upstream component (e.g., an RPT device) and a downstream component (e.g., a patient interface). In particular, the air circuit may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the pneumatic block and the patient interface. The air circuit may also be referred to as an air delivery tube. In some cases, there may be separate legs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other configurations, a single leg is used.

[0350] humidifier Water Reservoir: A water reservoir (also commonly called a water tub, humidifier tub or humidifier reservoir) is a chamber configured to contain a body / volume of liquid (e.g., water) used to add humidity to an air stream.

[0351] material Silicone or silicone elastomer: 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, preferred forms of LSR have a Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness in the range of about 35 to about 45, as measured using ASTM D2240.

[0352] Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate, usually transparent.

[0353] Other findings A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner may not object to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever thereto.

[0354] Unless otherwise clear from the context, and when broad ranges of values ​​are provided, it is understood that each intervening value between the upper and lower limits of that range, up to 10 times the unit of the lower limit, as well as any other stated or intervening value in the stated range, is included within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges may independently be included in the intervening ranges and are further included within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. When the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those incorporated limits are also included in the technology.

[0355] Furthermore, where a value or values ​​are set forth herein as implemented as part of the art, unless otherwise stated, it is understood that such values ​​may be approximated and that such values ​​may be utilized to any suitable significant figure to the extent that a practical technical implementation may allow or require significant figures.

[0356] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of this technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0357] When a particular material is identified as being preferably used to construct a component, obvious alternative materials having similar properties may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, any and all components herein are understood to be manufacturable and, as such, may be manufactured together or separately.

[0358] 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 indicates otherwise.

[0359] These publications are incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials that are the subject of the publications mentioned herein.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 no right is given to antedate such publication by virtue of the invention of the prior art.Furthermore, the publication dates provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0360] Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest reasonable manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in an inclusive manner indicating that a referenced element, component, or step may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced.

[0361] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included for ease of reference only and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the entire disclosure or claims. The subject headings should not be used to frame the scope of the claims or limitations of the claims.

[0362] While the technology herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it should be understood that these examples merely illustrate principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, technical terms and symbols may suggest specific details not required to practice the technology. For example, the terms "first" and "second" may be used, but unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilized to distinguish between separate elements. Furthermore, while process steps in a method may be described or illustrated in order, such ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be changed and / or these aspects may even occur simultaneously or synchronously.

[0363] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative examples and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology.

[0364] While the present technology has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the technology is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements falling within the spirit and scope of the technology. Also, various embodiments described above may be implemented in connection with other embodiments, for example, aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to achieve yet another embodiment. Furthermore, each individual feature or component of any given assembly may constitute additional embodiments.

[0365] Additional Technical Examples Example 1 An apparatus for humidifying an air stream includes a heater plate, a chamber in fluid communication with the air stream, and a reservoir including a conductive portion in thermal communication with the heater plate, the apparatus being configured to vary a level of thermal communication between the conductive portion and the heater plate by varying a first pressure of the air stream in the chamber.

[0366] Example 2 In the device described in Example 1, the reservoir further comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0367] Example 3 In the device described in Example 2, the thermal contribution is in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the conductive portion.

[0368] Example 4 The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the apparatus is further configured to vary the magnitude of the force between the conductive portion and the heater plate in the first direction when the first pressure is varied.

[0369] Example 5 In the device according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, the chamber is part of a reservoir.

[0370] Example 6 In the apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, the chamber further comprises a compliant section.

[0371] Example 7 The device of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the device further comprises a dock configured to receive the reservoir, the dock including a heater plate.

[0372] Example 8 In the device described in Example 7, the dock further includes a cavity having a top and a bottom, the bottom having a heater plate located thereon, and the cavity configured to hold at least a portion of the reservoir located therein.

[0373] Example 9 In the device described in Example 8, the compliant section is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the cavity of the dock.

[0374] Example 10 The device of any one of Examples 8 or 9, wherein the top of the cavity is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to facilitate insertion of the reservoir into the cavity.

[0375] Example 11. The apparatus of any one of Examples 6-10, wherein the compliant section is configured to adjust size to vary the first pressure to vary the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate and the conductive section.

[0376] Example 12 The device of any one of Examples 1-11, wherein the reservoir further comprises a base and a lid, the base configured to hold a volume of liquid and comprising a conductive portion.

[0377] Example 13 In the device of Example 12, the base and lid are pivotally coupled together.

[0378] Example 14 The device of any one of Examples 12-13, wherein the compliant section forms a seal between the base and the lid.

[0379] Example 15 The device of any one of Examples 12-14, wherein the reservoir further comprises a latch for securing the base and lid together.

[0380] Example 16 The device of any one of Examples 7-15, wherein the reservoir further comprises at least one handle for facilitating coupling of the reservoir to the dock.

[0381] Example 17 The device of any one of Examples 8-16, wherein the reservoir further comprises a retaining clip adapted to engage a recess on the dock to retain the reservoir in the cavity of the dock.

[0382] Example 18 The device of any one of Examples 7-17, wherein the reservoir is configured to prevent refilling of the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0383] Example 19 In the device of Example 18, at least a portion of the reservoir is prevented from opening when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0384] Example 20 The device of any one of Examples 18 or 19, wherein the reservoir comprises a refill cap.

[0385] Example 21 The device of any one of Examples 1-20, wherein the device further comprises an overfill protection element configured to prevent the reservoir from being filled above a predetermined maximum volume of water.

[0386] Example 22 In the device described in Example 21, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice formed in a wall of the reservoir, the at least one orifice defining an exit path for water when a predetermined maximum volume of water is exceeded.

[0387] Example 23 In the device described in Example 21, the overfill protection element includes a sloping profile in the side profile of the wall of the reservoir, the sloping profile defining a path for water evacuation when a predetermined maximum capacity of water is exceeded.

[0388] Example 24: A method of varying thermal contact between a heater plate and a reservoir in a humidification system for humidifying an air stream, the method comprising varying the pressure of the air stream in a reservoir that is in fluid communication with the air stream to vary the force between the heater plate and the reservoir.

[0389] Example 25 An apparatus for humidifying an air stream includes a heater plate and a reservoir including an inlet for receiving the air stream, an outlet, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured such that varying the pressure of the air stream in the reservoir varies the force between the heater plate and the conductive portion in the direction of the thermal contact.

[0390] Example 26 The device of Example 25, wherein the device further comprises a dock connectable to the reservoir.

[0391] Example 27 In the device of Example 26, the dock is configured to constrain the reservoir from opening in the direction of thermal contact.

[0392] Example 28: A reservoir configured to contain a volume of liquid for humidifying a stream of pressurized air, the reservoir comprising a bottom including a conductive portion, a lid including an inlet and an outlet, and a compliant portion, wherein the bottom and lid are pivotally engaged and configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration while pivotally engaged, and a seal sealingly engages the bottom and lid when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0393] Example 29 The device of Example 28, wherein the compliant section comprises an outlet tube and a flow straightener, the flow straightener configured to connect to the inlet tube.

[0394] Example 30 An apparatus for humidifying an air stream includes a heater plate and a reservoir including an inlet, an outlet, a compliant portion, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary the height of the compliant portion to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0395] Example 31 The apparatus of Example 30, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the thermal contribution is in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the conductive portion.

[0396] Example 32: A method for varying the level of thermal engagement in a humidifier device, the method comprising: (i) thermally engaging a conductive portion of a reservoir with a heater plate; and (ii) varying the height of a compliant portion of the reservoir to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0397] Example 33: A water reservoir for a humidifier device, the reservoir comprising: a plurality of walls forming a cavity configured to hold a predetermined maximum volume of water; an inlet tube for receiving a supply of air into the reservoir, the inlet tube including an inlet inner end and an inlet outer end; and an outlet tube for communicating the supply of air from the reservoir, the inlet tube including an outlet inner end and an outlet outer end, the inlet tube and the outlet tube configured such that when the reservoir contains the predetermined maximum volume of water, at least one of the inner end or the outer end of the inlet tube and at least one of the inner end or the outer end of the outlet tube exceeds the predetermined maximum volume of water, regardless of the orientation of the reservoir.

[0398] Example 34: A water reservoir for a humidifier device, the reservoir comprising an inlet tube for receiving a supply of air into the reservoir and an outlet tube for communicating the supply of air from the reservoir, wherein at least one of the inlet tube or the outlet tube is capable of assuming at least two configurations.

[0399] Example 35 In the water reservoir of Example 34, the at least two configurations include an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0400] Example 36 The water reservoir of Example 35, wherein at least one of the inlet tube or the outlet tube is collapsible to form a closed configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0401] 1000 patients 3000 Patient Interface 3100 Sealed formation structure 3200 Plenum Chamber 3300 stabilizing structure 3600 connection port 4000 RPT devices 4010 Outer Housing 4020 Air-retaining block 4100 Pneumatic Components 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-return valve 4170 Air Circuit 4171 Hot air circuit 4180 Extra Oxygen 4200 Electrical Components 4230 Central Control Unit 4240 Therapeutic Device Control Device 4270 Transformer 4274 Flow Sensor 4300 Algorithm 5000 humidifier 5100 Humidifier Mechanical Components 5110 Water Reservoir 5112 Reservoir Base 5114 Reservoir lid 5116 Compliant Department 5117 Carrier 5118 Reservoir Inlet 5120 Heater Plate 5122 Reservoir outlet 5124 Inlet tube 5125 Inlet tube inner end 5126 Outlet tube 5127 Outlet tube inner end 5128 Inner end wall 5130 Water Reservoir Dock 5132 First Dock Seal 5134 Second Dock Seal 5136 Turning Vane 5138 Orifice 5139 Sloped Profile 5140 Water filling indicator mark 5140_a Water filling indicator mark 5140_b Water filling indicator mark 5141_1 Water level at a predetermined maximum volume of water 5141_2 Water level at water threshold volume 5142 Maintenance protrusion 5144 Dock Locking Recess 5146 Base upper body 5148 Base Bottom Plate 5150 Sealing Element 5152 Conductor Plate 5154 Handle recess 5156 Handle recess 5158 Hinge 5159 Hinge recess 5160 Dock Cavity 5166 Handle Grip 5168 Dock Air Outlet 5170 Dock Air Inlet 5172 Humidifier outlet 5174 Base 5176 Top 5178 Compliant Department 5180 Cap 5182 water 5184 Water Level 5186 Reservoir Latch 5192 Rectifier 5194 Support spokes 5195 Flow Director 5196 Positioning Department 5197 Sealed 5198 Deflection section 5200 Heating Components 5202 Middle section 5206 Wall section 5208 Collapsible Tube 5210 Soft part 5212 Hard part 5220 Rotating Guide 5222 Rotation stop 5224 Inner lip 5226 Outer lip 5240 Heat Element 5250 Humidifier Control Device 5251 Central Humidifier Control Unit 5252 Heat element control device 5254 Hot air circuit control device 5300 Humidifier End Cap 5310 End Cap Inlet 5320 End Cap Outlet 5330 End Cap Latch 5340 Magnet 5345 End Cap Magnet Holder

Claims

1. 1. A respiratory pressure therapy device comprising: a pressure generator configured to provide a flow of air at positive pressure for the treatment of a respiratory disorder; and an apparatus integrated into the respiratory pressure therapy device and configured to humidify the flow of air, wherein the apparatus configured to humidify the flow of air comprises: a dock having a heater plate; a water reservoir configured to removably engage the dock and configured to add humidity to the air flow, a base configured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion, the conductive portion configured to be in thermal communication with the heater plate when the water reservoir is removably engaged with the dock; a lid connected to the base; a retaining clip on an upper surface of the lid, the retaining clip configured to engage a recess in the dock to retain the water reservoir in the dock; a water reservoir comprising: a compliant portion disposed between the lid and the base; Equipped with a respiratory pressure therapy device, wherein the water reservoir is configured to move in a first direction when received in the dock, and the compliant portion is configured to deflect in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction before the water reservoir is retained in the dock.

2. 2. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir is configured to move in a third direction opposite to the first direction upon release from the dock, and the compliant section is configured to deflect in the second direction before the water reservoir is released from the dock.

3. 3. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 2, wherein the compliant section is configured to resiliently move in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction when (a) the water reservoir fully engages and is retained in the dock while moving in the first direction, or (b) the water reservoir continues and completes its release from the dock while moving in the third direction.

4. The respiratory pressure therapy device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid is movably connected to the base such that the water reservoir can be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

5. The respiratory pressure therapy device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid comprises an inlet and an outlet.

6. 1. A respiratory pressure therapy device comprising: a pressure generator configured to provide a flow of air at positive pressure for the treatment of a respiratory disorder; and an apparatus integrated into the respiratory pressure therapy device and configured to humidify the flow of air, wherein the apparatus configured to humidify the flow of air comprises: a dock having a heater plate; a water reservoir configured to removably engage the dock and configured to add humidity to the air flow, a base configured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion, the conductive portion configured to be in thermal communication with the heater plate when the water reservoir is removably engaged with the dock; a lid connected to the base; a retaining clip on an upper surface of the lid, the retaining clip configured to engage a recess in the dock to retain the water reservoir in the dock; a water reservoir comprising: Equipped with A respiratory pressure therapy device, wherein the water reservoir is configured to move in a first direction when received in the dock and to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction when released from the dock, and the retaining clip is configured to move in a third direction generally perpendicular to the first and second directions before the water reservoir is retained in the dock and / or before the water reservoir is released from the dock.

7. 7. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 6, wherein when the water reservoir is received in the dock, the retaining clip initially moves in the third direction simultaneously with the water reservoir moving in the first direction.

8. 7. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 6, wherein the retaining clip moves in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction when (a) the water reservoir fully engages and is held in the dock while moving in the first direction, or (b) the water reservoir continues and completes its release from the dock while moving in the second direction.

9. 7. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 6, wherein the retaining clip is configured to move in the third direction when released from the dock before the water reservoir moves in the second direction.

10. The respiratory pressure therapy device of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the lid is movably connected to the base, such that the water reservoir can be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

11. The respiratory pressure therapy device of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the lid comprises an inlet and an outlet.

12. 1. A water reservoir for a respiratory pressure therapy device, comprising: a pressure generator configured to provide a flow of air at positive pressure; and a device integrated into the respiratory pressure therapy device and configured to humidify the flow of air, the water reservoir configured to removably engage a dock of the device and configured to hold a volume of water and add humidity to the flow of air, the water reservoir comprising: a base configured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion; a base, the conductive portion configured to be thermally coupled to a heater plate provided on the dock when the water reservoir is removably engaged with the dock; a lid connected to the base; a retaining clip on an upper surface of the lid, the retaining clip configured to engage a recess in the dock to retain the water reservoir in the dock; Equipped with The water reservoir is configured to move in a first direction when received in the dock, whereby the retaining clip moves in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, and the retaining clip retains the water reservoir in the dock.

13. 13. The water reservoir of claim 12, wherein the lid is movably connected to the base such that the water reservoir can be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

14. 14. A water reservoir according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the lid comprises an inlet and an outlet.

15. 1. A water reservoir for a respiratory pressure therapy device configured to provide a flow of humidified air at positive pressure to a user for the treatment of a respiratory disorder, the respiratory pressure therapy device comprising a dock including a heater plate, the water reservoir removably engaging the dock and configured to add humidity to the air flow, the water reservoir comprising: a base configured to hold a volume of liquid and including a conductive portion configured to be in thermal communication with the heater plate when the water reservoir is removably engaged with the dock; a lid connected to the base; a retaining clip on an upper surface of the lid, the retaining clip configured to engage a recess in the dock to retain the water reservoir in the dock; a compliant portion disposed between the lid and the base; Equipped with The water reservoir is configured to move in a first direction when received in the dock, and the compliant portion is configured to deflect in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction before the water reservoir is retained in the dock.

16. 16. The water reservoir of claim 15, wherein the water reservoir is configured to move in a third direction opposite the first direction upon release from the dock, and the compliant section is configured to deflect in the second direction before the water reservoir is released from the dock.

17. 17. The water reservoir of claim 16, wherein the compliant section is configured to resiliently move in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction when (a) the water reservoir is fully engaged with and retained on the dock while moving in the first direction, or (b) the water reservoir continues and completes its release from the dock while moving in the third direction.

18. A water reservoir according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the lid is movably connected to the base, such that the water reservoir can be converted between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

19. A water reservoir according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the lid comprises an inlet and an outlet.

20. 1. A respiratory pressure therapy device comprising: a pressure generator configured to provide a flow of air at positive pressure; and a device integrated into the respiratory pressure therapy device and configured to humidify the flow of air, wherein the device configured to humidify the flow of air comprises: a dock having a heater plate; A water reservoir according to any one of claims 12 to 19; A respiratory pressure therapy device comprising:

21. 21. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 20, wherein the dock comprises a cavity that receives at least a portion of the water reservoir.

22. 2. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the base such that the water reservoir is convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the water reservoir including a rotation guide and a rotation stop that define a range of rotation of the lid, one end of the rotation range being defined by the water reservoir being in the closed configuration and the other end of the rotation range being defined by a fully open position of the water reservoir in which the rotation guide interferes with the rotation stop.

23. 10. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir comprises an inlet conduit configured to provide at least a portion of an inlet flow path for a flow of pressurized breathable air entering the water reservoir, and the water reservoir comprises an outlet conduit configured to provide at least a portion of an outlet flow path for a flow of humidified pressurized breathable air exiting the water reservoir for delivery to a patient, and wherein at least a portion of the inlet conduit overlaps at least a portion of the outlet conduit when the water reservoir is in an operating configuration and viewed from above.

24. 2. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the dock includes a dock air outlet configured to receive the flow of air at a positive pressure, and the water reservoir includes, in an operational configuration, a proximal portion adjacent the dock air outlet and a distal portion remote from the dock air outlet, the distal portion configured to extend beyond the dock when the water reservoir is removably engaged with the dock.

25. 2. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the lid and the base are pivotally connected via a pair of joints located adjacent a first end of the water reservoir, the water reservoir including a latch for securing the lid and the base, the latch located on the water reservoir adjacent a second end opposite the first end.

26. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1 , wherein the water reservoir includes a water reservoir inlet and a water reservoir outlet disposed on the lid so as to face in a common direction.

27. 10. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein the water reservoir is horizontally slidable into and out of the dock through a lateral opening in the dock.

28. 2. The respiratory pressure therapy device of claim 1, wherein opposing inner walls of the dock include respective sliding edges that engage with respective guide edges on either side of the water reservoir to guide the water reservoir into an operative configuration upon insertion of the water reservoir.

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