Respiratory Pressure Treatment System

Abstract

To provide a medical device used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of respiratory disorders improved in one or more of comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use, and manufacturability.SOLUTION: A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device is disclosed for treatment of respiratory-related disorders. The RPT device includes a pressure generator, a pneumatic block, a chassis, and a device outlet for delivering a prescribed amount of a gas flow to a patient interface. The RPT device also comprises an integrated humidifier including a water reservoir. An RPT device is also disclosed that includes a wireless data communication interface integrated with a housing and configured to connect to another device or a network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] 1 Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013904923 filed December 17, 2013, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901998 filed May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901999 filed May 27, 2014, Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014901997 filed May 27, 2014, and Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014902071 filed May 30, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 987,245 filed May 1, 2014, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 2. Technical Background 2.1 Technology field The present technology relates to one or more of the detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and amelioration of respiratory-related disorders. In particular, the present technology relates to medical devices or instruments and their uses. [Background technology]

[0003] 2.2 Description of Related Art 2.2.1 Human respiratory system and its diseases The body's respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. The nose and mouth form the entrance to a patient's airways.

[0004] The airways contain a series of branches that become narrower, shorter, and more numerous as they penetrate deeper into the lungs. The lungs' primary function is gas exchange, allowing oxygen to move from the air into the venous blood and carbon dioxide to move out. The trachea divides into left and right main bronchi, which ultimately divide into terminal bronchioles. The bronchi form conducting airways and do not participate in gas exchange. Further division of the airways gives rise to respiratory bronchioles, which ultimately open into the alveoli. The alveolar region of the lung, where gas exchange occurs, is called the respiratory zone. This is discussed in "Respiratory Physiology," 9th Edition, by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011. Please refer to.

[0005] A range of respiratory disorders exists, and specific disorders may be characterized by specific events such as apnea, hypopnea, and hyperpnea.

[0006] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is characterized by events involving the obstruction or closure of the upper airway during sleep. OSA results from an abnormally small upper airway combined with the normal loss of muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall during sleep. The condition causes affected patients to stop breathing, typically for periods lasting 30 to 120 seconds, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. This often leads to excessive daytime somnolence and may lead to cardiovascular disease and brain damage. The syndrome is particularly common among middle-aged and elderly obese men, although sufferers may be unaware of the problem. See US Pat. No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).

[0007] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of a patient's respiratory controller in which rhythmic alternating periods of increased and decreased ventilation, known as CSR cycles, are present. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood. CSR is thought to be harmful due to repeated hypoxia. In some patients, CSR is associated with repeated arousals from sleep, causing severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Patent No. 6,532,959 (Berthon-Jones).

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

[0009] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any group of lower respiratory tract diseases that share certain characteristics. These characteristics include increased resistance to air movement, a prolonged 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 (the primary risk factor), occupational exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms include dyspnea on exertion, chronic cough, and sputum production.

[0010] Neuromuscular disease (NMD) is a broad term that encompasses many diseases and illnesses that impair muscle function directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through nerve pathology. Some NMD patients are characterized by progressive muscle dysfunction resulting in loss of walking ability, wheelchair confinement, swallowing difficulties, respiratory muscle weakness, and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Neuromuscular diseases are divided into rapidly progressive and slowly progressive diseases: (i) rapidly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle dysfunction that worsens over months and leads to death within years (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in teenagers); (ii) variably progressive or slowly progressive diseases: characterized by muscle dysfunction that worsens over years and only slightly reduces life expectancy (e.g., limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy). Symptoms of respiratory failure in NMD include increasing general weakness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing 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 that result in inefficient coupling between the respiratory muscles and the rib cage. The disorders are usually characterized by restrictive disorders and share the potential for long-term hypercapnic respiratory failure. Scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis can cause severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure include dyspnea on exertion, peripheral edema, orthopnea, recurrent pulmonary infections, morning headache, fatigue, poor sleep quality, and decreased appetite.

[0012] A range of treatments have been used to treat or ameliorate such conditions, and otherwise successfully used by healthy individuals to prevent the onset of respiratory disease, but these have a number of drawbacks.

[0013] 2.2.2 Treatment Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The premise is that continuous positive airway pressure can prevent upper airway obstruction by acting as a pneumatic splint and forcing the soft palate and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal wall. Treatment of OSA with nasal CPAP therapy can be voluntary, and thus patients may choose not to adhere to treatment if they find the devices used to deliver such therapy to be one or more of: uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0014] Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support to a patient through the upper airway to help them take a deep breath and maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body by performing some or all of the work of breathing. Ventilatory support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD, and chest wall disease.

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

[0016] 2.2.3 Diagnostic and Treatment Systems These therapies may be provided by treatment systems or devices. The systems and devices may be used to diagnose medical conditions without treating the conditions.

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

[0018] 2.2.3.1 Patient Interface A patient interface may be used to connect a respiratory device to its user, for example by providing airflow. The airflow may be provided via a mask to the nose, mouth, or nose and mouth, via a tube to the mouth, or via a tracheostomy tube to the user's trachea. Depending on the treatment to be applied, the patient interface may facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure that is sufficiently different from ambient pressure to provide treatment, for example, a positive pressure of about 10 cm H2O. For other forms of therapy, such as delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may direct a predetermined amount of gas at a positive pressure of approximately 10 cm H2O into the airways. It may not contain enough of a seal to facilitate delivery.

[0019] The configuration of the patient interface presents many challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. Nose size and shape vary considerably between individuals. Because the head contains bone, cartilage, and soft tissue, different regions of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The jaw or mandible may move relative to the other bones of the skull. The entire head may move during the course of a respiratory treatment session.

[0020] As a result of these challenges, some masks suffer from one or more of the following: being highly noticeable, aesthetically undesirable, expensive, fitting poorly, difficult to use, and uncomfortable, especially when worn for extended periods of time or when the patient is unfamiliar with the system. For example, masks designed only for aviators, masks designed as part of personal protective equipment (e.g., filter masks), SCUBA masks, or masks designed for the administration of anesthetic agents may be acceptable in their original application, but are nevertheless uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time, e.g., for several hours, making them undesirable for medical treatment. This is especially true if the mask must be worn during sleep.

[0021] Nasal CPAP therapy is highly effective in treating certain respiratory diseases if patients adhere to the therapy. If the mask is uncomfortable or difficult to use, patients may not adhere to the therapy. Because it is often recommended that patients wash their masks regularly, if the mask is difficult to clean (e.g., difficult to assemble or disassemble), patients may not clean their mask, which may affect patient compliance.

[0022] Masks for other uses (e.g., for aviators) may not be suitable for use in treating sleep-disordered breathing, but masks designed for use in treating sleep-disordered breathing may be suitable for other uses.

[0023] For these reasons, patient interfaces for delivering nasal CPAP during sleep represent a distinct field.

[0024] 2.2.3.2 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Devices Air pressure generators are known for a range of applications, for example, in industrial-scale ventilation systems. However, air pressure generators for medical applications have specific requirements that are not met by more common air pressure generators, such as the reliability, size, and weight requirements of medical devices. Furthermore, even devices designed for medical procedures may suffer from drawbacks including one or more of comfort, noise, ease of use, effectiveness, size, weight, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.

[0025] One example of a special requirement of a particular RPT device is acoustic noise.

[0026] Table of noise output levels of conventional RPT devices (measured using the test method specified in ISO 3744 in CPAP mode at 10 cmH2O, one sample only)

[0027] [Table 1]

[0028] One known RPT device used to treat sleep-disordered breathing is the S9 Sleep Therapy System manufactured by ResMed. Another example of an RPT device is a ventilator. Respirators, such as the ResMed Stella™ series of mouth-breathing and pediatric ventilators, Invasive and non-invasive independent ventilatory support can be provided for a range of patients to treat a number of conditions, including but not limited to NMD, OHS, and COPD.

[0029] The ResMed Elisee™ 150 ventilator and ResMed VS III™ ventilator are These ventilators can provide invasive and non-invasive support to dependent ventilation suitable for adult or pediatric patients to treat a variety of conditions. These ventilators provide volume and pressure ventilation modes using single or dual limb circuits. RPT devices generally include a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or compressed gas reservoir, and are configured to deliver airflow to the patient's airway. In some cases, the airflow 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 the patient interface described above.

[0030] 2.2.3.3 Humidifier Delivery of airflow without humidification can cause drying of the airway. The use of a humidifier with an RPT device and patient interface produces humidified gas that minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases comfort for the patient's airway. Also, in cooler climates, warm air applied within the patient interface and to the facial area surrounding the patient interface is generally more comfortable than cool air. A range of artificial humidifiers and systems are known, but these may not meet the special requirements of a medical humidifier.

[0031] Medical humidifiers are used to increase the humidity, temperature (or both) of an airflow relative to ambient air when needed, typically while a patient is sleeping or resting (e.g., in a hospital). As a result, medical humidifiers are preferably small enough to be placed at the bedside and are preferably configured to humidify, heat, or humidify and heat only the airflow delivered to the patient, without humidifying, heating, or humidifying and heating the patient's surrounding environment. For example, while room-based systems (e.g., saunas, air conditioners, evaporative coolers) may humidify the air inhaled by the patient, these systems may also humidify, heat, or humidify and heat the entire room, which can cause discomfort to the occupants. Furthermore, medical humidifiers may have stricter safety constraints than industrial humidifiers.

[0032] Although many medical humidifiers are known, these humidifiers may suffer from one or more drawbacks: some medical humidifiers may provide insufficient humidification, and some humidifiers are difficult or inconvenient for patients to use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0033] 3. A brief overview of the technology The present technology is directed to providing medical devices for use in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or prevention of respiratory disorders that have one or more of improved comfort, cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and manufacturability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] A first aspect of the present technology relates to a device for use in treating a respiratory disorder, the device comprising: a housing; a pressure generator within the housing configured to provide an air flow; a device outlet fluidly coupled to the pressure generator and configured to be coupled to an air circuit to deliver the air flow to a patient interface to treat the respiratory disorder; and a wireless data communication interface integrated with the housing, the wireless data communication interface configured to connect to another device or network.

[0035] A further aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus, wherein the wireless data communication interface is configured to connect to one or more of the Internet and a cellular network.

[0036] A further aspect of the present technology relates to a device in which the wireless data communication interface uses one or more of CDMA, GSM, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and consumer infrared protocols.

[0037] In accordance with a further aspect of the present technology, a wireless data communication interface includes an antenna within the housing.

[0038] In accordance with a further aspect of the present technique, the wireless data communication interface further comprises an antenna ground plane.

[0039] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the antenna ground plane is oriented vertically.

[0040] A further aspect of the present technology relates to a device in which the antenna ground plane comprises one or more notches.

[0041] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the notches increase the effective overall length of the contact patch.

[0042] A further aspect of the present technology relates to devices in which the notches increase the effective overall length by more than about 25%.

[0043] One aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow, the apparatus comprising: a heater plate; a chamber in fluid communication with the breathable gas flow; and a reservoir having a conductive portion in thermal engagement with the heater plate, the apparatus configured such that a level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate is varied by varying a first pressure of the breathable gas flow in the chamber.

[0044] In one form, the reservoir further comprises an inlet and an outlet.

[0045] In one form, the thermal engagement is in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the surface of the conductive portion.

[0046] 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 is varied.

[0047] In one form, the chamber is part of a reservoir.

[0048] In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises a variable portion.

[0049] In one form, the device further comprises a dock configured to receive the reservoir, the dock also comprising a heater plate.

[0050] In one form, the dock further comprises a cavity having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end having the heater plate positioned therein, the cavity configured to hold at least a portion of the reservoir therein.

[0051] In one form, the deformable portion is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the cavity of the dock.

[0052] In one form, the upper end of the cavity is movable between an open and a closed configuration to facilitate insertion of the reservoir into the cavity.

[0053] In one form, the variable portion is configured to adjust in size as the first pressure is varied to vary the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate and the conductive portion.

[0054] In one form, the reservoir further includes a base and a lid, the base being structured to hold a predetermined amount of liquid and including a conductive portion.

[0055] In one form, the base and lid are pivotally coupled to one another.

[0056] In one form, the variable portion forms a seal between the base and the lid.

[0057] In one form, the reservoir further includes a latch to secure the base and lid together.

[0058] In one form, the reservoir further comprises at least one handle to facilitate coupling of the reservoir to the dock.

[0059] In one form, the reservoir further includes a retaining clip adapted to engage a recess in the dock to retain the reservoir within the cavity of the dock.

[0060] In one form, the reservoir is structured to prevent refilling of the reservoir when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0061] In one form, at least a portion of the reservoir is prevented from being opened when the reservoir is coupled to the dock.

[0062] In one form, the reservoir includes a refill cap.

[0063] In one form, the device further comprises an overfill protection element configured to prevent filling the reservoir beyond a predetermined maximum amount of water.

[0064] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises 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 water volume is exceeded.

[0065] In one form, the overfill protection element comprises a sloped profile in the side shape of the reservoir wall, the sloped profile defining an escape path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded.

[0066] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method for varying thermal contact between a heater plate and a reservoir in a humidification system to humidify a breathable gas flow, the method comprising changing the pressure of the breathable gas flow in a reservoir in fluid communication with the breathable gas flow to vary the force between the heater plate and the reservoir.

[0067] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a breathable gas flow, the apparatus comprising a heater plate and a reservoir, the reservoir having an inlet for receiving the breathable gas flow, an outlet, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary the force between the heater plate and the conductive portion in a direction of thermal contact by varying the pressure of the breathable gas flow in the reservoir.

[0068] In one form, the device further comprises a dock connectable to the reservoir.

[0069] In one form, the dock is configured to restrain the reservoir from opening in the direction of thermal contact.

[0070] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to contain a predetermined amount of liquid for humidifying a pressurized flow of breathable air, the reservoir comprising a base portion having a conductive portion, a lid portion having an inlet and an outlet, and a seal portion, the base portion and the lid portion being pivotally engaged and configurable in the pivotally engaged state into an open configuration and a closed configuration, the seal being in sealing engagement with the base portion and the lid portion when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0071] In one form, the seal comprises an outlet tube and a baffle, the baffle configured to connect to the inlet tube.

[0072] Another aspect of the present technology relates to an apparatus for humidifying a flow of breathable gas, the apparatus comprising a heater plate and a reservoir, the reservoir comprising an inlet, an outlet, a variable portion, and a conductive portion in thermal contact with the heater plate, the apparatus configured to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate by varying the height of the variable portion.

[0073] In one form, the device is configured such that the thermal engagement is in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the surface of the conductive portion.

[0074] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method of varying a level of thermal engagement in a humidifier device, the method comprising the steps of: (i) thermally engaging a heater plate with a conductive portion of a reservoir; and (ii) varying the height of a variable portion of the reservoir to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heater plate.

[0075] A reservoir for holding a predetermined maximum amount of water, the reservoir comprising a base portion including an overfill protection element, the reservoir configured to be convertible between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the overfill protection element preventing refilling of the reservoir beyond the maximum amount of water when the reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0076] In one form, the seal is configured to sealingly engage the lid and base when the reservoir is in the closed configuration.

[0077] In one form, the overfill protection element is configured such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base is in its normal operating orientation, excess water beyond the maximum amount of water will spill through the overfill protection element.

[0078] In one form, the overfill protection element is at least one orifice that defines a path for water to escape when the maximum water capacity of the base is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0079] In one form, the overfill protection element is a sloped profile in the side shape of the base that defines a path for water to escape if the maximum water capacity of the base is exceeded when the humidifier reservoir is in the open configuration.

[0080] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a method for preventing overfill in a humidifier reservoir, the method comprising the steps of: (i) incorporating an overfill protection element in a base portion of the humidifier reservoir; and (ii) configuring the overfill protection element such that when the maximum water capacity is exceeded and the base portion is in its normal operating orientation, excess water in excess of a predetermined maximum amount of water will spill through the overfill protection element.

[0081] In one form, the overfill protection element includes at least one orifice.

[0082] In one form, the overfill protection element includes a sloped profile.

[0083] Another aspect of the present technology relates to a reservoir configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water, the reservoir comprising: a plurality of walls forming a cavity structured to hold the predetermined maximum amount of water; an inlet tube configured to deliver a predetermined amount of breathable gas to the cavity, the inlet tube having an inner inlet end and an outer inlet end; and an outlet tube configured to deliver the humidified predetermined amount of breathable gas from the cavity, the outlet tube having an inner outlet end and an outer outlet end, the inner inlet end and the inner outlet end being disposed within the cavity. the reservoir is positioned such that the outer inlet end and the outer outlet end are positioned on one of the walls of the cavity, a first axis is defined by the inner inlet end and the outer inlet end, and a second axis is defined by the inner outlet end and the outer outlet end, and when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90° with respect to a normal operating direction, the first axis forms a first angle such that the inner inlet end and the outer inlet end are positioned at different heights so that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the inner inlet end or the outer inlet end to prevent backflow of water through the inlet tube.

[0084] In one form, the reservoir is further configured such that the second axis forms a second angle such that when the reservoir is tilted approximately 90° relative to a normal operating direction, the outlet inner end and the outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, whereby a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or the outlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the outlet tube.

[0085] Of course, some of the aspects may form sub-aspects of the technology, and various of the sub-aspects, aspects, or both may be combined in various ways and form further aspects or sub-aspects of the technology.

[0086] Other features of the present technology will become apparent from consideration of the information contained in the following detailed description, abstract, drawings, and claims.

[0087] 4 Brief description of the drawings 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 indicate similar elements, including: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0088] 4.1 Treatment System [Figure 1a] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of nasal pillows that receives a predetermined amount of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. A bed partner 1100 is also shown. [Figure 1b] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal mask that receives a predetermined amount of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passed along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. [Figure 1c] The system is shown to include a patient 1000 wearing a patient interface 3000 in the form of a full face mask that receives a predetermined amount of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. The air from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000 and passes along an air circuit 4170 towards the patient 1000. 4.2 Respiratory System and Facial Anatomy [Figure 2a] Shows a complete view of the human respiratory system, including the nasal and oral cavities, larynx, vocal cords, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, lungs, alveolar sacs, heart, and diaphragm. 4.3 Patient Interface [Figure 3a] 4.4 Respiratory waveforms [Figure 4] A model of a typical breathing waveform of a sleeping person is shown. 4.5 RPT Devices and Humidifiers [Figure 5a]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5b]

[0047] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5c]

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000 with a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 5d] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the pneumatic paths of an RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology, with upstream and downstream directions indicated. [Figure 5e] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the electrical components of an RPT device in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 5f] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an algorithm implemented in a PAP device in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, in which solid arrows indicate the actual flow of information, e.g., via electronic signals. [Figure 5g] 5f is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by the therapy engine of FIG. 5f in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 5h] 1 shows a simplified representation of a blower and a humidifier connected to a patient conduit. [Figure 5i] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a humidifier. [Figure 6a]

[0043] Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing an exploded view of an inlet air filter cover 4014fc and an inlet air filter 4112 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6b] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 including an RPT device inlet 4002 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6c]

[0047] Fig. 402b shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 showing an inlet air filter cover 4014fc in an open position in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6d]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014, showing an exploded view of an access cover 4014ac in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 6e]

[0047] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of an access cover 4014ac in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7a]

[0047] FIG. 40 shows a perspective side view of an RPT device 4000 with an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7b]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows a perspective side view of an RPT device 4000 showing an exploded view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7c]

[0047] Fig. 41 shows a perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7d]

[0047] Fig. 41 shows another perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7e]

[0047] Fig. 41 shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 7f]

[0047] Fig. 41 shows another exploded perspective view of an outlet muffler 4124 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8a] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8b] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 showing an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in an exploded view in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8c]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a perspective side view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8d]

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a perspective side view of a housing 4016 showing an exploded view of an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8e]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8f]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 showing an exploded view of an outlet tube 4006 and an intermediate tube 4008 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8h] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 8i] FIG. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 9a]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows a front perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 10a] FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 10b]FIG. 42 shows an exploded perspective view of a side panel 4014 including a data communication interface 4280 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11a] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11b]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11c]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows an exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11d]

[0043] Fig. 40 shows another exploded perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11e] 1 shows a perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2. [Figure 11f] FIG. 10 shows another perspective view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2 shown in phantom. [Figure 11g]

[0047] Fig. 11h shows a front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross section taken in Fig. 11h. [Figure 11h] FIG. 11g shows a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11i]

[0047] Fig. 11j shows a front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross section taken in Fig. 11j. [Figure 11j] Shown in FIG. 11i is a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11k]

[0047] Fig. 44 shows a perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11l]

[0047] Fig. 10 shows another perspective view of a blower sleeve 4020bs in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11m] FIG. 11n shows yet another front view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the cross section taken in FIG. [Figure 11n]FIG. 11m shows a cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 11o] Shown in FIG. 11n is a detailed cross section view of a pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12a]

[0047] Fig. 419 shows a front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12b]

[0047] Fig. 41 shows an exploded front perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12c]

[0047] Fig. 419 shows a rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 12d]

[0047] FIG. 41 shows an exploded rear perspective view of a user interface panel 4190 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 13a]

[0043] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a concealed front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 13b]

[0043] FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with a concealed front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 14a]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a front perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 14b]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a front panel 4012 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15a] 42 shows a first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15b] 42 shows another first menu screen 4295m1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15c] 1 shows a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15d] 13 shows another first clinical menu screen 4295m2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15e] 42 shows a selectable submenu list 4295o1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15f]42 shows a selectable submenu list 4295o2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15g] 42 shows a reports submenu list 4295r1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15h] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295r2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15i] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295r3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15j] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295r4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15k] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15l] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15m] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15n] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15o] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a5 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15p] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a6 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15q] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a7 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15r] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295a8 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15s] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15t] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15u] 42 shows a selectable sub-menu 4295s3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15v] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295b1 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15w] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295b2 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15x] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295b3 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 15y] 42 shows a reports submenu 4295b4 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16a] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing an air circuit 4170 engaged with the RPT device 4000. [Figure 16b]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a rear perspective view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with the air circuit 4170 shown exploded. [Figure 16c] FIG. 51 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16d] FIG. 51 shows another perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16e] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir lid 5114 and middle section 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16f] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir base 5112 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16g]

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with an integrated humidifier 5000 and water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16h]

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with integrated humidifier 5000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in an exploded view. [Figure 16i] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an RPT device 4000 with integrated humidifier 5000 in accordance with one form of the present technology, with the water reservoir 5110 not shown. [Figure 16j] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in a closed configuration. [Figure 16k] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a water reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the water reservoir 5110 in an open configuration. [Figure 16l] FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 16m]FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of an intermediate portion 5202 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17a] FIG. 40 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17b] FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view. [Figure 17c]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17d] FIG. 52 shows a bottom perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view. [Figure 17e]

[0047] Fig. 40 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17f]

[0066] Fig. 41 shows a rear perspective view of a housing 4016 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a heating element 5240 in an exploded view. [Figure 17g]

[0047] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the top end of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17h]

[0043] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the bottom end of a HE seal 5243 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17i]

[0047] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the top end of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 17j]

[0047] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the bottom end of a HE base cover 5244 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18a]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18b]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18c]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows a perspective side view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18d]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows a bottom perspective view of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18e]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows a top perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18f] FIG. 50 shows an exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18g] FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18h] 5004, showing a perspective view of an air circuit 4170, an outlet assembly 5004, and an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the air circuit 4170 in an exploded view. [Figure 18i] FIG. 50 shows another perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18j] FIG. 5 shows another exploded perspective view of an air circuit 4170, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18k] FIG. 40 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 and a portion of an outlet tube 4006 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18l]

[0047] Fig. 4170 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an air circuit 4170 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18m]

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector 5058 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18n]

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a female electrical connector 5058 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18o]

[0047] Fig. 417 shows a perspective view of an AC electrical connector 4170ec in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18p] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disc 5050 in a first position. [Figure 18q] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disc 5050 in a second position. [Figure 18r] FIG. 5D shows a perspective view of an outlet assembly 5004 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing a swiveling disc 5050 in a third position. [Figure 18s]

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18t]

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18u]

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18v]

[0047] Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of a swiveling disc 5050 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18w] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080 and cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18x] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of a cable housing 5080, swiveling disc 5050, and cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18y] FIG. 5A shows a bottom perspective view of a swiveling disc 5050 and cable 5070 in accordance with one form of the present technology. [Figure 18z1]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a rear view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z2]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z3]

[0033] FIG. 18 shows a front view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology, showing the cross section taken with respect to FIG. [Figure 18z4]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of a female electrical connector according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z5]

[0033] Fig. 16 shows a rear perspective view of an electrical connector receptacle contact element according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 18z6]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a front perspective view of an electrical connector receptacle contact element according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 19] 4 shows an example of the present technology showing a PAP device 4000 and an integrated humidifier 5000. [Figure 20] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 21] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in a "closed" configuration. [Figure 22]FIG. 51 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir in an "open" configuration. [Figure 23] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one form of the present technology, showing an exploded view of the humidifier reservoir 5110. [Figure 24] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 25] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 26] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 27] A perspective view of the humidifier 5000 is shown demonstrating the engagement of the humidifier reservoir 5110 with the reservoir dock 5130 and / or the engagement of the humidifier 5000 with the air circuit 4170. [Figure 28a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 28b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 28c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 29c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30a] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30b] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 30c] A time-lapse chart of a typical gas flow path is shown as gas enters the humidifier reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118, travels through the inside of the humidifier reservoir 5110, and then exits through the outlet 5122. [Figure 31] 5 shows typical pressure / force distributions in various forms of humidifier reservoir 5110. [Figure 32] 5 shows typical distributions of pressure / force in various forms of humidifier reservoir 5110. [Figure 33] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 34] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 35] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 36]Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 37] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 38] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 39] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 40] Various configurations of the reservoir lid 5114 are shown, particularly variations in the configuration of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 in accordance with aspects of the present technology. [Figure 41a] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Figure 41b] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Figure 41c] The humidifier base 5112 is shown, particularly attempting to show the sloped profile 5139. [Figure 41d] The humidifier base 5112 is shown, particularly attempting to show the sloped profile 5139. [Figure 42] The humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown, particularly attempting to show the orifice 5138. [Figure 43] The humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110 are shown, particularly showing the interaction of the lid retention projection 5142 and the dock lock recess 5144 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] The humidifier dock 5130 and humidifier reservoir 5110 are shown, particularly showing the interaction of the lid retention projection 5142 and the dock lock recess 5144 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45]5 shows a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology, where the humidifier reservoir is configured with a refill cap 5180 and a base, top and variable section that may be attached to each other. [Figure 46] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 47] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 48] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 49] Another view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present technology, particularly with regard to the placement of the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126. [Figure 50] 13 shows a cross section of a variable portion in the form of variable portion 5116 and reservoir lid 5114 in accordance with an aspect of the present technology. [Figure 51] 5 shows an example of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the present technology, the humidifier reservoir configured with a latch 5186. [Figure 52a] 53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 comprising an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Figure 52b] 53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the present technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 with an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (as seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Figure 53]53 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the present technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114 containing an inlet tube 5124, a middle section 5202 with an outlet tube 5126, and a base section 5112 (as seen in the exploded view shown in FIG. 53). [Figure 54a] The middle portion 5202 of the reservoir 5110 is shown from various angles, particularly to show the baffle 5192, the outlet tube 5126, and the support spokes 5194. [Figure 54b] The middle portion 5202 of the reservoir 5110 is shown from various angles, particularly to show the baffle 5192, the outlet tube 5126, and the support spokes 5194. [Figure 55] A bottom perspective view of the middle portion 5202 of the reservoir 5110 is shown. [Figure 56a] A cross-sectional view of the reservoir lid 5114 and middle section 5202 connected to each other is shown. [Figure 56b] A cross-sectional view of the reservoir lid 5114 and intermediate portion 5202 connected to one another is shown, along with a cross-sectional view of the baffle 5192 in greater detail, particularly showing the placement of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124, the positioning portion 5196 of the baffle 5192, and the deflecting portion 5198 of the baffle 5192. [Figure 57] 1 shows the top of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the technology. In this form, the reservoir 5110 comprises a reservoir lid 5114, a base portion (not shown), and a middle portion 5202, which comprises an outlet tube 5126, an inlet tube 5124, and a wall portion 5206. [Figure 58a] 1 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of the present technology, and also shows the reservoir lid 5114 connected to the intermediate section 5202, and is intended to show in particular the inlet tube 5124, the outlet tube 5126, the deflector 5198, and the flow director 5195. [Figure 58b]10 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 according to another example of this technology, and also shows the reservoir lid 5114 connected to the middle section 5202, and is intended to show in particular the inlet tube 5124, the outlet tube 5126, the deflector 5198, and the flow director 5195. [Figure 59a] 10 shows intermediate section 5202 according to another example of this technology, and in particular seeks to show deflection section 5198, flow director 5195, positioning section 5196, and seal 5204. [Figure 59b] 10 shows intermediate section 5202 according to another example of this technology, and in particular seeks to show deflection section 5198, flow director 5195, positioning section 5196, and seal 5204. [Figure 60] 5 shows a portion of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with another example of the present technology, particularly showing a water level 5184 at which an airlock is formed to prevent further liquid from entering the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. [Figure 61a] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "occluded" configuration. [Figure 61b] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "occluded" configuration. [Figure 62a] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "occluded" configuration. [Figure 62b] 5 shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the humidifier reservoir 5110 in an "open" configuration. [Figure 63a] 63b shows a view of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology, showing a cross section to be shown in FIG. 63b, of the humidifier reservoir 5110 in the "open configuration." [Figure 63b] 63a shows a diagram of a humidifier reservoir 5110 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology, showing the reservoir 5110 with a cross section taken through line 63b-63b visible in FIG. 63a. [Figure 64]10 shows a diagram of a reservoir base 5114 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 65] 10 shows a diagram of a reservoir base 5114 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 66] 1 shows an exploded view of an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000, and an end cap 5300 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 67] FIG. 53 shows a perspective side view of an end cap 5300 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology. [Figure 68a]

[0033] Fig. 10 shows an exploded bottom perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68b]

[0033] Fig. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubes according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68c]

[0033] Fig. 10 shows an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68d]

[0033] Fig. 10 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier and airflow tubing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 68e]

[0033] Fig. 14 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of an RPT device / humidifier, airflow tubing, and cable housing according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 69a]

[210] Fig. 11 shows a side view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 69b]

[0033] Fig. 11 shows another side view of an airflow tube in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 69c]

[0033] Fig. 11 shows another side view of an airflow tube in accordance with an example of the present technology. [Figure 69d]

[210] Fig. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of an airflow tube according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 70a]

[210] Fig. 110 shows a top view of an outlet assembly according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 70b] FIG. 70b shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 70a taken through line 70b-70b according to an example of the present technology. [Figure 70c] FIG. 70c shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly of FIG. 70a taken through line 70c-70c according to an example of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] 5 Detailed Description of the Embodiments of the Present Technology Before describing the present technology in further detail, it is to be understood that the present technology is not limited to the specific embodiments, which may vary, described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing only the specific embodiments discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0090] 5.1 Treatment In one form, the present technology comprises a method for treating a respiratory disorder comprising applying positive pressure to an entrance to the airways of a patient 1000.

[0091] In certain embodiments of the present technology, a predetermined amount of air at positive pressure is delivered to a patient's nasal passages via one or both nostrils.

[0092] In certain embodiments of the present technology, mouth breathing is restricted, limited, or prevented.

[0093] 5.2 Treatment System In one form, the present technology comprises an apparatus or device for treating a respiratory disorder. The apparatus or device may comprise an RPT device 4000 for supplying pressurized breathing gas, such as air, to a patient 1000 via an air circuit 4170 to a patient interface 3000.

[0094] 5.3 Patient Interface 3000 A non-invasive patient interface 3000 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology comprises the following functional aspects: a seal-forming structure 3100, a plenum chamber 3200, a vent 3400, a positioning and stabilising structure 3300, and one form of connection port 3600 for connection to an air circuit 4170. The patient interface 3000 may optionally include a forehead support structure 3700 that couples with the stabilising structure 3300. In some forms, the functional aspects may be provided by one or more physical components. In some forms, a single physical component may provide one or more functional aspects. In use, the seal-forming structure 3100 is positioned to surround an entrance to the patient's airways to facilitate the delivery of air at positive pressure to the airways.

[0095] 5.4 RPT device 4000 An exploded view of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology is shown in FIG. 5a. The RPT device 4000 may include mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical components and may be configured to execute one or more algorithms. The RPT device may include one or more panels, such as a front panel 4012 and a side panel 4014. The RPT device 4000 may also include an outlet muffler 4124 as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The outlet muffler 4124 may be removable and replaceable with a water reservoir 5110 (see FIG. 5c). In such a configuration, the RPT device 4000 may be considered to include an integrated humidifier 5000. Thus, the RPT device 4000 may be used with or without humidification depending on whether the water reservoir 5110 or the outlet muffler 4124, respectively, is installed. Preferably, the RPT device 4000 comprises a housing 4016 that supports one or more internal components of the RPT device 4000. In one form, the RPT device 4000 comprises a pressure generator 4140 that may be housed within a pneumatic block 4020 that is coupled to the housing 4016.

[0096] The air pressure path of the RPT device 4000 (shown, for example, in FIG. 5d) 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, and an outlet muffler 4124 (or a water reservoir 5110 if humidification is required). One or more transducers 4270, such as a pressure sensor 4272 and a flow sensor 4274, may be included in the air pressure path. The air pressure path may also include a non-return valve 4160 to prevent water from flowing back from the humidifier 5000 towards the electrical components of the RPT device 4000.

[0097] The RPT device 4000 may include one or more electrical components that may be mounted on a single printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), such as the main PCBA 4202. In another embodiment, the RPT device 4000 may include multiple PCBAs.

[0098] 5.4.1 RPT equipment components The RPT device may comprise one or more of the following components in an integral unit: Alternatively, one or more of the following components may be located as respective separate units:

[0099] 5.4.1.1 Air Filter 4110 An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present technology may include one or more air filters 4110.

[0100] In one form, the pneumatic pathway may include an inlet air filter 4112 (e.g., upstream of the pressure generator 4140) and another air filter 4114 (e.g., downstream of the pressure generator 4140), such as an antibacterial filter, positioned in the pneumatic pathway at a location between the outlet of the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000. See Figure 5d.

[0101] 5.4.1.2 Side Panel 4014 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include a side panel 4014 as shown in Figures 6a-6c. The side panel 4014 may include one or more RPT device inlets 4002 configured to receive airflow into the RPT device 4000. As shown in Figure 6a, the RPT device inlet 4002 may include a plurality of openings configured to allow airflow.

[0102] The side panel 4014 (see FIG. 6a) may be configured to house the inlet air filter 4112 and may include a side panel frame 4014f and an inlet air filter cover 4014fc configured to secure the inlet air filter 4112 to the side panel frame 4014f. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc is coupled, preferably removably coupled or pivotally coupled (as shown in FIGS. 6b-6c), to the side panel frame 4014f to allow replacement of the inlet air filter 4112. The inlet air filter cover 4014fc may further include a filter cover handle (e.g., a recess) 4014ch for use by a user to open and close the inlet air filter cover 4014fc, and a retention feature (e.g., a latch, not shown) to secure the inlet air filter cover 4014fc in its closed configuration.

[0103] The side panel 4014 may include an air filter housing 4014h configured to position the inlet air filter 4112 therein, for example, as part of the inlet air filter cover 4014fc as shown in Figure 6c. The air filter housing 4014h includes a plurality of walls 4014w configured to position the inlet air filter 4112 when, for example, the inlet air filter cover 4014fc is pivoted relative to the side panel frame 4014f.

[0104] The RPT device inlet 4002 may be configured with multiple openings as shown in Figures 6a-6c, which may allow air flow in a direction parallel to the inlet of the pneumatic block 4020, as described in more detail below.

[0105] The side panel 4014 may further include one or more connection ports 4014cp (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6d) for allowing access to removable storage media and accessories such as communication devices or USB ports. Accordingly, the side panel 4014 may include one or more access covers 4014ac (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6a, 6c, and 6d) to protect the connection ports 4014cp from one or more of the ingress of water / dust / contaminants and accidental removal of removable storage media or accessories. The access covers 4104ac may also be used for aesthetic purposes.

[0106] The access cover 4014ac may include one or more access cover fastening portions 4014an, which may be used to couple the access cover 4014ac to the side panel frame 4014f (e.g., by insertion into a slot—not shown). The cover portion 4014co may protect the connection port 4014cp, for example, by including one or more complementary recesses 4014re for receiving any protrusions of the connection port 4014cp. The access cover 4014ac may further include one or more access cover hinge portions 4014hi. In some forms, the access cover hinge portions 4014hi may be integrally formed with the cover portion 4014co and the fastening portions 4014an of the access cover 4014ac for improved manufacturability and lower cost.

[0107] 5.4.1.3 Muffler 4120 In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122 is positioned in the air pressure path upstream of a pressure generator 4140. See Figure 5d.

[0108] In one form of the present technology, an outlet muffler 4124 is positioned in the pneumatic path between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000. See Fig. 5d.

[0109] The outlet muffler 4124 may be a removable component of the RPT device 4000, as shown in Figures 7a-7b. The RPT device 4000 may include a corresponding dock 4130 (described in more detail below) configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110. With such a configuration, manufacturing of the RPT device 4000 and integrated humidifier 5000 may be easily converted from a first configuration in which no humidification occurs when the outlet muffler 4124 is positioned in the dock 4130 to a second configuration in which humidification is enabled when the water reservoir 5110 is positioned in the dock 4130, and vice versa. For example, when humidification is desired, the outlet muffler 4124 may be removed using the muffler lever 41241 to allow the RPT device 4000 to receive the water reservoir 5110. In one form, insertion of a water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 allows for humidification of the airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 before delivery to the patient 1000, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0110] The outlet muffler 4124 may be provided with an identification element, for example in the dock 4130, to enable a controller such as the central controller 4230 or the humidity controller 5250 to detect its presence (or absence). The dock 4130 may be provided with a complementary detection element to detect the presence (or absence) of the outlet muffler 4124. In one form, detecting the presence or absence of the outlet muffler 4124 in the reservoir dock 5130 may cause the controller to perform one or more functions including turning the heating element 5240 off / on, adjusting the power of the heating element 5240, turning the heating element in the air circuit 4170 off / on, adjusting the power of the heating element in the air circuit 4170, adjusting the pressure drop estimate between the pressure generator 4140 and the patient interface 3000, disabling / enabling user interface elements associated with the operation of the humidifier 5000, or disabling / enabling data recording / data reporting associated with the operation of the humidifier 5000. In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 may include an identification element (shown in the form of a magnet 5340) located on the muffler, for example located in an end cap magnet holder 5345. The identification element may be used for detection of the outlet muffler 4124 by the controller via a detection element. For example, the detection element may include a Hall effect sensor (not shown) located in or near the dock 4130, for example on PCBA 4202.

[0111] One advantage of the outlet muffler 4124 with an identification element may be the ability to reduce power consumption or customize operation of the humidifier 5000 when the outlet muffler 4124 is used. A further advantage of having the heating element default ON and OFF upon engagement of the outlet muffler 4124 is that a single installation step of the outlet muffler 4124 both deactivates the heating element 5240 and prevents access to the heater plate.

[0112] In one form, the outlet muffler 4124 receives airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 and delivers the airflow to the RPT device outlet 4004. As such, the outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler inlet 4124in and a muffler outlet 4124ou. The outlet muffler 4124 may also include additional components such as a muffler cap 4124ca, a muffler body 4124bo, a muffler damper 4124da, and a muffler foam 4124fo as shown in Figures 7e-7f.

[0113] The outlet muffler 4124 may include a muffler lever 4124le for disengaging the outlet muffler 4124 from the rest of the RPT device 4000, for example by releasing a latch. The muffler lever 4124le is configured to be pushed down from above to disengage the outlet muffler 4124, for example by releasing one or more muffler clips 4124cl from one or more complementary recesses 4130re (shown in FIG. 7b and shown in detail in FIG. 16i) in the dock 4130 (FIGS. 7a-7f). It is understood that the outlet muffler 4124 can comprise one or more of any number of known means for removably coupling the outlet muffler 4124 to the RPT device 4000. The outlet muffler 4124 may further comprise one or more muffler clips 4124cl, for example comprising muffler hinges 4124hi, to the RPT device 4000. In some forms, the outlet muffler 4124 may comprise a muffler travel limiter 4124tl configured to prevent damage to the muffler hinges 4124hi, for example, that may occur due to plastic deformation if the muffler hinges 4124hi are in a "living hinge" configuration. Furthermore, the muffler travel limiter 4124tl may be configured to engage and deform with the muffler lever 4124le when the muffler lever 4124le is actuated (e.g., depressed). In such a configuration, the travel limiter 4124tl may provide feedback to the user upon engagement of the muffler lever 4124le with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl and may provide varying degrees of resistance to indicate the degree of deformation occurring. As shown in Figures 7e-7f, a muffler damper 4124da may be formed integrally with the muffler travel limiter 4124tl. In some forms, the muffler damper 4124da may be configured to frictionally engage the muffler cap 4124ca and / or the muffler body 4124bo.

[0114] Similarly, the outlet muffler 4124 may be configured such that the muffler lever 4124le must be depressed before the outlet muffler 4124 can be inserted into the dock 4130. In one form, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl may be configured to interfere with the dock 4130 if the outlet muffler 4124 is inserted without depressing the muffler lever 4124le. Upon insertion of the outlet muffler 4124 into the dock 4130, the one or more muffler clips 4124cl move (e.g., by moving upward) into engagement with the dock 4130, thereby securing the outlet muffler 4124 within the dock 4130.

[0115] The outlet muffler 4124 may include one or more sound absorbing features to reduce noise output from the RPT device 4000, such as muffler foam 4124fo and a muffler damper 4124da, as shown in FIGS. 7e-7f. The muffler damper 4124da may be coupled to a muffler cap 4124ca and may be formed from a flexible material such as silicone to dampen noise. The outlet muffler 4124 may also include a muffler expansion chamber 4124ex formed therein to reduce noise. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7e, the muffler expansion chamber 4124ex may be a cavity formed in the muffler body 4124bo.

[0116] 5.4.1.4 Pressure Generator 4140 In one form of the present technology, the pressure generator 4140 for generating the flow or supply of air at positive pressure is a controllable blower 4142. For example, the blower 4142 may include a brushless DC motor 4144 having one or more impellers housed in a volute. The blower may be capable of delivering a volume of air at a positive pressure, preferably in the range of about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in other forms up to about 30 cmH2O, at a rate of, for example, up to about 120 liters / minute. Blowers are described in any one of the following patents or patent applications: U.S. Patent No. 7,866,944; U.S. Patent No. 8,638,014; U.S. Patent No. 8,636,479; and PCT International Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 020167, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0117] The pressure generator 4140 may be under the control of the therapy device controller 4240 .

[0118] 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.

[0119] 5.4.1.5 Pneumatic Block 4020 In one form, a pneumatic block 4020 including a pressure generator 4140 (e.g., a blower 4142) may form part of the RPT device 4000. The pneumatic block may, for example, have the form described in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013 / 020167, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0120] A pneumatic block 4020 in accordance with one aspect of the present technology is shown in Figures 11a-11d. The pneumatic block 4020 may include a PB inlet 4020in, a PB outlet 4020ou, and may house a blower 4142. According to one aspect of the present technology, the pneumatic block 4020 may provide a compact, enclosed pneumatic path for airflow while minimizing noise and vibration output due to said airflow. Also, to add aesthetic flexibility to the RPT device 4000 with respect to the pneumatic block 4020, such a pneumatic block 4020 may allow for the external housing 4010 to be positioned independently thereof.

[0121] The pneumatic block 4020 may also include one or more of a flow plate 4020fp, a blower sleeve 4020bs, one or more sensor ports such as a flow sensor port 4020sp, and a sound absorbing foam 4020af. The pneumatic block 4020 may include an outer housing including, for example, a first PB housing 4020h1 and a second PB housing 4020h2. A PB inlet 4020in and a PB outlet 4020ou may be disposed in the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2, respectively.

[0122] The flow plate 4020fp may divide the interior of the pneumatic block 4020 into a first chamber 4020c1, a second chamber 4020c2, and an interior of the blower sleeve 4020bs. In one form, airflow is received into the pneumatic block 4020 through a PB inlet 4020in and enters a PB inlet tube 4020it (shown in FIGS. 11d and 11h). The PB inlet tube 4020it delivers the airflow to the first chamber 4020c1, from which the airflow travels to the second chamber 4020c2. In one form, a plurality of flow tubes 4020ft (shown, for example, in FIGS. 11d-11f) positioned on the flow plate 4020fp may deliver the airflow from the first chamber 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2. The flow plate 4020fp may include a cavity through which the PB inlet tubes 4020it may travel to deliver the airflow to the first chamber 4020c1. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the flow tubes 4020ft may be used to determine the flow rate. The second chamber 4020c2 then delivers the airflow to the blower 4142 through the blower inlet 4142in (see FIG. 11c), where the airflow is pressurized and exits through the blower outlet 4142ou before exiting the pneumatic block 4020 through the PB outlet 4020ou as shown in FIG. 11j. In one form, the flow plate 4020fp may include approximately 10-15 flow tubes 4020ft, such as 11-14, or for example, 12 flow tubes as shown in FIG. 11e. The flow tube 4020ft may be tapered in a converging direction from the first chamber 4020c1 to the second chamber 4020c2, for example, in one form shown in FIG. 11j.

[0123] The PB inlet 4020in may comprise a flexible portion, such as a PB inlet insert 4020ii as shown in Fig. 11h. The flexible portion may help the PB inlet 4020in to be accurately aligned with the RPT device inlet 4002, for example by elastically conforming to accommodate any axial or radial misalignment between the PB inlet 4020in and the RPT device inlet 4002. Furthermore, the flexible portion may reduce mechanical loads or stresses acting on the pneumatic block 4020 while accommodating axial or radial misalignment because the elastic modulus of the flexible portion is significantly less than the elastic modulus of the housings of the pneumatic block, such as the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2. In one form, the flexible portion may be constructed from a flexible material such as silicone, and the housing of the pneumatic block, including the first PB housing 4020h1 and the second PB housing 4020h2, may be constructed from a more rigid material such as polypropylene, although a range of other materials may be suitable for both.

[0124] The blower sleeve 4020bs (shown in FIGS. 11k and 11l) may be formed from a flexible, resilient material such as silicone. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs may act as a suspension member to reduce noise and vibration output from the blower 4142 that may be transmitted to the patient 1000 (or bed partner 1100). The blower sleeve 4020bs may also include a chamber configured to receive airflow from the blower outlet 4142ou and deliver airflow to the PB outlet 4020ou, as shown in FIG. 11j. In one form, the blower sleeve 4020bs is configured to receive the blower 4142 and sealingly engage the flow plate 4020fp, for example, by one or more sleeve tabs 4020st positioned on the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0125] The blower sleeve 4020bs may also include a sleeve pull tab 4020pt configured to participate in assembly of the blower sleeve 4020bs with other components of the pneumatic block, such as the second PB housing 4020h2. The sleeve pull tab 4020pt may be configured as an elongated tab suitable for manual gripping, allowing a person (or automated device) assembling the pneumatic block 4020 to position the PB outlet 4020ou relative to the second PB housing 4020h2 by holding the sleeve pull tab 4020pt and pulling it through the PB outlet rim 4020or (shown in FIG. 11d). One advantage of such a configuration is reduced assembly time, while another advantage is accurate positioning of the PB outlet 4020ou while obtaining desired suspension characteristics of the blower sleeve 4020bs.

[0126] The flow sensor port 4020sp may be accessible from the exterior of the pneumatic block 4020 and may be fluidly coupled to a flow transducer 4274 (not shown). The flow sensor port 4020sp may also be fluidly coupled to a flow path within the pneumatic block 4020, for example, to enable the flow transducer 4274 to measure the flow rate through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be connected to the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2 so that the flow sensor can measure the pressure drop between the first chamber 4020c1 and the second chamber 4020c2. The flow sensor port 4020sp may be integrally formed with an enclosure of the pneumatic block 4020, such as the first PB housing 4020h1, or alternatively, may be part of a separate component, such as the PB sensor coupler 4020sc. Some or all of the flow sensor port 4020sp may be flexibly configured to aid in precise alignment and engagement of the flow transducer 4274 and the pneumatic block 4020.

[0127] Introduction of any water into the flow sensor port 4020sp may adversely affect the operation of the flow transducer 4274, for example, by at least partially blocking the port for sensing air pressure. It is also known that there may be a risk of water entering the RPT device 4000, for example, when the RPT device 4000 is used with a humidifier 5000. This is because the RPT device 4000 may be in proximity to water, and because the humidifier 5000 may contain water therein. Accordingly, each flow sensor flow path connecting a respective flow sensor port 4020sp to a chamber 4020c1, 4020c2 may include one or more water ingress prevention features, such as a PB water trap 4020wt or a PB water shield 4020ws (see FIG. 11o). According to one form, the PB water trap 4020wt may be a recess in the flow sensor flow path configured to retain a predetermined amount of water while allowing air to flow through the flow sensor flow path. The PB water shield 4020ws may include small cross-sectional area ports configured to allow air flow but prevent water ingress due to water's high surface tension. To further prevent any water from interfering with the operation of the flow sensor, the ports of the PB water shield 4020ws may be oriented horizontally and / or positioned toward the top end of the pneumatic block 4020. In one form, the ports of the PB water shield 4020ws may have a smallest diameter of, for example, about 1 mm, although it will be understood that other sizes may be suitable to prevent water ingress through the ports. In one form, the PB water shield 4020ws may be positioned so that the ports are disposed substantially flat and / or substantially vertical on its outermost surface, at which point the ports' diameters may be smallest. Additionally, the flow sensor ports 4020sp may be positioned perpendicular to the respective ports of the PB water shield 4020ws to which they are fluidly connected.In one form, the flow sensor port 4020sp may be configured such that any water passing through a port (or equivalent air path) in the PB water shield 4020ws must rotate (e.g., through 90 degrees) to move to the flow sensor, for example, by moving upward in the normal operating direction of the RPT device 4000. The PB water shield 4020ws may be integrally formed with the enclosure (e.g., first PB housing 4020h1) of the pneumatic block 4020, or alternatively may be separately formed to be inserted into the enclosure (e.g., by an interference fit as shown in FIG. 11n) or connected to the enclosure (e.g., by welding, not shown). Furthermore, the flow sensor channel 4020fp may be configured such that the flow sensor port 4020sp can be positioned above the height of the corresponding opening of the flow sensor channel in each chamber 4020c1, 4020c2. This may further prevent water from entering the flow sensor 4274.

[0128] 5.4.1.6 Enclosure 4016 The RPT device 4000 may include a housing 4016 as shown in Figures 8a-8f, where the housing 4016 may form a structural frame for the RPT device 4000. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5a and 8b, a platform 4016pl may comprise the outer wall of the RPT device 4000. The housing 4016 may also position one or more components, such as the outer housing 4010, pneumatic block 4020, PCBA 4202, and outlet muffler 4124, as seen in Figure 5a.

[0129] In one form, the housing 4016 may include a platform 4016pl (see FIGS. 8a-8d) configured to support the pneumatic block 4020. The housing 4016 may include a dock 4130 configured to receive the outlet muffler 4124 (or the water reservoir 5110), for example, into an internal cavity to connect the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. The dock 4130 may receive a portion of the outlet muffler 4124 as shown. The dock 4130 may include a dock outlet 4132 configured to deliver airflow to the outlet muffler 4124 or to the water reservoir 5110 upon insertion, and a dock inlet 4134 for receiving airflow from the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 upon insertion, as shown in FIGS. 8c-8d. 8e, the housing 4016 may also include the RPT device outlet 4004, in which case the RPT device outlet 4004 may be removably coupled to the housing 4016. The dock outlet 4132 may be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler inlet 4124in or the water reservoir inlet 5118. The dock inlet 4134 may be configured to fluidly couple with the muffler outlet 4124ou or the water reservoir outlet 5122.

[0130] In one form, the dock inlet 4134 and the dock outlet 4132 may each comprise a bellows-type face seal. The seal may be engaged to abut a complementary portion of the outlet muffler 4124 (e.g., 4124ou or 4124in as shown in FIG. 7e) or a complementary portion of the water reservoir 5110 (e.g., 5118 or 5222 as shown in FIG. 16d), or as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,544,465, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. One advantage of such a bellows-type face seal may be that it tolerates axial and radial misalignment. Because such a seal abuts a complementary portion, this configuration may tolerate more radial misalignment than, for example, a configuration in which one male connector is inserted into one female connector. Also, the flexibility of such a seal allows axial misalignment to exist without adversely affecting the performance of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000).

[0131] An outlet tube 4006 may comprise an RPT device outlet 4004 and a dock inlet 4134 and is removably coupled to the dock 4130. In some forms, a separate intermediate tube 4008 may comprise a dock outlet 4132. The intermediate tube 4008 may be configured to be coupled to the pneumatic block 4020 to receive airflow from the pneumatic block 4020 for delivery to the dock 4130. The intermediate tube 4008 may further comprise a dock outlet pressure port 4132pp for measuring air pressure at the dock outlet 4132.

[0132] The outlet tube 4006 may include an outlet tube latch portion 4006la configured to engage a complementary feature in the dock 4130, such as a dock outlet slot 4130sl. The outlet tube 4006 may further include one or more outlet tube guide portions 4006gu, which may aid in accurate insertion of the outlet tube 4006 into the dock 4130 by engagement with one or more corresponding dock guide portions 4130gu. In one form shown in FIG. 8g, the outlet tube guide portion 4006gu may comprise a flat plate configured to be engaged and oriented by the dock guide portion 4130gu, which may be angled to orient the outlet tube 4006 into its intended position for engaging the outlet tube latch portion 4006la and the dock outlet slot 4130sl.

[0133] The outlet end 4006oe may be formed with an ISO taper, for example a 22mm outer diameter ISO taper, to allow connection of a standard unheated air circuit.

[0134] As can be seen in Figures 8g and 8h, the outlet tube 4006 may include flow bends having an internal circular or curved cross section configured to reduce the impedance of airflow through the outlet tube 4006. As shown in Figure 8h, the outlet tube 4006 may be constructed of two parts, where a first part 4006a is made of Bisphenol A (BPA) free polycarbonate. The molded product is molded from a rigid material such as PC / ABS, and the second portion 4006b, which includes at least a portion of the flow bend, is overmolded from a compliant material such as silicone. By using a compliant material to form the second portion 4006b, which includes a portion of the bend, the mold with the internal bend can be pulled out of the internal cavity by deforming the second portion 4006b at the end of the molding process.

[0135] The outlet tube 4006 may also include a retention flange 4006fl for assisting in positioning or securing the outlet tube 4006 relative to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 or its housing or enclosure. The retention flange 4006fl may aid in accurately positioning or locating the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 within the outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000, as shown in FIG. 8e, for example, by abutting a positioning flange of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. It should be understood that the retention flange 4006fl may allow for a fixed attachment of the outlet tube 4006. Alternatively, the retention flange 4006fl may allow for removable attachment of the outlet tube 4006 so that the outlet tube can be cleaned or replaced.

[0136] The outlet tube 4006 may include an inlet end 4006ie that connects to the humidifier 5000 or RPT device 4000 as shown in Figures 8b-8f. The inlet end 4006ie may comprise a pressure-activated face seal or bellows seal to provide a sealed pneumatic connection from an outlet of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, such as the dock outlet 4132 described above. In other examples of the present technology, the outlet tube 4006 may be connected at the inlet end 4006ie to at least one conduit that is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. In any of these scenarios, one function of the outlet tube 4006, and specifically the inlet end 4006ie, may be to receive gas flow from the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 and direct it outside the device to the air circuit 4170 via the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the outlet connector 4170oc to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0137] A portion of the RPT device 4000 is shown in Figures 8h-8i and in Figures 18i-18j along with the outlet tube 4006 and / or cable housing 5080. The outlet tube 4006 may also incorporate a latch portion 400611 for connecting with a complementary receiving portion (e.g., dock outlet slot 4130sl) on the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 to position and / or retain the airflow tube in the correct position within the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, as previously described. Engagement of the latch portion 400611 with the dock outlet slot 4130sl may provide sensory feedback, such as a click, to indicate correct connection. The latch portion 400611 may be further configured to remove the outlet tube 4006 from the receiving portion as the outlet tube disengages from the receiving portion. The latch portion 400611 may be a different color than the complementary receiving portion or components of the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 to improve visibility. In certain circumstances, the outlet tube 4006 and / or complementary receiving portion may be configured so that a button, for example, on the end of the latch portion 400611 can be used to release the outlet tube 4006 from the complementary receiving portion. A tool may be used to release the outlet tube 4006 from the receiving portion.

[0138] The outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, engagement of the latch portion 40061a with the complementary receiving portion also completes a pneumatic connection between the air circuit 4170 and the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000. Thus, detection of an air leak may detect a lack of or incorrect connection of the outlet tube 4006 or disengagement of the outlet tube.

[0139] In a further optional configuration, when the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 is connected to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, the connection operation may be configured to ensure proper connection of the outlet tubing 4006 with a complementary receptacle. Incorrect connection of the outlet tubing 4006 to the complementary receptacle may prevent the outlet connector 4170oc from being properly connected to the outlet tubing 4006, which may be indicated by the RPT device 4000, for example, by detection of a high leak flow rate. In yet another alternative, the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 may be used to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the outlet tubing 4006 from the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000.

[0140] As previously mentioned, when the air circuit 4170 is attached to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 may be coupled to the outlet connection region 5056 of the outlet connector 4170oc.

[0141] The dock 4130 may include one or more features configured to engage with a component inserted therein, such as the outlet muffler 4124. For example, the dock 4130 may include one or more flanges 4130fl, as shown in Figures 8c-8f, that are adapted to engage with and guide the outlet muffler 4124 or the water reservoir 5110 as they are inserted into the dock 4130.

[0142] In one form, the dock 4130 may include one or more components of the humidifier 5000, where the humidifier 5000 is integral with the RPT device 4000. For example, the base of the dock 4130 may include a heating element 5240, as described in more detail below.

[0143] 5.4.1.7 Transducer 4270 The transducer may be internal to the RPT device or external to the RPT device. An external transducer may, for example, be located at or form part of the air circuit, e.g., the patient interface. An external transducer may take the form of a non-contact sensor, such as a Doppler radar motion sensor, that transmits or communicates data to the RPT device.

[0144] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to measure a property, such as flow rate, pressure, or temperature, at one or more points in the pneumatic path.

[0145] In one form of the present technology, one or more transducers 4270 may be positioned proximate to the patient interface 3000.

[0146] In one form, the signal from the transducer 4270 may be filtered, such as by low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, or band-pass filtering.

[0147] 5.4.1.7.1 Flow Transducer 4274 The flow transducer 4274 of the present technology may be based on a differential pressure transducer, for example the SDP600 series differential pressure transducers offered by SENSIRION.

[0148] In one form, a signal representing a flow rate, such as total flow rate Qt, from the flow transducer 4274 is received by the central controller 4230.

[0149] 5.4.1.7.2 Pressure Transducer 4272 A pressure transducer 4272 according to the present technology is positioned in fluid communication with the pneumatic path. One example of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. Another suitable pressure transducer is the NPA series from GENERAL ELECTRIC. This is a sensor from the same company.

[0150] In one form, the signal from the pressure transducer 4272 is received by the central controller 4230 .

[0151] 5.4.1.7.3 Motor Speed ​​Transducer 4276 In one form of the present technology, a motor speed transducer 4276 is used to determine the rotational speed of, for example, the motor 4144 or blower 4142. A motor speed signal from the motor speed transducer 4276 is preferably provided to the therapy device controller 4240. The motor speed transducer 4276 may be, for example, a speed sensor such as a Hall effect sensor.

[0152] 5.4.1.7.4 Ambient Light Sensor 4278 Because the RPT device 4000 is often used in a bedroom environment, for example, to be used while the patient 1000 is about to fall asleep or is asleep, it may be important to ensure that any lighting features of the RPT device 4000 are not overly bright.

[0153] In one form of the present technology, an ambient light sensor 4278 is used to determine the light level in the surrounding area near the RPT device 4000. The ambient light signal from the ambient light sensor 4278 may be provided as an input to the central controller 4230, for example to adjust the brightness of the display or any other light emitting features, such as a backlight for the input device 4220 or any indicator lights.

[0154] The ambient light sensor 4278 may be connected to an aperture, such as the external housing light port 4010lp as shown in FIG. 9a. In such a configuration, the light level detected by the ambient light sensor 4278 corresponds to the light level at or near the aperture. In one configuration, the external housing light port 4010lp may be positioned adjacent to the display 4294 so that the brightness of the display 4294 can be adjusted according to the detected light level. The ambient light sensor 4278 may be connected to the aperture by a light well (also referred to as a light pipe) to help accurately determine the light level at the aperture.

[0155] The display 4294 may be configured to operate at one of a number of predetermined brightness settings. The brightness setting may be selected according to the signal output of the ambient light sensor 4278. For example, the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a lower brightness setting when the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is below a threshold (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux), and the display 4294 may be configured to operate at a higher brightness setting when the light measured by the ambient light sensor 4278 is above the threshold (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 lux). Thus, in such a configuration, lower ambient light levels may result in lower brightness settings.

[0156] 5.4.1.8 Check valve 4160 In one form of the present technology, a non-return valve is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic block 4020. The non-return valve is constructed and arranged to reduce the risk of water flowing upstream from the humidifier 5000, for example towards the motor 4144.

[0157] 5.4.1.9 Air Circuit 4170 The air circuit 4170 according to one aspect of the present technology is a conduit or tube constructed and arranged to allow air flow to travel between two components, such as the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface 3000, in use.

[0158] In particular, the air circuit 4170 may be fluidly connected to 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 limbs of the circuit for inhalation and exhalation. In other cases, a single limb is used.

[0159] 18a, the air circuit 4170 may include an AC tubing portion 4170tp and an AC outlet connector 4170oc at one end of the tubing portion 4170tp for connecting the air circuit to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. In one form, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may comprise an AC pre-block 4170pb, an AC overmold 4170om, and an AC electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical connector 4170ec may be oriented parallel to the central axis of the outlet connection region 5056 and may extend downward from the underside of the outlet connector 4170oc to exit through an opening in the AC overmold 4170om, for example, to protect against water ingress.

[0160] The AC tubing portion 4170tp may also include a helical coil 4170co to provide support for the AC tubing portion 4170tp. The air circuit 4170 may also incorporate a heating element to prevent rainout (e.g., condensation of water vapor within the AC tubing portion 4170tp or within the patient interface 3000), which may be provided within the AC helical coil 4170co. If a heating element is provided within the AC helical coil 4170co, power or signal transmission may be required, for example, if the heating element is an electrical resistance heater. In some cases, an electrical connection may be required between the patient interface 3000 and the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 for power or communication therebetween.

[0161] The air circuit 4170 may require both pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000), and may also require a mechanical connection. These connections may be made via the AC outlet connector 4170oc to provide power and signals to the heating element within the AC helical coil 4170co to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or sequentially, with one mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical connection completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 at the opposite end of the tubing portion 4170tp for coupling to the patient interface 3000. In some forms, the patient interface connector 4107 may be different from the AC outlet connector 4170oc, as shown in FIG. 18a.

[0162] 18b-18e depict an air circuit or portion thereof according to an embodiment of the present technology, and FIGS. 18f-18j depict an exemplary air circuit connected to an outlet assembly 5004. As seen in FIGS. 18a-18b, an AC tubing section 4170tp having an AC helical coil 4170co may be connected to an AC outlet connector 4170oc. As previously mentioned, the AC helical coil 4170co may include a heating element and may also serve as a support structure for the AC tubing section 4170tp. An electrical connection may be made to the outlet assembly 5004 (discussed in more detail below) by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc such that the AC electrical connector 4170ec is in electrical contact with the electrical components of the outlet assembly.

[0163] 5.4.1.9.1 Making pneumatic and electrical connections The air circuit 4170 may require both pneumatic and electrical connections to be made to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000), and may also require a mechanical connection. These connections may be made through the outlet connector 4170oc to allow pressurized gas to flow to the patient interface 3000, to provide power and signals to the heating element within the helical coil 4170co, and to position and secure the air circuit 4170 relative to the humidifier 5000 (or RPT device 4000). These connections may be made simultaneously or sequentially, with one mechanical, pneumatic, or electrical connection completed before the other. The air circuit 4170 may include a patient interface connector 4107 at its other end for coupling to the patient interface 3000.

[0164] The AC outlet connector 4170oc may include a recess 4170re configured to mate with an electrical connector receptacle 5052 of the swiveling disc 5050 to help releasably secure the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the humidifier 5000, for example, at the outlet assembly 5004 (see FIGS. 18i-18j and discussed further below). The recess 4170re may be shaped to correspond to the electrical connector receptacle 5052, thereby providing a visual aid to the patient for positioning the outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet assembly 5004 (see FIG. 18j). The electrical connector receptacle 5052 may receive a female electrical connector 5058, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18m-18n. The AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an actuator 4172 that controls a retention feature 4174. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the outlet assembly 5004, the retention feature 4174 may engage with a corresponding notch 5054 in the swiveling disc 5050 (see FIGS. 18i-18j). The actuator 4172, in cooperation with the notch 5054, may produce an audible sound or provide tactile feedback at the actuator 4172 upon engagement, or both. The actuator 4172 or retention feature 4174 may be formed with higher wear characteristics than the swiveling disc 5050 to accommodate wear on the air circuit 4170, which may be a consumable component. This may be achieved by forming the retention feature 4174 using a material having a lower hardness than the material forming the swiveling disc 5050. The retention feature 4174 and notch 5054 may engage with a snap fit, and the actuator 4172 may be depressible to capture the retention feature to release it from the notch 5054. In some cases, the retention feature 4174 and notch 5054 may be configured such that when the retention feature and notch are not fully engaged, they can be forced into position by treatment pressure at the start of treatment, for example, by treatment pressure acting on the tab 4176 urging the retention feature 4174 toward the notch 5054.As shown in FIGS. 18c-18e, both the actuator 4172 and the retention feature 4174 may be positioned on the AC tab 4176 such that pushing the actuator inward also moves the retention feature inward, thereby releasing the retention feature from the notch 5054. In one form, the actuator 4172 may be positioned farther from the pivot axis of the tab 4176 than the retention feature 4174, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to the user and increasing the amount of travel required to depress the actuator 4172, improving translation of the movement of the retention feature 4174 to the user. This configuration may further improve feedback provided to the user during engagement / disengagement of the outlet connector 4170oc. The outlet connection region 5056 (shown in FIG. 18a) may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the swiveling disc 5050, for example, as shown in FIGS. 18f-18j.

[0165] 18d, in some examples of this technology, a travel stop 4178 positioned at the inner end of the rib 4177 may be used to limit the level of travel or depression of the actuator 4172 during insertion and removal, thereby preventing plastic deformation of the surrounding portion, tearing of the AC outlet connector 4170oc around the AC tab 4176, or both. The travel stop 4178 extends from the inner end of the rib 4177 and is aligned with the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc at the location of the actuator 4172. As the actuator is pushed or pressed inward, the inner surface of the AC outlet connector 4170oc correspondingly pushes or presses inward until it contacts the travel stop 4178. The travel stop prevents further pushing or depression of the actuator.

[0166] In further examples of the present technology, the notches may be replaced with radial slots that retain the outlet connector via retention features but allow it to rotate. In such examples, the swivel disc may be fixed relative to the outlet housing or may be eliminated entirely so that the radial slots are located on the housing. Of course, such examples also retain the need for a movable electrical connector within the outlet assembly so that the electrical connection can be maintained while the outlet connector rotates.

[0167] FIGS. 18k and 18l show detailed bottom views of an embodiment of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, specifically the outlet connection region 5056. FIG. 18k shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc connected to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tubing 4006 at the outlet connection region 5056 (shown in FIG. 19xx and discussed further below). The outlet tubing 4006 may be formed as a multi-patient / multi-user (MPMU) tubing that is one or more of removable, replaceable, and / or washable. Note that for clarity, the outlet end 4006oe is shown in this figure, and reference should be made to FIGS. 18f-18j for further illustration. The outlet tubing 4006 may function as a removable intermediate pneumatic coupler between the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 and the air outlet of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000.

[0168] 5.4.1.9.2 Internal ribs of outlet connector 4170oc FIG. 18k shows a plurality of ribs 4177 disposed around the inner circumference of the outlet connection region 5056 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc. In the illustrated example, four ribs 4177 are shown, but a different number of ribs, for example, two, three, five, or more, may be utilized. The ribs 4177 may function to support and position the AC outlet connector 4170oc relative to the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006. The ribs 4177 may also function to guide the AC outlet connector 4170oc during insertion to couple with the outlet end 4006oe of the outlet tube 4006 within the outlet assembly 5004 to form a pneumatic connection. This guidance may help align the outlet connection region 5056 to facilitate electrical connection between the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 on the swivel disk 5050 of the outlet assembly 5004. In this configuration, insertion or connection of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit to the outlet assembly 5004 of the RPT device may be accomplished in a single action by the user, with the pneumatic connection being made first and the electrical connection being made second. The AC outlet connector 4170oc, outlet assembly 5004, and outlet tubing 4006 may be configured so that the outlet tubing 4006 engages the seal 4170se of the AC outlet connector 4170oc before the electrical connector receptacle 5052 makes an electrical connection with the AC electrical connector 4170ec. Thus, during removal or disconnection, the electrical connection is broken first and the pneumatic connection is broken second. This may be advantageous to ensure that a pneumatic seal is maintained from the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 to the air circuit 4170, and more specifically between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the outlet tubing 4006. This may also provide improved safety, for example, when supplemental oxygen is added to the airflow delivered by the humidifier 5000. This is because this configuration prevents oxygen exposure while making or breaking the electrical connection. Figure 18l shows a view similar to Figure 18k, but without the outlet end 4006oe of outlet tube 4006 shown to provide a clearer depiction of one example of rib 4177. Both of these views also show the shape of recess 4170re.

[0169] In some cases, an unheated air circuit 4170 that does not incorporate a heating element may be used. Accordingly, the diameter of the central opening 5092 of the swiveling disk 5050 may be large enough to accommodate such an unheated air circuit 4170. Thus, in one example of this technology, the outer diameter of the air flow tube may be approximately 22 mm to allow connection to a standard 22 mm outer diameter unheated air circuit, and the outer diameter of the AC outlet connector 4170 may be approximately 36 mm. However, it will be appreciated that other outer diameter sizes may be utilized.

[0170] The internal ribs 4177 may be used to reduce any radial gap between the interior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the outlet tube 4006. Furthermore, the ribs 4177 and the outlet tube 4006 may be configured such that the gap therebetween is relatively smaller than the gap between the exterior of the outlet connection area 5056 and the swiveling disc 5050. This may allow greater wear to occur on the outlet tube 4006 due to rotation compared to the swiveling disc 5050. This is advantageous because the outlet tube 4006 may be more easily replaced than the swiveling disc 5050.

[0171] Another benefit of the ribs 4177 may be that they may allow a greater portion of any mechanical load that may result from tilting or non-axial movement to be transferred from the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the outlet tube 4006. This may be advantageous in that this may help wear occur on consumable components, such as the air circuit 4170 and / or the outlet tube 4006, rather than on non-consumable components of the humidifier 5000, such as the swiveling disc 5050. Yet another benefit of the ribs 4177 may be to maintain or inhibit deformation of the base seal 4170se (as shown in FIG. 18a) during engagement of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the outlet assembly 5004, by limiting the maximum axial deformation that the base seal 4170se can undergo towards the interior of the AC outlet connector 4170oc.

[0172] 5.4.1.9.3 Electrical Connections The AC electrical connector 4170ec may include one or more lead-in features, such as a chamfer, or a curved radius on its edge on the lead-in face in the insertion direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 18o. This is done by inserting the electrical connector receptacle into the connector housing to provide a surface wipe connection. The thickness of the electrical leads 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec can be between about 0.2 mm and 1.2 mm, for example, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, or 1 mm. The thickness can vary depending on many parameters, such as the design life of the AC electrical connector 4170ec, the material selected for the electrical leads 4170le, and the material selected for the receiving portion contact element 5058ce. One suitable example of a material for the electrical leads 4170le can be high temper phosphor bronze that is nickel-plated and then gold-plated. In some circumstances, an increased amount of conductive material and / or a highly conductive plating (such as gold and / or platinum) may be used in the electrical leads 4170le. This may have the advantage of improving wear characteristics and / or dissipating heat from the electrical connector 4170ec. The electrical leads 4170le may have an exposed conductive surface at the bottom end of the electrical connector 4170ec so that full insertion is required to make an electrical connection.

[0173] Another feature provided by the connection of the AC electrical connector 4170ec to the electrical connector receptacle 5052 on the swivel disc 5050 may be that the electrical connector receptacle 5052 is covered by the AC outlet connector 4170oc when assembled together as shown in Figures 18i and 18j. Figure 18j shows an exploded view in which the AC outlet connector 4170oc is shown above the swiveling disc 5050, and Figure 18i shows the AC outlet connector 4170oc engaged with the swiveling disc 5050. When the outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the swiveling disc 5050 as shown in Figures 18g and 18i, the area of ​​the outlet connector surrounding the AC electrical connector 4170ec may obscure the opening of the electrical connector receptacle 5052 to prevent debris and contaminants (such as liquids) from entering the electrical connector receptacle.

[0174] As previously mentioned, the electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 are configured such that an electrical connection between the electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 can be made after the AC outlet connector 4170oc is mechanically engaged with the swiveling disk 5050. This reduces the rate of any deformation or load due to misalignment between the AC outlet connector 4170oc and the swiveling disk 5050 supported by the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the electrical connector receptacle 5052. In one form, such a configuration can be achieved by configuring the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the swiveling disk 5050 such that the outlet tube 4006 and the rib 4177 engage prior to engagement of the AC electrical connector 4170ec with the electrical connector receptacle 5052 during insertion of the AC outlet connector 4170oc with the swiveling disk 5050. This configuration can also be advantageous when the gas provided via the air circuit 4170 includes supplemental oxygen. This is because it prevents the occurrence of electrical arcs when the pneumatic circuit is not isolated.

[0175] Yet another feature of this technology can be found in the arrangement of the receiver contact elements 5058ce on the female electrical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receiving portion 5052 as shown in Figures 18m-18n. The electrical leads 4170le can engage with the receiver contact elements 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is inserted into the electrical connector receiving portion 5052 from the connector's top end TS. This engagement can be achieved by a sliding motion in the direction of arrow ENG shown in Figures 18a-18b. The receiver contact elements 5058ce can be configured in a slanted triangular shape as shown in Figure 18n and / or can be configured to be malleable in a direction PER perpendicular to the sliding plane to facilitate their engagement with the electrical leads 4170le.

[0176] The aforementioned triangular shape and / or compliance may allow for improved engagement between the electrical leads 4170le on the AC electrical connector 4170ec and the receiver contact elements 5058ce as the AC electrical connector 4170ec is gradually inserted into the electrical connector receiver 5052. During engagement with the AC electrical connector 4170ec, the contact elements 5146 may be pressed inward to maintain contact against the electrical leads 4170le as the AC electrical connector 4170ec slides along the length of the female electrical connector 5058. This may allow for improved accommodation of mechanical tolerances due to sources such as manufacturing variations or deformation during use.

[0177] Furthermore, the receiver contact element 5058ce may be biased such that when it is deformed from its original configuration (shown in FIG. 18n) and pressed inward, it is biased to return the receiver contact element 5058ce to its undeformed position, thereby enhancing the fidelity of its connection with the electrical lead 4170le. Another advantage of such a configuration of the female electrical connector 5058 may be that it is self-cleaning. Because the female electrical connector 5058 and the AC electrical connector 4170ec may engage one another with a sliding installation and removal action, this prevents the buildup of contaminants that, if left uncleaned, could affect the fidelity of the electrical connection formed between the two components.

[0178] Any contaminants that have been removed by the wiping action may be prevented from entering the air path by, for example, the swivel disc seal 5051. Also, when the female electrical connector 5058 is placed in a vertical position and a connection is made vertically, any contaminants that are wiped from the electrical contacts will fall below the connector. A cavity may be formed below the female electrical connector 5058 in the electrical connector receptacle 5052, and contaminants may collect in this cavity. This cavity is not in communication with the air pressure path of the RPT device or the humidifier 5000.

[0179] FIG. 18z1 shows a surface of a female electrical connector 5058 that may be connected to a cable 5070. The connector may include multiple weld points 5058w1, 5058w2, 5058w3, such that there may be two weld points for each conductive track, thereby increasing mechanical strength under load. The connector may also incorporate one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe for alignment during assembly and / or mechanical coupling. Optionally, one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe may be heat staked to provide mechanical restraint. In certain configurations, a washer or plate may be provided between one or more pegs, rivets, or pins 5058pe and the cable 5070 to spread the mechanical restraining force over a larger surface of the connector.

[0180] 18z2-18z4 show another example of a female electrical connector 5058, including another example of a receiving portion contact element 5146, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 18z5-18z6. This example of the receiving portion contact element 5058ce is characterized in that the proximal retention feature 5058rf is formed from the base portion 5058bp rather than the contact portion 5058co and / or the curved portion 5058cu. The receiving portion contact element 5058ce may be formed from a highly electrically and thermally conductive material with high strength and hardness, such as beryllium copper.

[0181] Exposing the electrical connections at the outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 provides additional electrical safety, as the air circuit does not contain a power source but requires a connection to the swiveling disc 5050 on the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000 side to receive power. There are also exposed electrical connections on the replaceable air circuit 4170 components that may be exposed to the cleaning process.

[0182] 5.4.1.9.4 Elbow Exit Connector As can be seen in FIGS. 18a-18j, by forming the AC outlet connector 4170oc with an elbow, the patient may be prevented from inadvertently pulling the air circuit 4170 from the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. This is because the direction of the air circuit's pull force vector is positioned at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) to the direction of engagement between the air circuit 4170 and the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1a-1c, the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 may be positioned, for example, on a bedroom table during treatment so that a patient lying in bed is approximately at the same height as the RPT device or humidifier. In such a situation, including an elbow as part of the AC outlet connector 4170oc may allow the air circuit 4170 to be aimed more directly at the patient, reducing the bend angle of the air circuit, particularly at or near the elbow, thereby reducing stress on the air circuit. In one example of the present technology, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may include an elbow having an angle of approximately 90°. However, it should be understood that any angle may be envisioned, such as 0°-120°, including 20°, 40°, 60°, 80°, or 100°. The selection of this angle may be based on any considerations, such as flow impedance, convenience, location of the AC outlet connector 4170oc, or noise concerns. The number of design requirements may affect the design.

[0183] 5.4.1.9.5 Rotatable Exit Connectors Because the patient may move during treatment, which may cause the patient to pull on the air circuit 4170, it may be beneficial to further reduce the bend angle of the air circuit to reduce stress on the assembly, particularly on the air circuit and on the connection from the AC outlet connector 4170oc to the air circuit. This may be achieved by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate relative to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 while maintaining mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical connections. The outlet tube 4006 also facilitates rotation of the AC outlet connector 4170oc of the air circuit 4170 by allowing the AC outlet connector 4170oc to rotate about the outlet end 4006oe.

[0184] As previously mentioned, the air circuit 4170 may be connected to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 by inserting the AC outlet connector 4170oc into the outlet assembly 5004, as shown in Figures 16a-16b and 18f-18j. Rotatability may be provided by features shown, for example, in Figures 18p-18r.

[0185] 18p-18r, 18v, and 18w show various views of a swiveling disc 5050 in accordance with various examples of the present technology. As previously mentioned, the swiveling disc 5050 may be the component that receives the AC outlet connector 4170oc when connecting the air circuit 4170 to the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The swiveling disc 5050 may provide rotational capabilities for the RPT device and / or humidifier.

[0186] FIG. 18y shows a perspective view of the bottom of an exemplary swiveling disk 5050 and the cable 5070. In other words, this view depicts features of the swiveling disk 5050 positioned opposite the side to which the AC outlet connector 4170oc may connect. The cable 5070, discussed in more detail below, can be seen extending from the underside of the electrical connector receptacle 5052. The end of the cable 5070 inside the electrical connector receptacle 5052 may be in electrical communication with the AC electrical connector 4170ec when the AC outlet connector 4170oc is inserted into the swiveling disk 5050. The free end of the illustrated cable 5070 may be in electrical communication with at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000 (e.g., the central controller 4230, the PCBA 4202, or the power supply 4210). It should also be understood that the cable 5070 may have any length sufficient to perform its connection function, as discussed in more detail below.

[0187] The swivel disc 5050 may also incorporate a swivel disc seal 5051 as shown in Figures 18w, 18x, and 18y, which may comprise a compliant material such as TPE. The swivel disc seal 5051 may function to maintain a seal between the swivel disc 5050 and the outlet tube 4006 to prevent any contaminants from entering the air path, for example by extending around the periphery of the top end of the swivel disc 5050 towards the base of the swivel disc 5050 as shown in Figures 18v and 18y. In one form, the swivel disc seal 5051 may be an overmolded portion of the swivel disc 5050.

[0188] As previously mentioned, the AC outlet connector 4170oc may be releasably coupled to the swiveling disc 5050 by engaging the retention features 4174 with corresponding cutouts 5054 and by engaging the recesses 4170re with the electrical connector receiving portions 5052. When the AC outlet connector 4170oc is connected to the swiveling disc 5050, it may be able to rotate integrally with the swiveling disc relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0189] 70a-c show views of a swiveling disc 5050 coupled to a cable housing 5080. Fig. 70a shows a top view of an exit assembly according to an example of the present technology. In Figs. 70a-c, the swiveling disc 5050 may be in an intermediate rotational position relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0190] FIG. 70b shows a cross section of the outlet assembly 5004 across the plane of symmetry of the female electrical connector 5058 taken along line 70b-70b in FIG. 70a. This example of the present technology shows an inner shoulder 5160 that recesses the female electrical connector 5058 from the opening in the electrical connector receptacle 5052, thereby providing increased electrical safety when engaging and / or disengaging the connector 4170ec of the electrical connector receptacle 5052. The recessed placement of the female electrical connector 5058 from the opening in the electrical connector receptacle 5052 also prevents any electrical arcing at or near exposed areas. This placement of the female electrical connector 5058 and the electrical connector receptacle 5052 also prevents a user from touching any electrically powered components.

[0191] Figure 70c shows another cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly 5004 taken along line 70c-70c of Figure 70a. The inner wall 5082 of the swiveling disc 5050 is visible within the outer wall of the cable housing 5280. The tab 5094 of the cable housing 5080 is also visible. The flange 5112 of the disc 5050 is also visible above the outer wall 5084 of the cable housing 5080.

[0192] 5.4.1.9.6 Limited Rotation The aforementioned disk stop surfaces 5060, 5062 (shown in FIGS. 18y and 18x) have a pair of complementary housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166 (shown in FIGS. 18w and 18t) that may be positioned on an inner wall 5082 of a cable housing 5080. By connecting a swiveling disk 5050 (shown in FIG. 18v) within and to an inner wall 5082 of the cable housing 5080 (shown in FIG. 18w), for example as shown in FIG. 18x, rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 relative to the cable housing 5080 may be limited by engagement of the disk stop surfaces 5060, 5062 with the corresponding housing stop surfaces 5164, 5166 at or near their extreme positions. In one example of the present technology, rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 may be limited to less than approximately 360°. Rotation may be limited to an amount greater than approximately 180°. In a further example, rotation may be limited to approximately 270°. The desired range of rotation of the swiveling disc 5050 may be determined by many factors, such as the position of the swiveling disc 5050 relative to the RPT device 4000 and / or humidifier 5000, the elbow angle of the AC outlet connector 4170, and the material properties of the components.

[0193] The depicted example shows two pairs of complementary stop surfaces, as described above, which may represent opposing ends or surfaces of a single structure. It is also contemplated that multiple stop structures may be formed on each component. For example, two separate protrusions may be provided on the stop surface on the inner wall of the housing, and similarly for the swiveling disc. It is also contemplated that a single housing / swiveling disc combination may have multiple forms of stop surfaces, allowing one combination to include many available rotation limits.

[0194] FIG. 18p shows the swiveling disk 5050 rotated counterclockwise relative to the cable housing 5080 to one extreme position. FIG. 18r shows the swiveling disk 5050 rotated clockwise relative to the cable housing 5080 toward the other extreme position, toward the other limit of travel. FIG. 18q shows the swiveling disk 5050 in a position relative to the cable housing 5080 that is between the extreme positions shown in FIGS. 18p and 18r. While the stop surfaces 5060, 5062, 5164, and 5166 of the swiveling disk 5050 are not visible in FIGS. 18p-18r, it should be understood that one of the disk stop surfaces 5060, 5062 is engaged with and / or abuts the corresponding housing stop surface 5164, 5166 when the swiveling disk 5050 is in either position shown in FIGS. 18p and 18r.

[0195] It should be appreciated that each AC tab 4176 of the AC outlet connector 4170oc includes a retention feature 4174 that engages with a corresponding notch 5054 in the swivel disk 5050 to releasably connect the lower structure to the swivel disk so that they can rotate together relative to the cable housing 5080.

[0196] 5.4.1.9.7 Electrical Cable Connections As previously mentioned, the cable 5070 may be provided to electrically connect the AC electrical connector 4170ec to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or the humidifier 5000. The cable 5070 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 18v-18y and 18u-18x) may be a flexible circuit board (FCB) or a ribbon cable. The cable 5070 may include multiple traces to provide multiple electrical connections for power and signal transmission functions. The cable 5070 may be oriented such that a major surface or a longer side is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the spinning disk. If an FCB is used as the cable 5070, the FCB may be oriented such that the surface of the FCB on which the conductive tracks are located is protected from frictional contact with the cable housing 5080 as the FCB rotates with the spinning disk 5050, helping to extend the life of the cable 5070. Furthermore, the contact surface (away from the conductive tracks) may be provided with a low friction surface so that frictional forces created as it slides relative to the cable housing 5080 are minimized. This can have the effect of reducing the amount of friction experienced by the cable 5070 and reducing the loads imposed on the solder / mounting joints between the cable 5070 and any electrical connectors connected to it, such as the female electrical connector 5058. An example of such a low friction surface may be a polyamide substrate.

[0197] 5.4.1.9.8 Cable Management According to one example of the present technology, the cable 5070 may have one end fixed to the electrical connector receptacle 5052 of the swiveling disk 5050. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the opposite end of the cable 5070 may be connected and fixed to at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000, such as the PCBA 4202, to provide power to the cable. Thus, the cable 5070 may have a predetermined length between the connection to the swiveling disk 5050 and the connection to the at least one component of the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000.

[0198] 18p-18r, the cable 5070 may include slack that may be housed either within the annular portion between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 or within a recess or void 5086 defined at least in part by the cable housing 5080 depending on the position of the swiveling disk 5050. A flange 5112 of the swiveling disk 5050 may help define an upper cover of the annular portion, but the flange 5112 does not contact the cable 5070 within the annular portion. The cable housing 5080 (see FIG. 18s) may include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084, but both of these walls may further define the void 5086. The cable housing 5080 may include a retainer 5090, which may help maintain the cable 5070 in the proper orientation by reducing the chance of tangling or pinching, or may help prevent the slack from being pushed out of the cable housing 5080. The outer diameter of the retainer 5090 may be designed to provide a minimum diameter for bending the cable 5070 without damaging the electrical components of the cable 5070, for example, an outer diameter of about 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, or some other outer diameter. It should be understood that the outer diameter size of the retainer 5090 may vary depending on the size and type of cable used. As can be seen in FIG. 18s, the depicted exemplary cable housing 5080 may include an opening, which may be formed in the shape of a slot, through which the cable 5070 can pass while retaining an approximately predetermined length of the cable 5070 within the cable housing 5080.

[0199] The cable 5070 is at least partially wrapped around the inner wall 5082 within the annular portion 5174 when the swiveling disk is rotated toward the extreme position shown in FIG. 18r. The cable 5070 does not wrap around the swiveling disk 5050 but moves with the swiveling disk within the annular portion as the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated.

[0200] 18p-18r depict other features of the depicted example of the present technology. As the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated between extreme positions, the cable 5070 may be pushed or pulled between the gap 5086 and the annular portion of the cable housing 5080 due to its connection to the swiveling disk 5050. For example, as the swiveling disk 5050 is rotated from the position shown in FIG. 18p to the position shown in FIG. 18r, it can be seen that a portion of the cable 5070 is pulled out of the gap 5086 and into the annular portion 5088. It should be understood that the portion of the cable 5070 shown folded within the gap 5086 in FIG. 18p, for example, may be considered slack. In other words, slack may be excess cable representing a length of cable other than that which needs to be directly connected to the swiveling disk 5050. 18p to the position shown in Figure 18q, slack may be gradually removed from the void 5086 so that as the cable is pulled, the slack in the cable 5070 can gradually be pulled into the annular portion 5088 and begin to wrap around the inner wall 5082. As the swiveling disc 5050 is further rotated from the position shown in Figure 18q to the position shown in Figure 18r, an increasing portion of the cable 5070 is pulled into the annular portion 5088, and the slack may be completely or nearly completely pulled out of the void 5086. The recess or void 5086 and the annular portion 5088 may be formed on opposite sides of the inner wall 5082.

[0201] 18r, through the position of FIG. 18q, and to the position of FIG. 18p, counter-rotation of the swiveling disk 5050 can gradually force the cable 5070 out of the annular portion 5088 and out around the inner wall 5082, thereby increasing the slack in the gap 5086 and causing it to begin to fold over. In one example of the present technology, the maximum slack in the cable 5070 may have a predetermined length. In other examples, the predetermined length may be less than approximately the circumference of the swiveling disk 5050 and / or may be approximately equal to the arc distance swept out by the electrical connector receiving portion 5052 as the swiveling disk rotates between its extreme positions. It should also be understood that in one example of the present technology, the greatest amount of slack in the cable 5070 is collected or contained within the gap 5086 when the swiveling disk 5050 is in the position shown in FIG. 18p.

[0202] 5.4.1.9.9 Cable Housing 18s-18t depict features of a cable housing 5080 in accordance with an example of the present technology. As previously described, the cable housing 5080 may include an inner wall 5082 and an outer wall 5084 that may collectively define a cavity 5086 and an annular portion 5088. The inner wall 5082 may define an opening 5092 through which the outlet tube 4006 may extend when the outlet assembly 5004 is assembled to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. To further facilitate this assembly, a housing tab 5094 (see FIG. 18t) may be located on the cable housing 5080 to attach the cable housing to the RPT device 4000 or humidifier 5000. This may improve the manufacturability and serviceability of the cable housing 5080. The housing tabs 5094 may be configured such that they can support the weight of the humidifier 5000 and RPT device 4000 by themselves and / or as a set. This may prevent damage from occurring to the humidifier 5000, RPT device 4000, or cable housing 5080 when the assembly is accidentally lifted by the air circuit 4170 or AC outlet connector 4170oc. In some cases, the air circuit 4170 or AC outlet connector 4170oc may be configured to mechanically fail if the humidifier 5000 and / or RPT device 4000 is held in place and a force is imposed upward on the air circuit 4170 and / or AC outlet connector 4170oc.

[0203] Returning to the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084, in examples of the present technology, it can be seen that the slack portion of the cable 5070 forms a radius within the void 5086 (see, e.g., FIG. 18p). This radius may affect the stress imposed on the cable 5070 (and therefore potentially the operational life of the cable) and is defined in part by the distance between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 within the void 5086 (VO_W in FIG. 18s). Thus, these walls may be spaced apart a distance in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm across the void 5086 based on the desired minimum radius of the cable 5070. In one example, the distance is in the range of 4 mm to 5 mm. It should be understood that the desired minimum radius of the cable may vary depending on the characteristics of the cable 5070 and the design parameters of the cable, such as its design life or usage. Similarly, the length of the gap 5086 (VO_L in FIG. 18s) may be increased or decreased according to the maximum slack length of the cable 5070 that can be provided by the maximum rotation of the swiveling disk 5050.

[0204] The width of the annular portion 5088 between the inner wall 5082 and the outer wall 5084 (AN_W in FIG. 18s) may be minimized as the cable 5070 moves within the annular portion as the swiveling disk 5050 rotates from one extreme position to the other. This may have the advantage of reducing noise generated by the cable and preventing buckling of the cable within the annular portion. The width of the annular portion may be approximately 1 mm to 4 mm, e.g., 2 mm or 3 mm, and, of course, the width may depend on various features and / or characteristics of the assembly, such as the characteristics of the cable selected or the radius of the inner wall 5082. In some configurations, the inner wall 5082 of the annular portion 5088 and / or the outer wall 5084 of the annular portion 5088 may include a cushioning material to help improve acoustic performance when the swiveling disk is rotated. The cushioning material may ensure that the cable moves around the inner wall 5082 rather than the outer wall 5084, or vice versa.

[0205] In one example of the present technology, the cable housing 5080 may be formed from polypropylene or polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS). The swiveling disc 5050 may be formed from a combination of polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC / ABS) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0206] 5.4.1.10 Oxygen Delivery Port 4180 In one form of the present technology, one or more oxygen delivery ports 4180 may be used to deliver supplemental oxygen to one or more points in the pneumatic path, such as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020, to the air circuit 4170, or to the patient interface 3000.

[0207] 5.4.1.11 Power Supply 4210 The power supply 4210 may be located inside or outside the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000 .

[0208] In one form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power only to the RPT device 4000. In another form of the present technology, the power supply 4210 provides power to both the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0209] 5.4.1.12 Central Controller 4230 In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is one or more processors suitable for controlling the RPT device 4000.

[0210] Suitable processors include x86 INTEL processors and ARM Cortex processors provided by ARM Holdings. -M processor-based processors, such as the STM32 series from ST Microelectronic In certain other forms of the present technology, the ST MICRO 32-bit RISC CPUs such as the STR9 series microcontrollers offered by ELECTRONICS , or the MSP430 family of microcontrollers manufactured by Texas Instruments A 16-bit RISC CPU, such as a processor from Lee, may also be suitable.

[0211] In one form of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0212] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an application specific integrated circuit. In another form, the central controller 4230 comprises separate electronic components.

[0213] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive input signals from one or more transducers 4270 and one or more input devices 4220 .

[0214] 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.

[0215] In some forms of the present technology, the central controller 4230 is configured to implement one or more methodologies described herein, such as one or more algorithms represented as a computer program stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as the memory 4260. 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, some methodologies may be performed by a remotely located device. For example, the remotely located device may determine control settings for a ventilator or may detect respiratory-related events by analysis of stored data from, for example, any of the sensors described herein.

[0216] 5.4.1.13 Clock 4232 The RPT device 4000 preferably includes a clock 4232 connected to the central controller 4230 .

[0217] 5.4.1.14 Therapy Device Controller 4240 In one form of the present technology, the therapy device controller 4240 is a control module 4330 that forms part of the algorithm executed by the central controller 4230.

[0218] 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 is used.

[0219] 5.4.1.15 Protection circuit 4250 The one or more protection circuits 4250 according to the present technology may include electrical protection circuits, temperature and pressure safety circuits.

[0220] 5.4.1.16 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.

[0221] Memory 4260 is preferably located on PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may be in the form of EEPROM or NAND flash.

[0222] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 includes a removable form of memory 4260, such as a memory card formed in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.

[0223] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 acts as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which are stored computer program instructions representing one or more methodologies described herein, such as one or more algorithms.

[0224] 5.4.1.17 Data Communication System 4280 In one form of the present technology, a data communications interface 4280 is provided and connected to the central controller 4230. The data communications interface 4280 may allow the RPT device 4000 to connect to other devices or networks, such as a remote external communications network 4282, a local external communications network 4284, a remote external device 4286, or a local external device 4288. The data communications interface 4280 may communicate data with other devices / networks to which it is connected, for example to send data to the RPT device 4000 or receive messages regarding the patient's 1000 previous night's sleep.

[0225] Remote external communications network 4282 or local external communications network 4284 may be further connectable to other networks or devices, such as remote external device 4286 or local external device 4288, respectively, as shown in Figure 5e.

[0226] Examples of remote external communications network 4282 include the Internet and cellular networks. Data communications interface 4280 may connect to remote external communications network 4282 using one or more communications methods (wired or wireless), such as Ethernet, USB, fiber optics, CDMA, GSM, LTE, etc. In some forms, data communications interface 4280 may connect to a network via another network or device (not shown).

[0227] Examples of local external communications network 4284 include a home computer network and a hospital computer network, hi one form, local external communications network 4284 utilizes one or more communications standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or consumer infrared protocol.

[0228] In one form, data communications interface 4280 may communicate with one or more servers including one or more processors, memory, and other components typically found in general purpose computing devices, such as those disclosed in Australian Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 2014901998, 2014901999, and 2014901997, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0229] In one form, remote external device 4286 is one or more computers. Such remote external device 4286 may be accessible to an appropriately authorized person, such as a physician. Local external device 4288 may include a personal computer, a cell phone, a tablet, or a remote control.

[0230] In one form (shown in FIGS. 10a-10b), the data communications interface 4280 may be a wireless communication module located on a PCBA separate from the main PCBA. The data communications interface 4280 may include an antenna 4280an and an antenna ground plane 4280gp. The antenna ground plane 4280gp in this form may include a PCB and may improve the performance of the antenna 4280an (and therefore the performance of the data communications interface 4280).

[0231] The antenna 4280an may transmit and receive signals to enable the data communication interface 4280 to communicate with, for example, a server as described above. The antenna 4280an may be an elongate member engaged with an antenna ground plane 4280gp (described in more detail below). The antenna 4280an is positioned towards the periphery of the RPT device 4000 to improve the fidelity and strength of any signals to and from the antenna 4280an, for example, adjacent the edge of the side panel 4014 as shown in FIG. 10a. In one form, the antenna 4280an may be positioned so that its major axis is oriented substantially vertically for improved efficiency.

[0232] The geometry (e.g., length) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the antenna 4280an, may affect the performance level of the ground plane 4280gp (and therefore the antenna 4280an). In general, increasing the length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be beneficial to its performance. Preferably, the antenna ground plane is arranged in a rectangular shape (not shown), extending in a direction perpendicular to the antenna's major axis. The length of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is preferably such that minimum performance requirements for the antenna ground plane 4280gp are met. Similar to the antenna 4280an described above, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may be arranged generally vertically and positioned toward the periphery of the RPT device 4000 where it is engaged with the side panel 4014, for example, as shown in FIG. 10a.

[0233] However, in some cases, the configuration of the RPT device 4000 (e.g., the overall size of the RPT device and the arrangement of components within the RPT device) may prevent the antenna ground plane 4280gp from having (or exceeding) the length necessary to meet minimum performance requirements without a concomitant increase in the size of the RPT device 4000. Furthermore, in some cases, the RPT device 4000 may include one or more radiation sources (e.g., motor or otherwise) that can increase the performance level necessary for the data communication system 4280 to function properly.

[0234] According to one aspect of the present technology, the antenna ground plane 4280gp includes one or more cutouts configured to increase the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp. In such a configuration, the effective length of the ground plane 4280gp may be increased by the length on either side of the one or more cutouts. The one or more cutouts may improve the performance of the ground plane 4280gp while allowing the ground plane 4280gp to be arranged in more complex geometric shapes than a rectangle as shown in FIG. 10b.

[0235] The effective overall length (Leff) of the ground plane 4280gp may be determined by the length of the antenna ground plane and the lengths of both side walls of each cutout in the antenna ground plane 4280gp. In the example shown in FIG. 10b, the antenna ground plane 4280gp may include a cutout having a first side 4280n1 and a second side 4280n2. In this configuration, the effective overall length (Leff) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is the sum of the length (L1) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp, the length of the first side (Ln1), and the length of the second side (Ln2). Therefore, the effective length (Leff) of the antenna ground plane 4280gp is Leff = L1 + Ln1 + Ln2.

[0236] The cutouts may improve the performance of the wireless data communications interface by, for example, more than 25% (e.g., by 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%), which may otherwise be achieved by increasing the size of the antenna ground plane 4280gp. Thus, as previously mentioned, the inclusion of cutouts may beneficially allow for a reduction in the size of the RPT device 4000 that may not otherwise be possible.

[0237] 5.4.1.18 Input Device 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 person to interact with the device. The buttons, switches, or dials may be physical devices or may be software devices accessible via a touch screen. The buttons, switches, or dials may in one form be physically connected to the external housing 4010, or in other forms may be in wireless communication with a receiver that is in electrical connection to the central controller 4230.

[0238] In one form, the input device 4220 may be constructed and arranged to allow a person to select values ​​and / or menu options.

[0239] 9a, the RPT device 4000 may include a first button 4222, a second button 4224, and a first dial 4226, for example to start or stop treatment. The first dial 4226 may in some forms be depressible to function as a button.

[0240] 5.4.1.19 Optional display and output devices, including alarms 4290 The output device 4290 of the present technology may take the form of one or more of a visual unit, an audio unit, and a tactile unit. The visual display 4294 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) display.

[0241] 5.4.1.19.1 Display Driver 4292 The display driver 4292 receives as input characters, symbols or images to be displayed on the display 4294 and converts them into commands that cause the display 4294 to display those characters, symbols or images.

[0242] 5.4.1.19.2 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 LCD screen positioned on the front of RPT device 4000 as shown in Figure 9a. 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 activated to display a particular character or symbol.

[0243] In some embodiments, the display 4294 may be separate from the RPT device 4000, or another device such as a smartphone may be used as the display 4294. In such embodiments, the display 4294 may be in communication with the RPT device 4000 via the data communication interface 4280.

[0244] 5.4.1.20 User Interface Panel 4190 In one form, the RPT device 4000 may include a user interface panel 4190, for example as shown in Figures 12a-12d. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or more of a shield for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for the buttons 4222, 4224, an exterior housing light port 4010lp (and light well 4190lw) for the ambient light sensor 4278, and one or more seals to prevent water from entering the interior of the RPT device 4000.

[0245] The user interface panel 4190 may include a display cover 4294co. The display cover 4294co may be configured to protect the display 4294 from damage while allowing an unobstructed view of the display 4294, for example, by being formed from a rigid, transparent material. In one form, the display cover 4294co may be formed with a curvature to act as a lens to aid in viewing the display 4294. The user interface panel 4190 may further include a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or silicone, to act as a seal.

[0246] The user interface panel 4190 may include a dial opening 4226ap for receiving an encoder shaft 4226sh (see FIGS. 13a-13b) for the dial 4226. The user interface panel 4190 may include one or both of a dial seal 4226se and a dial cover 4226co to prevent water from entering the interior of the RPT device 4000 (see FIGS. 12a-12d). In one form, the dial cover 4226co is configured with a greater height at or near the top of the dial 4226, thereby encouraging any water that enters that area to flow downward or even toward the dial seal 4226se without entering the RPT device 4000. The dial seal 4226se may further prevent water from entering by sealing around the encoder shaft 4226sh for the dial 4226 while allowing the dial to rotate.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the user interface panel 4190 may comprise a UI base 4190ba and a UI seal 4190se, as shown in Figures 12b and 12d. The UI base 4190ba may perform one or more of the functions described above, such as a shield for the display 4294, an actuation mechanism for the buttons 4222, 4224, and an exterior housing light port 4010lp for the ambient light sensor 4278. Accordingly, the UI base 4190ba may be constructed from a transparent material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a polycarbonate material. With such a configuration, the UI base 4190ba may be integrally provided with a light well 4190lw (or light pipe) configured as described above, and in one form configured as a prism or protrusion extending from the underside of a first surface of the UI base 4190ba near the ambient light sensor 4278 to the top side of the other opposite surface facing the exterior of the RPT device 4000 as shown in Figures 12a-12d. In one form, one end of the light well 4190lw may terminate to form an exterior housing light port 4010lp.

[0248] The UI seal 4190se may seal one or more areas, such as between the UI base 4190ba and the outer housing 4010, between the encoder shaft 4226sh and the UI base 4190ba, between the display 4294 and the UI base 4190ba, or between the UI base 4190ba and the buttons 4222, 4224. The UI seal 4190se may be engaged with the UI base 4190ba as an overmolded mold, resulting in a single, unitary user interface panel 4190, as shown in Figures 12a and 12c, for example, to which the buttons 4222, 4224 may be coupled. The user interface panel 4190 may then be coupled to the main PCBA 4202, as shown in Figure 5a, for example.

[0249] Because the RPT device 4000 may be used in conjunction with a humidifier 5000 (either separate or integrated), the patient 1000 may often continually interact with the humidifier and the user interface, for example, by starting the RPT device 4000 after filling a water reservoir or navigating a user menu. Therefore, it may be beneficial for the user interface panel 4190 to effectively prevent or impede water from entering the RPT device 4000. Also, constructing the UI base 4190ba from a single material and serving multiple functions as described above may result in reduced manufacturing costs.

[0250] 5.4.1.21 Front Panel 4012 One example of a front panel 4012 may be configured as shown in Figures 14a-14b. The front panel 4012 may be detachable from the RPT device 4000, for example, to allow the patient 1000 to customize the visual appearance of the RPT device 4000 or to distinguish one model of the RPT device 4000 from other models, where multiple models are available, for example. In one form, the front panel 4012 may communicate with the central controller 4230 to customize an aspect of the RPT device 4000 to provide one of a number of different operating modes, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 14 / 204,041, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0251] The front panel 4012 may include one or more retention features to enable the front panel 4012 to be secured to the RPT device, for example, by engagement with the outer housing 4010. In one form, the front panel 4012 may include one or more internal shoulders 4012sh (shown in FIG. 14b) configured to engage with one or more complementary features on the outer housing 4010, such as protrusions 4010pr (shown in FIGS. 13a-13b). The outer housing 4010 may include an access point, such as a front panel cutout 4010co, configured to receive the fingers of the patient 1000 to enable the patient 1000 to remove the front panel 4012, for example, by lifting the front panel 4012 from the outer housing 4010. The front panel 4012 may further include a cavity to allow access to light via the outer housing light port 4010lp.

[0252] 5.4.2 RPT Device User Interface The RPT device 4000 may include a user interface that includes a visual interface presented, for example, through a display 4294. A user (e.g., the patient 1000) may interact with the RPT device 4000 using the input device 4220 described above.

[0253] 5.4.2.1 Visual Interface The visual interface may comprise a menu of items from which the user can select. The user may interact with the menu by selecting one of a number of items provided on the menu using an input device 4220, such as a dial, or by touching an area of ​​a touchscreen. The user may confirm the selection, for example, by pressing a button or touching the touchscreen.

[0254] 5.4.2.1.1 First Menu Screen According to one embodiment, a first menu screen 4295m1 presented to a user is configured as shown in FIGS. 15a-15b. The first menu screen 4295m1 may present the user with a limited number of submenu options, for example, two submenu options. According to another embodiment, the submenu options may be arranged according to the particular type of interaction the user may have with the RPT device 4000. For example, the first menu screen 4295m1 may include a selectable menu 4295se and a report menu 4295re. The selectable menu 4295se may substantially include menu items with which the user may interact, and the report menu 4295re may substantially include menu items that can report information to the user. By substantially dividing the user interface into categories based on user interaction, the user may be able to more effectively interact with the user interface and navigate through the submenu items.

[0255] In some cases, the first menu screen 4295m1 may be the very highest level of a menu hierarchy or menu structure, and therefore may preferably provide the user with sub-menu options arranged according to the particular type of interaction that may be anticipated.

[0256] 15c-15d show another example of a first clinical menu screen 4295m2 showing a "Clinical" menu with a selectable menu 4295se and a reports menu 4295re. The clinical menu may be activated by a predetermined action, such as pressing certain user interface buttons in a specific order. Like the first menu screen 4295m1, the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 may be the very highest level of a menu hierarchy or menu structure for another set of menu items (and submenu options). While the first clinical menu screen 4295m2 provides different visual icons (and titles) than the first menu screen 4295m1, the placement of the two submenu options may preferably be arranged according to the particular type of interaction expected therewith, so that the layout of the user interface remains consistent for improved usability.

[0257] Thus, in one form, the top-level menu, whether it is the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, may include a predetermined, consistent number of sub-menu items, for example, two sub-menu items, as shown in Figures 15a-15d. For example, by arranging the very top level hierarchy to include predetermined sub-menu items arranged by the type of interaction expected, a user may preferably be able to maintain familiarity with the interface. This may be particularly beneficial because a significant proportion of users of medical devices, such as RPT devices, may not be familiar with high-tech tools or devices.

[0258] The selectable menu 4295se may include items that may be individually selected by a user to, for example, change the behavior or functionality of the RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000) or to enter submenu items. For example, the selectable menu 4295se may be displayed as shown in FIGS. 15a-15d and, when entered, may include one or more configurable items, such as a therapy mode, ramp time, humidity level, language, date, units, mask type, or pressure level. In one example, a user may navigate to a submenu of the selectable menu 4295se or reach a selectable submenu 4295o1 or 4295o2, depending on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 15e or FIG. 15f. In either case, however, the user may end up reaching a series of selectable items.

[0259] The report menu 4295re may include items related to reporting data. For example, the report menu 4295re (e.g., shown in FIG. 15a or 15c) may include one or more report items, such as total hours of use, events per hour, mask seal report, or humidifier performance report, as entered. In another example, while the device is operating, the report menu 4295re (e.g., shown in FIG. 15b or 15d) may include one or more status items, such as current pressure level, leak level, remaining ramp time, or humidifier status, as entered. In one example, the user may navigate to a submenu of the report menu 4295re or reach a report submenu 4295r1 or 4295r2, depending on whether the navigation was from the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295m2, respectively, as shown in FIG. 15g or 15h. In either case, however, the user may end up reaching a series of selectable items as shown.

[0260] According to another aspect, the visual interface 4295 may be configured such that the items displayed on the first menu screen 4295m1 (or first clinical menu screen 4295c1) may change according to the status of device operation while the layout remains consistent as seen in Figures 15a-15d. The first menu screen 4295m1 shown in Figure 15a may change to the menu screen shown in Figure 15b (and from Figure 15c to Figure 15d) when the RPT device 4000 is operating, thereby changing the image displayed for the report menu 4295re.

[0261] Similarly, the selectable menu 4295se appears in approximately the same position in Figures 15a and 15c, but the image displayed may vary depending on whether the first menu screen 4295m1 or the first clinical menu screen 4295c1 is displayed on the visual interface 4295.

[0262] The composition of the first menu screen 4295m1 (or first clinical menu screen 4295c1) including one sub-menu item with configurable items and another sub-menu item with reports may be beneficial in one or more respects. In one aspect, a user can more easily navigate through the menu items because the structure of the menu remains consistent despite any changes in the menu according to its operational state (e.g., operation of the RPT device 4000, or differences between clinical and patient menus). Furthermore, by changing the displayed images while maintaining a consistent layout, a user can be effectively informed of changes in one or more operational states of the RPT device without potentially causing confusion due to changes in the menu structure.

[0263] 5.4.2.1.2 Subsequent Menu Screens Examples of submenus for selectable menu 4295se are shown in Figures 15e and 15f. As can be seen, the contents of selectable submenus 4295o1 and 4295o2, excluding headings, are selectable items that may be actionable by the user. For example, a user may scroll down to content such as "Mask" shown in Figure 15e to change the type of mask the RPT device 4000 is coupled to, or to "Humidity" shown in Figure 15f to change the desired level of humidity output of the humidifier 5000.

[0264] Examples of submenus for the reports menu 4295re are shown in Figures 15g and 15h. Reports submenus 4295r1 and 4295r2 may be configured to display information in contrast to the content of selectable submenus 4295o1 or 4295o2 described above.

[0265] In one form, a submenu, such as selectable submenu 4295o1 or 4295o2 or report submenu 4295r1 or 4295r2, may have a larger number of items that can be displayed on the screen of RPT device 4000 (or humidifier 5000). Accordingly, a submenu may be configured so that a movable portion of the submenu (e.g., window portion 4295w in Figures 15e-15g) is displayed on the screen by scrolling. Such a configuration may be particularly useful in configurations where the user interface may have a relatively small screen to reduce the amount of forward and backward navigation between different levels of submenus.

[0266] In one form, the report submenu 4295r3 or 4295r4 may display one or more aspects of the operation of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000, for example as shown in Figures 15i-15j. The one or more aspects may include, for example, the status of the humidifier 5000, the fidelity of the connection between the data communications interface 4280 and other devices / networks to which it is connected, the amount of leakage, or one or more settings of the RPT device 4000 and the humidifier 5000.

[0267] In one form, the report submenus 4295a1-4295a8 may display one or more sequential images, such as the animated arcs shown in Figures 15k-15p. In one form, the report submenus may change to notify the user of a change in condition. For example, the animated arcs shown in Figures 15k-15p may be displayed to the user to inform them that the RPT device 4000 is in a "ramp" period. Then, at the end of the ramp period, the report submenu may change to the report submenu shown in Figure 15q to notify the user of the end of the ramp period.

[0268] 5.5 Humidifier 5000 5.5.1 Humidifier overview In one form of the present technology, a humidifier 5000 is provided to alter the absolute humidity of air or gas for delivery to a patient relative to ambient air. Generally, the humidifier 5000 is used to increase the absolute humidity and temperature (relative to ambient air) of the airflow before delivery to the patient's airways. In one form, the humidifier 5000 may be a separate unit that can be connected to the RPT device 4000. In other forms, the humidifier 5000 may be integrated with the RPT device 4000, for example as shown in FIG. 5c and as described in more detail below.

[0269] The humidifier 5000 may comprise a water reservoir 5110, a heating element 5240, and one or more transducers. The humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive an air flow from the RPT device 4000 and deliver a humidified air flow to the patient interface 3000, for example via the air circuit 4170.

[0270] 5.5.2 Humidifier components 5.5.2.1 Water Reservoir 5110 According to one configuration, the humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir 5110 configured to hold or maintain a predetermined amount of liquid (e.g., water) to be used to humidify the airflow. FIGS. 16c-16d show one form of the water reservoir 5110, including a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and a middle portion 5202 including a conforming portion 5116. The water reservoir 5110 is configured to hold a predetermined maximum amount of water to provide adequate humidification for at least the duration of a respiratory therapy session, such as a night's sleep. Typically, the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold several hundred milliliters of water, e.g., 300 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml. In another configuration, the humidifier 5000 may be configured to receive the predetermined amount of water from an external water source, such as a building's water system.

[0271] According to one embodiment, the water reservoir 5110 is configured to add humidity to the airflow from the RPT device 4000 as the airflow moves through the RPT device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured to encourage the airflow to move in a tortuous path through the reservoir 5110 while coming into contact with a predetermined amount of water within the reservoir.

[0272] The reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent liquid from exiting the reservoir, for example, through any openings or between its subcomponents, for example, when the reservoir 5110 is moved or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Because the airflow to be humidified by the humidifier 5000 is generally pressurized, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to prevent loss of air pressure due to leakage or flow impedance.

[0273] The water reservoir 5110 may include an inlet 5118 for receiving a flow of air into the reservoir 5110 and an outlet 5122 for delivering the flow of air from the reservoir 5110. The reservoir 5110 may include a reservoir inlet tube 5124 and a reservoir outlet tube 5126 (see, for example, FIG. 16e). In one form, the inlet 5118 and the reservoir inlet tube 5124 are integrally formed as a single inlet component, and the outlet 5122 and the reservoir outlet tube 5126 are integrally formed as a single outlet component.

[0274] 20-23 show one form of a water reservoir 5110 comprising a reservoir base 5112, a reservoir lid 5114, and an adjustable 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 milliliters (ml), 325 ml, 350 ml, or 400 ml, although it should be understood that other volumes of liquid, e.g., 100 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, or more or less, may also be utilized. In one form, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a cavity formed by multiple walls to hold the predetermined maximum volume of liquid, as shown in FIGS. 22-23.

[0275] 5.5.2.2 Water Reservoir Dock 5130 The humidifier 5000 may include a water reservoir dock 5130 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. As shown in FIG. 25, the water reservoir dock 5130 may form a cavity 5160 for receiving the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the water reservoir dock 5130 may be integrated with the humidifier 5000, as shown in FIGS. 24-27. The water reservoir dock 5130 may also connect the water reservoir 5110 to the pneumatic path. In this configuration, the reservoir dock 5130 includes a dock gas outlet 5168 for outputting the flow of breathable gas to the water reservoir 5110, a dock gas inlet 5170 for receiving the flow of breathable gas that has been humidified in the water reservoir 5110, and a humidifier outlet 5172 for communicating the flow of humidified breathable gas to the air circuit 4170. The cavity 5160 may include an upper end configured to cover at least a portion of the lid of the reservoir 5110 and a lower end that includes the heater plate 5120 .

[0276] It should be understood that in an alternative configuration, the reservoir dock 5130 may be provided separately from the humidifier 5000. In such a configuration, an additional interface may be used to connect the reservoir dock 5130 to the humidifier 5000.

[0277] In other configurations, the water reservoir dock 5130 may have an opening in a generally horizontal plane so that the water reservoir 5110 can be inserted from above or below the water reservoir dock 5130 .

[0278] 5.5.2.3 Water Reservoir Lid 5114 In one form, the water reservoir lid 5114 is pivotally connected to the base 5112 (e.g., by a hinge 5158 as shown in FIG. 16e) to enable the reservoir 5110 to be converted between an open and a closed configuration (see FIGS. 16j and 16k). When the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed configuration, the conforming portion 5116 is placed in sealing engagement between the base 5112 and the lid 5114 to seal the base 5112 and the lid 5114. The hinge 5158 may be coupled to a complementary hinge recess 5159 (shown in FIG. 16f) 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. Furthermore, the pivotable connection may allow the water reservoir lid 5114 and base 5112 to be pressed toward each other compared to their normal operating configuration, for example, to insert the reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 as described in more detail below.

[0279] Another aspect of the present technology relates to the manipulation of the pivotal movement of the lid 5114 relative to the base 5112. Because the lid 5114 rotates about a hinge 5158, a range of rotation can be defined as shown in FIGS. 62a and 62b. 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. In this case, one of the two ends may be a fully open position defined by a rotation guide 5220, which may interfere with a rotation stopper 5222 in the fully open position.

[0280] According to another aspect, 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 beyond the rotation stop 5222 and the rotation guide 5220. As shown in FIGS. 62b and 63b, in the fully open position, the rotation guide 5220 may contact the rotation stop 5222. In this configuration, any attempt to open the lid 5114 further relative to the base 5112 may cause the rotation stop 5222 to act as a cantilever pivot and cause the lid 5114 to separate from the base 5112 at the hinge 5158, thereby avoiding damage to the reservoir 5110, for example, due to the application of excessive force to the reservoir. In one aspect, the hinge 5158 may be configured such that the lid 5114 can be more easily removed from the base 5112 in one direction than in another direction (when the reservoir 5110 is in the fully open position). This may be achieved, for example, by introducing a taper into the hinge 5158 on the lid 5114 as shown in Figures 58a and 58b.

[0281] The water reservoir lid 5114, in one form shown in Figure 16e, may comprise an inlet 5118, a reservoir inlet tube 5124, an outlet 5122, and a reservoir outlet tube 5126. The reservoir 5110 may further comprise flow elements such as baffles (e.g., an inlet cap 5125 shown in Figures 16e and 16k and / or a plate 5123 as shown in Figures 16e and 16k) configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In one example, the water reservoir lid 5114 may further comprise one or more baffles configured to direct air through a tortuous path within the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the baffle may be coupled to the end of the reservoir inlet tube 5124 as an inlet cap 5125 (shown in Figures 16e and 16k), and in another form, the baffle may be arranged as a plate 5123 (shown in Figures 16e and 16k).

[0282] 5.5.2.4 Adaptable / Variable Part 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 be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114 or as part of the reservoir base 5112, or independently of both, for example, as part of the intermediate portion 5202 (see FIGS. 16l-16m). The compliant portion 5116 may be engaged with the reservoir lid 5114 or reservoir base 5112 by any number of means, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction fit, adhesive, or through the use of an intermediate component.

[0283] The compliant portion 5116 preferably comprises a structure that is sufficiently resilient so that it can withstand forces and / or pressures generated on the reservoir 5110, such as forces and / or pressures generated by a user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or airflow through the reservoir 5110. The compliant portion 5116 is also preferably compliant so that it can couple to and conform to the shape of the lid 5114 and / or base 5112 to form a seal. In one form, the rigid portion of the middle section may be constructed from a nylon material that is approximately 2 mm thick (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.), and a silicone material may be used to overmold onto the rigid portion to form the compliant portion 5116.

[0284] In some configurations, the conforming portion 5116 may be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, or the base 5112 and / or the lid 5114 may be formed as two separate pieces that can be assembled with the conforming portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0285] In another configuration, the compliant portion 5116 may be positioned within the wall of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the wall of the reservoir lid 5114, either integrally, for example by overmolding, or as separate components connected as a subassembly. In such a configuration, the compliant portion is not positioned between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but is positioned within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be multiple compliant portions 5116, or the compliant portion may be formed of multiple pieces, to provide even greater compliance in movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0286] In one form, when the water reservoir 5110 is in use, the variable portion 5116 may act as a seal between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114. The variable portion 5116 may also serve other functions, such as to enhance thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described in more detail below.

[0287] The variable portion 5116 may be provided as part of the reservoir lid 5114, as part of the reservoir base 5112, or independently of both. The variable portion 5116 may be engaged with the reservoir lid 5114 or the reservoir base 5112 by any number of means, including, but not limited to, ultrasonic welding, friction fit, adhesive, or by using an intermediate component. The variable portion 5116 may comprise a carrier 5117 (shown in FIG. 23).

[0288] The variable portion 5116 is preferably configured to be sufficiently resilient so as to resist compressive forces and / or pressures generated in the reservoir 5110, such as those generated by a user, the reservoir dock 5130, and / or the flow of breathable gas through the reservoir 5110. The variable portion is also conformable in plan so as to be able to couple to and conform to the shape of the lid 5114 and / or base 5112. In one form, the carrier 5117 may be constructed from a nylon material about 2 mm thick (e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.), and a silicone material may be used to overmold onto the carrier 5117 to form the variable portion.

[0289] In some configurations, the variable portion 5116 may be coupled to the lid 5114 and / or the base 5112, or the base 5112 and / or the lid 5114 may be formed as two separate pieces that can be assembled with the variable portion 5116 coupled therebetween.

[0290] In another configuration, the compliant portion 5116 may be positioned within the walls of the reservoir base 5112 and / or the walls of the reservoir lid 5114, either integrally, for example by overmolding, or as separate components connected as a subassembly. In such a configuration, the variable portion is not positioned between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, but is positioned within the reservoir base 5112 and / or the reservoir lid 5114. There may be multiple variable portions 5116 to provide even greater compliance in the movement of the reservoir 5110.

[0291] 5.5.2.5 Water Reservoir Base 5112 According to one configuration, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion 5120 (such as a base conductor plate 5152, see e.g., FIG. 16f) configured to thermally couple with the heating element 5240 of the humidifier 5000. The conductive portion 5152 improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the heating element 5240 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. All or part of the base conductor plate 5152 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.) or other thermally conductive material such as a metal. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material of a suitable thickness.

[0292] The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a receptacle for holding a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that the reservoir 5110 is configured to hold. In one form, the base 5112 may include additional features, such as an overfill prevention feature.

[0293] In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may further comprise an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226, for example, as shown in Figures 64 and 65. 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 an 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 subjected to vibration.

[0294] It should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed of any number of parts. The reservoir base 5112 may be constructed as a single piece formed from, for example, aluminum or other thermally conductive material such as metal. In other configurations, the reservoir base 5112 may be constructed of two pieces, for example, comprising a lower component and an upper component.

[0295] According to one configuration, the reservoir base 5112 includes a conductive portion (e.g., a base conductor plate 5152) 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 formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm, etc.) or other thermally conductive material. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material of a suitable thickness.

[0296] The reservoir base 5112 may also be configured as a receptacle for holding a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that the reservoir 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. The reservoir base 5112 may also include a base upper body 5146 and a base bottom plate 5148, which together with the base conductor plate 5152 may form a receptacle.

[0297] The base upper body 5146 and / or base bottom plate 5148 may be constructed from a biocompatible material suitable for holding large amounts of liquid, such as a plastic or thermoplastic polymer, for example, an ABS or polycarbonate material. The base conductor plate 5152 may include a sealing element 5150 that may be incorporated into and / or sealingly connected to both the base upper body 5146 and the base bottom plate 5148 to prevent the escape of water from the water reservoir 5110, and particularly from 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.

[0298] In one form shown in FIG. 23 , the base 5112 may comprise a base upper body 5146, a base bottom plate 5148, and a base conductor plate 5152. However, it should be understood that the reservoir base 5112 may be comprised of any number of parts. The reservoir base 5112 may be comprised as a single piece formed from, for example, aluminum or other thermally conductive material, such as metal. In other configurations, the reservoir base 5112 may be comprised of two pieces, for example, a lower component and an upper component. In such a configuration, the lower component may be comprised of a thermally conductive material and serve as the base conductor plate 5152, the sealing element 5150, and the base bottom plate 5148, and the upper component may correspond to the base upper body 5146 and may be comprised of a polycarbonate material.

[0299] In one form, the reservoir base 5112 may further include an inner lip 5224 and / or an outer lip 5226, as shown, for example, in Figures 64-65. According to one embodiment, the inner lip 5224 and / or the outer lip 5226 may prevent liquid from flowing out of the reservoir 5110 through an interface between the middle portion 5202 (e.g., the sealing portion 5204) and the base 5112, for example, when the middle portion 5202 is compressed or when the middle portion 5202 is subjected to vibration.

[0300] 5.5.2.6 Reservoir Handles 5154, 5156 24-27 show an upper handle 5154 positioned on the reservoir lid 5114 and a lower handle 5156 positioned on the reservoir base 5112. These handles are intended to help the patient (or user) 1000 grip and hold the water reservoir 5110. In the configuration shown, the handles 5154, 5156 are positioned away from the hinge 5158 so that the patient 1000, by holding the reservoir 5110 by the handles 5154, 5156, applies a force to the reservoir 5110, compressing the variable portion 5116 and forcing the lid 5114 and base 5112 towards each other. The compressive force may also help to maintain the variable portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the reservoir base 5112 and the reservoir lid 5114, for example, during transport to or refilling of the reservoir 5110. It should be understood that the handles 5154, 5156 may be located on other components or areas of the water reservoir 5110.

[0301] 25, friction grips 5166 may be provided on a surface of either or both of the handles 5154, 5156. The friction grips 5166 may be configured to assist the patient 1000 in holding the reservoir 5110, for example, by being formed from a material that has a higher friction than the surrounding area of ​​the reservoir 5110, by being formed with properties that provide a higher friction than the surrounding area of ​​the reservoir 5110, and / or by being formed with a shape that is easier to hold than the surrounding area of ​​the reservoir 5110. For example, the friction grips 5166 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, while the water reservoir 5110 may be constructed primarily from a polycarbonate material.

[0302] 5.5.2.7 Airflow Path One of the purposes of this technology is to move the flow of breathable gas through the reservoir 5110 in a tortuous path between the inlet 5118 and the outlet 5122. This prevents any "short circuiting" of the breathable gas flow which may result in inadequate humidity in the breathable gas flow delivered to the patient 1000.

[0303] Figures 28a-30c illustrate a typical path of breathable gas flow through the reservoir 5110 as it enters through the inlet 5118 and exits through the outlet 5122. The figures are arranged sequentially with three separate orthogonal views per figure to visually demonstrate the typical flow path. In this arrangement, breathable gas flow received through the inlet 5118 passes through the inlet tube 5124 (Figures 28a-28c) and into the interior volume of the water reservoir 5110 (Figures 29a-29c). The breathable gas flow then passes through the outlet tube 5126 and exits the water reservoir 5110 at the outlet 5122 as humidified breathable gas (Figures 30a-30c). 28a-30c show the reservoir 5110 with the lid 5114 and base 5112 in an exploded view direction for clarity, and also show dashed lines any flow of gas occurring within the interior volume of the reservoir 5110. The dashed arrows shown indicate the general direction of typical breathing airflow, however, it is noted that due to the nature of the gas flow or airflow, any gas flow path will include eddies of gas (e.g., turbulence) rather than a straight, direct air path.

[0304] In some forms of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a flow element or baffle 5192 configured to increase the length of the tortuous flow path and / or prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. For example, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a deflector 5198 as shown in Figures 52a-55, or a deflector 5198 or flow director 5195 as shown in Figures 58a-58b. In some configurations, the baffle 5192 may further comprise a positioning feature 5196, as described in more detail below.

[0305] 52a-55, the deflection portion 5198 is configured to prevent the breathable gas flow from entering the outlet tube 5126 immediately after exiting the inlet tube 5124 through the inlet tube outlet 5125 (i.e., short-circuiting). When assembled together as seen in FIG. 52a, the deflection portion 5198 may be positioned proximate to the inlet tube inner end 5125, such as by abutting it. In this configuration, the deflection portion 5198 forms a cover between the inlet tube outlet 5125 and the base of the outlet tube inner end 5127. This cover may be further advantageous in that it allows a predetermined amount of water to be picked up to move the breathable gas flow within the channel formed by the cover and improve humidity.

[0306] 58a-58b, the reservoir 5110 includes a flow director 5195 and a deflection portion 5198. The deflection portion 5198 is configured to prevent short-circuiting of the breathable gas flow, and the flow director 5195 is further configured to direct the breathable gas flow exiting the inlet tube 5124 in a direction generally parallel to the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110. This may ameliorate the occurrence of "spitting" that can occur when the breathable gas flow exits the inlet tube 5124 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the volume of liquid.

[0307] As shown in FIGS. 33-34 , the reservoir 5110 may include an end wall 5128 adjacent and opposing the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The inner end wall 5128 of the reservoir 5110 directs air exiting the inlet tube 5124 to flow across the water surface before reaching the inner end 5127 of the outlet tube 5126 and passing through the outlet tube 5126 and out the outlet 5122. FIGS. 35-38 show another example configuration of a flow element, in which the reservoir 5110 may include a rotational vane 5136 positioned adjacent the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124. The rotational vane 5136 may be formed as an extension of the inlet tube 5124, as shown in FIGS. 37-38 , or the rotational vane 5136 may be a separate component positioned adjacent to or coupled to the inlet tube 5124. The rotary vanes may also be contoured as shown in Figures 37-38.

[0308] 28a-30c are merely exemplary and are intended to illustrate one of many paths through which the breathable gas flow may travel, i.e., the breathable gas flow may enter the water reservoir 5110 through the inlet 5118 and exit through the outlet 5122 after experiencing some degree of swirl within the volume of the water reservoir 5110. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particles or molecules that make up the breathable air flow may not flow through a single path within the water reservoir 5110 due to many factors including, for example, localized turbulence (vortices) or pressure gradients within the water reservoir 5110. As a result, the cumulative path of the breathable air flow may comprise any number of paths through which the air flow experiences various degrees of "swirl" within the water reservoir 5110 before exiting at the outlet 5122 via the outlet tube 5126. It is also conceivable that some small portion of the breathing airflow may escape the water reservoir 5110 as a leak.

[0309] 5.5.2.8 Reservoir Inlet / Outlet As previously described, the reservoir inlet 5118 is configured to receive a flow of breathable gas into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 is configured to output a flow of humidified breathable gas. The inlet 5118 and / or outlet 5122 are preferably further configured to prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir 5110 when the reservoir 5110 is moved and / or rotated from its normal operating orientation. Furthermore, the inlet 5118 and / or outlet are preferably configured to prevent short-circuiting of the breathable gas flow as previously described. In one form, the inlet 5118 may be configured to prevent "spitting" or "splattering" of liquid, which may be caused by a jet of air impacting a volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110.

[0310] In one configuration shown in FIG. 33, the reservoir inlet 5118 includes an inlet tube 5124 to provide a flow path for the inlet flow of breathable gas into the reservoir 5110, and the reservoir outlet 5122 includes an outlet tube 5126 to provide a flow path for the outlet flow of humidified breathable gas from the reservoir 5110.

[0311] In one form shown in Figures 37-38, it may be beneficial to configure the rotary vanes 5136 so that the bottom of the rotary vanes 5136 extends below the bottom of the outlet tube 5126. This can further prevent water from entering the inlet tube 5124 due to any "spit" of water.

[0312] The water reservoir 5110 is preferably configured to provide gradient backflow protection from water flowing back through the outlet tube 5126 or the inlet tube 5124. Water flowing through the inlet tube 5124 can be particularly undesirable as it can introduce water into the PAP device 4000 and damage electronic components (such as electric motors, flow sensors, or printed circuit boards) by exposing them to water.

[0313] In one configuration of the present technology, the reservoir 5110 achieves backflow protection by positioning the inlet tube outlet 5125 so that a predetermined maximum amount of water can be stored within the reservoir 5110 without reaching the inlet tube inner end 5125 when the reservoir 5110 is rotated 90 degrees in any direction from its operating horizontal orientation.

[0314] In other configurations of the reservoir 5110, the axes of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may intersect when viewed from above, as shown in Figures 39-40. The inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126 may not be connected to each other because one of the tubes passes under the other, e.g., the inlet tube 5124 passes under the outlet tube 5126.

[0315] This configuration can improve tilt backflow protection by positioning the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 so that when the reservoir 5110 is tilted away from its operating direction, water must reach the higher end of either the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 to exit the reservoir 5110. For example, if the reservoir 5110 is tilted so that water reaches the lower end of the inner end 5125 of the inlet tube 5124, the water will have to rise quite high to reach the outer end of the inlet tube 5124 to exit the reservoir 5110, as shown in FIG.

[0316] A simplified representation of the effect produced by intersecting inlet and outlet tubes is shown in Figures 46-49, where the interior surfaces are indicated by dashed lines. These figures show alternative configurations of the water reservoir 5110, with the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 comprising the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126, respectively. Figures 46-47 show a configuration in which the tube axes intersect when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 47), and Figures 48-49 show an alternative configuration in which the tube axes are generally parallel when viewed from the side (as shown in Figure 49). In Figures 46-49, a predetermined amount 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 extending dashed line.

[0317] When the water reservoir 5110 is oriented as shown in Figures 46-47, 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. On the other hand, in the arrangement shown in Figures 47-48, 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 to exit the water reservoir 5110.

[0318] Because the water level 5184 varies depending on the orientation of the water reservoir 5110, this effect of intersecting the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 can be reproduced in any orientation as needed by reorienting the inlet tube 5124 and outlet tube 5126 to fit 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 orthogonal to each other.

[0319] In the configurations shown in Figures 39-40 and 46-49, the inner inlet end and the inner outlet end are positioned within the cavity, and the outer inlet end and the outer outlet end are positioned on one of the walls of the cavity. A first axis (the inlet tube axis) is defined by the inner inlet end and the outer inlet end, and a second axis (the outlet tube axis) is defined by the inner outlet end and the outer outlet end. When the reservoir is tilted (e.g., by about 90° relative to the normal operating direction), the first axis forms a first angle such that the inner inlet end and the outer inlet end are positioned at different heights, such that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the inner inlet end or the outer inlet end to prevent backflow of water through the inlet tube. Also, when the reservoir is tilted (e.g., by about 90° relative to the normal operating direction), the second axis forms a second angle such that the outlet inner end and outlet outer end are positioned at different heights, so that a predetermined maximum amount of water is below at least one of the outlet inner end or outlet outer end to prevent backflow of water through the outlet tube. This effect can also be achieved when the reservoir is tilted at any other angle to suit the design and / or tilt requirements of the humidifier 5000 and / or reservoir 5110.

[0320] 5.5.2.9 Reservoir Configuration with Detachable Inlet / Outlet Tubes In yet another example of the present technology, a reservoir 5110 may be configured as shown in FIGS. 52a-53. In this example, the reservoir 5110 includes a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (for clarity, the base portion is not shown in FIGS. 52a-52b). The lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may be configured to be releasably engaged with each other. While releasably engaged with each other, the lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may be further configured to include multiple features when engaged with each other, such as an inlet 5118, an outlet 5122, an inlet tube 5124, and an outlet tube 5126. 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, as shown in FIG. 52b.

[0321] As shown, the intermediate section 5202 may include a baffle 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 baffle 5192 on the intermediate section. The baffle 5192 is positioned to prevent a direct air path (or short circuit as previously described) between the inlet tube inner end 5125 and the outlet tube inner end 5127 to promote airflow movement within the reservoir and improve moisture uptake by the airflow within the reservoir 5110. Additionally, the seal 5204 may be integral with the intermediate section 5202 as shown, or may be formed as a separate component from the intermediate section.

[0322] An advantage of this configuration 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 configuration may be particularly beneficial 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, as such a feature may obstruct access to the interior of the reservoir 5110. As can be seen in FIGS. 52a-52b, the middle portion 5202 is engaged with the lid portion 5114 in its 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.

[0323] By using two separable portions 5114, 5202 to form the top of the reservoir and / or configuring the inlet / outlet tubes 5124, 5126 to be releasably engaged to the reservoir 5110, the number of small areas that are difficult to access can be reduced, thereby improving the cleanability of the reservoir 5110. The removable inlet tube 5124 and / or removable outlet tube 5126 may also themselves be easily accessible for cleaning.

[0324] In another example of this technology (not shown), the lid portion 5114 and the middle portion 5202 may each comprise a portion of a feature, with the lid portion 5114 and middle portion 5202 combining to form the complete feature. For example, the lid portion 5114 may comprise a portion of the inlet tube 5124 and a portion of the outlet tube 5126, and the middle portion 5202 may comprise another portion of the inlet tube 5124 and another portion of the outlet tube 5126. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the reservoir may be subdivided into any number of separable portions, and that the separable features, such as the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, may be positioned in any number of configurations relative to the separable portions.

[0325] Another advantage of this configuration may be improved backflow performance of the reservoir 5110 (prevention of liquid spillage through the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126). Backflow performance may be improved by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110, which may be achieved by providing a void above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126. Another way to improve backflow performance is to position the inlet tube inner end 5125 and / or outlet tube inner end 5127 near the center of the reservoir 5110. Because the reservoir 5110 is typically formed by injection molding, forming the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126 as part of the lid 5114 prevents providing a void above the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126. In such configurations, the mold comprising the interior volume of the lid 5114 would be blocked by the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126, thus making molding impossible or requiring complex and expensive mold configurations. In such cases, it may be further beneficial to be able to separate the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0326] It will be appreciated that the lid portion 5114, the middle 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 comprise multiple materials or components in their 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 middle portion. Additionally, the middle portion may 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.

[0327] Another feature of this configuration is the use of support spokes 5194 to provide structural rigidity to the middle section 5202 of the lid 5114. The spokes 5194, either by themselves or in combination with the baffle 5192, may provide a handle for removing the lid 5114 from the middle section 5202. This may improve the usability of the lid 5114, as a user may grasp the baffle 5192 and / or the spokes 5194 to separate the middle section 5202 from the lid section 5114. It should be understood that many other configurations for the arrangement of the support spokes 5194 may be envisioned instead of the typical configuration shown in FIGS.

[0328] In one example of this technology, the baffle 5192 may include a positioning portion 5196 and a deflection portion 5198, as can be seen in Figures 54a-55. The positioning portion 5196 may be cylindrical in shape to fit around the periphery of the vertical portion of the inlet tube 5124, thereby helping to accurately position the baffle 5192 relative to the inlet tube 5124. In some forms, the baffle 5192 may further include a baffle seal 5197 to seal between the baffle 5192 and the inlet tube 5124, as shown in Figure 59b, for example. The baffle 5192 may also be configured with spokes 5194 such that at least a portion of the baffle 5192 can act as the spokes 5194, or vice versa.

[0329] A typical cross section of the assembled lid 5114 is shown in Figures 56a-56b. The diameter of the inlet tube 5124 or locating portion 5196 may vary along its length to progressively engage one another, for example in a frusto-conical configuration. The two components 5124, 5196 may also incorporate complementary retention features, such as a protrusion / slot combination 5205 as shown in Figures 56a-56b.

[0330] It is also understood that the seal 5204 may be located in locations other than the typical configurations shown in Figures 52a-55. For example, the seal 5204 may be formed as part of the lid portion 5114, as part of the reservoir base portion 5112, or as a separate component itself that is not integrally formed with any of the lid portion 5114, middle portion 5202, and base 5112. One typical method of forming the seal 5204 with the lid portion 5114 or base 5112 may be by overmolding or by using a chemical adhesive.

[0331] Figure 57 shows an exploded view of another example of this technology. In this configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a lid portion 5114, a middle portion 5202, and a base portion 5112 (not shown in Figure 57 for clarity). The middle portion 5202 includes an inlet tube 5124 and an outlet tube 5126, as well as a wall portion 5206 configured to couple with the lid. Alternatively, the middle portion 5202 may engage the base portion 5112 and may also include one or both of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126. In some cases, the wall portion 5206 configured to couple with the lid may be connected to one or more of the inlet tube 5124 and the outlet tube 5126.

[0332] This configuration may allow for removal of the inlet tube 5124 and / or outlet tube 5126 for improved cleanability of the reservoir 5110. This configuration may also improve backflow performance of the reservoir 5110 by increasing the internal volume of the reservoir 5110.

[0333] 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 a predetermined maximum amount of water that the reservoir 5110 can hold. Such a configuration may allow for cleaning of the tubes 5124, 5126 without removing any water from the reservoir 5110.

[0334] 5.5.2.10 Overfill prevention In some prior art humidifier water reservoirs, overfilling the water reservoir 5110 can reduce the effectiveness of the spill prevention feature. For example, overfilling may allow liquid in the reservoir 5110 to reach the inlet 5118 at a smaller tilt angle than if the reservoir 5110 had not been overfilled. As a result, some prior art humidifier water reservoirs have included water fill indicator markings to reduce the occurrence of such overfilling, but this may only be of some help in ameliorating this risk.

[0335] Another aspect of this technology is the inclusion of one or more overfill protection features configured to prevent filling the humidifier reservoir beyond a maximum amount of water when filling the reservoir in its open and / or closed configurations.

[0336] In one configuration, as seen in FIGS. 41a-41b, the overfill protection feature may include at least one orifice 5138 in the water reservoir 5110 to indicate an overfill. According to this aspect of the technology, when the water reservoir 5110 is being refilled with the reservoir lid 5114 open, overfilling the reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum volume causes water to spill out of the orifice 5138. This notifies the user that the reservoir 5110 is full and prevents such overfilling. Preferably, water spills out through the at least one orifice 5138 rather than from all areas of the water reservoir, thereby reducing spillage for the user to clean up. Thus, the at least one orifice defines an escape path for water when the predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded. Figure 41a shows the water reservoir 5110 in its open configuration, where the upper flange of the base 5112 does not extend all the way around the opening, thereby forming an orifice 5138. Figure 41b shows a portion of the base 5112 revealing at least one orifice 5138. The at least one orifice 5138 may take the form of one or more openings, holes, slits, or slots, or any other form that allows fluid to communicate into and out of the water reservoir 5110. The at least one orifice 5138 may be formed at one or more locations around the periphery of the upper flange of the base 5112.

[0337] In an alternative configuration, the overfill protection feature may include a sloped profile 5139. As shown in FIGS. 41c and 41d, the reservoir base 5112 may be configured so that its side shape has a sloped profile 5139 in one or more directions. This configuration may also indicate an overfill when the reservoir base 5112 is refilled with liquid or water. In this configuration, when the reservoir lid 5114 is in its open configuration, water can spill out at the base of the sloped profile 5139 rather than from all areas of the reservoir. The sloped profile thus defines a spill path for water when a predetermined maximum water volume is exceeded. An advantage of the foregoing method is that overfilling may be more difficult than in the prior art, and spillage may occur in more predictable locations depending on the attempted overfill.

[0338] Another aspect of this technology is that when the water reservoir 5110 is in its closed position, the seal 5204 sealingly engages the base 5112 and reservoir lid 5114 to block or seal the orifice 5138 or sloped profile 5139, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inside and outside of the water reservoir 5110. One configuration of this feature is shown in FIG. 42, which shows that when the reservoir lid 5114 is closed (lid not shown in this view), the seal 5204 sealingly engages the base 5112 outside of the orifice 5138 and no longer allows communication of liquid or air between the inside and outside of the water reservoir 5110 through the orifice 5138. Similarly, the seal 5204 engages the base 5112 around the edge of the sloped profile to prevent communication of liquid or air between the inside and outside of the water reservoir 5110 through the sloped profile 5139. In some configurations, the seal 5204 may be integrated with the previously described variable portion 5116. Alternatively, the seal 5204 may be a separate seal that may be used with a reservoir with or without a variable portion.

[0339] According to another aspect of the present invention, the overfill prevention feature may be configured to prevent overfilling when a user attempts to fill the reservoir 5110 while it is in its closed configuration.

[0340] In one configuration (shown in FIG. 60 without the reservoir base 5112), the overfill prevention feature may form one or more airlocks to prevent further liquid from entering the reservoir 5110 when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the reservoir 5110. In this configuration, when the reservoir 5110 is filled in its closed configuration, the one or more airlocks form an enclosure of gas within the reservoir 5110 that is not displaced by the predetermined amount of liquid in the reservoir 5110. In the example shown in FIG. 60, the reservoir 5110 is oriented such that the normal to the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 are oriented vertically. This is how a user orients the reservoir 5110 while filling it with water. When the water level 5184 rises to the level shown in FIG. 60, the amount of air remaining in the reservoir 5110 can no longer access the inlet tube 5124 or the outlet tube 5126 and therefore can no longer escape from the reservoir 5110. Therefore, the reservoir 5110 cannot receive any further amounts of water into its internal volume.

[0341] Preferably, the amount of water in the reservoir 5110 when any further ingress of water into the reservoir 5110 is prevented by the formation of one or more airlocks is approximately equal to a predetermined maximum amount of liquid to be held 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, but further ingress of water into the internal volume is prevented by the airlocks. In such cases, the volume of liquid in the reservoir 5110 when the airlocks are formed and the volumes of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126 may be set such that when added together, they are approximately equal to the predetermined maximum amount of liquid to be held in the reservoir 5110.

[0342] In some cases, for example when the normals to the inlet 5118 and outlet 5122 are not parallel, the user may fill the reservoir 5110 in one of several directions while in the closed state. In such cases, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to allow for the formation of an appropriate airlock in one or more of a number of directions. An airlock need not be formed solely by occlusion of the inlet tube 5124 and / or the outlet tube 5126. In some forms (not shown), one or more airlocks may be formed by occlusion of any cavity or port that may allow fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the reservoir 5110. Also, occlusion need not be achieved by a predetermined amount of liquid within the reservoir 5110. In some forms, the predetermined amount of liquid, as it is increased, may deform or move other components to form a seal (and therefore an airlock) within the reservoir.

[0343] 5.5.2.11 Retaining Clips The reservoir lid 5114 may include a feature adapted to retain the water reservoir 5110 within the water reservoir dock 5130 once the two components are engaged with one another. In one configuration, the retention feature may be a protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114 as shown in FIGS. 43-44. FIGS. 43-44 show the water reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 5130, where the protrusion or clip 5142 on the reservoir lid 5114 releasably engages with a corresponding dock lock 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.

[0344] As previously described, the variable portion 5116 of the reservoir is compressed to allow insertion of the reservoir into the dock 5130. The compression of the variable portion 5116 allows a portion of the reservoir 5110 to slide into the dock 5130 and allows the protrusion or clip 5142 to slide initially under the outer edge surface of the dock 5130 and reach the dock lock recess 5144. The compressive force applied to the reservoir for insertion may then be released to allow the protrusion or clip 5142 to engage with the dock lock recess 5144, thereby securing the reservoir 5110 within the dock 5130. Once the reservoir 5110 is secured within the dock 5130, the variable portion 5116 is no longer in a compressed or reduced compressed state. Similarly, to enable the water reservoir 5110 to be removed from the water reservoir dock 5130 , the variable portion 5116 must be compressed to disengage the lid retention projections 5142 from the dock lock recesses 5144 .

[0345] The retention protrusions 5142 may further be configured with a taper, as shown in FIG. 44. The taper may be oriented to increase in height away from the insertion direction to progressively increase the amount of interference between the retention protrusions 5142 and the dock 5130 during insertion. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in another configuration, the lid retention protrusions 5142 may be recesses and the dock lock recesses 5144 may be corresponding protrusions. Alternatively, one of any number of retention features known in the art may be used to achieve the same results as described above.

[0346] 5.5.2.12 Water Reservoir-Humidifier Connection In one form, the water reservoir 5110, in use, receives the airflow output by the RPT device 4000 at the dock outlet 4132. The water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to a humidifier 5000 that is configured, for example, for insertion into the dock 4130 (as shown in Figures 16g-16h). When the water reservoir 5110 is engaged with the dock 4130, the reservoir inlet 5118 may receive the air flow output by the RPT device 4000 and direct the air flow into the water reservoir 5110. As the air moves through the reservoir 5110, moisture (i.e., water vapor) is added to the air flow, and the humidified air flow exits the reservoir 5110 through the reservoir outlet tube 5126 to the reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to the air circuit 4170 for delivery of the humidified air flow to the patient 1000.

[0347] The double-headed arrow in Figure 16h indicates the direction of relative movement, i.e., generally horizontal movement, between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110, which in this configuration are connected and disconnected from one another. In the configuration shown in Figures 16g-16h, the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 within the dock 4130. In this configuration, the height and shape of the cavity within the dock 4130 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that the conforming portion 5116 is compressed, for example, by about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example, by about 2 mm, about 3 mm, or about 4 mm, to engage the water reservoir 5110 with the dock 4130. Therefore, the shape of the portion of the water reservoir 5110 that is inserted into the dock 4130 is complementary to the shape of the dock cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the compliant portion 5116 is compressed is slightly smaller than the height of the dock cavity 5160 to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160.

[0348] In one form, the compressive force must be sufficient to compress the compliant portion 5116 to allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the dock 4130. For example, a compressive force of about 10 N to about 30 N or about 20 N, or some other compressive force, measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, must allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130. The vertical clearance obtained during insertion (or removal) between the water reservoir 5110 and the cavity of the dock 4130 may be about 1 mm to about 5 mm, e.g., about 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, when this compressive force is applied to the handle recesses 5154, 5156 to insert the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130. The water reservoir 5110 and dock 4130 may be positioned such that once the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the dock 4130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force, the amount of compression in the compliant section 5116 is reduced. The reduction 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.

[0349] In the illustrated configuration (see FIGS. 16a-16b), the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to the dock inlet 4134, through which the humidified airflow travels to the humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to the air circuit 4170 as shown in FIG. 13 by the double-headed dashed arrow (see FIG. 13). An advantage of such a configuration is that the water reservoir 5110 can be removed from the dock 4130 while the air circuit 4170 remains attached to the device outlet 4004. Thus, insertion and removal of the water reservoir 5110 is independent of the connection of the air circuit 4170. A further advantage is that the water reservoir 5110 must be removed from the dock 4130 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid. In this configuration, neither the inlet 5118 nor the outlet 5122 of the reservoir 5110 are exposed when the reservoir 5110 is inserted into the humidifier 5000 in an operative configuration, whilst the reservoir 5110 itself remains accessible to the patient 1000, for example to allow for easy removal from the humidifier 5000. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of a user overfilling the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum liquid volume, as the water reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent overfilling. Furthermore, because the user is prompted to remove the water reservoir 5110 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of water spilling onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or RPT device 4000 is reduced.

[0350] The compliant portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. When selecting a material to be used for the compliant portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical stress 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.

[0351] 40 , a reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110 such that, when engaged, the reservoir latch secures the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 together. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 from separating and maintain the compliant portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example, through 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 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 and the base 5112. This may allow for insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock 4130 and / or may allow the conforming portion 5116 to facilitate thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0352] In use, the water reservoir 5110 receives the breathable air flow output by, for example, the PAP device 4000. In one form, the water reservoir 5110 is removably coupled to the humidifier 5000 as shown in FIGS. 24-27 by inserting the water reservoir, for example, by sliding it into a water reservoir dock 5130. The inlet 5118 of the water reservoir 5110 is configured to receive the breathable gas flow output by the PAP device 4000 and direct the breathable gas flow into the water reservoir 5110. As the breathable gas travels through the reservoir 5110, moisture (i.e., water vapor) is added to the breathable gas flow, and the humidified breathable gas flow exits the reservoir 5110 via a reservoir outlet tube 5126 and towards a reservoir outlet 5122. The reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to an air circuit 4170 for delivery of a flow of humidified breathable gas to the patient 1000 .

[0353] The double-headed arrows in Figures 25 and 27 indicate the direction of relative movement, ie, generally horizontal movement, between the humidifier 5000 and the water reservoir 5110, which in this configuration are connected and disconnected from each other. However, the water reservoir 5110 may be coupled to the humidifier 5000 in other ways, such as by insertion in a generally vertical direction, by connection by one or more intermediate components (e.g., tubes), or by being integrally formed with the humidifier.

[0354] In another configuration, not shown, the water reservoir 5110 may be inserted vertically into the dock cavity 5160 without using a sliding action. In such a configuration, the dock cavity of the humidifier 5000 may include a movable cover portion, such as a lid or top, that is at least partially open to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 and that is closed after insertion to secure the water reservoir 5110 within the dock cavity 5160.

[0355] In the illustrated configuration (see FIG. 27), the reservoir outlet 5122 is connectable to a reservoir dock gas inlet 5170, through which the humidified breathable air flow travels to a humidifier outlet 5172. The humidifier outlet 5172 is connectable to the air delivery circuit or air circuit 4170 as shown in FIG. 13 by the double-headed dashed arrow (see FIG. 24). One advantage of such a configuration is that the humidifier reservoir 5110 must be removed from the reservoir dock 5130 in order to fill it with liquid. This configuration generally prevents access to any openings in the humidifier reservoir 5110 while the humidifier reservoir is connected to the humidifier 5000, and also reduces the likelihood of a user overfilling the water reservoir 5110 beyond a predetermined maximum liquid volume because the humidifier reservoir 5110 incorporates features to prevent overfilling, as described further below. Furthermore, because the user is prompted to remove the water reservoir 5110 in order to fill the reservoir 5110 with liquid, the likelihood of water spilling onto or into the humidifier 5000 and / or PAP device 4000 is reduced.

[0356] As shown in FIG. 27, first and second dock seals 5132, 5134 may be provided to help seal the connections between the reservoir inlet 5118 and the dock 5130 and between the reservoir outlet 5122 and the dock 5130.

[0357] 26-27, the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 by placing the water reservoir 5110 within the water reservoir dock 5130. In this configuration, the height and shape of the dock interior cavity 5160 and the water reservoir 5110 are such that the adjustable portion 5116 is compressed, for example, by about 1 mm to about 5 mm, such as 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 is complementary to the shape of the dock cavity 5160, and the height of the water reservoir 5110 when the adjustable portion 5116 is compressed is slightly less than the height of the dock cavity 5160 to allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160.

[0358] The variable portion 5116 may be configured with a cross-sectional shape such as the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 50. The compressive force must sufficiently compress the variable portion 5116 to allow relative movement (i.e., sliding) between the water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130. For example, a compressive force of about 10 N to about 30 N or about 20 N measured at the handle recesses 5154, 5156, or some other compressive force, must allow insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the dock cavity 5160. The vertical clearance obtained during insertion (or removal) between the water reservoir 5110 and the dock interior cavity 5160 may be about 1 mm to about 5 mm, for example about 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, when this compressive force is applied to the handle recess to insert the water reservoir 5110 into the water reservoir dock 5130. The water reservoir 5110 and the water reservoir dock 5130 may be arranged such that the amount of compression in the variable portion 5116 is reduced once the water reservoir 5110 is connected with the reservoir dock 5130 and the patient 1000 is no longer applying a compressive force. The reduction in compression may be about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, for example about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2 mm.

[0359] Variable portion 5116 may be constructed from an elastomeric material such as silicone, TPE, TPE polyester, TPE polyurethane, or natural rubber. When selecting a material to be used for variable portion 5116, it may be advantageous to select a material that does not undergo mechanical stress relaxation over the range of storage and operating temperatures to which variable portion 5116 may be exposed. One example of a material for variable portion 5116 that meets these requirements may be silicone.

[0360] 40 , a reservoir latch 5186 may be provided on the water reservoir 5110 such that, when engaged, the reservoir latch secures the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 together. The latch 5186 may prevent the reservoir lid 5114 and the reservoir base 5112 from separating and maintain the variable portion 5116 in sealing engagement between the lid 5114 and the base 5112, for example, through 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 variable portion 5116 while preventing separation of the lid 5114 and the base 5112. This may allow for insertion of the water reservoir 5110 into the reservoir dock 5130 and / or may allow the variable portion 5116 to facilitate thermal engagement between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120, as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0361] 5.5.2.12.1 Pre-compression for improved thermal contact According to one aspect of this technology, as previously described, the water reservoir 5110 and the humidifier heater plate 5120 are in thermal contact or thermal engagement. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, as measured by, for example, thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, can vary according to many parameters.

[0362] In the prior art, additional components have been used to enhance 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 by pressing the heater plate toward the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, in which a compressible elastomeric seal is provided on the lid, as described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in its closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir, pressing the water reservoir against the heater plate.

[0363] In the present technology, for example, pre-compression of the water reservoir 5110 in engagement with the water reservoir dock 4130 may be used to help enhance thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240.

[0364] In one configuration, the water reservoir 5110 may be configured such that in its operational configuration, for example when it is placed in the water reservoir docks 4130, 5130, the compliant portion 5116 is compressed as described above. The reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 4130 may be further configured such that a counter force to the compression of the compliant portion 5116 presses the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heating element 5240 to enhance thermal contact therebetween.

[0365] Thus, the compliant portion 5116 may act as a spring biased to press the reservoir base 5112 and / or reservoir lid 5114 in a direction perpendicular to the heating element 5240. Because the reservoir 5110 is externally secured, such as enclosed within the reservoir dock 4130, compression of the compliant portion 5116 is reacted with a force that promotes improved thermal engagement with the heating element 5240.

[0366] The force required for compression of the conformable portion 5116 when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000 is preferably in the same direction as the normal to the surface of the conductive portion. This direction may also preferably be in the same direction as the direction of thermal engagement. This force is reacted by the water reservoir dock 4130 at its contact points and / or surfaces, thereby pressing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heating element 5240 together.

[0367] The magnitude of the compressive force, as measured by the heating element 5240 when the water reservoir 5110 is placed in the water reservoir dock 4130, may be about 5 N to about 15 N. However, it should be understood that different configurations of 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 4130. For example, if the compliant portion 5116 is constructed from a material with a higher Young's modulus, the magnitude of the force will correspondingly increase. It should be noted that FIG. 20 only shows vertical forces and pressures.

[0368] In some cases, the amount of compression of the compliant portion 5116 in the reservoir 5110 may be used to vary the level of thermal engagement between the conductive portion and the heating element 5240.

[0369] 5.5.2.13 Conductive Part 5120 According to one configuration, the reservoir 5110 includes a conductive portion 5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the heating element 5240 to the volume of water within the reservoir 5110. In one form, the conductive portion 5120 may be arranged as a plate, although other shapes may be suitable. All or part of the conductive portion 5120 may be formed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum (e.g., about 2 mm thick, e.g., 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm, or 3 mm), other thermally conductive metal, or some plastic. In some cases, suitable thermal conductivity may be achieved using a less conductive material in a suitable shape.

[0370] 5.5.2.13.1 Thermal Contact / Engagement According to one aspect of this technology, as previously described, the water reservoir 5110 and the humidifier heater plate 5120 are in thermal contact or thermal engagement. The degree of thermal contact between the two components, as measured by, for example, thermal conductivity or thermal contact resistance, can vary according to many parameters.

[0371] In the prior art, additional components have been used to enhance 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 by pressing the heater plate toward the water reservoir. Another example is a humidifier with a lid, in which a compressible elastomeric seal is provided on the lid, as described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2010 / 031126. In this example, when the lid is in its closed position, the seal engages against the water reservoir, pressing the water reservoir against the heater plate.

[0372] 5.5.2.13.1.1 Use of pressurized gas to improve thermal contact According to other embodiments, when the water reservoir 5110 is connected to the humidifier 5000, the flow of breathable gas received from the PAP device may pressurize a chamber, such as the interior of the reservoir 5110. Pressurization of 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 be further configured such that the level of thermal contact between the reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 can be varied by varying the level of pressure within the chamber.

[0373] In one form, the variable portion 5116 may be configured to be expandable in the direction of thermal contact, and the reservoir 5110 may be confined in the same direction by the reservoir dock 5130. In this form, internal pressure presses the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 against the heater plate 5120, increasing the level of thermal engagement between the heater plate 5120 and the base 5112.

[0374] Figure 32 illustrates this effect by representing the distributed force or pressure applied to the lid 5114 and base 5112 with the illustrated arrows. Figure 32 only shows the vertical force and pressure because, in this configuration, thermal engagement occurs in the vertical direction. The presence of pressure above atmospheric pressure within the water reservoir 5110 results in a force in the direction of thermal engagement and is reacted by the water reservoir dock 5130 at its contact surface, thereby pressing the base 5112 of the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 toward each other in the direction of thermal engagement. The magnitude of this force is 20 cm H2O pressure. The pressure may be about 5 N to about 15 N when measured at the heater plate 5120 .

[0375] Of course, 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 or by varying the effective pressure acting on the surface, such a variation may be achieved, for example, by a pressure regulating valve.

[0376] In other configurations, a non-open variable portion of the water reservoir 5110 may be used to achieve substantially the same effect as described above. The water reservoir 5110 and reservoir dock 5130 may be made resilient or flexible by an elastomeric material or by a connection that allows freedom of movement in the direction of heat transfer (e.g., a sliding connection, or a soft plastic bellows, or a flexible portion of the water reservoir). In this configuration, the lid 5114 and base 5112 may not be constrained relative to each other in the direction of thermal contact. The reservoir 5110 may then be constrained in another manner (e.g., by a water reservoir dock or similar housing) in the direction of heat transfer to generate a counterforce that balances the pressure generated inside the reservoir 5110 by the pressurized breathing air flow, in which case part of the counterforce may be generated by the heater plate 5120 to enhance thermal contact. In such a configuration, another opening for refilling the water reservoir 5110 may be introduced on the reservoir 5110 side, for example in the lid 5114, and said opening may be provided with a separate seal.

[0377] FIG. 45 shows one example of such a configuration, including a base 5174, a top end 5176, an adjustable portion 5178, and a refill cap 5180. The base, top end, and adjustable portion may be attached to one another in other configurations, in which case 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 inaccessible when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Such a configuration maintains the aforementioned advantage, i.e., that the reservoir 5110 cannot be refilled while it is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130. Additionally, the adjustable portion 5178 may be replaced with any mechanism known in the art that can accommodate changes in vertical length within the reservoir.

[0378] In yet another alternative configuration, the breathing air flow may be used to increase the level of thermal contact between the humidifier reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 by pressurizing or expanding a secondary component. The secondary component may be a chamber, body, or surface that acts on the humidifier reservoir 5110, thereby pressing the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 together in the direction of thermal engagement. Similarly, the secondary component may act on the heater plate 5120 to press the water reservoir 5110 and the heater plate 5120 together in the direction of thermal engagement.

[0379] The secondary component may be positioned external to the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120. The secondary component may also be configured to vary the contact area with the reservoir 5110 and / or heater plate 5120 to further profile changes in thermal contact as the pressure of the breathable gas flow changes.

[0380] In an alternative configuration, the water reservoir dock 5130 may include a retention mechanism (eg, a lid that closes around the water reservoir 5110) to keep the water reservoir 5110 in its intended position. In such a configuration, the reservoir dock lid may be configured to compress and / or constrain the variable portion 5116 to enhance the level of thermal contact.

[0381] Additionally, the level of thermal contact may be further enhanced using a spring-loaded or sprung heater plate as known in the art. The heater plate may be configured with a convex or dome shape toward the humidifier reservoir 5110 such that when the humidifier reservoir 5110 is engaged with the reservoir dock 5130, the convex heater plate flattens, thereby creating 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 dome-shaped or convex and configured to flatten toward the heater plate when the water reservoir 5110 is engaged within the dock cavity 5160 of the humidifier 5000.

[0382] Any one of the above-mentioned means for enhancing thermal contact may be used independently of one another or in any combination thereof, including in combination with any prior art means for achieving or enhancing thermal engagement between the humidifier reservoir and the heater plate.

[0383] 5.5.2.14 Humidifier Transducer 5210 The humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidifier transducers (sensors) 5210 instead of or in addition to the transducer 4270 described above. As shown in FIG. 5c, the humidifier transducer 5210 may include one or more of an air pressure sensor, an air flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor. The humidifier transducer 5210 may provide one or more output signals that may be communicated to a controller, such as the central controller 4230 or the humidifier controller 5250. In some forms, the humidifier transducer may be located external to the humidifier 5000 (e.g., in the air circuit 4170) while communicating the output signal to the controller.

[0384] 5.5.2.14.1 Pressure Transducer 5212 One or more pressure transducers 5212 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 in addition to or instead of the pressure transducer 4272 provided in the RPT device 4000.

[0385] 5.5.2.14.2 Flow Transducer 5214 One or more flow transducers 5214 may be provided in the humidifier 5000 in addition to or instead of the flow transducer 4274 provided in the RPT device 4000.

[0386] 5.5.2.14.3 Temperature Transducer 5216 The humidifier 5000 may include one or more temperature transducers 5216. The one or more temperature transducers 5216 may be configured to measure one or more temperatures, such as the temperature of the heating element 5240 or the temperature of the airflow downstream of the water reservoir outlet 5122. In some forms, the humidifier 5000 may further include a temperature sensor 5216 to detect the temperature of the outside air.

[0387] 5.5.2.14.4 Humidity Transducer 5218 In one form, the humidifier 5000 may include one or more humidity sensors 5218 to detect the humidity of a gas, such as outside air. In some forms, the humidity sensor 5218 may be positioned toward the outlet of the humidifier 5000 to measure the humidity of the gas being delivered from the humidifier 5000. The humidity sensor may be an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor.

[0388] 5.5.2.15 Heating element 5240 A heating element 5240 may, in some cases, be provided in the humidifier 5000 to provide heat input to one or more of the volume of water in the water reservoir 5110 and / or the air flow. The heating element 5240 may comprise a heat-generating component 5242 (see FIG. 17b), such as an electrical resistive heating track. One suitable example of a heating element 5240 is a layered heating element as described in PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2012 / 171072, the entire document of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0389] In some forms, a heating element 5240 may be provided in the housing 4016, in which case heat may be provided to the water reservoir 5110 primarily by conduction, for example, via an HE cover plate 5241 (see FIG. 17b), which may be constructed of a conductive material such as metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum).

[0390] The heating element 5240 may be supported by an HE seal 5243 as shown in FIG. 17b that is configured to prevent or inhibit the ingress of any water from the water reservoir 5110 or the dock 4130 into the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 17g-17h) may seal around the periphery of the heating element 5240 to lift the heating element 5240 from the base of the RPT device 4000. The HE seal 5243 may comprise one or more resilient portions, such as an HE cone 5245 as shown in FIGS. 17d and 17h that is configured to provide a compressive force to help engage the heating element 5240 with the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110. In one form, the HE seal 5243 and heating element 5240 may be configured such that when the water reservoir 5110 is inserted into and engaged with the dock 4130, the HE cone 5245 is axially compressed to provide an upward force, thereby pressing the heating element 5240 toward the conductive portion 5120 of the water reservoir 5110 and enhancing thermal contact therebetween.

[0391] The HE seal 5243 may further include one or more HE cable ports 5246 that allow cables (e.g., for power) to pass therethrough from other portions of the housing 4016, such as the outside of the dock 4130 and near the pneumatic block 4020. The one or more HE cable ports 5246 may sealingly engage the outer periphery of a cable passing therethrough to prevent water from entering the heating element 5240. In one form, the HE seal 5243 may be constructed from a resilient material such as silicone and may include an integrally formed HE cone 5245 and HE cable port 5246. The HE cable port 5246 may include a cavity for the cable to pass therethrough and may be configured to engage with another cavity for positioning and / or retention, such as by being formed as a protrusion for insertion into the cavity in the housing 4016.

[0392] The humidifier 5000 may include an HE base cover 5244, as shown in Figure 17b and in more detail in Figures 17i and 17j. The HE base cover 5244 may be removably coupled (e.g., by screws) to the housing 4016 to allow access to the heating element 5240, and may include one or more features configured to support and position the HE seal 5243. In one form, the HE base cover 5244 may further include HE cone slots 5247, 5246 configured to receive the HE cone 5245 while allowing compression thereof.

[0393] 5.5.2.15.1 Humidifier Controller 5250 According to one configuration of the present technology, the humidifier 5000 may include a humidifier controller 5250 as shown in Fig. 5c. In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may be part of the central controller 4230. In other forms, the humidifier controller 5250 may be a separate controller that may be in communication with the central controller 4230.

[0394] In one form, the humidifier controller 5250 may receive as inputs, for example, indications of water, air flow characteristics (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, or flow rate) within the reservoir 5110 or within the humidifier 5000. The humidifier controller 5250 may also be configured to run or implement a humidifier algorithm or provide one or more output signals.

[0395] As shown in FIG. 5c, the humidifier controller may include one or more controllers, such as a central humidifier controller 5251, a heated air circuit controller 5254 configured to control the temperature of the heated air circuit, or a heating element controller 5252 configured to control the temperature of the hot plate.

[0396] 5.6 Glossary For purposes of this disclosure, in certain aspects of the technology, one or more of the following definitions may apply. In other aspects of the technology, other definitions may apply.

[0397] 5.6.1 General Provisions Air: In certain forms of the present technology, air may be taken to mean atmospheric air, and in other forms of the present technology, air may be taken to mean atmospheric air mixed with some other combination of breathing gases, for example oxygen.

[0398] Ambient: In certain forms of the present technology, the term ambient is interpreted to mean (i) the area outside the treatment system or patient, and (ii) the environment immediately surrounding the treatment system or patient.

[0399] For example, the ambient humidity for a humidifier may be the humidity of the air immediately surrounding the humidifier, such as the humidity in the room the patient is sleeping in. Such ambient humidity may be different from the humidity outside the room in which the patient is sleeping.

[0400] In other examples, the ambient pressure may be the pressure immediately surrounding the body or pressure outside the body.

[0401] In certain embodiments, ambient (e.g., acoustic) noise may be considered to be the background noise level in the room in which the patient is positioned, excluding, for example, noise generated by the RPT device or noise emanating from a mask or patient interface. Ambient noise may also be generated by noise sources outside the room.

[0402] Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP treatment is understood to mean the application of a predetermined volume of air to the entrance to the airways at a pressure that is continuously positive relative to the atmosphere and preferably remains approximately constant over the patient's respiratory cycle. In some forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways is slightly higher during exhalation and slightly lower during inhalation. In some forms, the pressure varies during different respiratory cycles of the patient, for example, being increased in response to the detection of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction and decreased in the absence of an indication of partial upper airway obstruction.

[0403] CDMA: an abbreviation for Code Division Multiple Access

[0404] GSM: Abbreviation for Global System for Mobile

[0405] LTE: Abbreviation for Long Term Evolution

[0406] USB: Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus

[0407] 5.6.2 Materials Silicone or Silicone Elastomer: Synthetic rubber. In this specification, references to silicone are references to liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or compression molded silicone rubber (CMSR). One form of commercially available LSR is SILASTIC (the trademark) manufactured by Dow Corning. Another manufacturer of LSR is Wacker. Unless otherwise stated to the contrary, the preferred form of LSR is measured using ASTM D2240. The Shore A (or Type A) indentation hardness is within the range of about 35 to about 45, which is defined as the hardness of the sintered body.

[0408] Polycarbonate: A generally transparent thermoplastic polymer of bisphenol A carbonate.

[0409] 5.7 Other findings A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by any person 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.

[0410] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, when a range of values ​​is given, it is understood that each value between the upper and lower limits of that range, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, and any other stated value or value within that stated range, is included within the technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges, which may independently be included within the intervening ranges, are also included within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. When a stated range includes one or both of its limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included within the technology.

[0411] Additionally, where one or more values ​​are set forth herein as implemented as part of the present technology, it is understood that such values ​​may be approximated unless otherwise stated, and such values ​​may be utilized to any suitable significant figure, provided that practical technical implementation permits or requires it.

[0412] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art 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 the present technology, a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0413] Where a particular material is deemed preferred for use in constructing a component, obvious alternative materials having similar properties may be used as substitutes, and unless expressly stated to the contrary, it is understood that any and all components described herein may be, and thus may be, manufactured together or separately.

[0414] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include their plural equivalents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0415] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods, materials (or both) that are the subject of the publications. The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the present technology is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Also, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently confirmed.

[0416] 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 a non-exclusive manner, and thus as suggesting that a referenced element, component, or step may be present or utilized or may be combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly mentioned.

[0417] The subject headings used in the detailed description are included solely for the reader's ease of reference and should not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the disclosure or claims. The subject headings should not be used to construe the scope of one or more claims in a limiting manner.

[0418] Although the technology herein has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some cases, terminology and symbols may suggest specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, while the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, these terms are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilized to distinguish between separate elements. Also, while process steps in a methodology may be described or illustrated in a certain order, such ordering is not required. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, such ordering may be changed. Additionally or alternatively, aspects may occur simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0419] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiments and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0420] 5.8 Reference Symbol List

[0421] [Table 2A]

[0422] [Table 2B]

[0423] [Table 2C]

[0424]

Table 2D

[0425] Table 2E

[0426] Table 2F

Claims

1. 1. A respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system for pressurizing breathing air to treat a respiratory disorder in a patient, comprising: a water reservoir, a base configured to hold a predetermined amount of water for humidifying the breathing air; a lid pivotally connected to the base by a pair of hinges, the lid having a first water reservoir opening, a second water reservoir opening, and a flat surface, the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening each formed through the flat surface such that the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening each are surrounded by the flat surface; and a water reservoir comprising a water reservoir seal constructed from an elastomeric material and disposed between the base and the lid to seal between the base and the lid when the lid is in a closed position on the base; An RPT device, Housing, a blower configured to pressurize breathing air; an outer housing that covers the blower and is supported by the enclosure; an RPT device inlet configured to receive breathing air pressurized by the blower from outside the RPT device; an RPT device outlet configured to be removably coupled to an air circuit for delivering breathable air pressurized by said blower to a patient interface; a dock to which the water reservoir is removably secured; a first RPT device opening configured to be in pneumatic communication with the first water reservoir opening when the water reservoir is secured to the dock; a second RPT device opening configured to be in pneumatic communication with the second water reservoir opening when the water reservoir is secured to the dock; a heating element supported by the housing and configured to generate and conduct heat to the water reservoir when the water reservoir is secured to the dock; and an RPT device including a first face seal disposed between the first RPT device opening and the first water reservoir opening and configured to sealingly engage the flat surface when the water reservoir is secured to the dock.

2. the water reservoir is configured to have to be removed from the dock in order to be refilled; the dock defines a cavity configured to removably receive the water reservoir; the dock and the water reservoir are shaped and dimensioned such that a portion of the water reservoir is disposed outside the cavity of the dock when the water reservoir is removably received by the dock; 2. The RPT system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the water reservoir that is positioned outside the dock when the water reservoir is removably received by the dock has at least one dimension that is larger than the portion of the water reservoir that is positioned inside the dock when the water reservoir is secured to the dock.

3. the first RPT device opening is a dock inlet in pneumatic communication with the RPT device outlet, and the first water reservoir opening is a water reservoir outlet; 3. The RPT system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second RPT device opening is a dock outlet that is in air communication with the blower, and the second water reservoir opening is a water reservoir inlet.

4. 4. The RPT system of claim 1, wherein the dock is configured such that breathing air pressurized by the blower can reach the RPT device outlet only when the water reservoir is removably secured to the dock to complete a flow path between the first RPT device opening and the second RPT device opening.

5. 5. The RPT system of claim 1, wherein the first face seal is a bellows-type face seal.

6. 1. A water reservoir for a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system for treating a respiratory disorder in a patient with pressurized breathing air, comprising: a base configured to hold a predetermined amount of water for humidifying breathable air; a lid pivotally connected to the base by a pair of hinges, the lid having a first water reservoir opening, a second water reservoir opening, and a flat surface, the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening each formed through the flat surface such that the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening are each surrounded by the flat surface, the flat surface configured to sealingly engage first and second face seals at the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening, respectively, when the water reservoir is removably secured to the RPT system; a water reservoir comprising a water reservoir seal constructed from an elastomeric material and disposed between the base and the lid to seal between the base and the lid when the lid is in a closed position on the base.

7. the base and the lid are each made from a thermoplastic polymer; the base of the water reservoir further includes a metal portion configured to conduct heat from a heating element of the RPT system to the volume of water held by the base; the water reservoir further includes a latch configured to releasably secure the lid in the closed position on the base; the latch is disposed on a first side of the water reservoir, and the pair of hinges are disposed on a second side of the water reservoir opposite the first side of the water reservoir; the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening are disposed on the second side of the water reservoir; an interior of the water reservoir pneumatically connected to the first water reservoir opening by a first sealed passageway extending into the interior of the water reservoir; 7. The water reservoir of claim 6, wherein the interior of the water reservoir is pneumatically connected to the second water reservoir opening by a second sealed passageway extending into the interior of the water reservoir.

8. the latch includes a slot formed through a tab extending from the lid and a tongue extending from the base, the slot configured to releasably receive the tongue when the lid is in the closed position on the base; the first sealed passage is a first tube having a first longitudinal axis, and the second sealed passage is a second tube having a second longitudinal axis; the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are not parallel to one another; the second tube includes a drain pipe disposed at an end opposite the second water reservoir opening, the drain pipe being oriented toward the base when the lid is in the closed position on the base; The water reservoir of claim 7 , wherein the lid includes a protrusion configured to releasably engage a recess formed in a dock of the RPT system.

9. the first water reservoir opening is a water reservoir outlet configured to, in use, direct pressurized breathing air to an RPT system outlet; 9. The water reservoir of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second water reservoir opening is a water reservoir inlet configured to, in use, receive pressurized breathing air from a blower of the RPT system.

10. A water reservoir according to any one of claims 6 to 9; An RPT device, a blower configured to pressurize breathing air; a dock to which the water reservoir is removably secured; Housing, a heating element supported by the housing and configured to generate and conduct heat to the water reservoir when the water reservoir is removably secured to the dock; and an RPT device including a first face seal configured to sealingly engage the planar surface when the water reservoir is removably secured to the dock.

11. 1. A water reservoir for a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) system for treating a respiratory disorder in a patient with pressurized breathing air, comprising: a base configured to hold a predetermined amount of water for humidifying breathable air; a lid pivotally connected to the base; a water reservoir seal constructed from an elastomeric material and configured to seal against the base when the lid is in a closed position on the base; a first water reservoir opening and a second water reservoir opening formed in the lid through a flat surface to surround the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening, the flat surface configured to sealingly engage a face seal when the water reservoir is removably received by the RPT system; the base and the lid are each made from a thermoplastic polymer; The water reservoir, wherein the base of the water reservoir further includes a metal portion configured to conduct heat from a heating element of the RPT system to the quantity of water held by the base.

12. the water reservoir further includes a latch configured to releasably secure the lid in the closed position on the base; the first water reservoir opening and the second water reservoir opening are located on opposite sides of the water reservoir with respect to the latch; an interior of the water reservoir pneumatically connected to the first water reservoir opening by a first sealed passageway extending into the interior of the water reservoir; 12. The water reservoir of claim 11, wherein the interior of the water reservoir is pneumatically connected to the second water reservoir opening by a second sealed passageway extending into the interior of the water reservoir.

13. 13. The water reservoir of claim 12, wherein the latch includes a slot formed through a tab extending from the lid and a tongue extending from the base, the slot configured to releasably receive the tongue when the lid is in the closed position on the base.

14. 14. The water reservoir of claim 11, further comprising a rigid intermediate support positioned between the base and the lid when the lid is in the closed position on the base, the water reservoir seal being joined to the rigid intermediate support such that the rigid intermediate support and the water reservoir seal are removable from the water reservoir as a single unit, and the water reservoir seal having a continuous periphery.

15. 15. The water reservoir of claim 14, wherein the rigid intermediate support further comprises a baffle configured to redirect pressurized breathing air entering the water reservoir.

16. the first water reservoir opening is a water reservoir outlet configured to, in use, direct pressurized breathing air to an RPT system outlet; 16. The water reservoir of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second water reservoir opening is a water reservoir inlet configured to, in use, receive pressurized breathing air from a blower of the RPT system.

17. the lid includes the first water reservoir opening, the second water reservoir opening, and the flat surface; 17. A water reservoir according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the lid is pivotally connected to the base by a pair of hinges.

18. A water reservoir according to any one of claims 11 to 17; An RPT device, a blower configured to pressurize breathing air; Housing, a heating element supported by the housing and configured to generate and conduct heat to the water reservoir when the water reservoir is removably connected to the RPT device; and an RPT device including a first face seal configured to sealingly engage the flat surface when the water reservoir is removably connected to the RPT device.

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