Pap system

Abstract

A PAP system includes a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device, and a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing. The cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A PAP system, comprising:
 a PAP device to generate a supply of pressurized air;   a patient interface adapted to form a seal with the patient's face;   air delivery tubing to interconnect the patient interface and the PAP device; and   a cover that substantially encloses at least a portion of the PAP device and a portion of the air delivery tubing,   wherein the cover allows the PAP device to be carried by and/or supported on the patient's head.   
     
     
         2 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover substantially encloses one or more portions of the patient interface. 
     
     
         3 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the PAP device generates a supply of pressurized air in the range of about 2-30 cm H 2 O. 
     
     
         4 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the patient interface includes a nozzle, nasal prong, pillow, cradle or cushion arrangement. 
     
     
         5 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the air delivery tubing includes two inlet tubes each adapted to pass along the patient's cheek region, above or below the ears, and over the crown of the patient's head. 
     
     
         6 . A PAP system according to  claim 5 , wherein each tube includes a non-cylindrical cross-sectional shape structured such that it may move between a first open phase and a second at least partially collapsed phase. 
     
     
         7 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is constructed of a textile material. 
     
     
         8 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , further comprising headgear to support at least the patient interface and air delivery tubing on the patient's head. 
     
     
         9 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the patient interface, air delivery tubing, cover, and/or headgear is constructed of materials including different colors, patterns, and/or surface texture so as to blend in with the patient's skin and/or hair. 
     
     
         10 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the cover is adapted to wrap around the patient's head. 
     
     
         11 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a wrap or scarf-like arrangement. 
     
     
         12 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover includes a pouch portion to substantially enclose one or more portions of the PAP device and a tube portion to substantially enclose one or more portions of the air delivery tube. 
     
     
         13 . A PAP system according to  claim 12 , wherein the cover further includes a headgear strap portion that cooperates with another headgear strap to wrap around the patient's head to stabilize and support the system on the patient's head. 
     
     
         14 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is structured to hide, veil or conceal one or more connection points between the PAP device, patient interface, and air delivery tubing. 
     
     
         15 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the PAP device is adapted to be located over the patient's shoulder when the patient is in an upright position and/or adapted to be located beside, near or adjacent the patient when the patient is in a supine position. 
     
     
         16 . A PAP system according to  claim 15 , wherein the PAP device is adapted to be located near the patient's chest when the patient is in the supine position. 
     
     
         17 . A PAP system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system is portable and lightweight to allow the patient to freely move around while wearing the system. 
     
     
         18 . A system for delivery of pressurized air to a patient, comprising:
 a base unit including a blower to generate a supply of air at positive pressure;   a patient interface adapted to be provided to a patient's face; and   a tube to deliver the supply of pressurized air to the patient interface, the tube structured to selectively modify its shape in order to move the patient interface and/or modify the amount of force exerted between the patient interface and the patient.   
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 18 , further comprising an interface controller to adjust an angle of the patient interface relative to the patient's face. 
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 18 , wherein the patient interface is adapted to engage the patient's face.