Patient interfaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

1. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient comprising or including:
 a patient interface fittable to a patients nose or mouth, which in use is in fluid communication with said supply of gases,  
 connecting member having two ends and means for interference with said patient interface, one end of said two ends being locatable within said patient interface and the other end of said two ends is connectable to said supply of gases, said member capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where said member is freely rotatable within patient interface, and a second position where said means for interference with said patient interface prevents the free rotation of the member within said patient interface.  
 
     
     
       2. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 1  wherein said other end is connected to a conduit that is connected to said supply gases. 
     
     
       3. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 1  wherein said connecting member is a L-shaped connector. 
     
     
       4. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 1 , wherein said means for interference with said patient interface is the meeting of an interference surface on the connecting member that is capable of abutting said patient interface. 
     
     
       5. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 1  wherein said patient interface is a nasal mask. 
     
     
       6. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 1  wherein said patient interface is a mouthpiece. 
     
     
       7. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 5 , wherein said nasal mask comprises or includes:
 a body portion, having an inlet receiving said supply of gases through a gases supply conduit, and  
 sealing means attached to or integrated with said body portion, said sealing means adapted to seal against the facial contours of a patient.  
 
     
     
       8. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 7 , wherein said connecting member includes outlet means, said outlet means including, at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion of gases expired from a patient through said at least one outlet vent. 
     
     
       9. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering gases to a patient comprising or including a pressurized source of gases, a conduit, in fluid communication with said pressurized source, adapted to convey said gases, and a nasal mask in fluid communication with said conduit, in use, delivering said gases to a patient, said nasal mask comprising or including:
 a body portion having an inlet, connected to said conduit by a connecting member,  
 sealing means engaged with said body portion, and adapted to seal against the facial contours of a patient, and  
 securement means attached to or around the head of a patient,  
 wherein said connecting member has two ends and means for interference with said body portion, one end being locatable within said body portion and the other end of said two ends connectable to said conduit, said connecting member capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where said member is rotatable within said body portion and a second position wherein said means for interference with said body portion prevents the free rotation of said member within said body portion.  
 
     
     
       10. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 9  wherein said connecting member is an L-shaped connector. 
     
     
       11. A device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient according to  claim 9  wherein said means for interference with said body portion is the meeting of an interference surface on said connecting member that is capable of abutting said body portion. 
     
     
       12. A continuous positive airways pressure system for delivering gases to a patient according to  claim 9  wherein said connecting member includes outlet means, said outlet means including, at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion of gases expired from a patient through said at least one outlet vent.