Breathing assistance apparatus

Abstract

A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising: a patient interface, in use in fluid communication with said supply of gases, a forehead support adapted to pivot about said interface and in use rest on the forehead of a user and configurable at least in an adjustment mode for selecting a desired fixed relation and a secured mode for securing said desired fixed relation. In one embodiment of the patient interface a mask seals against the face of said user and deliver said gases to the nasal cavity and/or oral cavity and/or throat of said user without substantial pressure on the users face.

1 . A device for delivering a supply of gases to a user comprising: 
 a patient interface, in use in fluid communication with said supply of gases,    a forehead support adapted to pivot about said interface and in use rest on the forehead of a user and means for securing said forehead support in a substantially fixed relation to said interface and configurable at least in an adjustment mode for selecting a desired fixed relation and a secured mode for securing said desired fixed relation.    
     
     
         2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said interface is a mask and said mask and said support being configured to in use substantially seal against the face of said user without substantial pressure there to and deliver said gases to the nasal cavity and/or oral cavity and/or throat of said user.  
     
     
         3 . A device as claimed in claims  1  or  2  wherein said desired fixed relation lies at any point within a predetermined angular range.  
     
     
         4 . A device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said means for securing further comprises a friction engagement whereby said bridge member may be selectively engaged to said nasal mask in said desired fixed relation by a friction engagement.  
     
     
         5 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said friction engagement comprises an adjustable clamp engaging at least a first flange of said nasal mask with a second flange on said bridge member in a fixed position relative thereto.  
     
     
         6 . A device as claimed in claim S wherein said clamp comprises a elongate member extending through apertures in at least said first flange and said second flange whereby the rotation thereof, through a helical thread acting on either said first flange, said second flange, said bridge member and/or said interface, thereby increasing or decreasing the compressive pressure of said first flange on said second flange and thereby varying the frictional engagement there between.  
     
     
         7 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said first flange said second flange are flat.  
     
     
         8 . A device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said first flange and said second flange are conical.  
     
     
         9 . In a CPAP system for delivering gases to a user 
 the improvement comprising 
 a user interface for communicating said gases to said user accordingly to the device claimed in any of the proceeding claims.  
   
     
     
         10 . In a CPAP system as claimed in  claim 9   the improvement further comprising 
 a humidifier in fluid communication with said interfaces variably humidifies said gases prior to delivery to said user.