Breathing assistance apparatus

Abstract

In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A breathing assistance apparatus comprising:
 nasal cannula, shaped to fit within a user's nares,   a pressurized source of gases,   transportation means adapted to, in use, be in fluid communication with the source of gases and the nasal cannula and adapted to in use convey the gases to the user,   wherein the nasal cannula are adapted to deliver the humidified gases to the user, the nasal cannula including at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of the humidified gases and creating positive airway pressure in the patient's airway, the at least one prong having an end that is flared outwardly.   
     
     
         3 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the flared end of the at least one prong at least partially seals within the user's nares in use. 
     
     
         4 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the nasal cannula has two nasal prongs. 
     
     
         5 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the prongs are oval and shaped to follow the contours of human nares. 
     
     
         6 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the prongs are angled toward one another to prevent dislodgement from the user's nares and assist in flow of gases into the user's nasal passages. 
     
     
         7 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the prongs each have a step formed in them such that in use the sides of the prongs abut the user's nasal septum so as to prevent the prongs from dislodging from the user's nares. 
     
     
         8 . The breathing assistance apparatus of  claim 7  wherein each of the prongs include a protrusion formed opposite the step that assists in correct orientation of the prongs within the user's nares.