Patent ID: 8042535
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: A61M,A62B,B01F,B29L,F04D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, comprising: a continuous positive airway pressure device capable of providing a supply of air at a pressure in the range of about 4 cmH a humidifier connectable to the continuous positive airway pressure device, the humidifier including: a humidifier base, a humidifier lid hingedly connected to the humidifier base to allow the humidifier lid to close and open, the humidifier lid including an air delivery pipe constructed and arranged to mate with an air delivery tube, the humidifier lid further including a lid seal, the humidifier base further including a humidifier heater plate and a humidifier base seal; and a water tank having a tank base to receive water and a tank lid, the tank base including a heat conductive portion to conduct heat from the humidifier heater plate to water in the tank in use, the apparatus further comprising a latch to releasably connect the continuous positive airway pressure device to the humidifier; and a locking mechanism constructed and arranged to releasably hold the humidifier lid when closed, wherein the humidifier base is constructed and arranged to receive the water tank when the humidifier lid is open; wherein, when the humidifier base receives the water tank, the heat conductive portion of the water tank is positioned relative to the humidifier heater plate to allow heat transfer communication therebetween in use; wherein, when the continuous positive airway pressure device and the humidifier are latched together and the humidifier lid is closed with the water tank placed in the humidifier base, a sealed gas flow path is established, said sealed gas flow path extending from the continuous positive airway pressure device, through the humidifier base seal located between the humidifier base and a rear surface of the water tank, through an interior of the water tank, through the lid seal surrounding an outlet of the tank lid and located on an underside of the humidifier lid, and to the air delivery pipe of the humidifier lid; and wherein an engagement face of the continuous positive airway pressure device includes electrical connectors to deliver power to the humidifier heater plate.