RESPIRATORY FILTER AND CONDENSATE MANAGEMENT APPARATUS

A respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus is provided for use in a breathing circuit during patient respiration. The apparatus includes a housing having an air inlet port for receiving a flow of respiratory air, and an air outlet port for outputting the flow of respiratory air to a ventilator. A filter compartment is provided within the housing and includes a filter member located in a flow path of the respiratory air from the air inlet port to the air outlet port. A condensate collection compartment is provided within the housing and includes at least one reservoir and at least one self-sealing drainage port. The reservoir collects liquid formed by condensation of the respiratory air within the filter compartment, and the drainage port allows removal of the collected liquid from the reservoir while the housing remains connected to the breathing circuit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to respiratory filters for use in a breathing circuit, and more particularly, to respiratory filters operable to manage an accumulation of condensate produced during active humidification.

BACKGROUND

Ventilators are commonly used to aid or replace a patient's respiratory function. Such ventilators are typically connected to a breathing circuit having an inspiratory limb for delivering a flow of air from the ventilator to the patient for inhalation, and an expiratory limb for returning a flow of exhaled air from the patient back to the ventilator. The flow of air is often heated and humidified to increase patient comfort and compliance during respiration.

A respiratory filter may be used in the breathing circuit between the expiratory limb and the ventilator in order to prevent the ventilator from being contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and/or other waste material exhaled by the patient during respiration. The exhaled air from the patient contains vapor that may form condensate within the expiratory limb. Similarly, vapor that reaches the respiratory filter may form condensate within the filter. Some conventional expiratory limbs may be heated, such as by a heating wire, to reduce the amount of condensate within the expiratory limb. However, conventional respiratory filters are unheated, and are therefore exposed to room air that is almost always colder than the air inside the filter. Thus, unwanted condensation or rainout commonly occurs within the filter when the heated and humidified air enters the colder filter.

The accumulation of condensate within the respiratory filter can saturate the filter material causing it to perform less effectively. For instance, resistance to air flow in the filter material may increase as the filter material becomes more saturated with water. Additionally, condensate that forms in the filter may be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and/or other waste material from the patient.

Some typical respiratory filters may include a container to collect moisture on the circuit side of the filter. However, such filters routinely fill up with water and require dismantling or breaking of the breathing circuit in order to drain the excess fluid. It is advantageous to avoid taking apart the breathing circuit during respiration in order to maintain a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and minimize the risk of infection. Moreover, ventilation patterns can be affected when conventional respiratory filters fill up with liquid from condensation, which can cause false triggering on the ventilator. Furthermore, known heated filters either require a ventilator that has a heating capability, a standalone filter heater, or a powered humidifier, each of which blocks viewing of the filter and are also cost prohibitive.

Accordingly, there is a clear need for a respiratory filter with integrated liquid drainage for condensate management during active humidification. In particular, the respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus of the present disclosure mitigates the buildup of liquid within the expiratory filter, minimizes filter change-outs, helps maintain PEEP in the breathing circuit, and mitigates the risk of infection due to breaking of the circuit, among other advantages.

SUMMARY

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present disclosure of a respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus discussed herein. The respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus may comprise a housing having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, the air inlet port configured to connect to an expiratory limb of the breathing circuit for receiving a flow of expiratory air, and the air outlet port configured to connect to a ventilator for outputting the flow of expiratory air; a filter compartment provided within the housing, the filter compartment being in communication with the air inlet port and the air outlet port; a filter member provided within the filter compartment and located in a flow path of the expiratory air from the air inlet port to the air outlet port; a condensate collection compartment provided within the housing, the condensate collection compartment being adjacent to the filter compartment and including a first reservoir operable to collect liquid formed by condensation of the expiratory air within the filter compartment; and a first self-sealing drainage port provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment, the first self-sealing drainage port operable to allow removal of the collected liquid from the first reservoir without disconnecting the filter from the breathing circuit.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first reservoir may be configured to collect liquid formed by condensation of the expiratory air within a patient side of the filter compartment before the flow of expiratory air passes through the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a first condensate passage is operable to permit the liquid condensation within the filter compartment to pass into the first reservoir of the condensate collection compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first self-sealing drainage port comprises a self-closing one-way valve operable to allow suctioning out the condensate collected in the first reservoir.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the condensate collection compartment further includes a second reservoir operable to collect liquid formed by condensation of the expiratory air within the filter compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second reservoir is configured to collect condensation of the expiratory air within a ventilator side of the filter compartment after the flow expiratory air passes through the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a second self-sealing drainage port may be provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment, the second self-sealing drainage port operable to allow removal of the collected liquid from the second reservoir.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second self-sealing drainage port comprises a self-closing valve operable to allow suctioning out the condensate collected in the second reservoir.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a second condensate passage may be operable to permit the liquid condensation within the filter compartment to pass into the second reservoir of the condensate collection compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the first and second reservoirs in the condensate collection compartment are separated by a partition configured to prevent mixing the liquid collected in the first reservoir with the liquid collected in the second reservoir.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an impact pad may be provided within the filter compartment and operable to remove liquid from the flow of expiratory air.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be located in a patient side of the filter compartment between the filter member and the air inlet port.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad directly faces the air inlet port in a direction perpendicular to the flow of air.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be suspended within the filter compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a clearance surrounding a periphery of the impact pad allows the flow of expiratory air to be diverted around the impact pad toward the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be mounted to a mounting frame within the patient side of the filter compartment, the mounting frame including an opening configured to allow the flow of air to pass from the air inlet port to the filter member through the impact pad.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a surface of the impact pad may be flat.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be an electrostatic pad.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the filter member may be pleated.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus for a breathing circuit may comprise: a housing having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, the air inlet port configured to connect to a breathing circuit for receiving a flow of respiratory air, and the air outlet port configured to connect to a ventilator for outputting the flow of respiratory air; a filter compartment provided within the housing, the filter compartment defining a patient side in communication with the air inlet port and a ventilator side in communication with the air outlet port; a filter member provided within the filter compartment and located in a flow path of the respiratory air from the air inlet port to the air outlet port; a condensate collection compartment provided within the housing and including a reservoir and a self-sealing drainage port, the reservoir configured to collect liquid formed by condensation of the respiratory air within the filter compartment, and the self-sealing drainage port operable to prevent a leakage of the respiratory air for maintaining pressure in the breathing circuit.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the self-sealing drainage port may comprise a one-way valve operable to allow removal of the collected liquid from the reservoir while the housing is connected to the breathing circuit.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an impact pad may be provided within the filter compartment and operable to remove liquid from the flow of respiratory air.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be located in the patient side of the filter compartment between the filter member and the air inlet port.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be suspended within the filter compartment and may be operable to divert the flow of respiratory air around a periphery of the impact pad and toward the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be mounted to a mounting frame within the patient side of the filter compartment, the mounting frame including an opening configured to allow the flow of air to pass from the air inlet port to the filter member through the impact pad.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided for removing liquid particles from a flow of respiratory air within a breathing circuit, the apparatus comprising: a housing having an air inlet port and an air outlet port, the air inlet port configured to connect to a breathing circuit for receiving a flow of respiratory air, and the air outlet port configured to connect to a ventilator for outputting the flow of respiratory air; a filter compartment provided within the housing, the filter compartment defining a patient side in communication with the air inlet port and a ventilator side in communication with the air outlet port; a filter member provided within the filter compartment and located in a flow path of the respiratory air from the air inlet port to the air outlet port; and an impact pad within the patient side of the filter compartment and operable to remove liquid particles from the flow of respiratory air.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be located between the filter member and the air inlet port.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be suspended within the filter compartment and is operable to divert the flow of respiratory air around a periphery of the impact pad and toward the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a clearance surrounding a periphery of the impact pad may be provided that allows the flow of respiratory air to be diverted around the impact pad toward the filter member.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be mounted to a mounting frame within the patient side of the filter compartment, the mounting frame including an opening configured to allow the flow of air to pass from the air inlet port to the filter member through the impact pad.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the impact pad may be an electrostatic pad.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a condensate collection compartment may be provided within the housing and including a reservoir and a self-sealing drainage port.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the reservoir may be configured to collect liquid formed by condensation of the respiratory air within the filter compartment.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the self-sealing drainage port may be operable to prevent a leakage of the respiratory air for maintaining pressure in the breathing circuit.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the self-sealing drainage port may comprise a one-way valve operable to allow removal of the collected liquid from the reservoir while the housing is connected to the breathing circuit.

There has thus been outlined certain embodiments of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the disclosure that will be described below and which form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4illustrate a respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus10for a breathing circuit in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. The respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus10comprises a housing20having a filter compartment30and a condensate collection compartment40. The filter compartment30includes an air inlet port22and an air outlet port24. The air inlet port22is configured to connect to an expiratory limb of the breathing circuit, and the air outlet port24is configured to connect to a ventilator.

A filter member31is provided within the filter compartment30and is in communication with the air inlet port22and the air outlet port24for filtering bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material exhaled by a patient during respiration. More particularly, the filter member31is located in an air flow path from the air inlet port22to the air outlet port24. The filter member31may be made from a material, such as micro-fiberglass, that is operable to catch bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material, while still allowing the flow of air to pass through the filter member. For instance, the filter member31may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an ultra low particulate air (ULPA) filter, among others. In some aspects, the filter member31may be pleated to improve efficiency of the air filtration, while in other aspects, the filter member may be non-pleated. The filter member31may also be capable of letting through gaseous vapor comprising small water droplets. Further, the filter member may be treated with an antimicrobial agent.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the filter member31is configured to fit within the filter compartment30such that the flow of air from the air inlet port22to the air outlet port24must pass through the filter member31. Stated another way, the filter member31has a shape and size relative to a shape and size of the filter compartment30such that the flow of air from the air inlet port22to the air outlet port24is prevented from bypassing the filter member31. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the filter member31may have a generally cuboidal shape, among others.

Heated and humidified air that enters the air inlet port22may produce condensate within the filter compartment30due to the colder air within the filter compartment. Condensation or rainout may occur in the patient side32of the filter compartment30before the air flow passes through the filter member31, and thus condensate that accumulates within the patient side of the filter compartment may be dirty water. As previously described, the filter member31may be capable of letting through gaseous vapor comprising water droplets. Accordingly, condensation or rainout may also occur in the ventilator side34of the filter compartment30after the air flow passes through the filter member31, and thus condensate that accumulates within the ventilator side of the filter compartment may be clean water.

The condensate collection compartment40is located directly adjacent to and below the filter compartment30, and is configured to collect liquid water formed by condensation within the filter compartment. In particular, the condensate collection compartment40includes a first reservoir42operable to collect liquid formed by condensation within the patient side32of the filter compartment30, and a second reservoir44operable to collect liquid formed by condensation within the ventilator side32of the filter compartment. A partition45is provided within the condensate collection compartment40between the first and second reservoirs42,44to separate the reservoirs and ensure the dirty water within the first reservoir42does not mix with the clean water in the second reservoir44. In some aspects, the filter compartment30and the condensate collection compartment40may be integrally formed. In other aspects, the condensate collection compartment40may be removably attached to the filter compartment30.

During use in patient respiration, liquid condensation that forms within the filter compartment30will drip downward toward the condensate collection compartment40due to the effect of gravity. More specifically, condensate within the patient side32of the filter compartment30will pass downward through a first condensate passage36and into the first reservoir42of the condensate collection compartment40due to gravity. Similarly, condensate within the ventilator side34of the filter compartment30will pass downward through a second condensate passage38and into the second reservoir44of the condensate collection compartment40due to gravity.

A first drainage port46is provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment40and is operable to allow removal of the liquid collected in the first reservoir42. Similarly, a second drainage port48is provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment40and is operable to allow removal of the liquid collected in the second reservoir44. Each of the first and second drainage ports46,48may be self-sealing to prevent a leakage of air for maintaining pressure in the breathing circuit, and also to prevent a leakage of liquid. More particularly, each of the first and second drainage ports46,48may comprise a respective self-closing valve assembly50operable to allow suctioning of the liquid condensation collected in the respective first and second reservoirs42,44. Such suctioning may be performed by placing a suction wand, or other suction conduit connected to a vacuum source, into the valve assembly50.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the valve assembly50comprises a one-way check valve51, such as a ball check valve, and a valve cover52placed over the check valve. The one-way check valve51is configured to prevent a leakage of air in order to maintain pressure in the breathing circuit. The one-way check valve51also allows the liquid to flow out of the reservoir and prevents the liquid from flowing back into the reservoir. Furthermore, as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second drainage ports46,48are both provided in the same side wall of the condensate collection compartment40to provide better ergonomic positioning for increased suctioning efficiency. It should be appreciated that according to some aspects, the first and second drainage ports may be provided on different side walls of the condensate collection compartment. Additionally, the condensate collection compartment40may include a cut-out portion or stepped region configured to receive a respective valve assembly50such that the valve assembly does not extend beyond an outer wall of the housing. Such an arrangement helps prevent or minimize damage to the valve assembly50that may be caused by accidentally bumping it or knocking it during use.

Turning toFIGS. 7-10, a respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus100for a breathing circuit is illustrated in accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure. The respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus100comprises a housing120having a filter compartment130and a condensate collection compartment140. The filter compartment130includes an air inlet port122and an air outlet port124. The air inlet port122is configured to connect to an expiratory limb of the breathing circuit, and the air outlet port124is configured to connect to a ventilator.

A filter member131is provided within the filter compartment130and is in communication with the air inlet port122and the air outlet port124for filtering bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material exhaled by a patient during respiration. More particularly, the filter member131is located in an air flow path from the air inlet port122to the air outlet port124. The filter member131may be made from a material, such as micro-fiberglass, that is operable to catch bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material, while still allowing the flow of air to pass through the filter member. For instance, the filter member131may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an ultra low particulate air (ULPA) filter, among others. The filter member131may be pleated to improve efficiency of the air filtration. According to some aspects, the filter member131may also be capable of letting through gaseous vapor comprising small water droplets. Further, the filter member may be treated with an antimicrobial agent.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the filter member131is configured to fit within the filter compartment130such that the flow of air from the air inlet port122to the air outlet port124must pass through the filter member131. Stated another way, the filter member131has a shape and size relative to a shape and size of the filter compartment130such that the flow of air from the air inlet port122to the air outlet port124is prevented from bypassing the filter member131. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the filter member131may have a generally cuboidal shape, among others.

Heated and humidified air that enters the air inlet port122may produce condensate within the filter compartment130due to the colder air within the filter compartment. Condensation or rainout may occur in the patient side132of the filter compartment130before the air flow passes through the filter member131, and thus condensate that accumulates within the patient side of the filter compartment may be dirty water. As previously described, the filter member131may be capable of letting through gaseous vapor comprising water droplets. Accordingly, condensation or rainout may also occur in the ventilator side134of the filter compartment130after the air flow passes through the filter member131, and thus condensate that accumulates within the ventilator side of the filter compartment may be clean water.

A pre-filter impact pad135may also be provided within the patient side132of the filter compartment130. The impact pad135is operable to remove liquid particles from the humidified flow of air before the humidified air reaches the filter member131. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the impact pad135is located between the filter member131and the air inlet port122. Thus, the humidified flow of air contacts the impact pad135before reaching the filter member131. More particularly, the air flow is diverted around the pad and/or through the pad toward the filter member in order to enhance impaction or catching of aerosol particles.

The impact pad135may be absorbent and therefore able to retain the liquid particles. Further, the impact pad may be electrostatically charged for treating the flow of air from the air inlet port122. For instance, the electrostatic impact pad may comprise a fibrous material imbued with an electrical charge during manufacturing. Thus, the electrostatic impact pad135is operable to attract and retain liquid particles in the air flow so as to prevent their further travel into the filter member131, thus prolonging the lifespan of the filter member.

The impact pad135may have generally a planar front surface positioned so as to directly face the air inlet port122in a direction perpendicular to the flow of air from the air inlet port122. Moreover, the impact pad135may be shaped and sized such that its cross-section is larger than a cross-section of the air inlet port122. Thus, the impact pad135is located in the direct flow path of air entering through the air inlet port122.

Further, the impact pad135may be mounted on a mounting frame139within the patient side132of the filter compartment130so that a clearance surrounding a periphery of the impact pad is formed for allowing the flow of air from the air inlet port to be diverted around the impact pad toward the filter member. The clearance defines a space or gap between the impact pad and an interior surface of the filter compartment. The clearance allows the flow of air to be diverted around a top of the pad, a bottom of the pad, and lateral sides of the pad. The impact pad135may be secured to the mounting frame139by a fastener, such as an adhesive or a clip, among others. According to other aspects, the impact pad may have a conical shape or a cylindrical shape, among others. The mounting frame139may also include at least one opening configured to allow the air flow to pass from the air inlet port122to the filter member131through the impact pad135.

During use, the electrostatic impact pad135causes the air to diffuse, slow down, and be diverted around the pad and/or flow through the pad toward the filter member. The impact pad therefore enhances impaction or catching of aerosol particles. The electrostatic charge on the impact pad135attracts liquid particles from the flow of air, thereby preventing the liquid particles from travelling through the filter member131, and also preventing the liquid particles from being diverted around the filter member. Accordingly, the electrostatic impact pad is operable to scrub out aerosol from the flow of air from the air inlet port.

The condensate collection compartment140is located directly adjacent to and below the filter compartment130, and is configured to collect liquid water formed by condensation within the filter compartment. More particularly, the condensate collection compartment140includes a first reservoir142operable to collect liquid formed by condensation within the patient side132of the filter compartment130, and a second reservoir144operable to collect liquid formed by condensation within the ventilator side132of the filter compartment. A partition145is provided within the condensate collection compartment140between the first and second reservoirs142,144to separate the reservoirs and ensure the dirty water within the first reservoir142does not mix with the clean water in the second reservoir144. In some aspects, the filter compartment130and the condensate collection compartment140may be integrally formed. In other aspects, the condensate collection compartment140may be removably attached to the filter compartment130.

During use in patient respiration, liquid condensation that forms within the filter compartment130will drip downward toward the condensate collection compartment140due to the effect of gravity. More specifically, condensate within the patient side132of the filter compartment130will pass downward through a first condensate passage136and into the first reservoir142of the condensate collection compartment140due to gravity. Similarly, condensate within the ventilator side134of the filter compartment130will pass downward through a second condensate passage138and into the second reservoir144of the condensate collection compartment140due to gravity.

As also shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a drainage port146is provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment140. The drainage port146may be self-sealing to prevent a leakage of air for maintaining pressure in the breathing circuit, and also to prevent a leakage of liquid. The drainage port146may comprise a self-closing valve assembly50, as previously described above, where the valve assembly is operable to allow removal of the liquid collected in the first reservoir142. In particular, the valve assembly50is operable to allow suctioning of the liquid condensation collected in the first reservoir142. Such suctioning may be performed by placing a suction wand, or other suction conduit connected to a vacuum source, into the valve assembly50. The valve assembly50comprises a one-way check valve51, such as a ball check valve, and a valve cover52placed over the check valve. The one-way check valve51is configured to prevent a leakage of air in order to maintain pressure in the breathing circuit. The one-way check valve51also allows the liquid to flow out of the reservoir and prevents the liquid from flowing back into the reservoir.

As depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10, the drainage port146is provided only in a side wall of the condensate collection compartment140for accessing the first reservoir142containing dirty water. No drainage port is shown provided in a side wall of the condensate collection compartment140for accessing the second reservoir144containing clean water so as to prevent a user from using the same suction wand on both the dirty and the clean sides of the apparatus. Thus, the possibility of cross-contamination of condensate between the first and second reservoirs is eliminated or minimized. It should be appreciated, however, that a second drainage port may be provided in a wall of the condensate collection compartment140for allowing removal of the clean liquid collected in the second reservoir144. Such a second drainage port may be similar to the second drainage port48previously discussed above.

Further, in implementations of the condensate collection compartment140having both first and second drainage ports, each port may be provided on different side walls of the condensate collection compartment, or on the same side wall of the condensate collection compartment to provide enhanced ergonomics. Additionally, the condensate collection compartment140may include a cut-out portion or stepped region configured to receive the valve assembly50so that it does not extend beyond an outer wall of the housing. Such an arrangement helps prevent or minimize damage to the valve assembly50caused by accidentally bumping it or knocking it during use.

A respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus200for a breathing circuit is illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12in accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure. The respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus200comprises a housing220having a filter compartment230. The filter compartment230includes an air inlet port222and an air outlet port224. The air inlet port222is configured to connect to an expiratory limb of the breathing circuit, and the air outlet port224is configured to connect to a ventilator.

A filter member231is provided within the filter compartment230and is in communication with the air inlet port222and the air outlet port224for filtering bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material exhaled by a patient during respiration. As shown, the filter member231is located in an air flow path from the air inlet port222to the air outlet port224. Similar to the filter members previously described above, the filter member231may be made from a material, such as micro-fiberglass, that is operable to catch bacteria, viruses, medicament, and/or other waste material, while still allowing the flow of air to pass therethrough. For instance, the filter member231may be a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, or an ultra low particulate air (ULPA) filter, among others. The filter member231may also be pleated to improve efficiency of the air filtration. According to some aspects, the filter member231may also be capable of letting through gaseous vapor comprising small water droplets. Further, the filter member may be treated with an antimicrobial agent.

As shown inFIG. 12, the filter member231is configured to fit within the filter compartment230such that the flow of air from the air inlet port222to the air outlet port224must pass through the filter member231. The filter member231is therefore shaped and sized relative to the filter compartment230to prevent the flow of air from the air inlet port222to the air outlet port224from bypassing the filter member231. For instance, the filter member231may have a generally cuboidal shape, among others.

The filter compartment230comprises a patient side232adjacent to the air inlet port222, and a ventilator side234adjacent to the air outlet port224. A pre-filter impact pad235may be provided within the patient side232of the filter compartment230for scrubbing aerosol from the flow of air before it reaches the filter member231. Stated another way, the impact pad235is operable to remove liquid particles from the humidified flow of air before the humidified air reaches the filter member231. The impact pad235is located between the filter member231and the air inlet port222so that the humidified flow of air contacts the impact pad235before reaching the filter member231. More particularly, the air flow may be diverted around the pad and/or through the pad toward the filter member in order to enhance impaction or catching of aerosol particles.

Additionally, the impact pad235may be absorbent and therefore able to retain the liquid particles. Further, the impact pad235may be electrostatically charged for treating the flow of air from the air inlet port222. For instance, the electrostatic impact pad235may comprise a fibrous material imbued with an electrical charge during manufacturing. Thus, the electrostatic impact pad235is operable to attract and retain liquid particles in the air flow so as to prevent their further travel into the filter member231, thus prolonging the lifespan of the filter member.

The impact pad235may have a generally planar front surface positioned so as to directly face the air inlet port222in a direction perpendicular to the flow of air from the air inlet port222, as depicted inFIG. 12. Moreover, the impact pad235may be shaped and sized such that its cross-section is larger than a cross-section of the air inlet port222. Thus, the impact pad235is located in the direct flow path of air entering through the air inlet port222.

Further, the impact pad235may be mounted on a mounting frame239within the patient side232of the filter compartment230so that a clearance surrounding a periphery of the impact pad is formed for allowing the flow of air from the air inlet port to be diverted around the impact pad toward the filter member. The clearance defines a space or gap between the impact pad and an interior surface of the filter compartment. The clearance allows the flow of air to be diverted around a top of the pad, a bottom of the pad, and lateral sides of the pad. The impact pad235may be secured to the mounting frame239by a fastener, such as an adhesive or a clip, among others. According to other aspects, the impact pad may have a conical shape or a cylindrical shape, among others. The mounting frame239may also include at least one opening configured to allow the air flow to pass from the air inlet port222to the filter member231through the impact pad235.

During use, the electrostatic impact pad235causes the air to diffuse, slow down, and be diverted around the pad and/or flow through the pad toward the filter member. The impact pad therefore enhances impaction or catching of aerosol particles. The electrostatic charge on the impact pad235attracts liquid particles from the flow of air, thereby preventing the liquid particles from travelling through the filter member231, and also preventing the liquid particles from being diverted around the filter member. Accordingly, the electrostatic impact pad is operable to scrub out aerosol from the flow of air from the air inlet port.

While the respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus has been described in terms of what may be considered to be specific aspects, the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed aspects. Additional modifications and improvements to the respiratory filter and condensate management apparatus may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, the many features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the disclosure which fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Further, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. The present disclosure should therefore be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims, which should be accorded their broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.