Patent ID: 8171935

Claim:
A system for delivering a heated and humidified gas to a patient comprising: a) a supply tube having a first supply tube end and a second supply tube end, the supply tube having a first inner diameter; b) a source of heated and humidified gas coupled to the first supply tube end for delivering gas through the first inner diameter of the supply tube; c) a connector in fluid flow communication with the second supply tube end; and d) a nasal cannula in fluid flow communication with the connector, the nasal cannula having: i) a nasal insertion member; ii) a lumen extending from one end of the nasal insertion member to the connector, the lumen providing fluid flow communication between the connector and the nasal insertion member; and iii) a flexible member extending to the connector from another end of the nasal insertion member opposite the one end of the nasal insertion member, the flexible member fixedly and directly coupled to the connector, the flexible member comprising a solid, non-lumen member that completely blocks fluid flow communication between the connector and the nasal insertion member.