Patent ID: 8267092

Claim:
A single flow entry nasal cannula assembly adapted for an intake of flow from either a left side or a right side such that the nasal cannula assembly can be configured for left hand orientation or right hand orientation, the cannula assembly comprising a face mount portion and a gas flow manifold; the face mount portion comprising a generally tubular-shaped member defining an open tubular recess, at least one nasal prong extending away from the generally tubular-shaped member, the at least one nasal prong comprising a passage that opens into the open tubular recess defined by the generally tubular-shaped member; the gases flow manifold insertable into the open tubular recess defined by the generally tubular shaped member, the gases flow manifold comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the gases flow manifold closing at least one end of the open tubular recess defined by the generally tubular-shaped member when the gases flow manifold is inserted into the open tubular recess defined by the generally tubular shaped member, the second end of the gases flow manifold being connectable to tubing; and the gases flow manifold comprising a wall that connects the first end of the gases flow manifold to the second end of the gases flow manifold, and an opening being defined between the first end and the second end whereby flow from the second end of the gases flow manifold can pass into the passage of the at least one nasal prong through the opening of the gases flow manifold.