Importance

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Abstract

A mouth nose mask used in combination with an inhalation therapy and/or breathing monitoring apparatus, the mask is mounted on the face of a patient independently of a nasal cannula and over the cannula without impeding its function. The mask makes it possible for the cannula to carry out a dual function of providing inhalation therapy and breathing monitoring both through the nasal passages of the patient and oral cavity of the patient. The mask has no connections to the inhalation therapy and breathing monitoring apparatus and is worn over the nasal cannula. In use, the treatment gaseous fluid is delivered to a patient through the nasal passages in communication with the nasal cannula. The mask provides for diversion of some of the oral inhalation air to the nasal cannula to sense inhalation in the event that the upper nasal passages of the patient are blocked. Moreover, the mask will effect diversion of some of the treatment gaseous fluids to the oral cavity when the patient's upper nasal passages are blocked.

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First Claim