Importance

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Abstract

This invention relates to face masks, and particularly respiratory face masks for administering a gas, such as oxygen or a mixture thereof, to a patient, and specifically when an operation is performed involving a local anaesthetic or when a patient is recuperating in an intensive care unit or post-anaesthetic care unit. The face mask includes a body adapted to cover at least the nose of a wearer, and having a peripheral edge for substantially sealing at least a portion of the body of the mask to the face of a wearer. Moreover, the peripheral edge is contoured to extend over the bridge of the nose and well below the level of the eyes of the patient or wearer. The face mask includes an inlet for directing a flow of gas to the interior of the mask, and a port for allowing the exhaled air stream by the patient to flow therethrough, and particularly to a tube for directing such flow to suitable monitoring apparatus for measuring the components thereof, such as a mass spectrometer or capnograph. The port includes a connector having a configuration for releasably engaging one end of the tube presented thereto, with such connector including a conduit, and, in the preferred embodiment, in the term of a tubular portion or element, for directing the flow of gas from the interior of the mask to such tube.

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First Claim