Bi-level positive airway pressure device

Abstract

A bi-level positive airway pressure device includes a housing that has a patient port for connecting to an airway of a patient. There is a device (e.g., a nozzle) for generating a positive airway pressure that is directed through a conduit towards the patient port. An exhalation detector includes a nozzle emitting a jet of a gas directed across the conduit and directed at a receptor channel when exhalation gases flow from the patient port, thereby an increase a gas pressure is present at the receptor channel when the exhalation gases flow from the patient port. The exhalation detector converts the increase in the gas pressure into a movement of an occluding member such that when the exhalation gases flow from the patient port, the occluding member moves to block the means for generating the positive airway pressure.