Modular exhalation device that transitions circuits between active and non-invasive ventilation modes

An exhalation device system for a non-invasive ventilator system, the exhalation device system configured to reversibly convert between a first, passive ventilation configuration and a second, active ventilation configuration, the exhalation device system comprising:

• an exhalation device comprising:
• (i) a housing with a first end and a second end, the housing defining a gas flow path extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end are both open ends;
• (ii) an exhalation port defined within the housing, the exhalation port configured to passively release gas from the gas flow path to the environment;
• and (iii) an internal diaphragm positioned at an interface between the exhalation port and the housing, the internal diaphragm configured to allow release of gas to the exhalation port during exhalation;
• and
• an adapter comprising an adapter exhalation port, and further comprising an engagement portion configured to reversibly engage the exhalation port to define a controlled exhalation flow path from the exhalation port to the adapter exhalation port, the adapter comprising an internal air flow control configured to actively control the flow of exhalant through the controlled exhalation flow path;
• wherein the internal diaphragm is configured to be at least partially reversibly moved out of the gas flow path by the adapter when the engagement portion of the adapter engages the exhalation port, wherein the exhalation device system comprises the first, passive ventilation configuration when the adapter is removed from the exhalation port, and further wherein the exhalation device system comprises the second, active ventilation configuration when the engagement portion of the adapter engages the exhalation port to define the controlled exhalation flow path.

An exhalation device for a non-invasive ventilator system, the exhalation device configured to reversibly convert between a first, passive ventilation configuration and a second, active ventilation configuration, the exhalation device comprising:

• a housing with a first end and a second end, the housing defining a gas flow path extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end are both open ends;
• an exhalation port defined within the housing, the exhalation port configured to passively release gas from the gas flow path to the environment;
• an internal diaphragm positioned at an interface between the exhalation port and the housing, the internal diaphragm configured to allow release of gas to the exhalation port during exhalation;
• and
• an adapter comprising an adapter exhalation port, and further comprising an engagement portion configured to reversibly engage the exhalation port to define a controlled exhalation flow path from the exhalation port to the adapter exhalation port, the adapter comprising an internal air flow control configured to actively control the flow of exhalant through the controlled exhalation flow path;
• wherein the internal diaphragm is configured to be at least partially moved out of the gas flow path by the adapter when the engagement portion of the adapter engages the exhalation port, wherein the exhalation device is in the first, passive ventilation configuration when the adapter is removed from the exhalation port, and further wherein the exhalation device is in the second, active ventilation configuration when the engagement portion of the adapter engages the exhalation port
• wherein the engagement portion of the adaptor is further configured to reversibly engage the exhalation port via a snap fit, or wherein the engagement portion of the adapter is threaded to reversibly engage the exhalation port using complementary threading.