Systems and methods for protecting components of a breathing assistance system

A flow regulation device for use in a breathing assistance system including a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow, a fluid source located downstream from the gas delivery system and configured to humidify the gas flow generated by the gas delivery system, and a gas flow conduit system for communicating the gas flow from the gas delivery system;

• wherein the flow regulation device is located along the gas flow conduit system;
• wherein the flow regulation device is physically moveable between:
• an operational position that allows the gas flow generated by the gas delivery system to flow downstream past the flow regulation device via the gas flow conduit system;
• and
• a protection position that prevents gasses and liquids flowing upstream through the gas flow conduit system from reaching the gas delivery system, and directs such gasses and liquids flowing upstream through an exhaust opening in the gas flow conduit system;
• and
• wherein the flow regulation device automatically moves between the operational position and the protection position based at least on the gas flow generated by the gas delivery system.

A method for protecting a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow in a breathing assistance system including the gas delivery system, a fluid source located downstream from the gas delivery system, and a gas flow conduit system for communicating the gas flow from the gas delivery system, the method comprising:

• operating the gas delivery system in a first state that causes a flow regulation device to automatically move to an operational position in which:
• the gas flow generated by the gas delivery system is allowed to flow downstream past the flow regulation device via the gas flow conduit system;
• and
• an exhaust opening in gas flow conduit system is closed by the flow regulation device;
• and
• adjusting the gas delivery system to a second state that causes the flow regulation device to automatically move to a protection position in which:
• the exhaust opening in gas flow conduit system is not closed by the flow regulation device;
• and
• gasses and liquids flowing upstream through the gas flow conduit system are blocked from flowing to the gas delivery system, and instead directed through the exhaust opening in the gas flow conduit system.