Seal for variable compression interfaces

A heat and moisture exchange unit, comprising

• a housing forming a first port, a second port, and an intermediate section extending between the first port and the second port, the intermediate section defining first and second flow paths fluidly connecting the first port and the second port;
• a heat and moisture retaining media maintained within the intermediate section along the first flow path;
• and
• a valve mechanism disposed within the intermediate section, the valve mechanism including an element forming an aperture, an obstruction member, and a seal, the obstruction member movably retained within the housing and transitionable between a first point of travel and a second point of travel;
• wherein the obstruction member at the first point of travel forms a variable compression interface with the element and closes the second flow path to direct a fluid-flow through the first path;
• wherein the obstruction member at the second point of travel permits the fluid-flow through the second flow path;
• and
• wherein the seal comprises a filter media and is disposed on at least one of the obstruction member and the element at the variable compression interface.

A breathing circuit for use with a patient, the breathing circuit comprising:

• a positive pressure fluid source;
• a termination device configured to interface with the patient;
• and
• a component fluidly coupling the positive pressure fluid source to the termination device, the component comprising,
• a housing forming a first port, a second port, and an intermediate section extending between the first port and the second port, the intermediate section defining first and second flow paths fluidly connecting the first port and the second port;
• a valve mechanism disposed within the intermediate section, the valve mechanism including an element forming an aperture, an obstruction member, and a seal, the obstruction member movably retained within the housing and transitionable between a first point of travel and a second point of travel;
• wherein the obstruction member at the first point of travel forms a variable compression interface with the element and closes the second flow path to direct an airflow through the first path;
• wherein the obstruction member at the second point of travel permits the airflow through the second flow path;
• and
• wherein the seal comprises a filter media and is disposed on at least one of the obstruction member and the element at the variable compression interface.