Low noise exhalation port for a respiratory mask

A method of providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy to a patient comprising the steps of

• positioning a respiratory mask on the face of the patient such that an interior of the respiratory mask is oriented toward the patient's face and an exterior of the respiratory mask is oriented away from the patient's face;
• providing continuous positive airway pressure to the patient via the respiratory mask;
• and
• venting exhalation gases from the respiratory mask via an exhaust port defining a passage through the respiratory mask having a substantially conical entrance portion of decreasing cross-sectional area in a direction away from the patient's face and a substantially cylindrical exit passage portion of substantially regular cross-sectional area extending from the entrance portion to an exterior of the respiratory mask.

A low noise exhalation port for a respiratory mask, said exhalation port comprising:

• a venting device having a body including a proximal end and a distal end, said body adapted to a fit in a hole in a respiratory mask such that said proximal end is oriented toward the face of a wearer and said distal end is oriented away from the wearer's face;
• an exit passage portion at said distal end and extending partially through said body, said exit passage portion having a substantially cylindrical portion with a substantially regular cross-sectional area without an outward flare at said distal end;
• and
• an entrance passage portion at said proximal end and extending partially through said body, said entrance passage portion communicating with said exit passage portion, said entrance passage portion decreasing in cross-sectional area from said proximal end to said exit passage portion.

A method of providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy to a patient comprising the steps of

• positioning a respiratory mask on the face of the patient such that an interior of the respiratory mask is oriented toward the patient's face and an exterior of the respiratory mask is oriented away from the patient's face;
• providing continuous positive airway pressure to the patient via the respiratory mask;
• and
• venting exhalation gases from the respiratory mask via an exhaust port including a proximal end and a distal end, said exhaust port oriented in said mask such that said proximal end is oriented toward the face of a wearer and said distal end is oriented away from the wearer's face, said exhaust port defining a passage through the respiratory mask having a entrance portion of decreasing cross-sectional area in a direction away from the patient's face and a substantially cylindrical exit passage portion of substantially regular cross-sectional area extending from the entrance portion to an exterior of the respiratory mask, without having an outward flare at said distal end.