WO2001087394A2

WO2001087394A2 - Patient oxygen delivery system

Info

Publication number: WO2001087394A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/000622
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maurice Lavimodiere, Jr.; Lee Mcdonald
Original assignee: Southmedic Incorporated
Priority date: 2000-05-17
Filing date: 2001-05-07
Publication date: 2001-11-22
Also published as: EP1289592A2; MXPA02011267A; NZ524698A; CA2409103C; WO2001087394A3; AU5603301A; CA2409103A1; AU2001256033B2

Abstract

A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. The clip is constructed so as to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with said one end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

PATIENT OXYGEN DELIVERY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel system for delivery of oxygen to a patient, and more particularly relates to a device which can be used to replace conventional oxygen masks and nose cannula oxygen delivery systems.

Mask oxygen therapy has been around for a very long time and has seen virtually no changes. Problems encountered with this style of therapy are well known but unavoidable using the mask as it is supplied today. A number of vendors supply oxygen masks as a commodity item, with the result that there has been little or no improvement in the technology because of the low profit margins accompanying the sale of such masks.

Conventional oxygen masks comprise tent like structures which are strapped over the nose and mouth of a patient, often using an elastic band or bands behind the patient's ears or head. Oxygen is fed from a supply through a tube into the bottom portion of the mask at the front of the patient.

Common problems with the mask include: 1. Some patients find it claustrophobic. 2. Many patients cannot tolerate the smell of plastic resin.

3. Patients must take the mask off to speak or eat thereby discontinuing therapy.

4. Some patients are allergic to the elastic (latex allergy).

5. Some patients feel ill when they wear an oxygen mask, (the psychological effect is truly remarkable on the patient and the patient's family alike).

6. Patients often aspirate if they vomit while wearing the mask.

7. The mask cannot be used during facial surgery due to intrusion into the sterile field.

8. The mask cannot be worn if the patient has facial injuries such as burns.

9. Skin irritation is often found from the plastic. 10. The face mask does not effectively fit all sizes and shapes of face.

Often the soft plastic masks are delivered in a deformed fashion.

11. The face mask usually necessitates clipping the oxygen delivery tube in front of the patient at the bottom of the mask. This is awkward and inconvenient as it may interfere with a patient's movement.

12. The face mask creates irregular infusion of oxygen by the patient, with exhaled air from the patient being mixed with oxygen in the mask.

Another current approach to oxygen delivery to a patient employs an oxygen delivery tube with tubular open ended nasal prongs or cannulae, at the delivery end of the tube, for insertion into a patient's nasal passages. Disadvantages of nasal cannulas include:

1. The patient may not be a nose breather.

2. Sinus irritation of the patient. 3. Patients find the front oxygen cord, necessary with nasal cannulas, difficult to handle as it hangs down directly in front of them and applies downward pressure on their ears, where the cord is again suspended, as in the case of masks.

Of background interest is U.S. Patent No. 4,593,688 of Payton issued JunelO, 1986, which describes and illustrates a tubular system for, example, delivering nebulized oxygen enriched fog or the like to the face and mouth of a croup patient, the tube being suspended, at its delivery end, from a series of straps secured about a patient's head. A portion of the tube is mounted on a pivoting, u-shaped frame member so that the tubing is held in front of and below the patient's face, for delivery of the nebulized oxygen-enriched fog. The gas delivery to the nose and mouth area of the patient is through orifices in the tube, near. the patient's nose and mouth when the tube is in position. This system is intended for children, and would be uncomfortable and restrictive to one's movements, if placed in position on a patient for a long period of time.

Also of background interest is U.S. Patent No. 6,065,473 issued May 23, 2000 of McCombs et al. This reference describes and illustrates an oxygen delivery system for non-medical uses, for instance in oxygen bars or for oxygen enhancing during exercises such as aerobics or weight lifting. The system comprises a re-usable headset and a conduit to direct oxygen from a source to a headset and to a region proximate to the user's nose and mouth. The conduit is supported by a delivery arm which is preset to a predetermined distance from a user's head for proper supply of oxygen to the user's nose and mouth area.

Also relevant is Knoch et al U.S. Patent No. 5,575,282 issued November 19, 1996, which describes and illustrates a distribution system for oxygen to a patient's nose and mouth. This system includes a helix for mixing and spirally delivering oxygen towards the patient.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight system for delivery of oxygen to a patient, which avoids many of these problems of conventional masks and nasal cannulae, and which is suited for medical use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon. A clip is secured towards one end of the headband. An elongated tubular boom is secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser port is located at the other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. The clip is constructed so as to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with said one end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the boom further comprises a second tube for oxygen/carbon dioxide monitoring. This second tube is secured at one end to the clip and has at its other end an oxygen/carbon dioxide inlet port when in operation to be located at a space proximal to the patient's nose and mouth. The clip is constructed so as also to hold securely an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitortube in fluid communication with the oxygen/carbon dioxide tube of the boom, for delivery of oxygen/carbon dioxide from the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth to an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor.

In yet a further alternative embodiment of the invention, an elongated rigid sleeve is provided, one end of which is pivotably mounted to an exterior side of the headband near an end thereof, to rotate 360° with respect to the headband about an axis passing through the headband and a portion of the sleeve where it is mounted. An elongated tubular boom is secured within the sleeve to extend from the other end of the sleeve so that the free end of the boom is located when in operation at a space in front of, and proximal to, the patient's nose and mouth. An oxygen diffuser is positioned at said free end of the boom. In operation, oxygen is delivered from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. The end of the boom within the sleeve, and the sleeve, are constructed so as to hold a portion of an oxygen, delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with that end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.

The system of the present invention, as will be described in more detail subsequently, avoids many of the problems inherent with conventional medical oxygen delivery systems such as face masks and nasal cannulae. It has no facial contact and allows both nose and mouth breathing preferences with more efficient oxygen delivery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:-

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an oxygen delivery system according to the present invention mounted on the head of a patient.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of oxygen delivery system according to the present invention. FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of yet a further alternative embodiment of oxygen delivery system according to the present invention.

FIGURE 4 is a section view of the diffuser port of the devices of Figures 1 , 2 and 3.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment and of an oxygen delivery device according to the present invention mounted on the head of a patient.

FIGURE 6 is a section view of the diffuser of the device of Figure 5.

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the diffuser of the device of Figure 5 in position in front of the face of a wearer.

FIGURE 8 is a schematic side view of the device of Figure 5 on a wearer's head, illustrating the adjustability of the headband.

FIGURE 9 is a partial view of the device of Figure 5 showing the sleeve, boom and oxygen inlet tube. FIGURE 10 is a partial view of the boom of the device of Figure 5 when worn on a patient, illustrating its positioning flexibility.

FIGURE 11 is a graph illustrating oxygen concentrations delivered to patient's in percentages, based on flow rate settings, of the device of Figure 5 when situated at a distance of 2 cm from a wearer's face, when compared to oxygen concentrations delivered by a conventional oxygen mask.

FIGURES 12a and 12b are schematic views, from the side, showing the concentration of oxygen in the air around the diffuser body during operation of the system, respectively when the patient is not inhaling, and when the patient inhales.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.

Turning to Figure 1 , there is shown a lightweight delivery system 2, in accordance with the invention, mounted on the head 4 of a patient. The system comprises a curved resilient headband 6 which is provided with suitable adjustment means such as telescopic portions 8 and swivel connections 9, to enable the headband to be seated comfortably, from side to side over or behind the patient's head (or in positions therebetween). A pair of soft pads 10, made of rubber or other suitable material, are secured to swivel connections 9 and to the insides of the end portions of headband 6. To one side of headband 6 is secured a clip 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is of sleeve-like configuration. Secured to clip 12 is a tubular boom 14 which extends downwardly and forwardly to end, as illustrated, at a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. Boom 14 is preferably a plastic tube in which is embedded a positioning wire 16 which enables the tube to be bent into an appropriate shape to position the lower end 18 of boom 14 appropriately for delivery of oxygen to the patient, and to be held in that position. At this lower end 18 of boom 14 is secured an oxygen diffuser 20 through which oxygen, fed into boom 14, is passed into the space in front of the patient's nose and mouth. The boom construction of the system according to the present invention enables adjustment from left to right and from front to back for precise oxygen delivery. The key is that the diffuser 20 preferably sits centrally approximately one to two centimeters from the patient's mouth and nose. Diffuser 20 allows for the administration of the oxygen flow to the patient without the patient feeling a direct flow of air onto his/her face. From an appropriate oxygen source 21 an oxygen delivery tube 22 extends and is releasably engaged in the sleeve of clip 12 as illustrated for fluid communication with the tubular boom 14. In this manner clip 12 provides for oxygen delivery from tube 22 to boom 14 and diffuser 20.

In Figure 2 there is illustrated a similar oxygen delivery system with the exception that tubular boom 14 incorporates a pair of tubes, one of which (23) is designed for oxygen delivery, the other of which (24) is intended to collect oxygen/carbon dioxide in the space of the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth and deliver that sample to an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor (not illustrated) through tube 26. Tube 26 is releasably secured, during operation, within clip 12, for fluid communication with the corresponding oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor tube 24 of boom 14. Preferably tubes 23 and 24 are of integral construction. An appropriate oxygen/carbon dioxide inlet port 28 (Figure 4) is associated with diffuser 20, as will be described in more detail subsequently.

The oxygen delivery system according to Figures 1 and 2 is comfortable and adjustable for all head sizes. The use of the thin side cushions allows a patient to lie on his/her side with comfort. While the device of Figures 1 and 2 is shown with a headband, optional means of securing boom 14 in position for oxygen delivery to a patient by means of a conventional over-the-ear mount 30 is shown in Figure 3. Other conventional securing means may also be appropriate.

A preferred form of diffuser 20 is detailed in section in Figure 4. Its body 32, having an interior surface of generally concave configuration, circumscribes the oxygen outlet end of oxygen delivery tube 23 and directs the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose when the diffuser 20 is properly positioned and operational. A mushroom-shaped baffle 36 is seated over oxygen outlet 34 so as to assist in the diffusion of oxygen and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face. Baffle 36 impedes oxygen flow from the rear of the body 32, inducing a transmission from jet to turbulent flow. Details of the shape of the baffle 36 and body 32 directly influence the mixing characteristics between pure oxygen stream and the ambient air (containing approximately 21% oxygen by volume), and thus determine the oxygen content of the plume of oxygen-enriched air delivered from the diffuser to the surface of the patient's face. As illustrated, the baffle 36 may have a passageway 38 to permit gas analysis of expired gases, passageway 38 constituting a sampling port which is bored on center and axially through the stem 40 of baffle 36.

As well, body 32 of diffuser 20 has a contoured inner surface, forming a somewhat triangular cup shape which follows the shape of the nose/mouth nexus of a patient, thereby forming a shaped plume that directs the oxygen stream towards the patient's face. The enclosed volume of that cup may be modified to accommodate a larger plume and increase the total oxygen delivered during respiratory inspiration. As can be seen in Figure 4, the wall of body 32, near outer rim 48 becomes more "vertical" (with opposite sides being parallel) than outwardly extending, as are the lower portions of the body. This shaping of the rim edges of the body permits a concentrating of oxygen and a shaping of the plume of oxygen-enriched air, providing a more precise direction of that plume towards the patient's nose/mouth. The body 32 off diffuser 20 swivels about the oxygen outlet 34 to enable proper orienting of the diffuser when the boom is in either left hand or right hand mode.

Of course the overall shaping of body 32 and baffle 36 may be modified to suit the requirements of a particular application or user need.

Where the delivery system incorporates an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitoring function, a passage way 38 through the stem 40 of baffle 36 communicates directly with oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor tube 24, thereby enabling a sample of oxygen or carbon dioxide, in the region of the patient's mouth and nose, to be drawn to the oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor (situated at a remote location)

It is also envisaged that a ridge or a plurality of scented material holding pockets 46, in the surface of diffuser body 32 may be provided for purposes of aroma therapy a layer of scented material may be coated on the back of diffuser 20 .

In the alternative embodiment of system 2 illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, there is provided a curved resilient headband 50 which is of a sufficient size to fit most heads without exerting too much pressure. The headband has widened ends 52 which gently grip the patient's head, spreading the pressure over these widen ends, so as to hold the headband in position when on a patient's head. The inner surfaces of ends 52 are provided with inwardly extending ridges 54 (Figure 9) which facilitate the gripping action. As well, apertures 56 in the wider upper portion 58, by capturing some of the patient's hair (where the patient has hair) within, further assist in maintaining the head set in a particular position against unintended dislodgement on a patient's head. The headband is for example made of stiff nylon which gives good tensile strength and resiliency. Figure 8 illustrates various positions and the range of positions, for headband 50 to be operatively positioned on a patient's head.

To one of the widened ends 52 of headband 50 is pivotably secured at pivot 59 sleeve 60. This pivot is illustrated as being a screw. Alternatively, other conventional pivot means may be used. As well, although not illustrated, it is envisaged that headband 50 may be provided with detachable securing means for sleeve 60, so that sleeve 60, boom 62 and diffuser 20 may be replaced on a particular headband 50. This pivoting occurs about an axis (A) as illustrated extending laterally through the upper end of sleeve 60 and associated headband 50. This pivoting motion permits the headband to have the range of motion illustrated in Figure 8, relative to the sleeve, and further enables the sleeve to be pivoted 180 ° to convert the system from a left hand one, as illustrated, to a right hand one, as will be described in more detail subsequently. Longitudinally slidably secured in sleeve 60 is a tubular boom 62 which extends downwardly and forwardly to end, as illustrated, at a space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth. Boom 62 is preferably a plastic tube in which is embedded a positioning wire 64 which enables the tube to be bent into an appropriate shape to position the lower end 66 of boom 62 appropriately for delivery of oxygen to the patient, and to be held in that position, as illustrated in Figure 10.

At this lower end 66 of boom 62 is secured an oxygen diffuser 20 similar to that of Figure 1 to 4 through which oxygen, fed to boom 62, is passed into the space in front of the patient's nose and mouth. It is preferred that the distance between the patient's face and the diffuser be about 2 cm or less, as can be seen in Figure 7. Diffuser 20 is constructed so as to allow for administration of the oxygen flow to the patient without the patient feeling a direct flow of air onto his or her face. From an appropriate oxygen source (not illustrated), an oxygen delivery tube 68 extends and is connected to the upper end of boom 62 within sleeve 60 for fluid communication with boom 62. Oxygen delivery tube 68 is preferably frictionally engaged within clip portions 70 of sleeve 60. In operation however, relative longitudinal movement of boom 62 and oxygen delivery tube 68 are permitted, with respect to sleeve 60, as illustrated in Figure 9, thereby assisting in the proper locating of diffuser 20 with respect to the patient's face, irrespective of the size or shape of the patient's head. The limits of this longitudinal movement can be determined by appropriate positioning of stops 72 on sleeve 70 which for example bear against outwardly extending portions 74 of the inner end of boom 62. Of note, in this embodiment, baffle 76 does not have an inner passage way and the diffuser and boom are not constructed to permit sampling of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Diffuser 20 however still swivels on the lower end of boom 62 so it can be properly oriented for right hand or left hand orientation of the boom on the patient. There are many obvious advantages of the present system, for delivery of oxygen to a patient, over prior art devices, including the lack of facial contact of the present system, the elimination of the possibility of the patient aspirating should the patient be ill during oxygen therapy, the fact that it allows both nose and mouth breathing preferences and the deflection of oxygen flow away from the face of the user during absence of inhalation, for increased patient comfort. As well, the system according to the present invention enables a patient to eat or speak in an unobstructed manner.

The system according to the present invention permits the headband 6 to be adjusted to be clear of any particular area on a patient's head and adjust for a wide range of patient sizes. As can be seen in Figures 12A and 12B, a plume 78 of oxygen enriched air leaves the diffuser. In operation, this plume will be in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth area. When the patient is not inhaling (Figure 12A), the areas of highest increased oxygen concentration X in plume 78 remain in and near diffuser body 32 with the areas Y of moderately increased oxygen concentration and areas Z of lowest increased oxygen concentration extending outwardly from diffuser body 32 as illustrated. When the patient inhales, as seen in Figure 12B, the areas X and Y of highest and moderate increased oxygen concentrations are drawn towards the patient's mouth and nose area, making these increased oxygen concentrations available to be inhaled by the patient. In clinical test results which are illustrated in the graph of Figure 11 , the actual oxygen concentration for a 2 cm distance of Applicant's device from a patient's face ranges between 46% at a flow rate setting of 2 (approximately litres per minute) to 66% at a flow rate setting of 12 (approximately litres per minute), as compared to an oxygen concentration delivery of between 22% and 30% for flow rate settings of from 2 to 10 in a conventional oxygen mask. Thus, higher concentrations of oxygen can be delivered to a patient, using the system of the present invention, at lower oxygen flow rates, and with conventional face masks, providing a significant saving in oxygen.

Advantages of the present system, for delivery of oxygen to a patient, over prior art devices, include the facts: the possibility of the patient aspirating is eliminated should they be ill during oxygen therapy, it is lightweight, it does not give the patient the feeling of being sick, instead it has a high tech look that is positive for the patient, - it allows for the sampling and monitoring of expired carbon dioxide directly at the boom end, oxygen tubing comes off at the side instead of directly at the bottom of the mask as seen in traditional mask devices, making it easier for nursing staff to handle, - the device does not outgas as often happens with full face masks, there is no smell of plastic, , there is no need to remove oxygen therapy while patient is eating or speaking, it is well tolerated by patients; it provides comfort not found with traditional devices, it could be reused for a longer period of time than conventional masks and nose cannula systems, it allows for the administration humidified air as well as non- humidified air, - one size adjusts for a wide range of patient sizes, it is effective whether the patient is a mouth or nose breather, it permits adjusting to be clear of any particular area on a patent's head.

The oxygen delivery system of the present invention is envisaged as having particular application where a patient has his/her faculties and is not in a state where the headband might be unintentionally dislodged, or the diffuser and associated boom might be unintentionally displaced from normal, operative position.

As for children, this population traditionally does not tolerate mask oxygen therapy. The device according to the present invention is not only likely to be considered to be stylish by older children, it also could support decorations to represent popular cartoon characters, or the like* to appeal to younger children.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention a lightweight oxygen delivery system that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with an illustrated embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. For example, a multi lumena boom 18, instead of one having a single tube, may be provided, each tube having a distinct function. Another application of the system according to the present invention is for "closed drape" patient, surgical procedures where a microphone pick up 80 (Figures 4 and 6) is associated with the baffle 36 or 76 as illustrated, to provide voice pick up and transmission for a patient in surgery. Often such patients are required to respond orally to questions from the surgeon, and pick up microphone 80 is well positioned to receive the patient's response. That response can be conveyed by wires (Figure 4) or by a wireless microphone (Figure 6) to a speaker in the operating room or otherwise. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM AS OUR INVENTION:

1. A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising:

(a) a curved resilient headband to extend from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon;

(b) a clip secured towards one end of the headband;

(c) an elongated tubular boom secured at one end to the clip to extend and hold its position, when in operation from said one end at the clip to another end located at a space in front of, and proximal to the patient's nose and mouth;

(d) an oxygen diffuser port at said other end of the boom, to deliver oxygen from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth; the clip constructed so as to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with said one end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.

2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the band is provided with means to adjust the size of the band for comfortable seating on a patient's head.

3. A system according to claim 1 , wherein a wire is embedded in the tubular boom to permit bending of the boom to a particular shape and maintaining of that shape.

4. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the clip comprises a hollow sleeve constructed so as to releasably receive in frictional engagement the oxygen tube from the oxygen source.

5. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the diffuser comprises a body having an interior surface of generally concave configuration, to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the diffuser further comprises a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

7. An oxygen delivery system according to claim 1 , wherein the boom pivotally adjustable 360° with respect to the headband.

8. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the boom further comprises a second tube designated for oxygen/carbon dioxide monitoring, this second tube being secured at one end to the clip and having at its other end an oxygen/carbon dioxide inlet port when in operation to be located at a space proximal to the patient's nose and mouth and wherein the clip is constructed so as to also hold securely an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor tube in fluid communication with the oxygen/carbon dioxide tube of the boom, for delivery of oxygen/carbon dioxide from the corresponding space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth to an oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the oxygen/carbon dioxide monitoring tube is an integrally combined part of the boom.

10. A system according to claim 8, wherein the diffuser comprises a body having an interior surface of generally concave configuration to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the diffuser further comprises a baffle seated over the oxygen outlet so as to assist in the mixing with ambient air of oxygen and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

12. A system according to claim 11 , wherein a passageway through the baffle communicates directly with oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor tube thereby enabling a sample of oxygen or carbon dioxide, in the region of the patient's mouth and nose, to be drawn to the oxygen/carbon dioxide monitor.

13. A system according to claim 12 further comprising a source of scented material in the diffuser, for purposes of aroma therapy.

14. A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising:

(a) a curved resilient headband to extend between ends from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon;

(b) an elongated rigid sleeve, one end of which is pivotably mounted to an exterior side of the headband near one end thereof, to rotate 360° with respect to the headband about an axis passing through the headband and a portion of the sleeve where it is mounted;

(c) an elongated tubular boom secured within the sleeve to extend from the other end of the sleeve so that the free end of the boom is located when in operation at a space in front of, and proximal to, the patient's nose and mouth;

(d) an oxygen diffuser at said free end of the boom, through which diffuser oxygen may be delivered from the boom to the space in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth; the end of the boom within the sleeve, and the sleeve, constructed so as when in operation, to hold securely an oxygen delivery tube from an oxygen source in fluid communication with that end of the boom so as to deliver oxygen from the source to the boom for discharge through the diffuser.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the tubular boom is secured within the sleeve for telescopic, longitudinal adjustment of the boom with respect to the sleeve to facilitate positioning of the oxygen diffuser with respect to the patient's nose and mouth.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein interior walls of the sleeve are formed so as to frictionally engage a portion of the oxygen delivery tube when in operation.

17. A system according to claim 14, wherein the ends of the headband are widened so as to spread the engaging force of the headband on a patient's head.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein interior surfaces of the widened ends of the headband are provided with inwardly extending ribs to assist in frictionally engaging a patient's head when the headband is in position.

19. A headband according to claim 17, wherein the headband is constructed so as to be of a size and shape to enable it to be fit both over or behind a patient's head when its ends are in position on the sides of a patient's head.

20. A headband according to claim 17, wherein intermediate portions of the headband are provided with apertures through which a patient's hair may extend, to further facilitate holding the headband in position on a patient's head and prevent it from becoming dislodged from that position.

21. A system according to claim 16, wherein stop means are provided within the sleeve to limit the telescopic longitudinal adjustment of the boom with respect to the sleeve between two longitudinal extremities.

22. A system according to claim 14, wherein the boom is constructed so as to be bendable to a particular shape to facilitate its positioning with respect to a patient's nose and mouth.

23. A system according to claim 22, wherein a wire is embedded in the tubular boom to permit bending of the boom to a particular shape and maintaining of that shape.

24. A system according to claim 14, wherein the diffuser comprises a body having sides circumscribing a base, the walls defining an interior surface of generally concave configuration, to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose through the diffuser from an outlet positioned in the base and communicating with the boom.

25. A system according to claim 24, wherein the interior surface is of somewhat triangular, cup shape to follow the shape of the nose/mouth nexus of a patient when in position on a patient.

26. A system according to claim 15, wherein a wire is embedded in the tubular boom to permit bending of the boom to a particular shape and maintaining of that shape.

27. A system according to claim 15, wherein the diffuser comprises a body having an interior surface of generally concave configuration, to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose through the diffuser port.

28. A system according to claim 24, wherein the diffuser further comprises a baffle seated over the outlet so as to assist in mixing of oxygen with ambient air and avoid a direct flow of oxygen towards the patient's face.

29. A lightweight oxygen delivery system for a patient comprising: (a) a curved resilient headband to extend between ends from side to side over a patient's head and to be comfortably seatably engaged thereon;

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the boom is constructed so as to be bendable to a particular shape to facilitate its positioning with respect to a patient's nose and mouth.

31. A system according to claim 30, wherein the diffuser comprises a body having sides circumscribing a base, the walls defining an interior surface of generally concave configuration, to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's mouth and nose through the diffuser from an outlet positioned in the base and communicating with the boom.

32. A system according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser is further provided with microphone pick up means for communication of a patient's voice to another location.