Patient respiratory mask with integrated microphone and method of patient communication utilizing the same

1. A device for communications with a respiratory mask user, the device comprising:

a microphone, the microphone configured to pick up speech from the respiratory mask user;

a coupler, the coupler configured to couple the microphone with a respiratory mask, the respiratory mask comprising:

a mask portion, wherein the mask portion comprises a mask inlet; and a fluid delivery tube;

wherein the coupler comprises a tube, wherein the tube defines an interior fluid airspace configured for traversal of bulk air flow between the mask portion and the fluid supply tube, the coupler tube comprising:

a fluid supply tube side, the fluid supply tube side configured for direct attachment to the fluid supply tube; and

a mask inlet side, the mask inlet side configured for attachment to the mask inlet; and

a housing, the housing comprising:

the microphone, wherein the microphone is positioned in close proximity to the interior fluid airspace of the coupler tube, and wherein the microphone is isolated from fluid communication with the interior fluid airspace of the coupler tube; a power supply or a port to connect to a power supply; and

a speaker.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a processor, a communications device, and/or a port.

3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the communications device comprises a wireless transmitter.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a preamplifier and/or an amplifier.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises a battery or a wired power adapter.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the microphone is separated from the interior of the tube by a filter.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the filter comprises a sound transmitting material.

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the microphone comprises a noise-cancelling microphone.