A pressure support system having enhanced noise reduction and a valve
assembly for use in pressure support system. The pressure support system
includes a pressure generator having an inlet and an outlet. A first
conduit defining a tortuous path is coupled between a gas source and the
inlet of the pressure generator. A second conduit coupled to the outlet
of the pressure generator delivers the flow of gas from the pressure
generator to a patient. A valve assembly communicates gas from the second
conduit to the first conduit to control the pressure or a rate of the
flow of gas in the second conduit. By communicating gas from the second
conduit to the first conduit, the noise associated with exhausting gas
from the second conduit is muffled by the tortuous path of the first
conduit.