Nasal devices with noise-reduction and methods of use

Abstract

Described herein are nose-reduced nasal devices configured to reduce or eliminate the unwanted noises associated with use of a nasal device. These noise-reduced nasal devices include a flap-valve airflow resistor and a noise-reduction feature that is a noise-reduction element, a noise-reduction flap valve, or both. The noise-reduction feature typically prevents the flap valve from oscillating or vibrating and producing an audible sound during use, particularly during inhalation through the device. The method and devices described herein may prevent the flap, and particularly the edge region of the flap face or tip of the flap, from oscillating during inhalation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 037,180, titled “NASAL DEVICES WITH NOISE-REDUCTION AND METHODS OF USE”, filed on Mar. 17, 2008. This application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Nasal respiratory devices may be worn to treat many medical conditions, such as sleep disordered breathing (including snoring, sleep apnea, etc.), Cheyne Stokes breathing, UARS, COPD, hypertension, asthma, GERD, heart failure, and other respiratory and sleep conditions. Devices that provide a greater resistance to exhalation than to inhalation may be particularly useful, and may be worn by a subject when the subject is either awake or asleep. Indeed, many subjects may apply a nasal device before falling to sleep, so that the device may provide therapeutic benefits during sleep. However, these devices may produce noise during operation that some users (or their b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes noise-reduced nasal respiratory devices that aim to reduce the noise and buzzing associated with using nasal devices. These devices include a flap valve with a noise-reduction feature, such as a noise-reduction flap valve or a noise-reducing element, that inhibits exhalation more than inhalation. The flap valve may also have an open configuration that prevents noise during inhalation. The devices may also include a holdfast to secure the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. Overall, these devices provide a quieter and more comfortable experience for users."

Problems solved by technology

However, these devices may produce noise during operation that some users (or their bedmates) may find annoying.

For example, a nasal device including one or more flap valves may produce a buzzing, whistling, or other audible noise or vibration.

In the worst case, the noise may disrupt the sleep of the user or others nearby.

Images