Positive pressure respirator

Abstract

A positive pressure respirator includes: a tube (1) having an inner end hole (M) and an outer end hole (N) communicating with each other, the outer end hole (N) being smaller than the inner end hole (M), the tube (1) being inserted into the nasal cavity; and a two-way valve (2) located in the tube (1), the two-way valve (2) being axially movable between the inner end hole (M) and the outer end hole (N), and the two-way valve (2) having a fluid passage (P) communicating with the inner end hole (M) and the outer end hole (N). This positive pressure respirator has the effects of improving sleep quality, user comfort, aesthetics, and convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a respirator, and more particularly to a positive pressure respirator that can be completely concealed within the nasal cavity. Background Technology

[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common physiological condition caused by airway obstruction and can be corrected surgically or non-surgically. Currently, the mainstream non-surgical treatment for OSA patients is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which deliver positive airway pressure to expand the airway and stimulate breathing. This therapy effectively improves breathing abnormalities such as apnea and hypopnea, significantly improving sleep quality and potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

[0003] A known positive pressure breathing device has a main body and an airway. The main body may contain a vacuum pump. The main body is about the size of a typical laptop computer. The airway connects the main body to a breathing mask of the positive pressure breathing device. In use, patients with sleep apnea wear the breathing mask throughout their sleep. The vacuum pump in the main body continuously delivers positive pressure air into the patient's airway through the airway.

[0004] However, the aforementioned known positive pressure breathing devices require positive pressure air to be introduced into the breathing mask through the ventilation hose. In order to avoid the movement during sleep compressing the ventilation hose and causing gas delivery obstruction or gas supply interruption, users usually need to maintain a fixed sleeping position. This not only makes it inconvenient to turn over during sleep, but also requires users to endure the feeling of a foreign object connected to their body, making it difficult for users to enter a deep sleep. Furthermore, when users travel overnight, they must carry the entire bulky positive pressure breathing device, which is very inconvenient for those who frequently travel for overnight stays or long-haul flights.

[0005] In view of this, there is indeed still a need to improve existing positive pressure breathing devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a positive pressure respirator that can be completely concealed within the nasal cavity.

[0007] A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a positive pressure respirator that improves ease of assembly.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a positive pressure respirator that can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a positive pressure respirator that can improve the stability of the connection.

[0010] The directions or similar terms used throughout this invention, such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," are mainly for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. These directions or similar terms are only used to assist in explaining and understanding the various embodiments of this invention and are not intended to limit this invention.

[0011] The use of the quantifiers “a” or “an” for the elements and components described throughout this invention is for convenience and to provide the general meaning of the scope of the invention; in this invention, it should be interpreted as including one or at least one, and the concept of a single element also includes the plural, unless it clearly means otherwise.

[0012] The terms "combination," "integration," or "assembly" used throughout this invention mainly include those that can be separated without damaging the components after connection, or those that make the components inseparable after connection. These are terms that those with ordinary knowledge in the art can choose based on the material of the components to be connected or the assembly requirements.

[0013] The positive pressure respirator of the present invention includes: a tube having a communicating inner end hole and an outer end hole, the outer end hole being smaller than the inner end hole, the tube being inserted into a nasal cavity; and a two-way valve located in the tube, the two-way valve being axially movable between the inner end hole and the outer end hole, and the two-way valve having a fluid passage communicating between the inner end hole and the outer end hole.

[0014] Accordingly, the positive pressure respirator of the present invention utilizes the fact that the outer end hole is smaller than the inner end hole, and the bidirectional valve moves axially between the inner end hole and the outer end hole. When the user exhales, the bidirectional valve moves from the inner end hole to the outer end hole, and the airflow can flow from the inner end hole through the fluid channel to the outer end hole. Since the outer end hole is smaller than the inner end hole, the aperture for airflow is reduced. As long as the user breathes normally, a positive pressure state of the airway can be achieved and prolonged, thereby preventing airway collapse. Therefore, it can improve the related symptoms of sleep apnea. The positive pressure respirator of this invention can be completely concealed in the nasal cavity during use, which is significantly different from the known usage state of being exposed. This invention can improve sleep quality, user comfort, aesthetics, and convenience.

[0015] The fitting may have a pipe body and a base, with the pipe body attached to the base. The inner end hole may be located in the pipe body, and the outer end hole may be located in the base. This structure is simple and easy to manufacture, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0016] The base and the tube body together form a receiving space, which is located between the inner end hole and the outer end hole, and the two-way air valve is located in the receiving space. Thus, this structure is simple and easy to assemble, offering the advantage of convenient assembly.

[0017] The tube body may have a connecting protrusion, and the base may have a recessed portion, with the connecting protrusion engaging with the recessed portion. In this way, the tube body and the base can be securely joined together, which improves the stability of the connection.

[0018] The outer diameter of the two-way valve can be larger than the diameters of both the inner and outer end holes. This prevents the two-way valve from protruding through either the inner or outer end hole, thus maintaining its functionality.

[0019] The bidirectional air valve may have at least one first notch that connects to the inner end hole. This increases the amount of air the user inhales, thus improving breathing smoothness.

[0020] The bidirectional air valve may have a first end face and a second end face. The first notch may be located on the first end face and may extend along the outer wall of the bidirectional air valve toward the second end face. This structure is simple and easy to manufacture, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0021] The fitting may have at least one second notch that connects to the inner end hole. This increases the amount of air the user inhales, thus improving breathing ease.

[0022] The positive pressure respirator of the present invention may further include a membrane layer bonded to the outer peripheral wall of the tube. Thus, the membrane layer can be used to absorb nasal discharge or tissue fluid, thereby improving user comfort.

[0023] The thin film layer can be made of polyurethane. This provides better absorption of tissue fluid, thus improving product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a combined top view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the usage scenario during exhalation, as shown in Figure 3.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a combined top view of the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 For along Figure 6 BB line cross-section;

[0031] Figure 8 For example Figure 7 The diagram shows the usage scenario when exhaling;

[0032] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 This is a combined top view of the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 11 For along Figure 10 CC line cross-section;

[0035] Figure 12 For example Figure 11 The diagram shows the usage scenario when exhaling.

[0036] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0037] 1: Pipe fittings;

[0038] 1a: Tube body;

[0039] 1b: Base;

[0040] 11: Joining convex parts;

[0041] 12: Depression;

[0042] 13: Second missing slot;

[0043] 2: Two-way air valve;

[0044] 2a: First end face;

[0045] 2b: Second end face;

[0046] 21: First defect;

[0047] 3: Thin film layer;

[0048] M: Inner end hole;

[0049] M1: Aperture;

[0050] N: External end hole;

[0051] N1: Aperture;

[0052] P: Fluid channel;

[0053] S: Storage space;

[0054] W: Outer diameter. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0056] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, it is the first embodiment of the positive pressure respirator of the present invention, which includes a tube 1 and a two-way valve 2, the two-way valve 2 being located in the tube 1.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the tube 1 can be inserted into a user's nasal cavity. The tube 1 has a communicating inner end hole M and an outer end hole N. The outer end hole N is smaller than the inner end hole M, and the inner end hole M can be closer to the depth of the nasal cavity than the outer end hole N. The appearance and structure of the tube 1 are based on the principle that the outer end hole N can be smaller than the inner end hole M, and the present invention does not impose any limitations. In this embodiment, the tube 1 may have a tube body 1a and a base 1b. The tube body 1a is connected to the base 1b. The inner end hole M may be located in the tube body 1a, and the outer end hole N may be located in the base 1b. The base 1b and the tube body 1a can together form an accommodating space S, which may be located between the inner end hole M and the outer end hole N.

[0058] The tube body 1a and the base 1b can be fastened, fitted, or screwed together, etc. The present invention does not limit these methods, nor is it limited to the drawings disclosed in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the tube body 1a may have a connecting protrusion 11 that extends toward the base 1b. The base 1b may have a recess 12, and the connecting protrusion 11 can be engaged with the recess 12, so that the tube body 1a and the base 1b can be stably connected.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the bidirectional air valve 2 is located in the accommodating space S of the pipe fitting 1. The bidirectional air valve 2 may have a first end face 2a and a second end face 2b. The first end face 2a is adjacent to the inner end hole M, and the second end face 2b is adjacent to the outer end hole N. The bidirectional air valve 2 moves axially between the inner end hole M and the outer end hole N. The bidirectional air valve 2 has a fluid channel P, which connects the inner end hole M and the outer end hole N. The outer diameter W of the bidirectional air valve 2 is preferably larger than the diameter M1 of the inner end hole M and the diameter N1 of the outer end hole N, so as to prevent the bidirectional air valve 2 from passing through the inner end hole M or the outer end hole N.

[0060] The positive pressure respirator of the present invention may further include a thin film layer 3, which is bonded to the outer peripheral wall of the tube 1. Thus, when the tube 1 is located in the nasal cavity, the thin film layer 3 can be used to absorb nasal fluid or tissue fluid, which can improve the comfort during use. The thin film layer 3 is preferably made of polyurethane.

[0061] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, when the user inhales, the airflow pushes the two-way valve 2, causing it to move from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M. Airflow can then pass through the fluid channel P from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M. Since the inner end hole M is larger than the outer end hole N, the airflow can smoothly exit from the inner end hole M without affecting the inhalation function. When the user exhales, the airflow pushes the two-way valve 2, causing it to move from the inner end hole M to the outer end hole N. Airflow can then pass through the fluid channel P from the inner end hole M to the outer end hole N. Since the outer end hole N is smaller than the inner end hole M, the orifice through which the airflow passes becomes smaller. Following the rounded-lip breathing technique (the principle that the inhalation tube diameter is larger than the exhalation tube diameter), the user can achieve and prolong the positive pressure state of the airway simply by breathing normally, thus achieving positive end-expiratory pressure. The positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) function provides positive end-expiratory pressure, which can prevent airway collapse and thus improve the symptoms of sleep apnea.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, this is a second embodiment of the positive pressure respirator of the present invention. The bidirectional valve 2 may have at least one first notch 21, which is connected to the inner end hole M. In this embodiment, there are several first notches 21, which are located on the first end face 2a and extend along the outer wall of the bidirectional valve 2 toward the second end face 2b.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, when the user inhales, the bidirectional valve 2 moves from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M. Airflow can flow not only through the fluid channel P from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M, but also through the several first notches 21 from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M. This increases the amount of air the user inhales, improving breathing smoothness. When the user exhales, the bidirectional valve 2 moves from the inner end hole M to the outer end hole N. Airflow can flow from the inner end hole M through the fluid channel P to the outer end hole N. Since the outer end hole N is smaller than the inner end hole M, the orifice through which airflow passes is smaller, thus providing positive end-expiratory pressure and preventing airway collapse. Therefore, it can improve the symptoms of sleep apnea.

[0064] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, this is the third embodiment of the positive pressure respirator of the present invention. The tube 1 may have at least one second notch 13, which is connected to the inner end hole M. In this embodiment, there are several second notches 13, which are recessed in the inner wall of the inner end hole M, so that the several second notches 13 can connect the inner end hole M and the several first notches 21.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, when the user inhales, the bidirectional valve 2 moves from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M. Airflow can flow not only through the fluid channel P from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M, but also through the first notches 21 from the outer end hole N to the inner end hole M and the second notches 13. This increases the amount of air the user inhales, improving breathing smoothness. When the user exhales, the bidirectional valve 2 moves from the inner end hole M to the outer end hole N. Airflow can flow through the fluid channel P from the inner end hole M to the outer end hole N. Since the outer end hole N is smaller than the inner end hole M, the orifice through which airflow passes is smaller, thus providing positive end-expiratory pressure and preventing airway collapse. Therefore, it can improve the symptoms of sleep apnea.

[0066] In summary, the positive pressure respirator of the present invention utilizes the fact that the outer end hole is smaller than the inner end hole, and the bidirectional valve moves axially between the inner end hole and the outer end hole. When the user exhales, the bidirectional valve moves from the inner end hole to the outer end hole, and the airflow can flow from the inner end hole through the fluid channel to the outer end hole. Since the outer end hole is smaller than the inner end hole, the aperture through which the airflow passes is reduced, achieving and prolonging the positive pressure state of the airway, thereby preventing airway collapse. Therefore, it can improve the related symptoms of sleep apnea. The positive pressure respirator of this invention can be completely concealed in the nasal cavity during use, which is significantly different from the known usage state of being exposed. This invention can improve sleep quality, user comfort, aesthetics, and convenience.

[0067] Although the present invention has been disclosed using the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and alterations made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention shall still fall within the technical scope protected by the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A positive pressure respirator, characterized in that, It includes: A tube having a communicating inner end hole and an outer end hole, the outer end hole being smaller than the inner end hole, the tube being inserted into a nasal cavity, the tube having at least one second notch communicating with the inner end hole; and A two-way air valve is located in the pipe fitting, the two-way air valve is axially movable between the inner end hole and the outer end hole, and the two-way air valve has a fluid passage connecting the inner end hole and the outer end hole.

2. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fitting has a pipe body and a base, the pipe body is attached to the base, the inner end hole is located in the pipe body, and the outer end hole is located in the base.

3. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base and the tube body together form a receiving space, which is located between the inner end hole and the outer end hole, and the bidirectional air valve is located in the receiving space.

4. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tube body has a connecting protrusion and the base has a recess, the connecting protrusion being engaged with the recess.

5. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the two-way air valve is larger than the diameter of both the inner and outer end holes.

6. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional air valve has at least one first notch that communicates with the inner end hole.

7. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bidirectional air valve has a first end face and a second end face, the first notch is located on the first end face, and the first notch extends along the outer wall of the bidirectional air valve toward the second end face.

8. The positive pressure respirator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also includes a thin film layer bonded to the outer peripheral wall of the fitting.

9. The positive pressure respirator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thin film layer is made of polyurethane.

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