Patient interface
By designing an asymmetric gas flow pattern for the nasal interface, the problems of barotrauma and noise during nasal gas delivery were solved, resulting in more effective upper airway clearance and noise reduction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing nasal interfaces are prone to barotrauma and noise problems when delivering breathing gases, and cannot effectively clear dead space in the patient's upper airway.
Design a nasal interface that employs an asymmetric gas flow method. Through an unsealed nasal delivery element and a deflecting airway, ensure that the gas flows asymmetrically in the patient's nasal airway, reducing peak expiratory pressure and noise.
The asymmetric flow pattern reduces peak expiratory pressure, decreases noise, and improves the clearance of dead space in the patient's upper airway.
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Figure CN121648404A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to the following applications: U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 686581, filed August 23, 2024, entitled "Patient Interface"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 782682, filed April 3, 2025, entitled "Patient Interface"; and PCT Application No. PCT / IB2025 / 058460, filed August 22, 2025, entitled "Patient Interface". The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a patient interface with a nasal connector for delivering breathing gases into a patient's airway. Background Technology
[0003] Breathing gas can be delivered to the patient. The breathing gas is delivered through a patient interface. Patient interfaces can take many forms; for example, when using a face mask, the patient interface can be a mask covering both the nose and mouth, a nasal mask only, a mouth mask only, or a combination of a mouth and a nasal mask. Separate nasal and mouth masks can also be used together. In addition to using a mask that surrounds the airway, interfaces such as nasal tubes or oral tubes can be used. These interfaces can also be used in combination with various face masks.
[0004] When using a nasal interface with a patient interface, a nasal delivery element can be used to deliver breathing gases. The nasal delivery element is inserted into the patient's nose to provide the desired treatment. A pair of nasal delivery elements can be used, one for each nostril. Some nasal delivery elements may require a nasal seal or semi-seal to deliver treatment, while others may not require a nasal seal.
[0005] Unsealed patient interfaces offer numerous benefits, such as preventing barotrauma (e.g., tissue damage to the airways and / or lungs due to a pressure difference from standard atmospheric pressure). Improvements to patient interfaces are desired. Summary of the Invention
[0006] A breathing interface and a respiratory therapy system are disclosed, which deliver breathing gases to a patient using nasal airflow (e.g., via a nasal delivery element) from the nasal interface of the patient interface. This delivery can be achieved through asymmetric flow. Asymmetric flow can increase the clearance of dead space in the patient's upper airway. Noise can also be reduced due to the decrease in peak expiratory pressure.
[0007] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; and a deflection venting port being used to allow exhaled gas to be expelled from the interface body; wherein the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[0008] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[0009] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflector vent that allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body.
[0010] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element.
[0011] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0012] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0013] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0014] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the second nasal delivery element.
[0015] In some configurations, the deflector vent is positioned closer to the second nasal delivery element.
[0016] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located between the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element.
[0017] In some configurations, at least one of a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element is provided, wherein the gas inlet port is substantially pointed toward or substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element.
[0018] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0019] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[0020] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is located close to the first nose delivery element and far from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0021] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nostril of the patient and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a second nostril of the patient, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0022] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port, and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a second nasal delivery element, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0023] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to the first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0024] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0025] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0026] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0027] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0028] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0029] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0030] In some configurations, the side arms are configured to be movable to fit the contours of the face.
[0031] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0032] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0033] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0034] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0035] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0036] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0037] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0038] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0039] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0040] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0041] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0042] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0043] In some configurations, there are multiple spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0044] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0045] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion.
[0046] In some configurations, the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0047] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0048] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0049] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector that attaches to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0050] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0051] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a gas delivery elbow that is connected to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0052] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0053] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0054] In some configurations, elbows can be configured to redirect gas flow by more than 30 degrees, more than 60 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
[0055] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the second axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0056] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0057] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0058] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0059] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0060] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0061] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0062] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0063] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0064] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0065] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0066] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0067] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0068] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0069] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0070] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0071] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0072] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0073] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0074] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external gas passage located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external gas passage being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0075] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0076] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0077] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0078] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0079] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0080] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of the nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0081] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near the nasal delivery element.
[0082] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0083] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0084] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from at least one nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0085] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0086] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0087] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0088] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0089] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0090] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0091] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0092] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0093] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0094] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0095] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0096] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0097] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0098] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0099] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0100] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0101] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0102] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0103] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0104] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0105] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0106] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0107] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0108] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0109] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0110] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0111] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0112] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body. This first midline plane is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0113] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes an external cutout located outside the pad portion and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0114] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0115] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0116] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0117] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0118] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0119] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0120] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0121] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0122] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0123] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0124] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0125] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0126] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0127] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0128] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0129] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0130] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0131] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0132] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0133] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0134] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0135] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0136] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0137] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0138] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0139] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end (lateral end) of the fixed component.
[0140] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0141] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0142] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0143] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0144] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0145] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0146] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0147] In some configurations, the second nasal delivery element includes a second gas outlet, wherein the second gas outlet defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the second gas outlet. The first axis, the second axis, and the inlet axis may all lie in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to the first centerline plane.
[0148] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other, optionally less than 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees or 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0149] In some configurations, a deflector vent defines an outlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the deflector vent. A second axis may be aligned with the outlet axis. Therefore, the angle between the second axis and the outlet axis may be 0 degrees. The outlet axis and the second axis may form an angle between 0 degrees and at most, but less than 90 degrees, with an optional angle of less than 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, or 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0150] In some configurations, the gas inlet port and the deflector vent are located on opposite sides of the centerline plane. The gas inlet port and the deflector vent may be symmetrical about the centerline plane.
[0151] In some configurations, the interface body includes a first side with a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element, and a opposing second side with an inlet port and a deflecting vent. The first side faces the user's face when the nasal interface is in use, and the second side faces away from the user's face when the nasal interface is in use. The interface body as a whole may be a curved structure, wherein the radially inner surface may form the first side and the radially outer surface may form the second side.
[0152] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril, wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the gas inlet port is arranged to direct the inhaled breathing gas to the first nasal delivery element, and the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[0153] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0154] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially pointed towards the first nose delivery element.
[0155] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0156] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0157] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0158] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0159] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0160] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0161] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0162] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0163] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0164] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0165] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0166] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0167] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0168] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0169] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is located close to the first nose delivery element and far from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0170] In some configurations, the nasal interface is set to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure.
[0171] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nostril of the patient and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a second nostril of the patient, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0172] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port, and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a second nasal delivery element, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0173] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0174] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0175] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0176] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0177] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0178] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0179] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0180] In some configurations, the side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0181] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0182] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0183] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0184] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0185] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0186] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0187] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0188] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0189] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0190] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflector vent that allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body.
[0191] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element.
[0192] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the second nasal delivery element.
[0193] In some configurations, the deflector vent is positioned closer to the second nasal delivery element.
[0194] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located between the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element.
[0195] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0196] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends along the gas flow channel from a position roughly corresponding to the first gas port to a position roughly corresponding to the deflection port.
[0197] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0198] In some configurations, there are multiple spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0199] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0200] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion, wherein the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0201] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0202] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0203] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector that attaches to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0204] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0205] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a gas delivery elbow that is connected to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0206] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0207] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0208] In some configurations, the nose port includes a cap configured to at least partially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0209] In some configurations, the cover is set to substantially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0210] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0211] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0212] In some configurations, the cover includes at least one opening to allow gas to flow through the cover from a deflector vent.
[0213] In some configurations, the cover includes an annular structure that includes a peripheral frame surrounding the opening.
[0214] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion, and the deflection vent is located within the frame portion.
[0215] In some constructions, the cover is attached to the frame.
[0216] In some constructions, the cover is movably attached to the frame.
[0217] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external gas passage located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external gas passage being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0218] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0219] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0220] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0221] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0222] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0223] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of at least one nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0224] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near at least one nasal delivery element.
[0225] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0226] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0227] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from the nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0228] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0229] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0230] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0231] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0232] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0233] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0234] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0235] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0236] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0237] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0238] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0239] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0240] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0241] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0242] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0243] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0244] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0245] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0246] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0247] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0248] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0249] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0250] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0251] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0252] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0253] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0254] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0255] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0256] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0257] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0258] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0259] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0260] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0261] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0262] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0263] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0264] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body. This first midline plane is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0265] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0266] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0267] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0268] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0269] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0270] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0271] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0272] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0273] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0274] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0275] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0276] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0277] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0278] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0279] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0280] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0281] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0282] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0283] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0284] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0285] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0286] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0287] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0288] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0289] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0290] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0291] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0292] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow circumferential (i.e., horizontal) expansion.
[0293] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0294] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril, wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; and a connector for coupling the gas supply conduit to the interface body and enabling inhaled breathing gas to flow from the gas supply conduit through the gas flow channel.
[0295] In some configurations, the connector is designed to reduce turbulence in the gas flow as it enters the interface body.
[0296] In some configurations, turbulence is reduced compared to a nose interface without a connector.
[0297] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril, wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; and an elbow for connecting the gas supply conduit to the interface body and enabling inhaled breathing gas to flow from the gas supply conduit through the gas flow channel.
[0298] In some configurations, elbows are designed to reduce turbulence in the gas flow as it enters the interface body.
[0299] In some configurations, turbulence is reduced compared to a nose interface without a connector.
[0300] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0301] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0302] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0303] In some configurations, elbows connect to or define gas inlet ports.
[0304] In some constructs, the interface body includes the framework portion.
[0305] In some constructions, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion.
[0306] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the interface body includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0307] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0308] In some designs, the elbow is integrally formed with the frame of the interface body.
[0309] In some configurations, the connector is integrally formed with the frame portion of the interface body.
[0310] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0311] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0312] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0313] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0314] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0315] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0316] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0317] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0318] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0319] In some configurations, the nasal interface is designed to generate asymmetrical gas flow in the patient's airway.
[0320] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's airway.
[0321] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially pointed towards the first nose delivery element.
[0322] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0323] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0324] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged close to the first nose delivery element and away from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0325] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s first nostril during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s second nostril during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0326] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0327] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0328] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0329] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0330] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0331] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0332] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0333] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0334] In some configurations, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0335] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0336] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0337] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0338] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0339] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0340] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0341] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0342] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0343] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0344] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflector vent that allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body.
[0345] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element.
[0346] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0347] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0348] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a plurality of spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0349] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0350] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion, wherein the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0351] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0352] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0353] In some configurations, the connector is attached to or defines the gas inlet port.
[0354] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0355] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0356] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0357] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0358] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0359] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0360] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0361] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0362] In some configurations, the nose port includes a cap configured to at least partially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0363] In some configurations, the cover is set to substantially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0364] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0365] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0366] In some configurations, the cover includes at least one opening to allow gas to flow through the cover from a deflector vent.
[0367] In some configurations, the cover includes an annular structure that includes a peripheral frame surrounding the opening.
[0368] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion, and the deflection vent is located within the frame portion.
[0369] In some constructions, the cover is attached to the frame.
[0370] In some constructions, the cover is movably attached to the frame.
[0371] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external gas passage located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external gas passage being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0372] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0373] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0374] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0375] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0376] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0377] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of at least one nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0378] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near at least one nasal delivery element.
[0379] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0380] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0381] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from the nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0382] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0383] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0384] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0385] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0386] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0387] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0388] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0389] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0390] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0391] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0392] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0393] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0394] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0395] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0396] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0397] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0398] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0399] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0400] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0401] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0402] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0403] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0404] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0405] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0406] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0407] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0408] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0409] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0410] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0411] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0412] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0413] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0414] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0415] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0416] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0417] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0418] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0419] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0420] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0421] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0422] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0423] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0424] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0425] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0426] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0427] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0428] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0429] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0430] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0431] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0432] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0433] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0434] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0435] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0436] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0437] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0438] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0439] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril, wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite laterally outward directions.
[0440] In some configurations, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0441] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0442] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0443] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0444] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0445] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0446] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0447] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0448] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0449] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0450] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0451] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0452] In some configurations, the first of the side arms includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on the corresponding head cap connection portion.
[0453] In some configurations, the second side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on the corresponding headgear connection portion.
[0454] In some configurations, the ball joint is the pivot point, and the cap connection part pivots around the pivot point relative to the side arm in any direction, with a maximum pivot angle of 90 degrees.
[0455] In some configurations, at least one protrusion limits the maximum pivot angle relative to the side arm to 45 degrees.
[0456] In some configurations, each cap connection feature is movably connected to either connector on the first or second end of the cap.
[0457] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0458] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially pointed towards the first nose delivery element.
[0459] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0460] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0461] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged close to the first nose delivery element and away from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0462] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s first nostril during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s second nostril during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0463] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0464] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0465] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0466] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0467] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0468] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0469] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0470] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflector vent that allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body.
[0471] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element.
[0472] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0473] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0474] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0475] In some configurations, the interface includes a plurality of spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0476] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0477] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion.
[0478] In some configurations, the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0479] In some configurations, the base of at least one nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0480] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0481] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a gas delivery connector that is coupled to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0482] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0483] In some configurations, the nose interface includes an elbow that connects to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0484] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0485] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0486] In some configurations, the interface body includes a single inlet, which includes a gas inlet port.
[0487] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0488] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0489] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0490] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0491] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0492] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0493] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0494] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0495] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0496] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0497] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0498] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0499] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0500] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0501] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0502] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0503] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0504] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0505] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0506] In some configurations, the nose port includes a cap configured to at least partially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0507] In some configurations, the cover is set to substantially cover the deflector vent when in use.
[0508] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0509] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0510] In some configurations, the cover includes at least one opening to allow gas to flow through the cover from a deflector vent.
[0511] In some configurations, the cover includes an annular structure that includes a peripheral frame surrounding the opening.
[0512] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion, and the deflection vent is located within the frame portion.
[0513] In some constructions, the cover is attached to the frame.
[0514] In some constructions, the cover is movably attached to the frame.
[0515] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external gas passage located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external gas passage being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0516] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0517] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0518] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0519] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0520] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0521] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of at least one nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0522] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near at least one nasal delivery element.
[0523] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0524] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0525] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from the nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0526] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0527] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0528] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0529] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0530] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0531] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0532] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0533] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0534] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0535] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0536] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0537] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0538] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0539] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0540] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0541] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0542] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0543] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0544] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0545] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0546] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0547] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0548] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0549] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0550] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0551] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0552] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0553] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0554] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0555] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0556] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0557] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0558] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0559] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0560] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0561] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0562] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0563] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0564] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0565] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0566] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0567] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0568] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0569] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0570] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0571] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0572] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0573] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a patient interface is disclosed comprising: a nasal interface (as described herein) and a pair of headcap connection portions, each headcap connection portion being movably connected to one of the side arms, the first of the side arms including a spherical portion or a socket portion, and the first headcap connection portion including a corresponding socket portion or spherical portion, the second of the side arms including a spherical portion or a socket portion, and the second headcap connection portion including a corresponding socket portion or spherical portion.
[0574] In some configurations, the patient interface includes a headcap that includes a headcap connection portion.
[0575] In some configurations, the patient interface includes a flexible cheek contact portion.
[0576] In some designs, the cap is symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged so that the nasal interface is parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when in use.
[0577] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a method for changing the configuration or orientation of a gas inlet of a nasal interface (as described herein) is disclosed, the method comprising: rotating a ball portion within a socket portion of a ball socket connector such that the nasal interface is changed from a first configuration in which the gas inlet is on the left side of the nasal interface to a second configuration in which the gas inlet is on the right side of the nasal interface, wherein rotating the ball portion in the socket portion causes the change from the first configuration to the second configuration.
[0578] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; a deflection vent for enabling exhaled gas to be expelled from the interface body, the deflection vent being located downstream of the first nasal delivery element; and a cap that, in use, at least partially covers the deflection vent.
[0579] In some configurations, at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element.
[0580] In some configurations, the cover is set to essentially cover the deflector vent.
[0581] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0582] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0583] In some configurations, the cover includes at least one opening to allow gas to flow through the cover from a deflector vent.
[0584] In some configurations, the cover includes an annular structure that includes a peripheral frame surrounding the opening.
[0585] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion, and the deflection vent is located within the frame portion.
[0586] In some constructions, the cover is attached to the frame.
[0587] In some constructions, the cover is movably attached to the frame.
[0588] In some configurations, the nasal interface is designed to generate asymmetrical gas flow in the patient's airway.
[0589] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0590] In some configurations, a pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0591] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0592] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0593] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0594] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0595] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0596] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0597] In some configurations, the first of the side arms includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on the corresponding head cap connection portion.
[0598] In some configurations, the second side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on the corresponding headgear connection portion.
[0599] In some configurations, the ball joint is the pivot point, and the cap connection part pivots around the pivot point relative to the side arm in any direction, with a maximum pivot angle of 90 degrees.
[0600] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0601] In some configurations, at least one protrusion limits the maximum pivot angle relative to the side arm to 45 degrees.
[0602] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0603] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0604] In some configurations, each cap connection feature is movably connected to either connector on the first or second end of the cap.
[0605] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0606] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially pointed towards the first nose delivery element.
[0607] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0608] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0609] In some configurations, the gas inlet is located close to the first nose delivery element and far from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0610] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s first nostril during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s second nostril during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0611] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0612] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0613] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0614] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0615] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0616] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0617] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0618] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflector vent that allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body.
[0619] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element.
[0620] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0621] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0622] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0623] In some configurations, the interface includes a plurality of spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0624] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0625] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion.
[0626] In some configurations, the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0627] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0628] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0629] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a gas delivery connector that is coupled to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0630] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0631] In some configurations, the nose interface includes an elbow that connects to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0632] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0633] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0634] In some configurations, the interface body includes a single inlet, which includes a gas inlet port.
[0635] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0636] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0637] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0638] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0639] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0640] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0641] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0642] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0643] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0644] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0645] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0646] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0647] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0648] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0649] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0650] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0651] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0652] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0653] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0654] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0655] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0656] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0657] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0658] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0659] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0660] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0661] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0662] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0663] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0664] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0665] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0666] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0667] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0668] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0669] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0670] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0671] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0672] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0673] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0674] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0675] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0676] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0677] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0678] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0679] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0680] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0681] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0682] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0683] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0684] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0685] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0686] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0687] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0688] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0689] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0690] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0691] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0692] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0693] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0694] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0695] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0696] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0697] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0698] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0699] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0700] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0701] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0702] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0703] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0704] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0705] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0706] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0707] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0708] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0709] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0710] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0711] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes an external gas channel located outside the interface body, the external gas channel being adjacent to at least one nasal delivery element and configured to allow gas to flow through the external gas channel.
[0712] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0713] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0714] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0715] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0716] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0717] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of at least one nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0718] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near at least one nasal delivery element.
[0719] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0720] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0721] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from the nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0722] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0723] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0724] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0725] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the second nasal delivery element.
[0726] In some configurations, the deflector vent is positioned closer to the second nasal delivery element.
[0727] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located between the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element.
[0728] In some configurations, at least one of a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element is provided, wherein the gas inlet port is substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element.
[0729] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0730] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0731] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[0732] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is located close to the first nose delivery element and far from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0733] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s first nostril during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s second nostril during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0734] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0735] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the sagittal plane of the patient when the nasal interface is in use.
[0736] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0737] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0738] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0739] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0740] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0741] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0742] In some configurations, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0743] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0744] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0745] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0746] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0747] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0748] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0749] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0750] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0751] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0752] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0753] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0754] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0755] In some configurations, there are multiple spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0756] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0757] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion.
[0758] In some configurations, the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0759] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0760] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0761] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector that attaches to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0762] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0763] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a gas delivery elbow that connects to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0764] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0765] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0766] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0767] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0768] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0769] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0770] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0771] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0772] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0773] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0774] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0775] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0776] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0777] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0778] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0779] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0780] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0781] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0782] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0783] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0784] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0785] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0786] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0787] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0788] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0789] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0790] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0791] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0792] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0793] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0794] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0795] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0796] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0797] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0798] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0799] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0800] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0801] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0802] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0803] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0804] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0805] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0806] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0807] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0808] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0809] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0810] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0811] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0812] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0813] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0814] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0815] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0816] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0817] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0818] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0819] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0820] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0821] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0822] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0823] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0824] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0825] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0826] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0827] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0828] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0829] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0830] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0831] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0832] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0833] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0834] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0835] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0836] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0837] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0838] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0839] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0840] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0841] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0842] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to the first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane in use; wherein the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite laterally outward directions to provide a hinged connection between a cap and the nasal interface.
[0843] In some configurations, each side arm includes a cap connection feature that is movably connected to the ball portion or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball portion or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to corresponding connectors on a first end and a second end of the cap.
[0844] In some configurations, the headgear connection feature on the first side arm includes a ball-and-socket joint with a ball or socket portion configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion of the headgear connection portion to connect the headgear end of the headgear, and wherein the second side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball-and-socket joint configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion of the headgear connection portion to connect the headgear end of the headgear.
[0845] In some configurations, each cap connection feature is movably connected to either connector on the first or second end of the cap.
[0846] In some configurations, the ball joint is the pivot point, and the cap connection part pivots around the pivot point relative to the side arm in any direction, with a maximum pivot angle of 90 degrees.
[0847] In some configurations, the spherical portion includes at least one protrusion to limit the range of motion of the joint between the spherical portion and the socket portion.
[0848] In some configurations, at least one protrusion limits the maximum pivot angle relative to the side arm to 45 degrees.
[0849] In some configurations, at least one side arm includes a clasp.
[0850] In some constructions, the clasp is formed in a figure-eight shape.
[0851] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are not hermetically sealed.
[0852] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element and is configured not to form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use.
[0853] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element does not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril.
[0854] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located downstream of the second nasal delivery element.
[0855] In some configurations, the deflector vent is positioned closer to the second nasal delivery element.
[0856] In some configurations, the deflection vent is located between the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element.
[0857] In some configurations, the gas inlet port includes two or more gas inlet ports.
[0858] In some configurations, at least one of a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element is provided, wherein the gas inlet port is substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element.
[0859] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is essentially directed toward the first nose delivery element.
[0860] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element.
[0861] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[0862] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is located close to the first nose delivery element and far from the second nose delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0863] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s first nostril during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially provided to a patient’s second nostril during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0864] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas inlet port and to provide a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to a first nasal delivery element during use, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element during use, and to direct more inhaled breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow.
[0865] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the sagittal plane of the patient when the nasal interface is in use.
[0866] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, which is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0867] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are each substantially straight.
[0868] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
[0869] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
[0870] In some configurations, the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than that of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[0871] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions.
[0872] In some configurations, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours.
[0873] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0874] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[0875] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[0876] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[0877] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[0878] In some configurations, each side arm includes a ball or socket portion of a ball joint, the ball or socket portion of which is configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball or socket portion on a cap connection portion for connecting a part of the cap.
[0879] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[0880] In some configurations, the nose interface includes at least one baffle that extends along the gas flow channel from a position substantially corresponding to a first gas port to a position substantially corresponding to a deflection vent.
[0881] In some configurations, at least one baffle is arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered to the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward the first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward the second nasal delivery element, and exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection port.
[0882] In some configurations, there are multiple spaced-apart baffles that extend along the gas flow channel.
[0883] In some configurations, at least one baffle extends across the interface body and frame portion of the nose interface, or across both the interface body and frame portion.
[0884] In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element has a tapered wall portion.
[0885] In some configurations, the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas flow channel is thicker than the tapered wall portion in the region near the gas outlet of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0886] In some configurations, the base of the nasal delivery element has an angled portion.
[0887] In some constructions, the base is truncated conical.
[0888] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector that attaches to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0889] In some configurations, the connector includes a gas delivery portion and a gas receiving portion, the gas delivery portion being coupled to or defining a gas inlet port of the interface body, and the gas receiving portion being configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion.
[0890] In some configurations, the nose interface includes a gas delivery elbow that connects to or defines a gas inlet port.
[0891] In some configurations, the gas delivery elbow includes a gas delivery portion extending in a first direction to connect to or define a gas inlet port of an interface body, and a gas receiving portion extending in a second direction and configured to receive inlet breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and deliver the inlet breathing gas to the gas delivery portion, wherein the first direction is transverse to the second direction.
[0892] In some constructions, the second direction is the lateral outward direction.
[0893] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other.
[0894] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0895] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0896] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0897] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0898] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other. The first axis and the inlet axis may be aligned relative to each other. Therefore, the angle between the first axis and the inlet axis may be 0 degrees.
[0899] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 60 degrees relative to each other.
[0900] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 45 degrees relative to each other.
[0901] In some configurations, the first axis and the inlet axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 30 degrees relative to each other.
[0902] In some configurations, the first axis and the entrance axis are at an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 15 degrees relative to each other.
[0903] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a conduit retainer for attaching a gas supply conduit to the cap of the nasal interface.
[0904] In some configurations, the conduit retainer includes an annular portion for movably receiving the gas supply conduit.
[0905] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0906] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located on the outer side of the elbow and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the interface body.
[0907] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the cap strap near the side arm connection between the cap strap and the interface body.
[0908] In some configurations, the conduit retainer is located laterally outside the connector and on the side arm near the junction of the cap strap and the side arm of the interface body.
[0909] In some configurations, the annular portion of the conduit retainer is C-shaped.
[0910] In some configurations, the catheter retainer includes a pair of inward-facing arms that form a channel through which a strap or side arm passes.
[0911] In some configurations, a space or gap is maintained between a pair of arms facing inward.
[0912] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external airflow channel located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external airflow channel being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0913] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the main body.
[0914] In some configurations, an external gas channel extends from or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element, away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0915] In some constructs, the interface body includes a frame portion, and in others, the interface body includes a body portion.
[0916] In some configurations, one of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other, and in this configuration, the external gas passage is located close to the smaller nasal delivery element.
[0917] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends along at least a portion of the body portion and along at least a portion of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0918] In some configurations, the external gas passage extends to the end of at least one nasal delivery element, which includes a gas outlet.
[0919] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes multiple external gas channels located near at least one nasal delivery element.
[0920] In some configurations, at least one external gas channel is located near each nasal delivery element.
[0921] In some configurations, multiple external gas channels are located near each nasal delivery element.
[0922] In some configurations, the external gas passage includes an extended or bifurcated structure in the region away from the nasal delivery element to allow gas to flow away from the frame.
[0923] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0924] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0925] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0926] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0927] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0928] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0929] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0930] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0931] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0932] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0933] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0934] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0935] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0936] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0937] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0938] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0939] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0940] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0941] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0942] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[0943] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[0944] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[0945] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[0946] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[0947] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[0948] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[0949] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[0950] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[0951] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0952] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[0953] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[0954] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[0955] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[0956] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[0957] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[0958] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[0959] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[0960] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[0961] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[0962] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[0963] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[0964] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[0965] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[0966] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[0967] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[0968] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[0969] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[0970] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and adjacent to at least one nasal delivery element, and the external cutout is configured to allow gas to flow through the external cutout.
[0971] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[0972] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[0973] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[0974] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[0975] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[0976] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[0977] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[0978] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[0979] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0980] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a padding portion, the padding portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the padding portion can engage with each other.
[0981] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[0982] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[0983] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[0984] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[0985] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[0986] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[0987] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[0988] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[0989] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[0990] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[0991] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[0992] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[0993] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[0994] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[0995] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[0996] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[0997] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[0998] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[0999] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms are configured to form joints in a hinged manner to conform to the facial contours.
[1000] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[1001] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[1002] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[1003] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[1004] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[1005] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[1006] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[1007] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[1008] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[1009] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[1010] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[1011] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[1012] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[1013] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[1014] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[1015] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[1016] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[1017] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[1018] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[1019] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[1020] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[1021] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[1022] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[1023] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1024] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1025] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1026] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1027] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1028] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1029] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1030] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1031] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[1032] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes a frame portion and a liner portion, the liner portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nasal interface, wherein the frame portion and the liner portion are engageable with each other.
[1033] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a gas inlet port, and the liner portion includes a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element.
[1034] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a deflection vent for allowing exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body, wherein the frame portion includes the deflection vent.
[1035] In some configurations, the frame portion extends between the gas inlet port and the deflection vent, forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the interface body.
[1036] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, and at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the padding portion can be received in the groove.
[1037] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[1038] In some constructions, the frame portion includes an enlarged lateral portion relative to the substantially narrowed central portion of the frame portion.
[1039] In some constructions, the frame components taper from the substantially lateral-central position of the frame portion toward the enlarged lateral portion.
[1040] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally hourglass-shaped profile.
[1041] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a narrowed lateral portion relative to the substantially enlarged lateral central portion of the frame portion.
[1042] In some configurations, the frame components taper from a substantially lateral to central position in the frame portion toward a narrowing lateral portion.
[1043] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a generally curved lower edge.
[1044] In some constructions, the surface of the frame portion has a generally elongated, circular arc-shaped profile.
[1045] In some constructions, the frame components include a generally straight upper edge and a lower edge.
[1046] In some constructions, the surface of the frame section has a generally stadium-shaped profile.
[1047] In some configurations, the frame portion includes a first side arm and a second side arm, which are connected at their respective side edges.
[1048] In some configurations, the frame portion, the first side arm, and the second side arm are formed as a single integral component.
[1049] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[1050] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes an external cutout located outside the pad portion and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[1051] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, the external cutout being configured to allow gas to flow through it.
[1052] In some configurations, the external cut extends from at least one nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the side edge of the interface body.
[1053] In some configurations, the external incision extends around or near the base of at least one nasal delivery element and away from at least one nasal delivery element.
[1054] In some constructions, the external cutout is a notch in the main body of the interface body.
[1055] In some constructions, the walls of the notch form a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the main body.
[1056] In some constructions, the walls of the notch are formed at an angle between approximately 35 and 60 degrees relative to the surface of the main body.
[1057] In some configurations, the external cut includes a parallel side that extends from the side edge into an arc around the base of at least one nasal delivery element.
[1058] In some configurations, the arc of the external cut shares a central axis with at least one nasal delivery element.
[1059] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a second external incision that extends from another nasal delivery element or its vicinity along a portion of the body of the interface body to the opposite side edge of the interface body.
[1060] In some configurations, the first and second external incisions are symmetrical about a midline plane passing through the interface body, which is parallel to the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[1061] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, which are configured to articulate joints to conform to facial contours.
[1062] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[1063] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[1064] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[1065] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[1066] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[1067] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[1068] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[1069] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[1070] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[1071] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[1072] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[1073] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[1074] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[1075] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[1076] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[1077] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[1078] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[1079] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[1080] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[1081] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1082] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1083] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1084] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1085] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1086] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1087] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1088] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1089] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[1090] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite laterally outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms are configured to hinge to form joints to conform to facial contours.
[1091] In some configurations, the side arms are made of flexible materials.
[1092] In some configurations, the side arm includes an attachment button configured to selectively connect to a corresponding buttonhole.
[1093] In some configurations, the cap includes a button hole for attaching an attachment button.
[1094] In some configurations, the hood strap or hood connector includes a button hole for connecting to an attachment button.
[1095] In some configurations, the attached button can pivot radially about the axis of the button hole.
[1096] In some configurations, each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, which includes a region or line of material that is thinner than the rest of the side arm material, the thinner material being more flexible than the rest of the side arm material, and the side arm is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[1097] In some configurations, the movable hinge comprises two intersecting lines of thinned material forming an X-shape on the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint along the X-shaped line in a hinged manner.
[1098] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes at least one line of thinned material that is substantially perpendicular through the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along the at least one line.
[1099] In some configurations, the movable hinge also includes another line of thinned material extending substantially perpendicularly across the side arm, spaced apart from the other line, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along one and / or the other line.
[1100] In some configurations, the movable hinge includes a region of thinned material formed by two opposing triangular shapes whose vertices meet at the vertical midpoint of the side arm, and the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner along an arbitrary line passing through the thinned material.
[1101] In some configurations, the movable hinge is formed on the patient-facing side of the side arm during use.
[1102] In some configurations, the movable hinge is configured to form a joint in a hinged manner relative to the side arm at an angle of up to 90 degrees along the hinge direction.
[1103] In some configurations, the interface body is symmetrical about a second midline plane of the interface body, the second midline plane being transverse to a first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
[1104] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body and configured to be positioned on the patient's cheek during use.
[1105] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[1106] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[1107] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[1108] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[1109] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[1110] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[1111] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[1112] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[1113] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[1114] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1115] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1116] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1117] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1118] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1119] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1120] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1121] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1122] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetric gas flow and net pressure at the patient's nasal airway.
[1123] According to certain features, aspects and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a method for changing the configuration or orientation of a gas inlet of a nasal interface (as described herein) is disclosed, the method comprising: jointing a hinge of a movable hinge such that the nasal interface is changed from a first configuration in which the gas inlet is on the left side of the nasal interface to a second configuration in which the gas inlet is on the right side of the nasal interface, wherein jointing the hinge causes the change from the first configuration to the second configuration.
[1124] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body, and the cheek pad being configured to be located on a patient's cheek during use.
[1125] In some constructions, the side arms or headband arms include cheek pads.
[1126] In some designs, the cheek pads are made of flexible materials to allow them to conform to the patient's cheeks.
[1127] In some designs, the cheek pad has a spherical or elliptical shape that extends from the strap or arm toward the patient.
[1128] In some configurations, the cheek pad is formed as a substantially tubular body with lateral channels extending through it.
[1129] In some designs, the cheek pads are formed as a hollow core.
[1130] In some configurations, the cheek pad includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook-and-loop structures formed on a strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[1131] In some configurations, the hook-and-loop structure includes a slot for securing at least one strap.
[1132] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for attaching straps.
[1133] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient's head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[1134] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1135] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1136] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1137] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1138] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1139] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1140] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1141] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1142] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[1143] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in an oppositely laterally outward direction, wherein the pair of side arms include buckles at their distal ends for connecting a strap.
[1144] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; and a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; wherein the nasal interface is configured to be supported on a patient's head by a headgear, the headgear including a fixation member positionable behind the patient's head, the fixation member being configured to surround the circumference of the patient's head and to be fixed in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner.
[1145] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1146] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1147] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1148] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1149] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1150] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1151] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1152] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1153] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[1154] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a method for changing the configuration or orientation of a gas inlet of a nasal interface (as described herein) is disclosed, the method comprising: rotating a ball portion within a socket portion of a ball socket connector such that the nasal interface is changed from a first configuration in which the gas inlet is on the left side of the nasal interface to a second configuration in which the gas inlet is on the right side of the nasal interface, wherein rotating the ball portion in the socket portion causes the change from the first configuration to the second configuration.
[1155] According to certain features, aspects and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a headgear is disclosed, the headgear comprising: a fixation member that can be positioned behind a patient’s head, the fixation member being configured to surround a portion of the patient’s head circumference and being configured to be secured in the patient’s hair in a comb-like manner.
[1156] In some configurations, the fixation components include multiple pillars arranged substantially vertically, with channels between the pillars configured to receive the patient's hair.
[1157] In some constructions, adjacent supports are connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the supports, forming a generally S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1158] In some configurations, the fixing components include secondary rings arranged between adjacent supports and spaced vertically from the rings.
[1159] In some constructions, the rings include webbing.
[1160] In some constructions, the supports have a uniform length.
[1161] In some constructions, the length of the support gradually decreases from the midpoint of the fixed component toward each end of the fixed component.
[1162] In some constructions, the fixed components are flexible to allow for circumferential expansion.
[1163] In some constructions, the fastening component includes a clasp at each of its circumferential ends.
[1164] A patient interface is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the patient interface comprising: a head cap according to any of the above-described constructions; and a nasal interface for delivering breathing gas to a patient, wherein the head cap is configured to support the nasal interface on the patient's head.
[1165] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes an interface body that includes a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly connected to the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly connected to the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril.
[1166] In some configurations, at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element.
[1167] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a gas inlet port within the interface body and in fluid communication with a gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being used to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body.
[1168] In some configurations, the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[1169] In some configurations, the gas inlet is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow, wherein the gas inlet port is optionally substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element, and / or close to the first nasal delivery element and away from the second nasal delivery element.
[1170] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to, and optionally orthogonal to, a first midline plane of the interface body. The first midline plane is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane during use. The first and second nasal delivery elements are optionally symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body.
[1171] In some configurations, the interface body includes a first side provided with a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element, and an opposing second side provided with an inlet port and a deflection vent. The interface body as a whole is optionally curved and has a radially inner surface forming the first side and a radially outer surface forming the second side.
[1172] In some configurations, the first nose delivery element is larger than the second nose delivery element, and optionally the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[1173] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes at least one baffle extending along a gas flow channel from an area generally corresponding to a gas inlet port toward an area generally corresponding to a deflection vent, wherein the at least one baffle is optionally arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered into the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward a first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward a second nasal delivery element, and that exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection vent.
[1174] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector for connecting a gas supply conduit to the interface body, allowing inhaled breathing gas to flow from the gas supply conduit through a gas flow channel. The connector is connected to or defines a gas inlet port, wherein the connector is optionally an elbow, which is optionally configured to redirect airflow by more than 30 degrees, more than 60 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
[1175] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein optionally, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours, optionally, the side arms are made of a flexible material, and optionally, each side arm includes a ball portion or socket portion of a ball-and-socket connector configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball portion or socket portion on a headgear connection portion for connecting a portion of the headgear.
[1176] According to certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a nasal interface is disclosed, comprising: an interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second nasal delivery elements is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; a gas inlet port in the interface body and fluidly communicating with the gas flow channel, the gas inlet port being configured to receive inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit and to enable inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body; and a deflection vent for enabling exhaled gas to be expelled from the interface body; wherein the nasal interface is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
[1177] In some configurations, the gas inlet port is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas to the first nasal delivery element rather than the second nasal delivery element to generate or facilitate asymmetric flow, wherein the gas inlet port may optionally be substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element and / or close to the first nasal delivery element and away from the second nasal delivery element.
[1178] In some configurations, the first nasal delivery element includes a first gas outlet, wherein the first gas outlet defines a first axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the first gas outlet, and wherein a gas inlet port defines an inlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the gas inlet, and wherein the first axis and the inlet axis are aligned with each other or form an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees with each other, optionally less than 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees or 15 degrees with each other.
[1179] In some configurations, the first and second nasal delivery elements are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, which is transverse to, and optionally orthogonal to, a first midline plane of the interface body. The first midline plane is arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane during use. The first and second nasal delivery elements are optionally symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body.
[1180] In some configurations, the second nasal delivery element includes a second gas outlet, wherein the second gas outlet defines a second axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the second gas outlet, wherein the first axis, the second axis, and the inlet axis are all located in a plane of the interface body transverse to the first centerline plane.
[1181] In some configurations, the first axis and the second axis are equivalent to an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees between them, and optionally to an angle between them of less than 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees or 15 degrees.
[1182] In some configurations, the deflector vent defines an outlet axis corresponding to the direction of gas flow through the deflector vent, wherein the second axis is aligned with the outlet axis or forms an angle between 0 degrees and at most but less than 90 degrees relative to each other, optionally less than 60 degrees, 45 degrees, 30 degrees or 15 degrees relative to each other.
[1183] In some configurations, the gas inlet port and the deflector vent are located on opposite sides of the centerline plane, and the gas inlet port and the deflector vent may optionally be symmetrical about the centerline plane.
[1184] In some configurations, the interface body includes a first side provided with a first nasal delivery element and a second nasal delivery element, and an opposing second side provided with an inlet port and a deflection vent. The interface body as a whole is optionally curved and has a radially inner surface forming the first side and a radially outer surface forming the second side.
[1185] In some configurations, the first nose delivery element is larger than the second nose delivery element, and optionally the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the larger nose delivery element is larger than the cross-sectional area of the internal flow region of the other nose delivery element.
[1186] In some configurations, the deflector vent includes an orifice, or an orifice and a diffuser.
[1187] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes at least one baffle extending along a gas flow channel from an area generally corresponding to a gas inlet port toward an area generally corresponding to a deflection vent, wherein the at least one baffle is optionally arranged such that when breathing gases are delivered into the interface body through the gas inlet port, they flow along the baffle toward a first nasal delivery element and along the baffle toward a second nasal delivery element, and that exhaled gases flow substantially along the baffle toward the deflection vent.
[1188] In some configurations, the nasal interface includes a connector for attaching a gas supply conduit to the interface body, allowing inhaled breathing gas to flow from the gas supply conduit through a gas flow channel. The connector is attached to or defines a gas inlet port, wherein the connector is optionally an elbow, which is optionally configured to redirect airflow by more than 30 degrees, more than 60 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
[1189] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein optionally, the pair of side arms are configured to be movable to conform to the facial contours, optionally, the side arms are made of a flexible material, and optionally, each side arm includes a ball portion or socket portion of a ball-and-socket connector configured to be movably connected to a corresponding ball portion or socket portion on a headgear connection portion for connecting a portion of the headgear.
[1190] In some configurations, the interface body includes a pair of side arms extending in opposite lateral outward directions, wherein the pair of side arms are configured to form a joint in a hinged manner to conform to the facial contour, and optionally each side arm includes at least one movable hinge, the movable hinge including a region or line of material that is thinner relative to the rest of the side arm material, the thinned material being more flexible relative to the rest of the side arm material, and the side arms are configured to form a joint in a hinged manner at the movable hinge.
[1191] In some configurations, the interface body includes a frame portion and a pad portion, the pad portion including an opening for receiving at least a portion of the frame to support the nose interface, wherein the frame portion and the pad portion can engage with each other, and optionally, the frame portion includes a groove arranged around at least a portion of its perimeter, at least a portion of the edge of the opening of the pad portion being received in the groove, and optionally, the surface of the frame portion surrounded by its perimeter is substantially flat.
[1192] In some configurations, the interface body includes at least one cheek pad located on a strap or arm connected to a lateral portion of the interface body, and the cheek pad is configured to be located on the patient's cheek during use. Optionally, the cheek pad is made of a flexible material to allow the cheek pad to conform to the patient's cheek, and optionally includes a pad opening configured to engage with hook structures formed on the strap or arm to secure the cheek pad to the strap or arm.
[1193] In some configurations, the interface body includes an external cutout located outside the interface body and near at least one nasal delivery element, and the external cutout is configured to allow gas to flow through the external cutout. Optionally, the external cutout is a recess in a body portion of the interface body, and optionally, the walls of the recess are formed at a substantially transverse angle relative to the surface of the body portion.
[1194] In some configurations, the nasal inlet is configured to be supported on the patient’s head by a head cap that includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient’s head, the fixation component being configured to surround a portion of the patient’s head circumference and to be secured in the patient’s hair in a comb-like manner, and optionally including a plurality of substantially vertically arranged pillars that are optionally connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the pillars to form a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1195] In some configurations, the headgear includes a fixation component that can be positioned behind the patient's head, the fixation component being configured to surround a portion of the patient's head circumference and to be secured in the patient's hair in a comb-like manner, and optionally including a plurality of substantially vertically arranged pillars, adjacent pillars being optionally connected by loops at opposite vertical ends of the pillars to form a substantially S-shaped or Z-shaped sine wave pattern.
[1196] A patient interface is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the patient interface comprising: a head cap according to any of the above-described configurations and a nose interface according to any of the above-described configurations, wherein the head cap is configured to support the nose interface on the patient's head.
[1197] According to certain features, aspects and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, a patient interface is disclosed comprising: a nose interface and a head cap according to any of the above-described configurations, the head cap including a first end and a second end, the ball portions or socket portions of the first end and the second end being configured to connect to ball portions or socket portions on a side arm.
[1198] A respiratory therapy device is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the respiratory therapy device comprising: a controller; an ambient air inlet; a gas outlet; and a nasal interface according to any of the above configurations, or a patient interface according to any of the above configurations.
[1199] A patient interface is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the patient interface comprising: a nose interface described above or disclosed herein and a head cap, the head cap including a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end having connectors having head cap connection features configured to connect to a side arm.
[1200] A respiratory therapy device is disclosed based on certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the respiratory therapy device comprising: a controller; an ambient air inlet; a gas outlet; and a nasal interface according to the above or disclosed herein.
[1201] In some configurations, the device includes: a blood oxygen saturation sensor; an oxygen inlet; and a valve in fluid communication with the oxygen inlet for controlling the oxygen flow rate through the oxygen inlet; wherein the controller is configured to control the valve based on at least one blood oxygen saturation measurement from the blood oxygen saturation sensor.
[1202] Features from one or more embodiments or constructions can be combined with features from one or more other embodiments or constructions. Additionally, more than one embodiment or construction can be used together in a respiratory support system during a patient's respiratory support process.
[1203] As used herein, a feature referred to as “a (a)” means the singular, plural and / or at least one of the features.
[1204] As used in this article, “(one or more)” before a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of that noun.
[1205] As used herein, the term “and / or” means “and”, or “or”, or, where the context allows, both.
[1206] As used in this specification, the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least in part with...". When interpreting each statement using the term "comprising" in this specification, features other than those beginning with that term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" will be interpreted in the same manner.
[1207] The reference to the numerical ranges disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) is intended to also incorporate references to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) and any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7), and thus, all subranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are thereby explicitly disclosed. These are merely examples of the specific intent, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the listed minimum and maximum values should be considered as expressly stated in a similar manner in this application.
[1208] The invention can also be broadly defined as any part, element, and feature individually or collectively referred to or specified in the description of this application, as well as any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements, or features, and when a specific integer having a known equivalent in the field to which this invention relates is referred to herein, such known equivalent is also considered to be incorporated herein, as if individually set forth.
[1209] The present invention is based on the foregoing, and also contemplates constructions described below by way of example only. Attached Figure Description
[1210] Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become clear to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:
[1211] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary patient interface construction including a nasal interface according to the present invention.
[1212] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A front elevation perspective view of the nose interface.
[1213] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Top perspective view of the nose interface.
[1214] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal inlet, i.e., from the patient's perspective.
[1215] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The top cross section of the nose interface.
[1216] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The top cross-section of the nose interface has a flow label.
[1217] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 The nose interface has an enhanced top section.
[1218] Figure 8 A top perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1219] Figure 9 The diagram shows a rear perspective view of the interface body of the nose interface structure of the present invention, which may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1220] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The top perspective view of the main interface body.
[1221] Figure 11 A rear perspective view of the interface body of the nose interface of the present invention is shown. The nose interface may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or may be used with it.
[1222] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The top perspective view of the main interface body.
[1223] Figure 13 It shows Figure 1 The front perspective view of the nasal interface (i.e., facing the patient), which may be the nasal interface of any of the features in other figures in this article or used in conjunction with it.
[1224] Figure 14 A front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a patient interface having the nasal interface of the present invention is shown, which may be the nasal interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1225] Figure 15 It shows Figure 1 The front perspective view of the frame of the nasal interface, which may be the frame of the nasal interface in any other figure in this document or used therewith.
[1226] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 The rear perspective view of the frame.
[1227] Figure 17 A rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown. This nose interface may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein, or used therewith, and has... Figure 15 or Figure 16 The framework.
[1228] Figure 18 It shows Figure 1 The nasal interface is a front sectional perspective view, or the nasal interface may be any nasal interface feature in other figures in this paper or used in conjunction with it.
[1229] Figure 19 It shows Figures 14 to 17 The front perspective detail of the side arm of the nose interface, or used with it.
[1230] Figure 20 It shows Figure 19 Detail of the front perspective view of the side arm.
[1231] Figure 21 It shows Figure 19 Side perspective detail of the side arm.
[1232] Figure 22 It shows Figure 19 Side perspective detail of the side arm.
[1233] Figure 23 It shows Figure 19 Side perspective detail of the side arm.
[1234] Figure 24 It shows Figure 19 Detailed view of the top plane of the side arm.
[1235] Figure 25 It shows Figure 1 The top cross section of another side arm of the nose interface, or it can be used with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures in this article.
[1236] Figure 26 It shows Figure 25 A transparent perspective view of the bottom of the nose interface side arm.
[1237] Figure 27 It shows Figure 25 Top perspective view of the nose interface side arm.
[1238] Figure 28 It shows Figure 25 A transparent perspective view of the nasal interface side arm.
[1239] Figure 29 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nasal interface, which may also be the nasal interface of any of the other features in this paper or used in conjunction with it.
[1240] Figure 30 An exemplary configuration of another configuration of the patient interface of the present invention is shown, which can be used in conjunction with the features in any of the figures herein.
[1241] Figure 31 It shows Figure 30 A rear perspective view of the nasal interface of the patient interface.
[1242] Figure 32 It shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of the nose interface, which has a cap or can be used with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures in this paper.
[1243] Figure 33 It shows Figure 32 The top cross section of the nose interface.
[1244] Figure 34 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nose interface, which has a cap or can be used with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures in this article.
[1245] Figure 35 It shows Figure 34 The top cross section of the nose interface.
[1246] Figure 36 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1247] Figure 37 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1248] Figure 38 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1249] Figure 39 It shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in other figures in this paper.
[1250] Figure 40 It shows Figure 1 The top cross-sectional view of the nose interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures in this paper.
[1251] Figure 41 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1252] Figure 42 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1253] Figure 43 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1254] Figure 44 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this article.
[1255] Figure 45 It shows Figure 1 The bottom perspective view of the nose interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this article.
[1256] Figure 46 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this article.
[1257] Figure 47 It shows Figure 1 The rear view of the nasal interface, which has an external cutout or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this article.
[1258] Figure 48 It shows Figure 47 Top view of the nose interface.
[1259] Figure 49 It shows Figure 1 The rear view of the nasal interface, which has another external cutout or can be used with any of the nasal interfaces featured in other figures in this article.
[1260] Figure 50 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has another external cutout or can be used with any of the nasal interfaces featured in other figures in this paper.
[1261] Figure 51 It shows Figure 50 A rear perspective view of the nasal connector, which has a single external cutout.
[1262] Figure 52 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has another external cutout or can be used with any of the nasal interfaces featured in other figures in this paper.
[1263] Figure 53 It shows Figure 1The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1264] Figure 54 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1265] Figure 55 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a channel or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this paper.
[1266] Figure 56 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a cutout or can be used with any of the features in other figures in this article.
[1267] Figure 57 It shows Figure 56 Rear perspective view of the nose connector.
[1268] Figure 58 It shows Figure 1 The top perspective view of the nose interface, which has a tube or can be used with any of the features in the other figures in this article.
[1269] Figure 59 It shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of the nasal interface, which has a tube or can be used with any of the features in other figures in this paper.
[1270] Figure 60 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown. The nose interface may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1271] Figure 61 It shows Figure 60 Top perspective view of the nose interface.
[1272] Figure 62 It shows Figure 61 A cross-sectional view of the nose interface.
[1273] Figure 63 It shows Figure 62 A side cross-sectional view of the nose connector during use.
[1274] Figure 64 A rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1275] Figure 65 It shows Figure 64 Top perspective view of the nose interface.
[1276] Figure 66 It shows Figure 64 A side cross-sectional view of the nose connector.
[1277] Figure 67 A rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface having a protrusion, which may be the nose interface featured in any of the figures herein or used therewith.
[1278] Figure 68 A rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has a recessed portion, or can be used with a nose interface featuring any of the other features in the figures herein.
[1279] Figure 69 It shows Figure 68 Top cross-sectional view of the nose interface.
[1280] Figure 70 A top perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, or the nose interface may be used in conjunction with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1281] Figure 71 It shows Figure 70 Rear perspective view of the nose connector.
[1282] Figure 72 A bottom perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, or the nose interface may be used in conjunction with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1283] Figure 73 It shows Figure 72 Rear perspective view of the nose connector.
[1284] Figure 74 A side perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, or the nose interface may be used in conjunction with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1285] Figure 75 A top cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, or the nose interface may be used in conjunction with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1286] Figure 76 A bottom perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, or the nose interface may be used in conjunction with any of the nose interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1287] Figure 77A front view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1288] Figure 78 It shows Figure 77 Top plan view of the frame.
[1289] Figure 79 It shows Figure 77 The front perspective view of the frame.
[1290] Figure 80 A front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1291] Figure 81 It shows Figure 80 The top rear perspective view of the frame.
[1292] Figure 82 It shows Figure 80 The rear perspective view of the main interface body.
[1293] Figure 83 It shows Figure 80 A side cross-sectional view of the interface body.
[1294] Figure 84 A front view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1295] Figure 85 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1296] Figure 86 It shows Figure 85 The rear perspective view of the main interface body.
[1297] Figure 87 A bottom cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1298] Figure 88 It shows Figure 87 Rear perspective view of the nose connector.
[1299] Figure 89 It shows Figure 87 Front perspective view of the nose interface.
[1300] Figure 90 A side cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has another configuration that can be used with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1301] Figure 91 It shows Figure 90 The rear perspective view of the nose connector is shown.
[1302] Figure 92 A front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has a movable hinge and can be used with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1303] Figure 93 It shows Figure 92 Detailed rear view of the active hinge construction.
[1304] Figure 94 It shows Figure 92 Detailed rear view of the active hinge construction.
[1305] Figure 95 It shows Figure 92 Detailed rear view of the active hinge construction.
[1306] Figure 96 It shows Figure 92 Top view of the nose interface construction.
[1307] Figure 97 It shows Figure 92 Top perspective view of the active hinge structure.
[1308] Figure 98 A perspective view of the cap connection portion is shown, which is used to connect with... Figure 1 Used together with the nasal interface or any of the nasal interfaces featured in other figures in this article.
[1309] Figure 99 It shows Figure 98 A perspective detailed view of the cap connection portion, which connects to the nose interface of any feature in other figures in this paper.
[1310] Figure 100 An alternative is shown Figure 98 and Figure 99 A perspective view of the cap connection portion, which includes a tube retainer.
[1311] Figure 101 A top view of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which includes an attachment button for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1312] Figure 102 It shows Figure 101 A front perspective detailed view of a construction of an attachment button that engages with the button hole of a head cap.
[1313] Figure 103 It shows Figure 101 A side perspective view of a construction of an attachment button that engages with a button hole on a head cap.
[1314] Figure 104 A bottom perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has alternative constructions for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1315] Figure 105 A top perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has alternative constructions for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1316] Figure 106 A top perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has alternative constructions for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1317] Figure 107 A top view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which includes a cheek pad for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1318] Figure 108 It shows Figure 107 Detailed perspective view of the top of the cheek pad.
[1319] Figure 109 It shows Figure 107 A side view of an alternative to cheek pads.
[1320] Figure 110 It shows Figure 107 A side view of an alternative to a cheek pad with hook-and-loop fasteners.
[1321] Figure 111 It shows Figure 107 A side view of an alternative to cheek pads.
[1322] Figure 112 It shows Figure 110 Top perspective view of the alternative to the hook-and-loop joint.
[1323] Figure 113 It shows Figure 110 Top perspective view of the alternative to the hook-and-loop joint.
[1324] Figure 114A front view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has an alternative construction for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1325] Figure 115 A top perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the patient interface of the present invention is shown, the patient interface including a nasal interface and a fixing component for use with any of the patient interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1326] Figure 116 It shows Figure 115 Front view of the fixed component.
[1327] Figure 117 It shows Figure 115 Front view of an alternative to the fixed component.
[1328] Figure 118 It shows Figure 115 Front view of an alternative to the fixed component.
[1329] Figure 119 It shows Figure 115 Front view of an alternative to the fixed component.
[1330] Figure 120 It shows Figure 115 Front view of an alternative to the fixed component.
[1331] Figure 121 It shows including Figure 120 Top perspective view of the patient interface of the fixation component.
[1332] Figure 122 It shows Figure 115 Front view of an alternative to the fixed component.
[1333] Figure 123 A front view of the clasp is shown, which is used to... Figure 1 It can be used together with the patient interface of any of the features in other figures in this paper.
[1334] Figure 124 A front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a notch for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1335] Figure 125 It shows Figure 124 A front perspective view of the nose interface, which includes a cover for a notch.
[1336] Figure 126A front perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has an alternative construction for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1337] Figure 127 It shows Figure 126 Bottom cross-sectional view of the nose connector.
[1338] Figure 128 A partial front perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nasal interface of the present invention is shown, which has alternative constructions for use with any of the nasal interfaces featured in other figures herein.
[1339] Figure 129 A front perspective view of an exemplary construction of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, which has an alternative construction for use with nose interfaces featuring any of the other figures herein.
[1340] Figure 130 It shows Figure 129 Front perspective view of the nasal inlet.
[1341] Figure 131 A front perspective view of a tube retainer is shown, which is used to connect with... Figure 1 Use it together with the patient interface or the nasal interface of any of the features in other figures in this article.
[1342] Figure 132 A front cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a structural support for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1343] Figure 133 A front cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a structural support for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1344] Figure 134 A front lower cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a structural support for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1345] Figure 135 A front perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including lateral protrusions for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1346] Figure 136 A rear perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including lateral recesses and tabs for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1347] Figure 137 A top perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a polarization groove for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1348] Figure 138 A top perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of the nose interface of the present invention is shown, the nose interface including a polarization groove for use with nose interfaces of any of the features in other figures herein.
[1349] Figure 139 It shows Figure 137 and Figure 138 The front view of the main interface body.
[1350] Figure 140 A respiratory therapy system configured to provide respiratory therapy to a patient is illustrated schematically.
[1351] Figure 141 A block diagram of a control system that interacts with and / or provides control and direction to components of a respiratory therapy system is shown. Detailed Implementation
[1352] Patient interfaces are used to deliver breathing gases into a patient's airway. The patient interface of the present invention includes a nasal interface that delivers a gas flow to the patient. In some configurations, a nasal delivery element (such as a nasal cannula) is inserted into the patient's nasal cavity to deliver the desired gas. The nasal delivery element of the present invention is non-sealed at the nasal cavity to deliver breathing gases. The non-sealed nasal delivery element allows breathing gases to flow along the exterior of the nasal delivery element between the corresponding nasal passage and the external environment. In some configurations, the non-sealed nasal delivery element is substantially spaced from or only minimally contacts the nasal cavity skin. The non-sealed nasal interface may also not form a seal with the patient's corresponding nostril during use. Nasal interfaces employing non-sealed nasal delivery elements reduce the pressure difference between the patient's airway and lungs relative to standard atmospheric pressure. This prevents airway and / or lung damage due to pressure differences. Non-sealed interfaces may be more comfortable for patients. Furthermore, non-sealed interfaces can be used, for example, in scenarios where patients are transitioning to spontaneous breathing after high-flow therapy. Non-sealed nasal interfaces ensure that the nasal delivery element does not completely obstruct the nostril, or in some configurations, partially obstructs the nostril. In some configurations, at least one nasal delivery element may partially obstruct the nasal passage through the nostril, but still allow gas to flow between the corresponding nasal passage and the external environment along the outside of the nasal delivery element.
[1353] A system for delivering gas to a patient via a nasal interface is disclosed.
[1354] In some configurations, asymmetrical respiratory gas flow is provided to the patient. That is, differentiated gas flow is achieved at the first and second nasal delivery elements. This allows asymmetrical / asymmetric flow to be delivered to both nostrils through the nasal interface. As described herein, asymmetrical flow refers to different flow within the nasal interface or within the nose. In this way, different flow can be delivered by each nasal delivery element. Asymmetrical flow can also include substantially unidirectional or partially unidirectional flow.
[1355] A nasal inlet that provides asymmetric flow can, for example, improve the clearing of dead zones in the upper airway by flushing away CO2 that has accumulated in the airway at the end of exhalation.
[1356] Complete unidirectional flow refers to all flow entering through one nostril via the nasal delivery element and exiting through the other nostril or being expelled into the atmosphere. Partial unidirectional flow refers to flow entering the nose through both nostrils and exiting through one nostril; or flow entering the nose through one nostril and exiting through both nostrils; or flow entering through both nostrils in varying proportions and / or exiting through both nostrils (optionally including the mouth). In non-sealed interfaces, asymmetric flow is likely to manifest as partial unidirectional flow because inhalation and exhalation involve atmospheric air. Partial unidirectional flow can improve clearance of anatomical dead zones by flushing air from the upper airway. Partial unidirectional flow may be more comfortable than complete unidirectional flow. Partial unidirectional flow can reduce turbulence in the patient's nasal cavity, which can improve comfort. The reduction in turbulence can also reduce noise in the nasal cannula, thus providing a quieter interface.
[1357] If a pressure difference exists between the first and second nasal delivery elements, during inspiration, the first nasal delivery element will receive more gas flow from the gas inlet than the second nasal delivery element. During expiration, the second nostril associated with the second nasal delivery element will expel more gas flow than the first nostril associated with the first nasal delivery element. The pressure difference between the first and second nasal delivery elements can vary depending on whether the patient is in the inspiratory or expiratory phase of their respiratory cycle.
[1358] Asymmetric flow assessment can be applied at appropriate time intervals. For example, it can be applied within one respiratory cycle of the patient or, alternatively, within different numbers of respiratory cycles.
[1359] Figure 1 An exemplary patient interface 1 is shown, which includes a nasal interface 100 having a first nasal delivery element 111 and a second nasal delivery element 112. Figures 1 to 139 The nose interface 100 is shown in the figure and is applicable to this instruction manual.
[1360] The nasal interface 100 delivers a controlled, optional flow of high-humidity gas into the patient's nasal cavity / nostril. In some configurations, the nasal interface 100 is adapted to deliver a high flow of gas over a wide flow range (e.g., about 8 lpm (liters per minute) or higher, depending on the other therapeutic application, possibly such as 10 lpm to 50 lpm, 20 lpm to 40 lpm, or higher). The flow rate can be a deflected flow that averages over time. In some configurations, the nasal interface 100 is adapted to deliver a lower flow of gas. The flow rate is pressure-dependent and can therefore fluctuate depending on different breathing pressures and a set pressure. The set pressure is related to the therapeutic and / or patient pressure maintained when the nasal interface of the present invention is used in conjunction with the assisted breathing therapy device.
[1361] In some configurations, the nasal inlet 100 can be used to provide asymmetric continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Pressure is generated and controlled in the patient's airway, but there is also asymmetric or partially unidirectional flow in the patient's airway. This provides flushing for pressure therapy.
[1362] The nasal interface 100 includes a face mount or interface body 110 (or 110a) component, which includes a pair of hollow nasal delivery elements 111 and 112, which are integrally formed with or removably attached to the interface body 110. The nasal interface 100 includes a gas manifold 120 component or frame 120 (or 120a), which includes a gas inlet port 121 (or gas port 121 / gas inlet 121). The frame 120 may be removably attached or integrally formed to the breathing tube 300.
[1363] The interface body 110 may be connected or engaged with the frame 120, or may be integrally formed with or permanently engaged with the frame 120. In some configurations, the interface body 110 may refer to the interface body 110 including the frame 120. In some configurations, the connection or engagement of the interface body 110 with the frame 120 enables the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 to be in fluid communication with the gas inlet port 121, such that the first nasal delivery element 111 is closer to the gas inlet port 121, while the second nasal delivery element 112 is further away from the gas inlet port 121.
[1364] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the frame 120 part is located inside the interface body 110, and is therefore obscured.
[1365] The interface body 110 may be formed of a soft, flexible material, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, or other polymers known in the art. In some configurations, it may be referred to as a liner. The nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 may be flexible and may be formed of a sufficiently thin layer of silicone or other suitable materials to achieve this property. The interface body 110 and the nasal delivery elements 111, 112 may be formed, for example, of an elastomeric material capable of conforming to the geometry of a patient's nostrils and / or cheeks and providing an effective pneumatic seal.
[1366] The frame 120 may be formed of a relatively rigid material, such as polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable plastic material known in the art. The interface body 110 provides the patient with a soft docking component for comfortable delivery of gas flow through the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112, while the frame 120 fluidly connects the breathing tube 300 to the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 of the interface body 110.
[1367] The nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 are substantially hollow.
[1368] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated configurations, the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 have different shapes and / or configurations, i.e., they may be asymmetrical. In some configurations described herein, the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 may have the same shape and configuration, i.e., they may be symmetrical.
[1369] The interface body 110 is shaped to generally follow the contours around the upper lip region of the patient's face. The interface body 110 is molded or pre-molded to conform to the contours of the user's face in the area of the face where the nasal interface is located, and / or is flexible to fit, adapt to, and / or correspond to the contours of the user's face.
[1370] The interface body 110 includes a base portion 118 from which nose delivery elements 111 and 112 extend. The base portion 118 is part of the main body portion of the interface body 110.
[1371] The base portion 118 is positioned between the patient's face and the frame 120 during use. The base portion 118 can act as a pad to prevent the frame 120 from contacting the patient's face.
[1372] In the configuration shown, the interface body 110 includes two side arms 101, 102 extending laterally from either the base portion 118 or either side of the interface body 110.
[1373] exist Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, side arms 101 and 102 are integrally formed with the frame 120. One side arm 101 forms part of the frame 120, which forms the gas inlet port 121. A part of the frame 120 forms the external structure of the interface body 110, extending outward around the gas inlet port 121 to form the side arm 101.
[1374] Another side arm 102 forms part of the frame 120, which forms another gas port 122. A portion of the frame 120 forms features located outside the interface body 120 and at the gas port 122 (see below for reference). Figure 2 The aforementioned structure forms or serves as a deflector vent 340, and extends outward to form another side arm 102.
[1375] Side arms 101 and 102 may alternatively form part of the base portion 118 or the interface body 110, but may alternatively be separate components.
[1376] although Figure 1 One configuration of side arms 101, 102 is shown, but other configurations are also described.
[1377] The nose interface 100 includes corresponding cap connection portions 1005 and 1006. The cap connection portions 1005 and 1006 are intermediate connectors between the cap 200 and the side arms 101 and 102. Therefore, in some configurations, one end of each cap connection portion 1005 and 1006 is connected to the side arms 101 and 102, and the other end is connected to the cap 200.
[1378] In some configurations, the nose delivery elements 111, 112 extend rearward from the frame interface body 110 or the base portion 118.
[1379] Although only a single feature may be shown in the figure, it should be understood that "at least one" of these features may be present. In some configurations, one or more features may be present to provide overall functionality. Specifically, although gas inlet 121 is shown in the figure, one or more gas inlet ports 121 (and outlet ports 122) may be provided, or multiple inlets forming a common inlet port 121 may be provided. Therefore, references to "one" or "the" inlet port 121 are not limited to the singular and can be understood as at least one inlet port 121. In some configurations, two gas inlet ports 121 are provided.
[1380] The interface body 110 is generally tubular in shape, including at least one gas port 121, 122 adjacent to its side, and extending generally from the front of the nose interface 100. At least one of the gas ports 121, 122 may serve as the gas inlet port 121 described herein. In some configurations, the gas ports 121, 122 may optionally be located on either side. At least one of the gas ports 121, 122 may be removably attached to the breathing tube 300, such as via a threaded engagement, but alternatively via a snap-fit engagement or any other type of connection known in the art. This makes at least one of the gas ports 121, 122 serve as the gas inlet 121 of both the interface body 110 and the nose interface 100. Alternatively, in some configurations, the ports 121, 122 may be fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the breathing tube 300.
[1381] The flow enters the nose interface 100 through gas ports 121 and 122, and travels through the interface body 110 in a direction transverse to the direction in which the flow is intended to travel to the first nose delivery element 111 and the second nose delivery element 112. This forms a gas flow channel.
[1382] The gas inlet is in fluid communication with the breathing tube 300.
[1383] In some configurations, the inner diameter of the breathing tube 300 is between about 12 mm and about 23 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 23 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 22 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 21 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 20 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 19 mm, optionally greater than about 12 mm and less than about 18 mm, optionally between about 13 mm and about 1... Between 7 mm, optionally between about 14 mm and about 16 mm, optionally about 12 mm, optionally about 13 mm, optionally about 14 mm, optionally about 15 mm, optionally about 16 mm, optionally about 17 mm, optionally about 18 mm, optionally about 19 mm, optionally about 20 mm, optionally about 21 mm, optionally about 22 mm, optionally about 23 mm, or optionally any value between any two of these values.
[1384] See Figure 2 , showed Figure 1 Detailed view of the nose connector. For clarity, the cap connecting parts 1005 and 1006 and the cap 200 are omitted. See also: Figure 1 The description provided applies to features that have the same reference numerals.
[1385] The conduit 300 is connected to the gas inlet port 121 via a connector. The connector can be configured to reduce turbulence as gas flows through the conduit 300 into the gas inlet port 121.
[1386] In some configurations, the connector is a gas delivery elbow 351. The gas delivery elbow 351 forms an angled interface between the conduit 300 and the gas inlet port 121. Therefore, the gas delivery elbow 351 includes a first end defining a gas delivery portion 352. The gas delivery portion 352 is coupled to the gas inlet port 121. In some configurations, the gas delivery portion 352 defines the gas inlet port 121. At its opposite end, the gas delivery elbow 351 includes a gas receiving portion 353. The gas receiving portion 353 is coupled to the conduit 300 and configured to receive breathing gas therethrough.
[1387] The gas delivery elbow 351 enables the guide tube 300 or the guide gas from the guide tube into the interface body 110.
[1388] The gas delivery portion 352 extends along a first direction, and the gas receiving portion 353 extends along a second direction. In the illustrated configuration, the gas delivery bend 351 forms an approximately right-angle bend. Therefore, in some configurations, the first direction is approximately 90 degrees to the second direction. The gas delivery bend 351 guides the catheter 300 laterally away from the side of the frame 120. This configuration reduces catheter interference with the patient's mouth, allowing functions such as speaking, eating, or drinking. The gas delivery bend 351 also helps reduce turbulence, likely due to the angle formed.
[1389] The gas delivery elbow 351 may be formed as part of the frame 120 or as a separate component. The gas delivery elbow 351 may be removably or permanently connected to the frame 120 and / or the conduit 300. The gas delivery elbow 351 may be formed into the frame 120 by means of snap-fit, threads, etc. The gas delivery elbow 351 may be rotatable to accommodate different orientations.
[1390] As shown in the figure, the nasal interface 100 includes an interface body 110, which includes a gas flow channel (125, see figure). Figure 6 The nasal interface 100 includes a first nasal delivery element 111, fluidly connected to a gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's first nostril; a second nasal delivery element 112, fluidly connected to a gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a patient's second nostril; and a gas inlet port 121, located in the interface body 110 and fluidly connected to a gas flow channel 125, for receiving inhaled breathing gas from a gas supply conduit 300 and enabling the inhaled breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body 110, wherein the nasal interface 100 is configured to generate an asymmetric gas flow at the patient's nasal airway. The nasal interface 100 may optionally include references herein. Figures 1 to 139 Any of the aforementioned features.
[1391] In some configurations, at least one of the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 is a non-sealed nasal delivery element 111, 112.
[1392] See Figure 2 The nasal interface 100 includes a deflection vent 340. The deflection vent 340 is closer to the second nasal delivery element 112 and further away from the first nasal delivery element 111. In some configurations, the position of the deflection vent 340 is approximately mirror-symmetrical to the gas inlet port 121 (with the sagittal or parasagittal plane as the plane of symmetry).
[1393] The deflection vent 340 allows gas to exit the interface body 110 through the deflection vent 340. In some configurations, the gas includes gas expelled from the patient, which flows through the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112.
[1394] The deflector vent 340 is located downstream of the first nasal delivery element 111. The upstream end of the interface body 110 corresponds to the gas inlet 121. Breathing gas delivered to the interface body 110 passes sequentially through the first nasal delivery element 111 (part of the gas is delivered through this) and the second nasal delivery element 112, and reaches the deflector vent 340. This forms a gas flow channel 125.
[1395] In some configurations, the deflector vent 340 may include an orifice 342, wherein the orifice 342 is formed to allow exhaled gas to flow through. Furthermore, in some configurations, the deflector vent 340 includes a diffuser 341 for dispersing gas passing through the deflector vent 340. The diffuser can reduce the release of respiratory contaminants through the deflector vent 340.
[1396] The deflector vent 340 may be formed as part of the nose interface 100, or in some configurations as part of the frame 120. The deflector vent 340 is formed above the aforementioned gas outlet port 122. In some configurations, the deflector vent 340 is the gas outlet port 122. However, for illustrative purposes, the gas outlet port 122 is considered as the area within the interface body 110 where gas flows to the deflector vent 340. However, the deflector vent 340 may be formed together with or attached to the frame 120 such that the deflector vent 340 is non-removably attached. This may result in the gas outlet port 122 not being present during use.
[1397] exist Figure 2In the configuration shown, a side arm 102 is formed as part of a deflector vent 340. Therefore, the deflector vent 340 is part of the frame 120, located outside the interface body 120 and extending outward to form the side arm 102.
[1398] The advantage of the deflected airway 340 is that it reduces noise generation by allowing airflow during exhalation, thereby lowering the noise level at the nostril opening.
[1399] As described herein, the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 are unsealed. This means that exhaled air can flow around the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 instead of having to pass through the interface body 110. However, the deflection port 340 provides a safety feature to ensure that air can still be expelled if the pressure within the interface body is too high (such as if the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 are improperly positioned).
[1400] The deflector vent 340 can also reduce expiratory pressure. By changing the area of the orifice 342 or the diffuser 341, the permissible gas flow rate can be altered, thereby changing the expiratory pressure.
[1401] When using diffuser 341, diffuser 341 may employ diffuser material. Diffuser material may include any suitable material, such as one or more of nonwoven fiber materials (including polymer fibers), open-cell foam, and sintered polymers. Other materials include: a combination of nylon mesh and diffuser material, perforated thin plastic sheets, foamed materials, RT020 electrostatic filters, porous plastic materials (such as woven or sintered nylon), woven mesh (nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene), or pleated filters. Although filter material may be used in diffuser 341, it is recommended to avoid its use to prevent liquid buildup within the diffuser. In some configurations, diffuser 341 may incorporate antimicrobial material to reduce bacteria in exhaled air.
[1402] The aperture 342 and the diffuser 341 can be combined.
[1403] See Figure 3 , showed Figure 2 Top view of the nose interface. See also Figure 4 This shows the view from the patient's perspective. Figure 2 A view of the nose interface 100. (Compared to...) Figure 2 Similarly, for ease of explanation, the headgear connecting parts 1005 and 1006 and the headgear 200 are omitted. See also: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The provided description is applicable Figure 3 and Figure 4 Features with the same reference numerals in the figures.
[1404] As described herein, the interface body 110 includes a gas flow channel (125-see) Figure 6A first nasal delivery element 111 (or a portion thereof) in fluid communication. The first nasal delivery element 111 is configured to deliver gas substantially into or from the patient's first nostril. The first nasal delivery element 111 is unsealed. This may result in the unsealed first nasal delivery element 111 allowing slight flow of breathing gas between the exterior of the first nasal delivery element 111 and the nasal passage.
[1405] The interface body 110 includes a second nasal delivery element 112 (or a portion of a second nasal delivery element) in fluid communication with a gas flow channel. The second nasal delivery element 112 is configured to deliver gas substantially into or from the patient's second nostril. The second nasal delivery element 112 is unsealed. This may result in the unsealed second nasal delivery element 112 allowing breathing gas to flow slightly between the exterior of the second nasal delivery element 112 and the nasal passage.
[1406] Although the descriptions of the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 refer to their positions in the figures, such as from left or right, in some configurations the order may be interchanged and the descriptions of the features may be interchanged.
[1407] Although the word “delivery” is used in the description of the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112, it should be understood that delivery is not limited to a specific flow direction and can be bidirectional, i.e., flowing into or out of the nostrils.
[1408] See Figure 3 The first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 are of different sizes. Specifically, the first nasal delivery element 111 is relatively larger than the second nasal delivery element 112. See also Figure 4 The relatively large cross-sectional area of the first nasal delivery element 111 is greater than that of the second nasal delivery element 112. Gas flow is directly related to the cross-sectional area. In some configurations, the relatively large cross-sectional area of the first nasal delivery element 111 causes a larger proportion of respiratory flow to be delivered from the conduit 300 to the interface body 110, through the first nasal delivery element 111. This larger proportion of flow creates asymmetric flow in the patient's nasal airway. This larger proportion can be more than 50% of the total flow. In some configurations, this larger proportion can be more than 60% or 70% of the total flow. In some configurations, this larger proportion can be more than 70% of the total flow.
[1409] Figure 4The first nasal delivery element 111 is illustrated and labeled for the first time, and includes a first outlet 1111a (or first outlet 1111a). The first outlet 1111a allows gas to enter and exit the interface body 110 through the first nasal delivery element 111. The first outlet 1111a is located at the end of the first nasal delivery element 111. Similarly, a second nasal delivery element 112 includes a second outlet 1112a for allowing gas to enter and exit the interface body 110 through the second nasal delivery element 112, and the second outlet 1112a is located at the end of the second nasal delivery element 112.
[1410] The diameter of the first outlet 1111a is larger than that of the second outlet 1112a.
[1411] It should be noted that although the nasal delivery elements 111 and 112 are unsealed, allowing the patient to inhale air from the outside into the nasal interface 100, this still promotes the inhalation of the delivered respiratory gas when it is delivered to the interface body 110. Furthermore, asymmetric gas flow, such as that caused by the relatively large cross-section of the first nasal delivery element 111, is actively enhanced by the nasal interface 100.
[1412] See Figure 5 , showed Figure 3 The top cross-sectional view of the nasal inlet. For clarity, the cap connecting parts 1005, 1006, cap 200, and tube 300 are omitted. See also: Figures 1 to 4 The provided description is applicable Figure 5 Features with the same reference numerals in the figures.
[1413] Gas inlet port 121 defines an inlet axis 167. Similarly, gas delivery portion 352 defines the same axis. The inlet axis 167 corresponds to the direction of gas flow through gas inlet port 121 / gas delivery portion 352. This inlet axis 167 is consistent with the "first direction" described above with reference to gas delivery portion 352. This allows the inlet axis 167 to pass through the opening of the first gas port 121.
[1414] In this embodiment, the first nasal delivery element 111 defines a first axis aligned with a first axis. Therefore, the angle between the inlet axis 167 and the first axis is 0 degrees. Thus, the first nasal delivery element 111 is located along the same inlet axis 167. This results in the inlet axis 167 passing through the opening of the first nasal delivery element 111. In some configurations, this is also referred to as a coaxial arrangement.
[1415] In some configurations, this arrangement facilitates directing the flow of gas from the gas inlet port 121 primarily toward the patient's first nostril via the first nasal delivery element 111. In some configurations, this can generate or facilitate asymmetric gas flow.
[1416] In some alternative configurations, the gas inlet port 121 is arranged to (at least substantially) direct incoming respiratory gas toward the first nasal delivery element 111. Additionally, or alternatively, gas flow from the gas inlet port 121 is substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element 111. Alternatively, or additionally, in some configurations, gas flow from the gas inlet port 121 is substantially directed or arranged such that the flow through is substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element 111. In any or all configurations, gas flow from the gas inlet port 121 can be primarily directed toward the patient's first nostril via the first nasal delivery element 111.
[1417] This arrangement can serve as a complement to or alternative to the coaxial arrangement of the first axis 167. The coaxial arrangement can (essentially) guide the incoming breathing gas toward the first nasal delivery element 111.
[1418] Although the terms "substantially pointing" or "substantially guiding" are used, other terms such as "substantially aligned," "guiding," or "orienting" may be used to define various arrangements. Where appropriate, in some configurations, these terms may mean that, when viewed along either axis, the outlet of the gas inlet port 121 completely overlaps with the opening of the first nasal delivery element 111 (or the deflector vent 340 overlaps with the second nasal delivery element 112). Such overlap may mean that the periphery of the gas inlet port 121 (or the deflector vent) overlaps with the periphery of the first nasal delivery element 111 (or the second nasal delivery element 112). Throughout the specification, this definition applies to this feature.
[1419] In some configurations, the gas inlet port 121 is not aligned with the first nasal delivery element 111 on the same first axis 167. However, as described above, the gas inlet port 121 is substantially pointed toward, directed toward, or arranged such that the gas flow passing through is substantially directed toward the first nasal delivery element 111.
[1420] A first axis 167 is defined with reference to the first nasal delivery element 111 or the first gas outlet 1111a. Therefore, this axis may also be referred to as the first gas outlet 1111a defining the first axis 167.
[1421] See Figure 5 Gas outlet port 122 defines an outlet axis 168. As mentioned above, gas outlet port 122 may or may not be present during use. Therefore, deflector vent 340 defines the same axis 168. The outlet axis 168 corresponds to the gas flow direction through deflector vent 340.
[1422] The second nasal delivery element 112 defines a second axis, which in this embodiment is aligned with the outlet axis 168. Therefore, the angle between the outlet axis 168 and the second axis can be 0 degrees. Thus, the second nasal delivery element 112 is arranged along the same second axis 168. Therefore, the outlet axis 168 passes through the opening of the second nasal delivery element 112. This can be referred to as coaxial as described above.
[1423] It should be noted that the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 mentioned in this specification are both alignment axes of this embodiment.
[1424] In some alternative configurations, as described with reference to the first nasal delivery element 111, the second nasal delivery element 112 is arranged to direct the gas flow toward the deflector vent 340. This can be an alternative to or supplement to a coaxial arrangement.
[1425] In some configurations, such an arrangement may facilitate directing the flow of air from the patient's second nostril primarily through the deflector vent 340 from the interface body 110.
[1426] Similar to the first axis 167, in some configurations, the deflector vent 340 and the second nasal delivery element 112 are not aligned with the same second axis 168. However, as described above with reference to the first axis 167, the second nasal delivery element 112 is substantially pointed, guided, or arranged such that the flow passing through is substantially directed toward the deflector vent 340.
[1427] The second axis 168 is defined by reference to the second nasal delivery element 112 or the second gas outlet 1112a. Therefore, this axis can also be referred to as the second axis 168 defined by the second gas outlet 1112a.
[1428] Given the aforementioned axial relationship, it should be understood that if the first axis 167 is parallel to the second axis 168, then the first nose delivery element 111 and the second nose delivery element 112 must be located in the same plane due to their parallelism with both the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 (assuming the interface body 110 has a non-stepped arrangement, i.e., the planes do not intersect). Figure 5 In the arrangement shown, the first axis 167 intersects the second axis 168. Therefore, the first nasal delivery element 111 and the second nasal delivery element 112 are not parallel and / or arranged in different or independent intersecting planes. That is, the nasal interface 100 is angled.
[1429] The angle 169 between the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 is greater than 0 degrees. In some configurations, the angle 169 between the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 is less than 120 degrees. In some configurations, the angle 169 between the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 is between 40 degrees and 60 degrees. In some configurations, the angle 169 between the first axis 167 and the second axis 168 is approximately 50 degrees.
[1430] This angle increases the nasal septum distance, allowing for adjustments to the fit based on the nasal septum distance for different patients, or allowing the nasal connector 100 to be closer to the patient's nose for improved stability. This angle also reduces the space occupied on the face, making the nasal connector 100 easier to use for eating and other activities.
[1431] S...
Claims
1. A nose connector, characterized in that, The nose interface includes: An interface body, the interface body including a gas flow channel, a first nasal delivery element fluidly connected to the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a first nostril of the patient, and a second nasal delivery element fluidly connected to the gas flow channel and configured to deliver gas to a second nostril of the patient; Wherein, at least one of the first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element is a non-sealed nasal delivery element; A gas inlet port is located in the interface body and is in fluid communication with the gas flow channel. The gas inlet port is used to receive inlet breathing gas from the gas supply conduit and to enable the inlet breathing gas to be delivered into the interface body. And a deflection vent, which allows exhaled air to be expelled from the interface body; The nasal inlet is configured to generate asymmetrical gas flow at the patient's nasal airway.
2. The nasal interface according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas inlet port is substantially pointed towards the first nasal delivery element.
3. The nasal interface according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The gas inlet port is arranged to direct a larger proportion of the incoming breathing gas to the first nasal delivery element, rather than the second nasal delivery element.
4. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The gas inlet port is located near the first nasal delivery element and away from the second nasal delivery element to generate or facilitate the asymmetric flow.
5. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The nasal interface is configured to receive the incoming breathing gas from the gas inlet port, and to provide from the incoming breathing gas a first gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the first nasal delivery element, and a second gas flow stream configured to be substantially supplied to the second nasal delivery element, and to direct more of the incoming breathing gas to the first gas flow stream rather than the second gas flow stream to facilitate the asymmetric flow.
6. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element are substantially located in the plane of the interface body, the plane of the interface body being transverse to the first midline plane of the interface body, the first midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the sagittal plane of the patient when the nasal interface is in use.
7. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element are symmetrical about the midline plane of the interface body, the midline plane being arranged to be parallel to or coplanar with the patient's sagittal plane when the nasal interface is in use.
8. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first nasal delivery element and the second nasal delivery element are each substantially straight.
9. The nose interface according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, One of the nasal delivery elements is larger than the other.
10. The nose interface according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first nasal delivery element is larger than the second nasal delivery element.
Citation Information
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