A nasal face decompression device for nasal high flow nasal cannula

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of medical and nursing device technology and discloses a facial decompression device for high-flow nasal cannulas, including a columella dressing, a cheek dressing, and ear pads. The columella dressing has an upper lip patch, and both are in a convex shape. The cheek dressing is arc-shaped. The ear pads are inverted U-shaped and are mounted on a fixing patch with grooves. The columella dressing, cheek dressing, and ear pads are all composite layer structures, each including a shape memory polymer layer and a color-developing layer stacked together. The shape memory polymer layer is configured to expand upon contact with body temperature to disperse pressure. The color-developing layer is configured to produce a visible color change when subjected to mechanical stress. All parts are used together without the need for cutting by medical personnel, have a high degree of fit, and are not prone to displacement. The color-developing layer produces a visible color change when squeezed by the nasal cannula. The shape memory polymer layer expands upon contact with body temperature, dispersing the pressure of the nasal cannula, resulting in a more significant decompression effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical and nursing device technology, and in particular to a facial decompression device specifically designed for high-flow nasal cannulas. Background Technology

[0002] High-flow humidified nasal cannula (HFNC) is a commonly used respiratory support technique in clinical practice, widely applied to patients with respiratory failure, postoperative oxygenation, and other conditions. It provides patients with constant temperature, humidity, and high-flow oxygen via a dedicated high-flow nasal cannula, resulting in significant clinical therapeutic effects. However, prolonged use of HFNC can lead to medical device-related pressure injuries. Clinical studies have shown that the columella, cheek, and ear apex are high-risk sites for pressure injuries. Specifically, the nasal cannula plug directly presses against the columella at the nostril entrance, creating continuous vertical pressure; the nasal cannula tubing contacts the cheek skin, generating friction and shear forces; and the fixation strap used to secure the nasal cannula wraps around the ear, exerting traction and pressure on the ear apex. All of these factors can cause local skin redness, swelling, and ulceration, causing additional pain for patients and increasing the burden of care.

[0003] In clinical practice, ordinary dressings are routinely cut and placed on pressure points for protection. However, this method has several drawbacks: first, the dressings do not fit the pressure points well and are prone to shifting; second, they lack pressure monitoring capabilities, making it impossible for nurses to determine if the pressure is excessive, requiring them to periodically remove the dressing and check, which compromises its adhesiveness; and third, general-purpose dressings only provide simple isolation and cannot effectively cushion the pressure from the nasal cannula, resulting in poor protection and failing to meet the skin protection needs of patients undergoing long-term high-flow oxygen therapy. Therefore, developing a dedicated high-flow nasal cannula facial decompression kit has significant clinical application value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a facial decompression device specifically designed for high-flow nasal cannulas, in order to solve the problems of poor dressing compatibility, lack of pressure monitoring function, and poor protective effect in the technology.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A facial decompression device for high-flow nasal cannula, comprising a columellar dressing, a cheek dressing, and an ear pad;

[0007] The columella dressing is used to fit the columella area, and the bottom of the columella dressing is equipped with an upper lip patch for fitting the upper lip area. The two have a convex structure. The cheek dressing is arc-shaped and has two sets opposite each other, located on both sides of the upper lip patch, for fitting the cheek area. The ear pads are inverted U-shaped and are set on the fixing patch. The fixing patch is used to fit the skin around the ear. Both the fixing patch and the ear pads have two sets opposite each other. The fixing patch has a groove that matches the contour of the ear pad to accommodate the ear tip.

[0008] The nasal columella dressing, cheek dressing, and ear pads are all composite layer structures. The composite layer structure includes a shape memory polymer layer and a color-developing layer stacked together. The shape memory polymer layer is configured to expand when in contact with human body temperature to disperse pressure; the color-developing layer is configured to produce a visible color change when subjected to mechanical stress.

[0009] Furthermore, the color-developing layer located on the nasal columella dressing is a spiropyran-based color-changing molecular coating; the color-developing layer located on the cheek dressing and ear pads is a microcapsule-rupture type color-developing coating.

[0010] Furthermore, the shape memory polymer layer is a polyurethane-based shape memory foam material with an expansion response temperature of 34-40℃.

[0011] Furthermore, a transparent protective layer is provided on the surface of the color developing layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the nasal columella dressing, upper lip patch, cheek dressing, and fixation patch are all provided with an adhesive layer, and a release film is provided on the bottom surface of the adhesive layer.

[0013] Furthermore, the adhesive layer comprises multiple adhesive blocks that are separated from each other and are spaced apart. The release film is a continuous single-sheet structure that covers all the adhesive blocks.

[0014] Furthermore, the nasal columella dressing has arc-shaped grooves on both sides of its edge to fit the contour of the nasal columella.

[0015] Furthermore, the cheek dressing surface is provided with several positioning stickers at intervals. The bottom end of the positioning sticker is fixedly connected to the cheek dressing, and the top end of the positioning sticker is a free end, which is used to releasably fix the transnasal high-flow nasal cannula.

[0016] Furthermore, the cheek dressing has several pre-fabricated fracture grooves spaced at intervals at its tail end.

[0017] The principles and beneficial effects of the technical solution are as follows:

[0018] This invention provides a facial decompression device specifically designed for high-flow nasal cannulas.

[0019] 1. The convex-shaped nasal columella dressing, the arc-shaped cheek dressing, and the grooved ear pads are designed to fit the anatomical features of the nasal columella, cheek, and ear tip, respectively. They have a high degree of fit, are not easy to shift, and are used together without the need for medical staff to cut them themselves.

[0020] 2. The chromogenic layer produces a visible color change when compressed by the nasal cannula, allowing caregivers to assess the pressure level in real time without removing the dressing. The columella area uses a reversible spiropyran-based chromogenic coating, with the color changing in a gradient according to the pressure (the greater the pressure, the darker the color), and the color fades after the pressure is released, making it convenient for medical staff to adjust the position of the nasal cannula. The cheek and ear tip areas use an irreversible microcapsule-rupture-type coating to record the cumulative pressure, making it easier for medical staff to assess the risk of injury and avoid cumulative damage caused by prolonged friction or traction with low force.

[0021] 3. The shape memory polymer layer automatically expands upon contact with body temperature, actively dispersing the pressure of the nasal cannula on the columella, cheeks, and ear tips. Compared to traditional passive isolation dressings, the pressure relief effect is more significant.

[0022] 4. The multi-point spaced adhesive layer reduces the contact area between the adhesive and the skin, reducing the irritation caused by peeling off the adhesive; the arc-shaped groove avoids the nostril area, ensuring smooth insertion of the nasal cannula; the pre-fabricated fracture groove allows the length of the cheek patch to be adjusted according to the patient's face shape. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the nasal columella dressing and upper lip patch in this invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cheek dressing in this invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ear pads and fixing stickers in this invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the composite layer structure in this invention;

[0028] The corresponding labels in the attached diagram are named as follows: 1. Nasal columella dressing; 101. Upper lip dressing; 102. Arc groove; 2. Cheek dressing; 201. Positioning patch; 202. Pre-fabricated fracture groove; 3. Ear pad; 301. Fixing patch; 302. Groove; 4. Shape memory polymer layer; 401. Color developing layer; 402. Protective layer; 403. Adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0030] like Figures 1-5 As shown, a facial decompression device for high-flow nasal cannula includes a columella dressing 1, a cheek dressing 2, and an ear pad 3.

[0031] The columella dressing 1 is used to fit the columella region of the patient's nose (i.e., the columnar structure between the two nostrils). The bottom end of the columella dressing 1 is provided with an upper lip patch 101. The middle of the bottom surface of the upper lip patch 101 protrudes downward and matches the philtrum region below the columella, thereby better fitting the patient's upper lip region and firmly fixing the columella dressing 1 to prevent displacement. The columella dressing 1 and the upper lip patch 101 together form a convex structure, with the columella dressing 1 being the vertical part and the upper lip patch 101 being the horizontal part.

[0032] The cheek dressing 2 has an arc-shaped structure that fits the contour of the human cheek. There are two sets of cheek dressing 2, which are set opposite each other and located on both sides of the upper lip patch 101 to fit the cheek area.

[0033] The ear pad 3 has an inverted U-shaped structure and is set on the fixing patch 301. The fixing patch 301 is used to fit the patient's skin around the ear. There are two sets of ear pads 3 and fixing patches 301, corresponding to the left and right ears respectively. The fixing patch 301 is provided with a groove 302. The groove 302 is adapted to the contour shape of the ear pad 3. The groove 302 accommodates the ear tip, so that the fixing patch 301 can fit flatly against the skin around the ear and avoid being blocked by the ear. The inverted U-shaped structure of the ear pad 3 spans the auricle and covers the area in front of and behind the ear tip, thereby buffering the traction and pressure of the nasal cannula fixing band on the ear tip.

[0034] Nasal columella dressing 1, cheek dressing 2 and ear pad 3 are all composite layer structures. The composite layer structure includes a shape memory polymer layer 4, a color developing layer 401 and a protective layer 402 stacked from bottom to top (from the side in contact with the skin outwards).

[0035] The shape memory polymer layer 4 uses polyurethane-based shape memory foam material from existing technologies, with an expansion response temperature of 34-40℃ (i.e., the normal human body temperature range). When the dressing is applied to the patient's skin, the shape memory polymer layer 4 absorbs body heat and triggers expansion when the response temperature is reached. It recovers from a compressed state (small volume at the factory for easy application) to a preset shape (larger volume after expansion), actively generating a gentle expansion force towards the nasal cannula to counteract the pressure of the nasal cannula, disperse local pressure, reduce local high pressure on the skin surface, especially in the columella area, and reduce pressure damage.

[0036] The chromogenic layer 401 is positioned above the shape memory polymer layer 4 (away from the skin side) to produce a visible color change when compressed by the nasal cannula. The composition of the chromogenic layer 401 varies depending on the location: the chromogenic layer 401 located on the columella dressing 1 is a spiropyran mechanochromic molecule coating. Spiropyran (SP) molecules are colorless under normal conditions, but they undergo isomerization under pressure to transform into anthocyanin (MC) form, which appears purple. The greater the pressure, the darker the color. When the pressure is released, the spiropyran reversibly returns to its colorless state, which is particularly suitable for the columella, a location that requires dynamic monitoring and repeated adjustments. After medical staff adjust the position of the nasal cannula or the tightness of the fixation band, they can confirm the effectiveness of the intervention by observing whether the color fades, thus avoiding improper adjustment that could cause the columella area to be subjected to continuous high pressure.

[0037] The color-developing layer 401 located on the cheek dressing 2 and ear pads 3 is a microcapsule rupture type color-developing coating. This coating contains microcapsules encapsulating colored dyes. When subjected to pressure or friction, the microcapsules rupture, releasing the dye and reacting with the color developer to produce an irreversible color change. It is particularly suitable for the cheeks and ear tips to record the cumulative degree of pressure or friction over a period of time. Even if the pressure or friction is relieved during subsequent use, the color will not fade. When changing the dressing, medical staff can observe the color to determine the degree of stimulation such as friction or traction that the area has been subjected to in the past use period.

[0038] In this embodiment, the transparent protective layer 402 disposed on the surface of the color developing layer 401 is made of a transparent material (such as a transparent PET film or non-woven fabric) to protect the color developing layer 401 from external pollution and physical wear, while not interfering with medical staff's observation of color changes.

[0039] In this embodiment, the side of the nasal columella dressing 1, upper lip patch 101, cheek dressing 2, and fixation patch 301 that comes into contact with the patient's skin is provided with an adhesive layer 403. The bottom surface of the adhesive layer 403 is provided with a release film. Medical staff can tear off the release film and attach each part to the corresponding area on the patient's face through the adhesive layer 403 without the need to use additional medical tape for fixation, thus reducing the operational burden on medical staff.

[0040] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 403 includes multiple adhesive blocks that are separated from each other and are spaced apart to form breathable channels. The bottom surface of the adhesive layer 403 is covered with a release film, which is a continuous single-sheet structure that covers all adhesive blocks. In use, the entire release film is peeled off at once, exposing all adhesive blocks simultaneously. Each patch can then be adhered to the corresponding skin area. The multiple spaced adhesive blocks reduce the contact area between the adhesive and the skin, reducing skin irritation during application. The continuous single-sheet release film simplifies the operation, eliminating the need to peel them off one by one.

[0041] In this embodiment, arc-shaped grooves 102 are provided on both sides of the columella dressing 1. The shape of the arc-shaped grooves 102 is adapted to the contour of the columella. When the columella dressing 1 is attached to the columella area, the arc-shaped grooves 102 can naturally avoid the nostril opening area, ensuring that the nostrils are not blocked by the dressing, thereby facilitating the smooth insertion of the nasal cannula and avoiding the effect of oxygen therapy or patient discomfort caused by the dressing blocking the view.

[0042] In this embodiment, a plurality of positioning stickers 201 are spaced apart on the surface of the cheek dressing 2. The bottom end of the positioning sticker 201 is fixedly connected to the cheek dressing 2, and the top end of the positioning sticker 201 is a free end, which can be attached to the top end by Velcro. When in use, the high-flow nasal cannula is placed on the surface of the cheek dressing 2, and the free end of the positioning sticker 201 is folded over to cover the nasal cannula, so that the nasal cannula can be releasably fixed to the cheek dressing 2 to prevent the tube from slipping off.

[0043] In this embodiment, the end of the cheek dressing 2 (the end closest to the ear) is provided with several pre-made fracture grooves 202 at intervals; medical staff can manually tear off part of the cheek dressing 2 along the pre-made fracture grooves 202 according to the width of the patient's cheek to adjust the length and adapt to patients with different face shapes.

[0044] Usage process:

[0045] The facial decompression device for high-flow nasal cannula of the present invention is a disposable sterile product, packaged in a sterile packaging bag;

[0046] Before use, clean the patient's facial skin (columella, upper lip, cheeks, ear tips) and keep it dry; remove each component from the packaging bag and remove the release film; align the columella dressing 1 with the patient's columella area, and attach the upper lip patch 101 to the upper lip area, ensuring the convex structure is centered, the arc groove 102 naturally avoids the nostrils, and the end of the upper lip patch 101 is located at the nasolabial fold; then attach the two sets of cheek dressings 2 to the left and right cheeks respectively, so that the arc structure follows the cheek curve, with its starting end located at the nasolabial fold, connecting with the upper lip patch 101, covering the tube contact area. If the cheek dressing 2 is too long, the excess part can be torn off along the pre-made fracture groove 202; place the ear pad 3 on the ear, so that the groove 302 accommodates the ear tip, and fix the patch 301 flat. The ear pad 3, with its inverted U-shaped structure, is placed across the auricle to cover the front and back of the ear tip. After the dressing is applied, a high-flow nasal cannula is inserted, positioned on top of the columella dressing 1 and cheek dressing 2. The cannula is then gently secured with the positioning tape 201. The cannula's fixation strap is then fixed to the patient's head, ensuring it is in contact with the ear pad 3. After adjusting the cannula's position, the color of the chromogenic layer 401 is observed. If purple appears at the columella dressing 1, it indicates excessive local pressure, requiring readjustment of the cannula or fixation strap until the purple color fades or lightens. The chromogenic layer 401 at the cheek dressing 2 or ear pad 3 is checked periodically to determine if friction or traction has reached a level of harmful stimulation, allowing for inspection of the tubing routing and the tightness of the fixation strap.

[0047] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific technical solutions or characteristics is not elaborated upon here. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the technical solutions of the present invention, and these should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. These modifications and improvements will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A facial decompression device specifically designed for high-flow nasal cannulas, characterized in that: Includes a nasal columella dressing (1), a cheek dressing (2), and ear pads (3); The nasal columella dressing (1) is used to fit the nasal columella area. The bottom of the nasal columella dressing (1) is provided with an upper lip patch (101) for fitting the upper lip area. The two have a convex structure. The cheek dressing (2) is arc-shaped and has two sets arranged opposite each other. It is located on both sides of the upper lip patch (101) and is used to fit the cheek area. The ear pad (3) is inverted U-shaped and is set on the fixing patch (301). The fixing patch (301) is used to fit the skin around the ear. The fixing patch (301) and the ear pad (3) are both arranged opposite each other with two sets. The fixing patch (301) has a groove (302) that matches the contour shape of the ear pad (3) and is used to accommodate the ear tip. The nasal columella dressing (1), the cheek dressing (2), and the ear pads (3) are all composite layer structures. The composite layer structure includes a shape memory polymer layer (4) and a color-developing layer (401) stacked together. The shape memory polymer layer (4) is configured to expand to disperse pressure when in contact with human body temperature. The color-developing layer (401) is configured to produce a visible color change when subjected to mechanical stress.

2. The nasal face mask for high flow nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein: The color-developing layer (401) located on the nasal columella dressing (1) is a spiropyran mechanochromic molecular coating; The color-developing layer (401) located on the cheek dressing (2) and the ear pads (3) is a microcapsule rupture type color-developing coating.

3. The nasal face mask of claim 1, wherein: The shape memory polymer layer (4) is a polyurethane-based shape memory foam material with an expansion response temperature of 34-40℃.

4. The nasal face mask of claim 1, wherein: The surface of the color development layer (401) is provided with a transparent protective layer (402).

5. The nasal face mask of claim 1, wherein: The nasal columella dressing (1), the upper lip patch (101), the cheek dressing (2) and the fixing patch (301) are all provided with an adhesive layer (403), and the bottom surface of the adhesive layer (403) is provided with a release film.

6. The nasal face mask of claim 5, wherein: The adhesive layer (403) includes a plurality of adhesive blocks that are separated from each other and are spaced apart. The release film is a continuous single-sheet structure that covers all the adhesive blocks.

7. The nasal face mask of claim 1, wherein: The nasal columella dressing (1) has arc-shaped grooves (102) on both sides of its edge to fit the contour of the nasal columella.

8. The nasal face mask of claim 1, wherein: The cheek dressing (2) has several positioning patches (201) spaced apart on its surface. The bottom end of the positioning patch (201) is fixedly connected to the cheek dressing (2). The top end of the positioning patch (201) is a free end, which is used to releasably fix the transnasal high-flow nasal cannula.

9. A facial decompression device for high-flow nasal cannula as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cheek dressing (2) has several prefabricated fracture grooves (202) spaced at the tail end.

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