RESPIRATORY MASK

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 287,625, filed on January 26, 2016, entitled "BREATHING MASK" and U.S. Non Provisional Application No. 15 / 416,224, filed on January 26, 2017, entitled "BREATHING MASK".BACKGROUND

[0002] Critically ill patients suffering from a wide range of respiratory disturbances and cardiovascular failure often require noninvasive ventilatory support using a breathing mask (covering mouth and nose) such as a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure mask to regulate normal respiratory patterns. With this noninvasive mask, the patient is able to speak, swallow and cough, and can avoid many complications due to endotracheal intubation. There are many forms of full face breathing masks currently available however these suffer from disadvantages such as lack of access for any form of nutrition support, discomfort in use and poor sealing when used in conjunction with a nasogastric tube. While wearing the breathing mask, patients are not able to have liquids or food, as access to the patient's mouth or nose is restricted due to the undesirability of or an inability to remove the mask. This can lead to nutritional deprivation. When patients are treated with a breathing mask, nutrition is often considered a secondary concern. It is estimated that 60% of critically ill, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with acute respiratory failure suffer from malnutrition. It has further been shown that proper nutrition can help to restore respiratory breathing strength. The current practice to address this issue is to insert a nasogastric tube and then restore the breathing mask. The nasogastric tube is retained between the mask and the patient's cheek subsequently creating a poor seal and air leakage. This results in removal of the nasogastric tube and cessation of nutrition support. Consequently, it is desirable to avoid sacrificing adequate nutrition for proper respiratory treatment. A breathing mask that accommodates the use of a nasogastric tube for enteral feeding while maintaining an airtight seal around the patient's face, may therefore be desired.

[0003] Breathing masks with breathing tube ports and feeding tube ports are known from CN 201 423 000 Y, CN 205 683 372 U, CN 205 649 715 U, US 2003 / 213493 A1, US 2014 / 261431 A1, US 2015 / 165150 A1, CN 203 417 389 U, EP 3 067 086 A1, CN 205 867 265 U, CN 205 515 894 U, CN 201 988 012 U, US 8 365 734 B1 and CN 104 107 494 A.SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention as claimed, there is provided a breathing mask according to claim 1, a breathing mask according to claim 8 and a breathing mask according to claim 10. The dependent claims define embodiments of the invention as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: Exemplary Fig. 1 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 2 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 3 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 4 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 5 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 6 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 7 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 8 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 9 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 10 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 11 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; Exemplary Fig. 12 shows a breathing mask with an enteral nutrition port; and Exemplary Fig. 13 shows a enteral nutrition port locking mechanism. The breathing mask of Fig. 1-12 is according to an embodiment of the invention as filed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0007] Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

[0008] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments" or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation unless it is required by the definition of the invention by the claims.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1-13 generally, a breathing mask enteral nutrition nasogastric tube port (BENT-PORT) is provided. A breathing mask 100 includes a breathing port 112 for accommodating an air tube providing the flow of a desired gas, such as oxygen, into the mask, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Breathing mask 100 further includes a feeding tube port 110. The port 110 allows a nasogastric tube 130 to pass through the mask 100 without substantially affecting the seal or pressure of the mask, while accommodating enteral feeding. The respiratory or breathing oral / nasal mask assembly 100 includes a frame 102, which may be capable of covering a user's nose or a user's nose and mouth, and headgear 104, which may secure the frame to the user's head. In addition to a breathing port 112 and feeding tube port 110, mask 100 may further include at least one auxiliary or supplemental port 106. Auxiliary or supplemental port 106 may allow for introducing, sampling, monitoring, or extracting gases or other substances from within a breathing mask. Breathing mask assembly 100 may be an oronasal mask, full face mask, or nasal mask. Headgear 104 may include at least one strap. Headgear 104 may further include a frame, which may be secured to mask 100 by at least one headgear securing grip 108. In addition to a breathing port, the mask assembly may further include a cushion, which may create a seal between the mask and the user. The cushion may additionally provide comfort to the user. A mask assembly may further include inserts with nasal cushions and forehead pads. A nose bridge of mask 100 may optionally be soft in order to prevent skin breakdown. The frame 102 may be made of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, silicone, plastic, rubber, or polymers, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The frame 102 may be substantially rigid. The frame 102 may optionally be transparent.

[0010] Breathing mask 100 further includes a tube port 110. Port 110 accommodates a feeding tube, being a nasogastric (NG) tube. Port 110 allows for enteral feeding and breathing of patients simultaneously. Port 110 is applicable for breathing masks used by humans and animals. Port 110 may be multi-functional. For example, port 110 may be used for nutritional use, to provide water, to provide other liquids, or to provide medications, including crushed medications, to humans or animals that require a breathing mask. In at least one exemplary embodiment, port 110 may allow for the use of a nasogastric tube 130 without disrupting the seal of a breathing mask. The mask 100 and port 110 may be composed of the same material or may be different materials. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the mask 100 and port 110 may optionally be transparent or opaque. Port 110 is disposed centrally on mask 100 above the breathing tube port 112 in order for a feeding tube to be comfortably inserted into either nostril of a user.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the breathing mask 100 may be a Bi-Level Positive Air Pressure (BiPAP) Mask and is capable of accommodating a Nasogastric (NG) Tube 130 through the port 110. The breathing mask 100 with the port may maintain the functionality of BiPAP by achieving internal pressure within approximately 5% of a standard BiPAP mask. The port 110 may also be compatible with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) masks, and other similar masks as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the NG tube 130 is secured to the mask 100 to limit movement of the tube when the length of tube 130 outside the mask is manipulated. Further to limiting undesired movement of the NG tube 130, the port 110 is positioned in the mask 100 to comfortably position an NG tube 130 for a patient, when inserted.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1-12, the port 110 is located above the breathing tube port or air tubing port 112, along a vertical axis of a breathing mask 100.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1-13, the breathing mask 100 further includes a tube gripping element 114. Gripping element 114 may removably secure a tube 130 to the mask in a desired orientation and may limit undesired motion of the tube during use. Gripping element 114 is positioned above the port 110 along a vertical axis.

[0014] Port 110 incorporates a variety of sealing elements for engaging a tube 130, the sealing elements including a port locking element 115 and corresponding tube locking element 116 disposed along the length of tube 130. For example, port 110 may include a one-way valve, a Luer-lock, a cross-slit valve, a seam port, a plug, or other similar port types as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, optional port locking element 115 and corresponding tube locking element 116 may form a screw-type connection or other male-female connection as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In yet further embodiments, multiple sealing elements may be incorporated. For example, port 110 may include a port locking element 115 for engaging a corresponding tube locking element 116 on tube 130 in addition to a cross-slit valve 132 for added sealing around tube 130 when disposed through port 110.

[0015] Locking elements 115, 116 may lock the position and orientation of tube 130 in relation to port 110 in addition to providing a seal between port 110 and tube 130. Cross-slit valve 132 or alternative sealing elements may provide additional air sealing at port 110. Creating a substantially air tight seal at port 110 may maintain the integrity of the full face breathing mask.

[0016] In some embodiments, a sealing cap 118 is provided for sealing the port when a tube is not inserted. This may maintain the seal and pressure achieved by the mask. Sealing cap 118 may be capable of engaging the desired port type, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Sealing cap 118 may optionally be tethered to the mask to prevent misplacement. In yet further embodiments, sealing cap 118 may be a plug or solid tube locking element 116, as discussed below, capable of preventing airflow as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0017] The locking elements of an exemplary embodiment are shown in Figure 13. A port locking element 115 has at least one female connection portion or track 140 and is disposed on the inner surface of port 110. A tube locking element 116, may be a sleeve capable of passing over tube 130 having at least one corresponding male connection portion 142 for engaging track 140. Tube locking element 116 may be positioned at a desired location along the length of a tube 130. Tube locking element 116 may fit tightly around tube 130, maintaining an airtight seal. In an exemplary embodiment, tube locking element 116 may include at least one slit or seam to facilitate adjustment along the length of tube 130. The at least one slit or seam may extend partially the length of tube locking element 116 and when flexed may adjust the fit around tube 130 to facilitate sliding the tube 130 through tube locking element 116. When engaged with port locking element 115, tube locking element 116 prevents tube 130 from being dislodged or moving in an undesired manner.

[0018] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0019] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A breathing mask (100) comprising: a frame (102) configured to create an air tight seal over a user's nose; a breathing tube port (112) disposed in the frame (102) and configured to receive a breathing tube; a nasogastric feeding tube port (110), disposed in the frame (102) and configured to receive a nasogastric feeding tube (130), wherein the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) and the breathing tube port (112) are vertically aligned along a central axis of the breathing mask (100), and the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) ia located centrally above the breathing tube port (112); a port locking element (115) disposed on the inner surface of the nasogastric feeding tube port (110), wherein the port locking element (115) is configured to engage a nasogastric feeding tube locking element (116) disposed on the nasogastric feeding tube (130) to prevent the nasogastric feeding tube (130) from being dislodged or moving in an undesired manner; and a tube gripping element (114) disposed on the frame (102), the tube gripping element (114) being disposed centrally above the nasogastric feeding tube port (110), wherein the tube gripping element (114) is configured to secure the nasogastric feeding tube (130) passing through the nasogastric feeding tube port (110).

2. The breathing mask of claim 1, further comprising a cross-slit valve (132) disposed within an opening of the nasogastric feeding tube port (110).

3. The breathing mask of claim 1, wherein the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) is disposed centrally on the frame (102) above the breathing port (112).

4. The breathing mask of claim 1, further comprising a sealing cap (118) configured to seal the nasogastric feeding tube port (110), maintaining an airtight seal, when not in use.

5. The breathing mask of claim 1, wherein at least one of the frame (102) and feeding tube port (110) is transparent.

6. The breathing mask of claim 1, wherein the breathing mask is an oronasal mask.

7. The breathing mask of claim 1, wherein the breathing mask is a nasal mask.

8. A breathing mask (100) comprising: a frame (102) configured to create an air tight seal over a user's mouth and nose; at least one breathing tube port (112) disposed in the frame (102); a nasogastric feeding tube port (110) disposed in the frame (102) and configured to receive a nasogastric feeding tube (130), wherein the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) and the breathing tube port (112) are vertically aligned along a central axis of the breathing mask (100) and the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) is located centrally above the breathing tube port (112); a port locking element (115) disposed on the inner surface of the nasogastric feeding tube port (110), wherein the port locking element (115) is configured to engage a nasogastric feeding tube locking element (116) disposed on the nasogastric feeding tube (130) to prevent the nasogastric feeding tube (130) from being dislodged or moving in an undesired manner; a tube gripping element (114) disposed on the frame (102), the tube gripping element being disposed centrally above the nasogastric feeding tube port (110), wherein the tube gripping element (114) is configured to secure the nasogastric feeding tube (130) passing through the nasogastric feeding tube port (110); and a nasogastric feeding tube port sealing cap (118) configured to seal the nasogastric feeding tube port (110).

9. The breathing mask of claim 8, further comprising a cross-slit valve (132) disposed within the nasogastric feeding tube port (110).

10. A breathing mask (100) comprising: a frame (102) having a breathing tube port (112) and a nasogastric feeding tube port (110) integrally installed therein, wherein the breathing tube port (112) is configured to receive a breathing tube, wherein the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) is configured to receive a nasogastric feeding tube (130), wherein the breathing tube port (112) and nasogastric feeding tube port (110) are vertically aligned along a central axis of the breathing mask (100) and the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) is located centrally above the breathing tube port (112), and wherein the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) further comprises a port locking element (115) configured to engage a nasogastric feeding tube locking element (116) disposed on the nasogastric feeding tube (130) to prevent the nasogastric feeding tube (130) from being dislodged or moving in an undesired manner; a sealing element (132) configured to maintain an airtight seal between the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) and the nasogastric feeding tube (130); a tube gripping element (114) disposed centrally above the nasogastric feeding tube port (110); and a sealing cap (118) configured to seal the nasogastric feeding tube port (110) when not in use.