Adhesive Patient Interface for Non-Invasive Ventilation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and PAP therapies often cause skin irritations and discomfort due to strong normal forces required for sealing, leading to leak paths and instability, especially with full face or nasal masks.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with an adhesive layer on the contact surface, having a pull-off strength ≤40 kPa and adhesive shear strength ≤27 kPa, and varying thicknesses to distribute force effectively, allowing secure attachment without headgear, using medical-grade adhesives like Silpuran 2130.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If headgear with straps is used to secure the patient interface device, then the device stability is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase due to strong normal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical headgear system with an adhesive-based attachment system. The adhesive layer on the contact surface of the patient interface device directly bonds to the patient's face, eliminating the need for headgear straps that exert strong normal forces on the skin. This substitution maintains device stability through adhesive bonding while significantly reducing skin irritation and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (headgear straps applying normal force) to chemical/adhesive (adhesive layer creating bond). By modifying the attachment parameter from force-based to chemistry-based, the system achieves stable device fixation without the harmful high normal forces that cause skin irritation.
2Reliability
If adhesive layer with high pull-off strength is used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but skin damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the adhesive layer parameters by specifying a pull-off strength of ≤40 kPa and shear strength of ≤27 kPa. These parameter values are carefully selected to provide sufficient sealing reliability while remaining below thresholds that would cause skin damage. The adhesive formulation and thickness are tuned to achieve this optimal balance between retention and skin safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is applied specifically to the contact surface of the patient interface device where sealing is required, rather than using a uniform adhesive throughout the entire device. This localized application ensures reliable sealing at the face interface while avoiding adhesive contact with other areas, thereby maintaining sealing reliability without unnecessary skin damage risk.
3Strength
If adhesive layer thickness is increased, then the adhesive strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an adhesive layer thickness range of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, with different thicknesses for different regions. This parameter optimization provides sufficient adhesive strength for reliable attachment while avoiding excessive thickness that would increase device complexity and material usage. The controlled thickness ensures consistent performance without over-engineering.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides a secure and comfortable attachment to the patient's face, reducing skin irritation and discomfort, while maintaining effective sealing without the need for headgear, suitable for various skin types including sensitive and aged skin.
Implementation Method 1
The member has an adhesive layer provided on the contact surface, wherein the adhesive layer has a pull-off strength value throughout the adhesive layer that is ≤40 kPa and an adhesive shear strength value throughout the adhesive layer that is ≤27 kPa
Data Source
AI summary
Patient interface devices (8) structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient include a member (16) structured to contact and adhere to a face of the patient responsive to the patient interface being donned by the patient, the member having a contact surface and an adhesive layer (34) provided on the contact surface.