Adjustable Nasal Mask Cushion for Facial Fit and Seal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces for treating Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) face challenges in providing a comfortable and secure fit across a wide range of facial shapes and sizes, leading to reduced therapy efficacy and compliance.
Innovation Solution
A nasal mask system with adjustable cushion designs and mechanisms that accommodate various facial features, including adjustable sealing forces and cushion shapes, and a frame that supports headgear for secure attachment, along with features like forehead supports and vent assemblies for improved comfort and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cushion design is used, then the mask structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various facial features and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with flexible materials and adjustable components that allow it to dynamically adapt to different facial shapes and sizes. The undercushion can be positioned at various locations (nasal bridge, sides of nose, corners of nose, upper lip) and the cushion can be adjusted to provide different sealing forces depending on the patient's facial features.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is divided into multiple functional zones with different properties: a first region for sealing at the nasal bridge, a second region for sealing at the sides of the nose, a third region for sealing at the corners of the nose, and a fourth region for sealing at the upper lip. Each region can be independently adjusted or positioned to accommodate specific facial features.
2Reliability
If sealing force is increased to ensure a secure fit, then the seal reliability improves, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cushion provide different sealing forces tailored to the specific anatomical features and requirements of each area. The cushion applies localized sealing pressure only where needed to maintain the seal, rather than applying uniform pressure across the entire face, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing discomfort.
3Reliability
If the cushion extends to seal at the nasal bridge, then the seal reliability improves for high nasal bridges, but it impinges on the sight of people with smaller noses
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to be adjustable in its extension and positioning. For patients with high nasal bridges, the cushion can be positioned to seal at the nasal bridge. For patients with smaller noses, the cushion can be adjusted to a different position that does not obstruct their sight, while still maintaining an effective seal through the adjustable undercushion positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single cushion design is used for all patients, then manufacturing is simple, but the fit range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate a wide range of facial shapes and sizes through its adjustable features and multiple sealing regions. The same cushion design can be used for all patients, but it can be configured in different ways to suit individual facial features, thereby achieving universality without requiring multiple specialized designs.
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 system enhances therapy efficacy and patient compliance by providing a comfortable, secure fit for diverse facial shapes, reducing discomfort and improving treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A mask system includes a cushion adapted to seal around a nose of a patient... The cushion includes a relatively thick undercushion or backup band constructed of a resilient flexible material... the undercushion is constructed and arranged to buckle
Implementation Method 2
the undercushion is constructed and arranged to buckle... An amount of tension force may be increased by splaying outwardly of an undercushion... In one form, when used by a person with a relatively low nasal bridge, the sides of the cushion in the region of the nasal bridge splay outwards
Data Source
AI summary
A mask system includes a frame adapted to attach headgear, a sealing arrangement releasably connectable to the frame, and an elbow provided to the sealing arrangement and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient. The sealing arrangement defines a breathing chamber and is adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The sealing arrangement includes structure to establish a positive connection with the frame and with the elbow.