Breathing Mask Foam Pad Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional breathing masks with non-breathable elastic materials cause discomfort and skin irritation due to uneven pressure distribution and difficulty in sealing the face, especially with varying facial contours, leading to potential air leakage and skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
A breathing mask design featuring a combination of a rigid member, an elastic member, and a foam member that forms a sealing surface, where the elastic member fits the nasal bridge area and the foam member distributes pressure uniformly across the face, improving comfort and sealing effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smooth sealing surface made of elastomer is used to fit facial contours, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but pressure distribution becomes uneven causing discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surface is divided into different regions with different materials: an elastic member (silicone/rubber) for the nasal bridge area to ensure sealing, and a foam member for the cheek and mouth areas to distribute pressure uniformly. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both sealing effectiveness and comfort in different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask combines two different materials (elastic member and foam member) with complementary properties. The elastic material provides conformability and sealing at the nasal bridge, while the foam material provides pressure distribution and comfort on the cheek areas. This composite structure simultaneously achieves both sealing effectiveness and pressure comfort.
2Reliability
If the head strap is tightened to achieve sufficient sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but pressure on the face becomes unbearable and causes skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The foam member is strategically placed in the cheek and mouth areas where pressure from the head strap is applied. This foam material has pressure-distributing properties that reduce the harmful effects of strap tension while allowing the elastic member at the nasal bridge to maintain the necessary sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam member acts as an intermediary between the head strap and the user's face in the cheek areas. It mediates the pressure transmission, distributing the force over a larger area and reducing peak pressures that would otherwise cause discomfort and skin irritation.
3Reliability
If a non-breathable sealing surface material is used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but skin irritation and redness occur during extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are used in different locations: the elastic member at the nasal bridge provides non-breathable sealing where needed, while the foam member in the cheek areas provides breathability and moisture absorption to prevent skin irritation during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of elastic material and foam material creates a composite sealing surface that balances sealing effectiveness with breathability. The foam material's breathable structure allows skin respiration and moisture management in areas where the mask contacts the face for extended periods.
4Ease of operation
If mask liners are added to reduce pressure sores, then comfort is improved, but the liner may shift or fall off during sleep causing poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The foam member is integrated as a permanent structural component of the mask itself rather than a separate removable liner. It is fixed to the support part and forms part of the sealing surface, eliminating the shifting and falling-off problems associated with separate liners while maintaining pressure distribution and comfort benefits.
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 design ensures a better fit and uniform pressure distribution, reducing air leakage and skin irritation while maintaining breathability to absorb sweat and oils, thus enhancing user experience and the mask's sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic member that is in communication with the inner cavity of the rigid member and is fixedly connected to the flared joint, the side of the elastic member adjacent to the user's face at least partially abutting the user's nasal bridge area to form an elastic body part
Implementation Method 2
A foam member, which is fixed to the support part and forms, together with the elastic member, a sealing surface for fitting the user's face
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing mask includes a rigid member, an elastic member, and a foam member. The rigid member has an interface on the side away from the user's face for accessing the breathing gas of the continuous positive airway pressure device, and a flared joint on the side adjacent to the user's face. The elastic member is in communication with the inner cavity of the rigid member and is fixedly connected to the flared joint. The side of the elastic piece adjacent to the user's face at least partially abuts the user's nasal bridge area to form an elastic body part, and a support part connected to the elastic body part is provided on the side of the elastic member adjacent to the user's face. The foam member is fixed to the support part and, together with the elastic member, forms a sealing surface for fitting the user's face.