Bubble Cushion Patient Interface for Stable Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies are often uncomfortable and prone to gas leaks due to inadequate support and adjustability, which can lead to dislodgment and reduced effectiveness in treating conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device featuring a support member that spans the face below the eyes, with a sealing assembly and adjustable headgear to minimize material on the face and head, providing a stable and customizable fit for various patient sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask cushion is compressed against the patient's face to maintain a seal, then gas leaks are reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bubble cushion made of flexible material that can be inflated to create a seal. The cushion's flexibility allows it to conform to the patient's face while distributing pressure, maintaining seal integrity without excessive compression that would cause discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble cushion's volume and pressure can be adjusted by controlling the amount of gas inflated into it. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of both seal quality and patient comfort by finding the right balance between cushion firmness and face pressure distribution.
2Reliability
If headgear strap force is increased to improve mask stability, then gas leaks are reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble cushion acts as a counterbalancing element that distributes the stabilizing force across a larger area of the patient's face. Instead of concentrating strap force on narrow points, the inflated cushion provides a broader support surface that reduces pressure peaks while maintaining overall mask stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble cushion is inflated beforehand to create a pre-formed seal and support structure. This pre-cushioning effect prepares the interface between mask and face, allowing the headgear straps to apply stabilizing force without directly compressing the patient's skin, thereby maintaining comfort while ensuring stability.
3Reliability
If a relatively large mask structure is provided to enhance stability, then mask dislodgment is reduced, but the amount of material on the patient's face increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble cushion provides a flexible sealing surface that can be inflated to the appropriate size to create an effective seal without requiring a large rigid mask structure. The flexibility allows the cushion to adapt to the patient's facial contours, providing stability with minimal material coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device that includes a support member sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes responsive to the patient interface device being donned by such a patient and a sealing assembly operatively coupled to the support member such that the support member is moveable relative to the support member. The support member defines a gas carrying conduit adapted to carry a flow of gas to the sealing assembly. The support member is a single-piece unitary member and includes a conduit coupling portion adapted to be coupled to a patient circuit.