Composite Textile Cushion for Respiratory Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory masks for CPAP therapy are often uncomfortable and unattractive, leading to user deterrence, and existing soft fabric-based masks lack structure, resulting in poor fitting and increased risk of pressure sores due to repetitive rubbing.
Innovation Solution
A textile and elastomeric composite cushion for respiratory masks, featuring a self-supporting design with a resilient material, such as silicone, bonded to a textile layer, providing a comfortable and secure fit while reducing pressure sores through improved breathability and skin health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clear plastics and silicone are used to construct respiratory interfaces, then the interface has a sterile appearance, but the appearance reduces user engagement and makes therapy acceptance more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates a textile layer with patterns or colors that are aesthetically pleasing to users, transforming the appearance from sterile and clinical to more attractive and engaging, thereby improving user engagement and therapy acceptance while maintaining the functional integrity of the respiratory interface
2Ease of operation
If soft fabric-based masks are used to provide improved comfort, then user comfort is improved, but the masks lack structure making fitting less intuitive and more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion combines a textile layer providing softness and comfort with a resilient material layer providing structural support and shape retention, creating a composite structure that is both comfortable to wear and easy to fit correctly, eliminating the trade-off between softness and structure found in single-material masks
3Duration of action of moving object
If existing masks are used for extended periods, then respiratory therapy is delivered continuously, but pressure sores are caused by repetitive rubbing of the mask seal on the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates a textile layer that is breathable and porous, allowing air and moisture vapor to pass through, which reduces moisture buildup and friction on the user's skin during extended wear, thereby preventing pressure sores while maintaining continuous therapy delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material is formulated with specific mechanical properties including appropriate durometer hardness and elasticity to distribute pressure evenly across the contact area, reducing concentrated pressure points that cause sores during prolonged use
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 composite cushion enhances user comfort and acceptance of CPAP therapy by offering a more attractive and secure fit, reducing pressure sores and skin irritation, while maintaining the structural integrity necessary for effective sealing and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient material bonded to the textile layer. The textile layer and resilient material together define a profile of the cushion, the resilient material biasing the textile layer towards the cushion profile
Data Source
AI summary
A cushion for a respiratory therapy mask for contacting the face of a user. The cushion has a textile layer and a resilient material bonded to a surface of the textile layer. The resilient material is self-supporting to define a profile of the cushion, and the cushion has an opening for communication with a breathing chamber and delivery of fluid to the user.