CPAP Patient Interface Inflatable Hoop Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory therapy devices, particularly masks for CPAP therapy, often suffer from discomfort, poor fit, and reduced compliance due to inadequate seal-forming structures and stabilizing mechanisms, leading to mouth leaks and decreased effectiveness in treating sleep disordered breathing.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a hoop structure that includes a top portion extending over the head, a chin portion, and an inflatable body between the hoop structure and the head, along with a plenum chamber and seal-forming structure, is designed to maintain therapeutic pressure and prevent mouth leaks during CPAP therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mask design is used for CPAP therapy, then the device structure is simple, but the seal quality is poor leading to mouth leaks and reduced therapy effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into multiple independent adjustment components including a ratchet mechanism for tension control, an inflatable body for adaptive sealing, and modular straps that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve superior seal quality without requiring complete redesign of the entire mask system.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including an inflatable body that can be adjusted during therapy to adapt to patient movement and positioning changes. The ratchet mechanism allows for progressive tension adjustment, and the modular strap system enables real-time modifications to maintain optimal seal quality throughout the therapy session.
2Reliability
If a secure seal is implemented using complex stabilizing structures, then mouth leaks are reduced, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear allows for dynamic parameter adjustment including tension levels via the ratchet mechanism, inflation pressure of the sealing body, and strap positioning. These parameters can be modified based on patient feedback and therapy requirements, enabling the system to maintain reliable sealing while adapting to individual comfort needs and preventing pressure-related discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adjusting headgear with ratchet mechanism and inflatable body allows patients to independently modify the seal tightness and positioning during therapy without requiring assistance from healthcare providers. This empowers patients to optimize both seal stability and comfort according to their own needs throughout the therapy session.
3Ease of operation
If an inflatable body is added to the hoop structure, then patient comfort and seal quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides adaptive sealing against the patient's face, distributes pressure to improve comfort, and acts as part of the positioning mechanism for the mask. By combining these functions into a single component, the design adds functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of an inflatable body introduces pneumatic functionality to the headgear, allowing for controlled volume and pressure adjustment. This pneumatic element provides smooth, progressive sealing and positioning actions that are more comfortable for patients while maintaining relatively simple structural integration into the existing hoop framework.
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 enhances patient comfort and compliance by providing a secure seal and reducing mouth leaks, thereby improving the efficacy of CPAP therapy for respiratory disorders.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable body positioned, in use, between a portion of the hoop structure and the patient's head
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface comprising a plenum chamber configured to receive in use a flow of air at the therapeutic pressure for breathing by a patient, a seal-forming structure configured to form a seal with or around the patient's nose and/or mouth, a positioning and stabilising structure configured to hold the seal-forming structure in a sealing position, and at least one inflatable body. In one form, an inflatable body is provided to a portion of the positioning and stabilising structure. In another form the inflatable body is provided to a hoop structure. In another form, the patient interface comprises a lever arrangement, wherein an inflatable body is provided to the lever arrangement. In yet another form, the seal-forming structure comprises an inflatable body. The patient interface may be configured to limit or prevent mouth leak or mandible movement during CPAP therapy, adjust the fit of the positioning and stabilising structure on the patient's head, and/or improve the seal formed with patient's face in use.