CPAP Respiratory Mask Coupler With Airtight Filtration Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment cannot simultaneously wear a respiratory mask for protection from airborne particles due to practical limitations.

Innovation Solution

A respiratory mask assembly with a conduit coupler comprising a male and female member, a gasket, and a disposable mask that forms a sealing connection with a CPAP mask, allowing for a substantially airtight seal and simultaneous use of both masks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a patient wears a respiratory mask (N95, surgical mask) for protection from airborne particles, then protection from communicable diseases is improved, but the ability to simultaneously use CPAP equipment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from airborne particlesVSAvoidsimultaneous use with CPAP equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a respiratory mask and a CPAP mask into a single integrated assembly. The respiratory mask portion and CPAP mask portion are merged structurally, allowing the patient to receive both particle protection and positive airway pressure therapy simultaneously through one device rather than two separate masks that would conflict when worn together

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mask assembly serves multiple functions: it provides respiratory protection by filtering airborne particles, delivers continuous positive airway pressure for sleep apnea treatment, and maintains sealing against the patient's face. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to choose between protective masking and CPAP therapy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a respiratory mask is worn to block particles, then disease spread reduction is improved, but compatibility with CPAP mask deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking particlesVSAvoidcompatibility with CPAP mask

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask assembly is segmented into distinct functional portions: a respiratory mask portion with filtration capabilities and a CPAP mask portion with pressure delivery capabilities. These segments are integrated but maintain their individual functions, allowing reliable particle blocking and CPAP delivery simultaneously without interference between the two systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a single mask is used for CPAP therapy, then treatment delivery is improved, but protection from airborne particles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCPAP treatment deliveryVSAvoidprotection from airborne particles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the CPAP mask structure with a respiratory protective mask structure. The integrated assembly maintains the sealing and pressure delivery reliability of a CPAP mask while adding particle filtration capability, so that one device provides both reliable CPAP treatment and airborne particle protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables patients to wear both CPAP equipment and a respiratory mask (like an N95 respirator) simultaneously, reducing the spread of communicable diseases by blocking particles greater than 0.3 microns, thus protecting medical professionals and others from airborne contaminants.

Implementation Method 1

A gasket is positioned between the male member and the respiratory mask. The gasket encircles the central opening to provide a sealing thereto.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

the respiratory mask is configured for blocking at least 95 percent of particles of 0.3-micron size or greater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12409288B2Respiratory mask assembly for use with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 SNAP CPAP LLC

AI summary

Respiratory assembly for use in conjunction with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment is provided. The respiratory assembly includes a conduit coupler comprising a male member and a female member. The respiratory assembly also includes a disposable respiratory mask that defines a central opening therethrough that is sized to receive the male member. A gasket is positioned between the male member and the respiratory mask, the gasket encircling the central opening to provide a sealing thereto. A channel opening of one of the male member and the female member connects to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask that couples to one or more of a patient's nare and mouth.