CPAP Mask Cushion Pockets Reducing Shear Forces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patient interface devices cause facial irritation and discomfort due to shear forces from the mask cushion, leading to red marks on the face, especially during prolonged use for treatments like CPAP for sleep apnea.

Innovation Solution

A cushion with pockets filled with a low-viscosity medium is integrated into the patient interface device, reducing shear forces by allowing the cushion to move relative to the faceplate, thereby minimizing irritation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mask cushion is compressed against the patient's face to maintain a seal, then gas leak prevention is improved, but facial irritation and red marks worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidfacial irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is segmented into multiple independent pockets filled with low-viscosity medium. Each pocket can move independently, allowing the cushion to conform to facial contours while maintaining seal integrity without transmitting shear forces that cause irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A low-viscosity medium is introduced as an intermediary between the cushion material and the patient's face. This medium reduces friction and shear force transmission, allowing the cushion to maintain contact and seal while minimizing facial irritation and red marks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cushion is held firmly by the headgear, then mask stability is improved, but shear forces on the face increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask stabilityVSAvoidshear forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion transitions from a rigid, fixed structure to a dynamic, flexible system with multiple pockets filled with low-viscosity medium. This allows the cushion to move and deform independently in response to headgear tension, reducing shear force transmission to the face while maintaining overall mask stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the cushion are changed by introducing pockets filled with low-viscosity medium, altering its mechanical properties. The cushion becomes more compliant and capable of deforming under load, reducing shear forces while maintaining seal and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If the mask is worn for extended periods, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but facial discomfort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy durationVSAvoidfacial discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful shear force transmission is extracted from the cushion-face interface by introducing the low-viscosity medium. This allows extended wear duration for effective therapy while eliminating the primary cause of facial discomfort and red marks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The low-viscosity medium converts the potentially harmful effect of cushion contact into a beneficial low-friction interface. The medium's properties transform the interaction between cushion and face from irritating to comfortable, enabling prolonged therapy sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution significantly reduces facial irritation and discomfort, maintaining a seal without causing red marks, enhancing patient compliance with prolonged therapy sessions.

Implementation Method 1

A cushion with pockets filled with a low-viscosity medium is integrated into the patient interface device, reducing shear forces by allowing the cushion to move relative to the faceplate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow viscosity:

Data Source

PatentUS10449316B2Mask with red mark alleviating pocket

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A patient interface device that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional patient interface devices is provided. One embodiment of the patient interface device provides a cushion for a patient interface device that includes a first end portion structured to contact a portion of a patient's face. The first end portion includes an inner, first surface, an outer, second surface and at least one pocket disposed between the first end portion first surface and the first end portion second surface.