CPAP Respiratory Mask Assembly for Simultaneous Filtration Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Individuals using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment cannot wear a respiratory mask simultaneously due to practical constraints, which poses a risk of disease transmission.

Innovation Solution

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

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from airborne particlesVSAvoidsimultaneous use with CPAP equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The respiratory mask is integrated within the CPAP mask structure, with the respiratory mask positioned inside the CPAP mask housing. This nesting allows both masks to be worn simultaneously without occupying separate spaces, resolving the contradiction between wearing a respiratory mask and using CPAP equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two separate protective functions (respiratory mask filtration and CPAP airway support) into a single integrated device. The respiratory mask and CPAP mask are merged into one assembly that provides both particle filtration and positive airway pressure delivery simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a respiratory mask is worn to reduce disease transmission, then disease spread reduction is improved, but practical feasibility of simultaneous CPAP use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease transmission reductionVSAvoidsimultaneous wearing with CPAP mask

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The respiratory mask is nested within the CPAP mask assembly, allowing the patient to wear both functions simultaneously without the complexity of coordinating two separate devices. This integration improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to manage separate masks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 the simultaneous wearing of a CPAP mask and a respiratory mask, effectively blocking airborne particles and reducing disease transmission.

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)

Implementation Method 3

The gasket comprises an adhesive foam material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

the gasket forms an interference fit with the male member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference fit:

Data Source

PatentEP4121153B1Respiratory mask assembly for use with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) equipment

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SNAP CPAP LLC

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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.