CPAP Mask Restrictor Element for Humidity Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CPAP systems for treating sleep disordered breathing often require large humidifiers or obtrusive HMEs, which are not suitable for small travel devices or situations where space is limited, and do not effectively maintain humidity levels during breathing gas delivery.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a restrictor element that selectively couples to the exhaust port to limit the cross-sectional area, using a blocking portion and securement arrangement such as prongs, adhesive, or flange to obstruct the port, thereby increasing humidity by restricting exhaled gas escape and providing a kit with varying restrictor elements for customizable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large humidifier or HME is used to maintain humidity levels, then humidity management is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous restrictor element that selectively obstructs the exhalation port. The porous structure allows controlled passage of gases while maintaining sufficient resistance to increase humidity. The restrictor element provides a compact solution for humidity management without requiring large humidifier tanks, thus resolving the contradiction between effective humidity control and device portability.
2Ease of operation
If the exhalation port is fully open, then breathability is improved, but humidity control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor element is strategically positioned within the exhalation port to provide localized resistance. This local obstruction creates a pressure differential that directs exhaled gases back into the breathing gas stream, enhancing humidity without completely blocking the port. The design maintains adequate breathability while achieving effective humidity control through targeted local modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flow resistance parameter of the exhalation port by introducing the restrictor element. This parameter change creates a balance between breathability and humidity control. The restrictor element adjusts the flow characteristics to optimize both functions, allowing the system to maintain adequate air exchange while improving humidity levels in the breathing gas.
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 allows for effective humidity management without large humidifiers, enhancing patient comfort by maintaining adequate humidity levels in the breathing gas, thus addressing the limitations of conventional systems in small form factors and space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a restrictor element selectively coupled to the body, the restrictor element comprising a blocking portion that obstructs at least a portion of the second aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface for use in delivering a flow of a breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a body that defines a cavity therein that is structured to receive the flow of breathing gas. A first aperture defined in the body is positioned and structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas from the cavity to an airway of the patient. A second aperture defined in the body is sized and configured to provide a pathway between the cavity and an ambient environment in which the body is disposed. The patient interface further includes a restrictor element that is selectively coupled to the body. The restrictor element includes a blocking portion that obstructs at least a portion of the second aperture.