CPAP Mask Seal with Thin Nasal Bridge and Rigid Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks used for CPAP therapy in obstructive sleep apnea patients often cause discomfort due to poor fit and leakage, leading to issues like dehydration, irritation, and pressure sores.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface mask assembly with a flexible seal and a rigid clip, designed to match the contours of a user's face, providing a positive snap engagement and automatic correction for angular misalignment, along with a thin bridge section in the nasal bridge region for reduced pressure and improved comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional respiratory mask is used to provide a seal against the user's face, then gas leakage is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates due to considerable discomfort and intolerance for long durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin membrane (0.1-0.5mm thick) made of flexible material that can conform to the contours of the user's face. This thin film approach allows the mask to adapt to facial irregularities while maintaining seal effectiveness, thereby improving user comfort without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mask by using a very thin membrane with specific thickness (0.1-0.5mm) and material properties that provide both flexibility for comfort and sufficient rigidity for seal maintenance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between comfort and reliability
2Reliability
If a concentrated flow of air is provided through the respiratory tract, then respiratory support is improved, but oral cavity dehydration increases causing irritation and complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the concentrated air flow path away from the oral cavity by directing it through the nasal passages only. The mask design specifically channels respiratory support through the nose, preventing direct concentrated flow across the oral cavity and thereby eliminating dehydration and irritation issues while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
3Reliability
If a mask vent is provided for washout of expired gases, then carbon dioxide buildup is prevented, but excessive noise is generated causing irritation to user and bed partners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin membrane material for the mask structure that inherently dampens noise from expiratory gas flow. The flexible thin film acts as a noise barrier while still allowing adequate gas exchange, thereby reducing vent noise to acceptable levels while maintaining carbon dioxide washout effectiveness
4Reliability
If pressure is applied by the mask to ensure seal, then leakage is prevented, but pressure sores are caused on the nose and face particularly in the nasal bridge region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible membrane (0.1-0.5mm) that can conform precisely to facial contours including the nasal bridge region. This flexibility allows the mask to achieve seal integrity through gentle conformity rather than high pressure, preventing pressure sores while maintaining reliable sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mask material thickness parameter to 0.1-0.5mm, which provides the right balance between flexibility for comfort and structural integrity for sealing. This parameter change allows effective sealing at lower pressures, preventing pressure sore formation
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 mask assembly reduces pressure on the face, minimizes side leakage, and provides improved comfort and flexibility, allowing for more effective CPAP therapy with reduced user discomfort and complications.
Implementation Method 1
a thin section (0.1-0.5mm) in the nasal bridge region which flexes under pressure to reduce pressure on a user's face
Implementation Method 2
one of the clip or the mask body having at least one recess and the other one of the mask body or the clip having a series of bumps, interference between the bumps and the recesses providing a positive snap type engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed, for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a patient. The breathing assistance apparatus includes a patient interface, having a body section adapted to cover the nose, or nose and mouth of a patient and a sealing interface. The sealing interface includes at least an outer sealing member. The outer sealing member is adapted to attach to the body section in a sealing manner and has a substantially thin section in at least its nasal bridge region. The thin section is substantially thinner than the rest of the outer sealing member. The patient interface comprises a mask body and a seal assembly. The seal assembly includes a flexible seal, and a rigid seal clip, the seal assembly being removably attached to the mask body via the rigid seal clip. The mask body and rigid seal clip are profiled to match the contours of a user's face so that the seal has a substantially constant wall depth.