Patient Interface Sizing Gauge for CPAP Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces for non-invasive ventilation and CPAP therapies face challenges in accommodating the variability in facial geometry of patients, leading to difficulties in selecting the appropriately sized device for individual patients.
Innovation Solution
A sizing gauge with a support portion and a sizing portion, including first and second gauge elements, is used to determine the appropriate size of a patient interface by measuring distances and using tactile features to identify the correct dimensions, allowing for the selection of a patient interface that fits comfortably and effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a limited number of standard sizes and shapes of patient interfaces are manufactured, then manufacturing complexity and inventory management are simplified, but the ability to accommodate variability in facial geometry of different patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into multiple size categories (small, medium, large, extra-large) with each size having specific dimensional ranges. This segmentation allows the product line to be broken into discrete, manufacturable units while still covering the full spectrum of patient facial geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for different size categories, including vertical dimension (distance between gauge elements), horizontal dimension (width of patient interface), and depth dimension (distance from front surface to rear surface). By establishing clear parameter thresholds, the system accommodates facial geometry variability through standardized parameter variations rather than custom manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple size categories with specific dimensional ranges are established, then the ability to accommodate various facial geometries is improved, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing gauge incorporates pre-defined reference points and gauge elements positioned at specific distances from each other (e.g., 1.0 inch, 1.25 inch, 1.50 inch, 1.75 inch, 2.00 inch). These preliminary measurements are built into the gauge device itself, eliminating the need for complex calculations during patient fitting. The practitioner simply measures against the pre-established references.
Solution Approach 2:
The sizing gauge acts as an intermediary tool between the patient's facial geometry and the patient interface selection. The gauge translates complex dimensional assessments into simple size category recommendations (small, medium, large, extra-large) based on where the patient's facial landmarks align with the gauge elements.
3Measurement precision
If precise measurement of facial dimensions is performed to ensure proper fit, then patient comfort and interface effectiveness are improved, but the time required for sizing assessment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing gauge has gauge elements pre-positioned at critical measurement points (e.g., 1.0 inch, 1.25 inch, 1.50 inch, 1.75 inch, 2.00 inch from the front surface). These preliminary placements allow practitioners to quickly determine size category by finding the closest matching element rather than performing precise measurements and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses approximate matching to the nearest gauge element rather than requiring exact precision. For example, if a patient's facial dimension falls between gauge elements, the practitioner selects the closest element, accepting a small margin of error in exchange for significantly reduced assessment time.
4Ease of operation
If headgear straps are designed to be adjustable to fit different head sizes, then comfort during extended wear is improved, but the complexity of the headgear assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear incorporates adjustable straps that can be dynamically modified to fit different patient head sizes. The straps can be lengthened or shortened, and the tension can be adjusted, allowing the same headgear assembly to adapt to various patient anatomies without requiring multiple headgear sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear assembly is designed as a universal component that works with all patient interface sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large). The adjustable straps and flexible construction allow a single headgear design to serve multiple functions across different patient populations, eliminating the need for size-specific headgear variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A sizing gauge (4) is structured to be used with a patient (8) and is structured to enable an identification of a particular patient interface that is most appropriately sized for the patient. The sizing gauge includes a support portion (12) and a sizing portion (16). The sizing portion includes a first gauge element (36) and a plurality of second gauge elements (40A,40B,40C). The first gauge element is disposed on the support portion and is structured to be positioned at a first location on the patient's face. The plurality of second gauge elements are disposed on the support portion and are situated at locations spaced from the first gauge element. The distance between the first gauge element and each second gauge element is representative of a size in one direction (44) of each of at least some of the plurality of patient interfaces. At least one of the plurality of second gauge elements comprises a tactile feature.