Elastic Ribbed Liner for Respiratory Mask Skin Irritation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Respiratory masks used for sleep apnea treatment often cause skin sensitivity, discomfort, and irritation due to materials like silicone and rubber, leading to high discontinuation rates among users.

Innovation Solution

A reusable liner made from stretchy, absorbent fabrics like cotton, hemp, and bamboo, with elastic knit ribbing for a secure fit, reducing bulk and movement, and being washable to minimize environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If masks are made from silicone, rubber, or vinyl materials, then the mask structure is durable and maintains shape, but the materials cause skin sensitivity, sweating, and irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask structure durabilityVSAvoidskin sensitivity and irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a liner as an intermediary layer between the mask and the user's skin. This liner is made from soft, breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo, or microfiber that do not cause skin irritation, while the original mask structure remains intact. The liner absorbs moisture and reduces direct contact between the problematic mask materials and the skin, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural durability and skin comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution combines two different material systems: the original mask materials (silicone, rubber, vinyl) that provide structural integrity, and natural/fabric materials (cotton, bamboo, microfiber) that provide skin comfort. This composite approach allows both durability and skin-friendliness to coexist by separating the structural function from the skin-contact function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If mask straps are tightened strongly to stop air leakage, then the mask seal is improved, but pressure marks and discomfort increase on the face

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask seal effectivenessVSAvoidpressure marks and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liner acts as a cushioning intermediary between the mask and the face. It distributes the pressure from the straps more evenly across the facial surface, preventing concentrated pressure points that cause marks and discomfort. The soft material of the liner maintains the seal effectiveness while reducing the harmful pressure effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If masks are made from non-porous materials like silicone, then the mask is easy to clean and maintain, but pores are blocked and sweating increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask ease of cleaningVSAvoidblocked pores and sweating

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The liner serves as a sacrificial intermediary layer that absorbs sweat and moisture, preventing it from being trapped against the skin by the non-porous mask material. The liner can be easily removed and washed, maintaining hygiene while allowing the mask's non-porous structure to remain intact for its cleaning advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If reusable liners are made from stretchy absorbent fabrics, then comfort and absorbency are improved, but the liners may bunch up, become misaligned, or slip off the mask

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin comfort and absorbencyVSAvoidliner position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is designed as a thin, flexible fabric layer that conforms to the contours of the mask and face. This flexibility allows it to move with the user's facial expressions and movements without bunching up or becoming misaligned, while maintaining its stretchy and absorbent properties for comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 reusable liner provides a comfortable, secure fit, reduces skin irritation, and is environmentally friendly, addressing the high discontinuation rates of CPAP therapy due to discomfort and material sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

a band of elastic ribbing... held in place by the band of elastic ribbing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

stretchy absorbent fabrics, such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12053583B2Reusable liner for use with respiratory mask and method of making same

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 BROOKS MACDONALD CONNIE

AI summary

A reusable liner for use with a respiratory mask and a method of making same. The reusable liner has a body with an opening and an outer edge. A band of stretchable, elastic knit ribbing is fixed to the outer edge. The reusable liner is positionable over the respiratory mask and held in place by the band of elastic knit ribbing. The reusable liner is washable and reusable.