Elastomeric CPAP Mask with Bellows Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CPAP masks often apply excessive pressure to the face, causing discomfort and potential skin irritation due to the need to distort beyond their normal elasticity to conform to various facial contours, leading to facial soreness and ulceration.
Innovation Solution
A flexible CPAP mask made entirely from elastomeric material with a bellows-like structure integrally molded in the mustache region and headgear strap flanges, providing a sealing interface between the mask and the nose without a rigid frame, allowing for gentle pressure distribution and accommodation of different facial contours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the face-contacting portion is made semi-rigid to maintain mask shape and sealing, then the mask structure is stable, but excessive pressure is applied to the face causing discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is constructed entirely from elastomeric material, replacing the conventional semi-rigid structure with a flexible shell that can adapt to facial contours without applying excessive pressure. The elastomeric material maintains mask shape through its inherent elasticity while conforming gently to the patient's face.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from semi-rigid to elastomeric, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the mask body. This parameter change allows the mask to maintain structural integrity while reducing pressure on the face by enabling elastic deformation to match facial contours.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the face-contacting portion is made soft and resilient to reduce pressure, then wearer comfort is improved, but the mask cannot maintain proper sealing against various facial contours
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mask body acts as a flexible shell that simultaneously provides comfort and sealing. The material's elasticity allows it to conform to various facial contours while maintaining an airtight seal, resolving the contradiction between softness and sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric material combines the properties of softness and structural integrity in a single material system. This composite-like behavior within a homogeneous material allows the mask to be both comfortable and effective at sealing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask is made entirely from elastomeric material to reduce pressure, then facial comfort is improved, but the mask body may lack structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric mask body functions as a flexible shell that derives its stability from the material's elastic properties rather than rigid structure. The shell maintains its functional shape while adapting to the patient's face, providing both comfort and structural adequacy.
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 flexible design reduces facial discomfort and irritation by distributing pressure evenly, creating an airtight seal without the need for excessive force, thus enhancing patient comfort and reducing the risk of skin issues.
Implementation Method 1
the entire mask body is manufactured from an elastomeric material... the face-contacting portion has to distort beyond its normal range of elasticity to conform to certain facial contours
Implementation Method 2
a bellows-like structure integrally molded in a mustache region of the body... creating a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask means and a bottom portion of a patient's nose
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory interface device includes a respiratory mask that interfaces with a face of a patient. The respiratory mask comprises a body portion that forms an enclosure around a nose of a patient and at least one set of headgear strap flanges. The body portion is substantially entirely manufactured from an elastomeric material. A bellows-like structure is integrally molded in the body portion to create a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask and the patient's nose.