Forehead Support for CPAP Mask Seal and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces for treating sleep disordered breathing often result in discomfort and pressure sores due to poorly fitting masks, which require over-tightening to maintain a seal, especially at higher treatment pressures.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a forehead support that includes an adjustable 'Y'-shaped design allowing for angled positioning of the mask, which redistributes the force vectors to improve fit and comfort, featuring adjustable straps and a flexible joint to accommodate individual head shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask strap is tightened to maintain a seal at higher treatment pressures, then the seal is improved, but pressure sores develop on the patient's face
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into multiple independent straps (first strap, second strap, third strap) that can be adjusted separately. This allows different regions of the mask to be secured at different tension levels, maintaining a reliable seal while distributing pressure to prevent sores in any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates adjustable straps with buckles and slots that allow dynamic repositioning and retightening. The straps can be moved along adjustment slots and resecured at different positions, enabling the system to adapt to pressure changes and maintain optimal seal without concentrated pressure points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed forehead support is used to stabilize the mask, then the mask position is improved, but the fit does not accommodate individual head shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The forehead support incorporates adjustable straps (first forehead strap, second forehead strap) with buckles and adjustment slots that allow the support structure to be repositioned along the patient's forehead. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains stable mask positioning while adapting to varying forehead shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The forehead support allows change in positional parameters through adjustable straps that can be moved to different locations on the forehead. By varying the position parameters of the forehead support straps, the system accommodates different head shapes while maintaining consistent mask stabilization.
3Reliability
If the mask is over-tightened to prevent lifting under pressure, then the seal is improved, but comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented strap system allows different portions of the mask to be tightened to different degrees. The forehead support straps and facial mask straps can be adjusted independently, enabling adequate seal at the face level while keeping the forehead support at a comfortable tension level.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the user to optimize the balance between seal and comfort. Straps can be tightened or loosened as needed, and the system can be retuned if discomfort arises, maintaining both reliable seal and patient comfort throughout use.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask assembly includes a forehead support having a base provided to a frame and at least one, and preferably two upwardly extending support arms. The arms define a fixed or an adjustable included angle that is preferably less than 180° and, in the range of about 100°-150°. The arms can be attached either directly to headgear straps, or the arms can be connected to headgear straps via clips.