Inflatable Cloth CPAP Mask for Air Sealing and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CPAP masks for treating obstructive sleep apnea are uncomfortable, difficult to put on and take off, and apply excessive pressure on the chin and jaw, leading to discomfort and potential exacerbation of the condition, while also being cumbersome for communication and having issues with air sealing and facial fit.
Innovation Solution
A full-face respiratory mask made of soft, flexible, moisture-vapor breathable materials with no rigid parts, featuring an inflatable design that conforms to the face without excessive pressure, allowing for easier use and improved air sealing, and enabling conversation during therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid plastic frame with elastomeric cushion is used to create a seal, then air sealing is improved, but comfort and ease of operation deteriorate due to excessive pressure on the face
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses a flexible cloth body instead of a rigid plastic frame with elastomeric cushion. The cloth material naturally conforms to the patient's face contours while maintaining an effective seal, eliminating the need for rigid structures and excessive tightening straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to flexible cloth, and modifies the sealing mechanism from mechanical compression to pressure-driven inflation. The mask inflates with air pressure to create the seal, transforming the sealing approach from static compression to dynamic pressure adaptation.
2Reliability
If tightening straps are used to hold the mask in place, then air sealing is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to excessive mechanical pressure on the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses pneumatic inflation to create the seal and maintain position. Air pressure delivered through the tube inflates the cloth mask, causing it to conform to the face and create an effective seal without requiring excessive mechanical pressure from straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cloth body of the mask adapts to facial contours and maintains sealing through its flexibility and inflation, eliminating the need for tight straps that cause skin compression and potential tissue damage.
3Reliability
If a full face mask design is used to cover both nasal and oral airways, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in putting on and taking off
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cloth construction allows the full-face mask to be easily donned and doffed. The material's flexibility enables it to stretch over the face during application and relax during removal, making the process simpler compared to rigid structured masks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask transitions from a deflated state during application/removal to an inflated state during use. This dynamic behavior allows easy manipulation during putting on and taking off, while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness during therapy.
4Stability of the object's composition
If significant pressure is applied to the chin and jaw area, then mask stability is improved, but harmful effects increase by potentially exacerbating the sleep apnea condition
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses internal air pressure to maintain stability and positioning on the face. The inflated cloth structure distributes pressure evenly across the facial surface, eliminating the need for concentrated pressure on the chin and jaw area that could worsen sleep apnea.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cloth body conforms to the natural contours of the face, distributing pressure evenly without requiring excessive force on specific areas like the chin and jaw. This eliminates the harmful concentrated pressure while maintaining mask stability through adaptive fitting.
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 provides a comfortable and effective delivery of positive fluid pressure to both nasal and oral airways, improving compliance and reducing discomfort, while maintaining an effective seal and allowing for verbal communication.
Implementation Method 1
The cloth body is preferably moisture-vapor breathable and comprised of a polyester cloth having a flexible coating such as a polyester or polyurethane film disposed on an inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask made of cloth and having a nasal portion and an air delivery arrangement is disclosed. The cloth that is used is impermeable to air and is designed to provide a mask that will inflate to provide therapy to patients at a positive pressure. The air delivery arrangement provides air at positive pressure to the body of the mask via a hermetic seal.