Respiratory Mask Pillow Recesses for Leak-Free Side Sleeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of respiratory masks face difficulties in resting and sleeping due to pressure from pillows, which can cause mask seal separation, air leakage, and discomfort, leading to sleep interruption and non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
A pillow with a head-supporting upper surface featuring recesses to receive the mask in side-lying positions, minimizing pressure on the mask, combined with a cover that conforms to the pillow's contours for enhanced comfort and pressure relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user sleeps in a side-lying position with a respiratory mask, then the pillow provides head support, but the pillow exerts pressure on the mask causing seal separation and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region for head support and a second region for mask accommodation. This segmentation allows the pillow to provide head support while creating a pressure-free zone for the mask, preventing seal separation and air leakage during side-lying sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillow acts as an intermediary between the user's head and the sleeping surface, introducing a dedicated mask region that mediates the pressure distribution. This intermediary structure redirects pressure away from the mask area while maintaining head support, thereby preserving mask seal integrity.
2Reliability
If the mask is tightened against the face to compensate for leaks, then air leakage is reduced, but discomfort increases leading to sleep interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow structure preliminarily establishes a pressure-free zone for the mask before the user lies down. By pre-configuring the mask region to accommodate the device without pressure, the system prevents seal separation from occurring in the first place, eliminating the need for compensatory tightening and the associated discomfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pillow is designed to support the head in multiple positions, then sleeping versatility is improved, but pressure on the mask may increase in certain positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pillow incorporates local quality variations with different regions designed for specific functions: a first region for general head support and a second region specifically designed for mask accommodation. This localized design ensures that regardless of sleeping position, the mask region maintains its pressure-free characteristics while other areas provide appropriate support.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use with a respiratory mask comprises a pillow having at least one recess structured to receive the mask so that the pillow does not exert substantial pressure on the mask, and a cover that at least partially covers the exterior surface of the pillow and substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess. A method of using a respiratory mask comprises providing a pillow having at least one recess, positioning a cover on the pillow so that the cover substantially follows the contours of the at least one recess, positioning a respiratory mask on the head of a user, and positioning the user's head on the cover and pillow such that the mask is received in the at least one recess so that the pillow and cover do not exert substantial pressure on the mask.