Mask Sizing Gauge for Upper Lip Protrusion and Nasal Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mask sizing methods fail to accommodate variations in upper lip protrusion and nasal envelope, leading to uncomfortable pressure, leaks, and stability issues, particularly for cradle cushions and small footprint nasal masks.
Innovation Solution
A sizing gauge and method that measure the nasal envelope and upper lip protrusion to determine the appropriate mask size, with varying concavity depths and indicia to match the patient's anatomy, providing a range of masks with progressive concavity and nasal envelope adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mask sizing methods are used with fixed depth and varying length/width, then manufacturing is simplified, but the mask cannot accommodate variations in upper lip protrusion and nasal envelope, leading to poor fit and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with varying local depths at different regions (anterior, lateral, posterior) to specifically accommodate variations in upper lip protrusion and nasal envelope. This localized depth variation allows the mask to adapt to different patient anatomies without requiring complete redesign of the entire mask structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multiple cushion depth parameters (anterior depth, lateral depth, posterior depth) that can be independently varied across different mask sizes. This allows systematic accommodation of anatomical variations while maintaining a structured sizing approach that doesn't overly complicate manufacturing.
2Area of stationary object
If mask sizes are increased in length and width to accommodate larger patients, then larger facial geometries are accommodated, but the fixed depth causes uncomfortable pressure on patients with larger upper lip protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cushion have different depths tailored to their specific functional requirements. The anterior portion has greater depth to accommodate upper lip protrusion, while other regions have appropriate depths for their specific anatomical landmarks, preventing unnecessary pressure while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion depths are designed to scale proportionally across different mask sizes, creating a dynamic sizing system where all depth parameters increase together. This allows the cushion to adapt to both the horizontal dimensions (length/width) and vertical dimensions (depth) of different patient anatomies simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sizing gauges are used that only measure length and width, then manufacturing and sizing are simplified, but they fail to capture nasal envelope and upper lip protrusion variations
Solution Approach 1:
The sizing gauge is divided into multiple measurement zones corresponding to different anatomical landmarks (nasal envelope, upper lip protrusion, cheek width). Each zone has specific measurement capabilities, allowing comprehensive anatomical assessment while maintaining a relatively simple gauge structure that can be manufactured and used easily.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing a range of different sized masks for fitting to a patient includes providing a first mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a first concavity and a first nasal envelope and providing a second mask having an upper lip engagement surface having a second concavity different than the first concavity and a second nasal envelope.