Pressurizing Mask Overlay for Nasal Cannula Pressure Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nasal cannulas used for high flow therapy do not provide adequate pressure support for treating respiratory distress conditions like COPD, as they lack the ability to regulate respiratory system pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory mask designed to overlay a nasal cannula, forming a seal with the face and incorporating a cushion with recesses for the cannula, one-way valves, and adjustable vents to control expiratory pressure, allowing increased pressure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a nasal cannula is used for high flow therapy, then the device is non-invasive and allows eating and drinking, but it does not provide adequate pressure support for respiratory distress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a nasal cannula with a facial mask into a single integrated system. The mask forms a seal with the user's face while the cannula remains positioned in the nose, creating a hybrid interface that provides both the non-invasive benefits of cannula therapy and the pressure support of a sealed mask system.
Solution Approach 2:
The nasal cannula is nested within the facial mask structure. The mask includes a recess or opening that accommodates the cannula, allowing the smaller cannula device to be positioned inside the larger mask framework, enabling both devices to function simultaneously without interference.
2Stress or pressure
If a sealed facial mask is used to provide pressure support, then expiratory pressure can be controlled, but the device becomes more complex and less suitable for high flow oxygen therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The facial mask is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides pressure support for respiratory distress, allows high flow oxygen delivery through the integrated cannula, and maintains compatibility with various breathing gas delivery systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure is segmented to accommodate the nasal cannula within a dedicated recess or opening. This segmentation allows the mask to be divided into functional zones: the sealing portion for pressure control and the cannula accommodation zone for oxygen delivery, reducing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If a nasal cannula is used, then the device is simple and easy to apply, but it cannot regulate respiratory system pressure effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple nasal cannula structure with a pressure-regulating facial mask. The combination maintains the ease of application of the cannula while adding the pressure regulation capability of the mask, achieving both simplicity and reliability in the integrated system.
4Stress or pressure
If a sealed mask is applied over a nasal cannula, then pressure support is enhanced, but the mask must accommodate the cannula geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates a localized recess or opening in the specific area where the nasal cannula is positioned. This local modification allows the cannula to be accommodated without requiring complete redesign of the entire mask structure, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining pressure support functionality.
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 enhances respiratory pressure support, providing therapeutic benefits for COPD patients by increasing expiratory pressure and maintaining airflow regulation, while allowing independent application and removal without disturbing the cannula.
Implementation Method 1
The mask can include one or more one-way valves that allow entrainment of ambient air during inhalation
Implementation Method 2
a cushion configured to seal with a user's face, allowing a breathing cavity or interior space of the mask to be pressurized
Implementation Method 3
allowing a breathing cavity or interior space of the mask to be pressurized. Pressurization of the mask allows for expiratory pressure to be increased or controlled
Data Source
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AI summary
A respiratory mask or other sealing interface can be used in combination with a nasal cannula or other unsealing interface in providing respiratory therapies for the treatment of COPD or OSA. The mask can act as a pressure vessel over the top of a nasal cannula, with the intention of increasing expiratory pressure whilst allowing the nasal cannula to provide a user with breathing gases of a high humidity and temperature. The ability to selectively apply increased expiratory pressure may be effective in reducing a user's breathing rate and thus beneficial in the treatment of respiratory distress.