Segmented Dual Membrane Cushion for CPAP Seal and Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks for treating sleep disordered breathing, such as CPAP masks, often cause discomfort and pressure sores due to inadequate sealing and pressure distribution, especially in sensitive facial regions, and require improved cushion designs to enhance comfort and seal effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A cushion with a dual membrane structure featuring a thinner outer membrane and a thicker underlying membrane, segmented along its inner edge to form finger portions, providing independent support and flexibility to accommodate various facial profiles and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask provides a tight seal to prevent gas leakage, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pressure sores on the face
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple independent zones with different firmness levels. The support structure includes softer regions for sensitive areas (nasal bridge, cheeks) and firmer regions for areas requiring stability (forehead, chin), allowing the seal to maintain effectiveness while distributing pressure to prevent sores.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cushion have locally optimized properties: the nasal bridge area uses softer material to reduce pressure, while the forehead and chin areas use firmer material to maintain seal stability. This local differentiation allows the seal to be effective without causing pressure sores in sensitive regions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mask frame is used to maintain structural stability, then mask durability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to increased pressure on the face
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple zones with varying firmness. Softer zones are positioned under the nasal bridge and cheeks to reduce pressure, while firmer zones are placed at the forehead and chin to maintain structural stability and prevent mask collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses composite construction with materials of different firmness levels integrated into a single structure. This allows the mask to maintain overall structural stability while providing pressure-relieving soft zones where the patient's face contacts the mask.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a thick cushion is used to provide adequate support, then comfort is improved, but the seal effectiveness deteriorates due to reduced flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion thickness is segmented across different regions. Thicker portions provide support and comfort in areas like the forehead and chin, while thinner portions maintain flexibility for forming effective seals in critical areas like the nasal bridge and cheek regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion has locally varied thickness: thicker in regions requiring support (forehead, chin) and thinner in regions requiring flexibility for sealing (nasal bridge, cheeks). This local differentiation maintains both comfort and seal effectiveness.
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 dual membrane cushion design enhances comfort by distributing pressure more evenly, improving the seal and reducing noise, while allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability to different facial shapes, thereby reducing the risk of pressure sores and improving overall treatment efficacy for sleep disordered breathing.
Implementation Method 1
The outer membrane is thinner than the underlying membrane and is generally spaced away from the underlying membrane and in use is adapted to contact a facial region of a patient
Implementation Method 2
The underlying membrane provides a support structure for the outer membrane. The outer membrane and the underlying membrane each have an inner edge which defines an aperture to receive the patient's nose in use. The underlying membrane is segmented along its inner edge.
Data Source
AI summary
A cushion for a patient interface includes an outer membrane providing a sealing structure adapted to form a seal with the patient's face in use and an underlying membrane generally spaced away from the outer membrane. The underlying membrane provides a support structure for the outer membrane. The outer membrane and the underlying membrane each have an inner edge which defines an aperture to receive the patient's nose in use. The underlying membrane is segmented along its inner edge.