Single-Sided Nasal Component for CPAP Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices, such as nasal masks and cannulas, are often confining and uncomfortable due to airflow issues that can dry nasal passages and fail to adequately pressurize upper airways, while open interfaces do not provide sufficient sealing or comfort.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with a single-sided nasal component that selectively seals only one nostril, allowing for unobstructed exhalation and inhalation, and includes a mounting apparatus for secure positioning, along with a conduit for delivering breathing gas, which can be pivotally coupled and feature a one-way valve for enhanced gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask component is used to deliver breathing gas, then ventilation and pressure support are provided, but the user experiences confinement and claustrophobia
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the nasal sealing function into two separate components: a first sealing element that contacts the skin of the nose and a second sealing element that contacts the mucous membrane inside the nostril. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall device bulk and improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a single bulky mask and distributes it across multiple smaller sealing elements positioned at different locations (skin surface and internal nostril). This extraction reduces the confining sensation while maintaining effective sealing for ventilation.
2Ease of operation
If open interfaces such as nasal cannulas are used, then the device is less obtrusive, but the airflow becomes uncomfortably cool and dries nasal passages
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different sealing characteristics to different locations: the first sealing element provides a softer seal on the skin surface while the second sealing element provides a more secure seal inside the nostril. This local differentiation maintains moisture and warmth in the nasal passages while keeping the overall device unobtrusive.
3Device complexity
If open interfaces are used, then the device is smaller and less obtrusive, but insufficient sealing prevents adequate pressurization of upper airways
Solution Approach 1:
The two sealing elements are positioned asymmetrically at different depths and locations within the nasal structure. The first sealing element is positioned on the skin surface while the second is positioned inside the nostril, creating an asymmetric sealing configuration that effectively pressurizes the airway while maintaining a compact device profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device (2) includes a coupling (4) structured to receive and distribute a flow of breathing gas (100), and a nasal component (6) extending outwardly from the coupling. The nasal component includes a single sealing element (8) structured to engage and seal only one of the two nostrils (306, 308) of a nose (304) of a patient (300). A method of fitting the patient interface device includes receiving the aforementioned patient interface device, and engaging and sealing a single nostril of the patient's nose with the single sealing element.