Stabilized Nasal Mask With Maxilla Anchoring Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nasal masks face challenges with stability, leading to air leakage and reduced comfort due to the need for increased strapping force, especially in cradle cushion designs that compromise form factor and patient compliance.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with stabilizing members that contact the face below the orbital bone ridge, redirecting strapping forces to the maxilla, and incorporating features like grooved portions, low durometer gel or foam, and a maxilla support assembly to enhance stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cradle cushion form factor is reduced, then comfort and facial contact are improved, but mask stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into functional zones: a reduced-form-factor cradle cushion for comfort and two lateral stabilizing members extending downward to provide stability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Stability is achieved by extending support elements vertically downward from the cushion in a different dimension, rather than increasing horizontal cushion size. The stabilizing members project below the orbital bone ridge to contact the maxilla, providing anchorage without increasing facial contact area.
2Stability of the object's composition
If strapping force is increased to improve mask stability, then mask position is maintained, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing members are pre-positioned to contact the maxilla below the orbital ridge, creating preliminary anchorage points that engage before significant strapping force is applied. This preliminary engagement distributes forces favorably, allowing stable mask positioning with reduced strapping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing members act as intermediary elements between the headgear straps and the patient's skull. They transfer and distribute strapping forces from the nares region to the stronger maxillary bone structure, reducing localized pressure and improving comfort.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pillows are added to anchor the mask, then mask stability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing members serve multiple functions: they provide lateral stability, anchor the mask to the maxilla, and distribute strapping forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pillow components while achieving the same anchorage effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing members are integrated with the cradle cushion as a unified structure, combining the sealing function of the cushion with the stabilizing function of the lateral members. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to separate pillow and cushion components.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device includes a cushion defining a cavity therein, the cushion having a first side and an opposite second side. An aperture is formed in the second side and provides access to the cavity, the aperture having a periphery adapted to sealingly engage about the nostrils of a patient when the cushion is disposed on the face of a patient. The patient interface device further includes a pair of stabilizing members coupled to, and extending from, the cushion, each stabilizing member being adapted to contact the face of the patient in the adjacent nasal region below the orbital bone ridge in such a manner that strapping forces, which would otherwise be directed near the nares of the patient, are instead concentrated onto the patient's maxilla.