Structured Silicone Surface for Breathing Mask Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing mask surfaces, particularly silicone surfaces, cause discomfort and skin issues such as reddening and pressure marks due to their polished or rough textures, which are not suitable for direct contact with the skin.
Innovation Solution
A structured surface with a specific topography, comprising up to 90% of one level and at least 10% of another, featuring grooves, channels, and varying depths, provides a non-sticky, breathable interface that reduces pressure and enhances comfort by allowing air ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a polished or rough surface is provided on the breathing mask contact surface, then the surface provides basic contact functionality, but it causes skin reddening, pressure marks, and discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a porous coating layer on the contact surface of the breathing mask. This porous structure allows air to pass through, preventing the buildup of pressure and moisture that causes skin irritation. The porous material maintains contact functionality while enabling breathability, thus resolving the contradiction between basic contact function and skin comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of the base mask material and a porous coating layer. This composite material combines the sealing and structural properties of the base material with the breathable and comfort-enhancing properties of the porous coating, thereby eliminating skin irritation while maintaining contact functionality.
2Reliability
If a concave plastic or silicone surface is pressed on the patient's forehead, then the mask provides sealing support, but it creates a sucking effect that causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The porous coating layer enables air to flow through the contact surface, preventing the formation of a vacuum or sucking effect between the mask and the patient's forehead. This maintains the sealing support function while eliminating the harmful sucking effect that causes discomfort.
3Ease of operation
If a polished surface is provided on the breathing mask, then the surface is smooth for contact, but it creates sticky and uncomfortable contact with the patient's skin
Solution Approach 1:
The porous coating layer replaces the smooth polished surface with a micro-structured surface that prevents direct skin contact while maintaining surface smoothness at the macro level. The porous structure reduces adhesion and stickiness, eliminating uncomfortable sticky contact while preserving the smooth appearance and tactile feel.
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 structured surface improves haptic qualities, prevents skin irritation, and allows for a comfortable, sealing contact without causing reddening or pressure marks, while also providing ventilation and a fresh feeling.
Implementation Method 1
a structured surface is understood to be a surface comprising a certain surface topography. Preferably, according to such preferred topography of a structured surface, up to about 90% of said structured surface lie over a first topography level and wherein at least about 10% of said structured surface lie below a second topography level
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the surface structure of a plastic material and particularly of silicone surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to the surface structure of the surfaces of a breathing mask assembly or a patient interface to be used for supplying breathing gas to a patient. Such patient interface for providing respiratory gas to a patient comprises a contact surface for contacting a patient's skin, wherein at least a part of said contact surface is a structured surface.