Electrically stimulated respiratory assistance components
AssigneeResMed Pty Ltd
InventorsKai Stuebiger, Justin John Formica, Aaron Samuel Davidson, Gerard Michael Rummery, Clancy John Dennis, Liam Holley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.
Claims20
A patient interface configured to receive a supply of breathable gas delivered from a continuous positive airway pressure system, the patient interface comprising:
- a cushion configured to provide a seal to a region of the face of a patient that surrounds an entrance to the airway(s) of the patient, the cushion including an electro active polymer that changes shape and/or size between at least a first state when no electrical current or voltage is applied to the electro active polymer and a second state when current or voltage is applied to the electro active polymer, wherein the electro active polymer is configured to be selectively energized by a power source that is controlled by a controller,
- wherein a change between the first state and the second state of the electro active polymer, or vice versa, changes the shape and/or the size in at least one dimension of the cushion.
A method of providing a pressurized flow of breathable air to a patient, the method comprising:
- securing a patient interface to the face of the patient around an entrance to at least one airway of the patient, the patient interface including a cushion configured to provide a seal to a region of the face of a patient that surrounds an entrance to the at least one airway of the patient, the cushion including an electro active polymer that changes shape and/or size between at least a first state when no electrical current or voltage is applied to the electro active polymer and a second state when current or voltage is applied to the electro active polymer;
- providing, to the at least one airway of the patient and via the secured patient interface, the pressurized flow of breathable air;
- and
- while the pressurized flow of breathable air is being provided, applying an electrical charge to the electro active polymer to change the cushion in size or shape while the patient interface is engaged with the face of the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.