Nasal mask with integral mouldable straps
AssigneeAustralian Centre for Advanced Medical Technology Ltd.
InventorsColin E. Sullivan, Paul Wilkie
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human includes a series of flexible stretchable straps (12, 14, 16) formed from an clastomeric material for locating the mask (10) against the human face. The straps (12, 14, 16) are integrally formed or joined to define a perimeter (18) enclosing an aperture (20) adapted to fit around the nasal area of a human. The straps (12, 14, 16) are configured to approximate to the three dimensional shape of the region around the nasal area of the human face as they arm strethed, to form a tight fitting seal. The mask may be used with or without a manifold.
Claims23
A mask for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human, including:
- a series of flexible stretchable straps formed from an elastomeric material for locating the mask against the human face, the straps being integrally formed or joined to define a perimeter enclosing an aperture adapted to fit around the nasal area of a human, the straps being shaped and configured to approximate to the three dimensional shape of the region around the nasal area of the human face;
- and
- a manifold disposed on the non-face contacting side of the face contacting portion, the manifold including means for connection to a gas supply means;
- the arrangement being such that stretching of the straps around the nasal area of the human causes the straps to mould to the contours of the nasal area of the face so that the straps form a seal around the nasal area which is a relatively tight fitting seal.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim further including a flexible sealing element extending along one inwardly facing side of each strap.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a channel extends around the perimeter in which an adhesive means for sealably adhering the perimeter to the human facial area and minimising leakage, is provided
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein three flexible arms extend away from the perimeter for securing the face-contacting portion to a patient's head or face.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the straps and sealing element are integrally moulded from an elastomeric material.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the straps is from 2 to 4 mm.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a plurality of small holes having a diameter of up to 5 mm are defined on the manifold to provide a constant leak to atmosphere.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the manifold is made of the same thin flexible elastomeric material that is used for the straps and wherein the material forming the manifold is 0.75 to 1.5 mm thick, preferably about 1 mm thick.
A mask as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the manifold includes a plurality of large diameter holes.
A harness for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human, including:
- a series of flexible stretchable straps formed from an elastomeric material for locating the harness against the human face, the straps being integrally formed or joined to define a perimeter enclosing an aperture adapted to fit around the nasal area of a human, the straps being shaped and configured to approximate to the three dimensional shape of the region around the nasal area of the human face;
- and
- a means for supplying a flow of gas directed generally towards the perimeter of the harness including means for connection to a gas supply means;
- the arrangement being such that stretching of the straps around the nasal area of the human causes the straps to mould to the contours of the nasal area of the face so that the straps anchor the harness to the human face relatively tightly.
A method of supplying a gas to the airway of a human using a mask or harness as claimed in any preceding claim.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.