Inhalation face mask

#n/a

#n/a

#This invention relates to an inhalation breathing apparatus, and, in particular, to non-rebreathing medical face masks.

#A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a view of a non-rebreathing mask applied to a patient;

#FIG. 2 is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

#The present invention provides, among other things, a new and improved non-rebreathing mask apparatus for administering or otherwise conducting respirable gas to an individual.

#Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like elements in the various views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a typical non-rebreathing gas face mask applied to a patient 10. The mask 11 includes a concave body 12, a gas source lumen 13 attached thereto, and a one-way vent valve 14 disposed through an opening in the body 12. The body 12 also includes a lip 15, which contacts the patient 10 when gas is delivered through the mask 11. The apparatus may further include a gas reservoir bag 16 attached to the gas source lumen 13 via a reservoir line or lumen 17, as shown. The reservoir line may further include a one-way valve 18. As gas is applied through the mask from a gas source (not shown), the gas enters into the cavity formed between the body 12 and the face of the patient 10, and flows in the direction B as the patient 10 inhales the gas. As patient 10 exhales, the respirated gases are vented through the one-way valve 14 out to the surroundings. One-way valve 18 is provided to close during expiration to prevent the flow of respirated gases into reservoir bag 16. Since reservoir bag 16 contains oxygen, it desirable to prevent any dilution of the gases therein via the exhalation of carbon-dioxide rich respirated gas through the device.

#Often, due to a poor fit between the patient 10 and the lip 15, outside gases are also entrained into the gas mask via arrows A as shown in FIG. 1. As a result, as a gas is respirated by the individual 10, the flow of supplied gas, shown as F in FIG. 1, is diluted by the entrainment of gases from the environment E. Since the environment is almost always atmospheric air, having an oxygen concentration of only 21% by volume, when oxygen is administered to the patient 10, the relative concentration of oxygen delivered is not at the target level desired.