Ventilation Interface Device

A system, comprising:

• a mask which, when in an operative position, covers a respiratory opening of a patient;
• a harness securing the mask to a head of the patient to maintain the mask in the operative position;
• an inflatable bladder, at least a portion of the inflatable bladder being adjoined to a portion of the harness, the inflatable bladder being positioned over an buccinator muscle of a cheek of the patient;
• and
• a pressure supply tubing coupled to the mask and providing pressurized air to the mask, wherein when pressurized air is received in the mask, the inflatable bladder is inflated and a tension between the inflatable bladder and the buccinator muscle of the patient is increased to counter a bowing of the cheeks during inspiration.

A method for the treatment of a sleeping disorder in a patient, comprising:

• providing a harness configured to secure a mask over a respiratory orifice of a head of the patient, a portion of the harness located over a buccinator muscle of a cheek of the patient comprising an inflatable cushion, the inflatable cushion being connected to an inflation lumen connected to a source of pressurized air;
• supplying a positive airflow to a respiratory orifice of the patient during inspiration via a flow generator, the positive airflow flowing through the inflation lumen and into the inflatable cushion to cause an inflation thereof, inflation of the inflatable cushion countering a deflation of the cheek during inspiration to prevent a loosening of the harness from the head;
• and
• termination the positive airflow during exhalation, the termination causing a deflation of the inflatable bladder.