Patient interface device

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention pertains to a patient interface device that provides a stable platform supporting a sealing assembly for coupling a flow of gas with an airway of a patient, is relatively small to minimize the amount of material supported on the patient's face and head, and yet provides a high degree of adjustability, so that the patient interface device fits comfortably on a wide variety of differently sized and shaped patients.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a patient interface device according to the principles of the present invention shown schematically connected to a pressure support system;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the patient interface device of FIG. 1 shown being worn by a patient;

#FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the patient interface device of FIG. 1;

#FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of a patient interface device 30 according to the principles of the present invention. Patient interface device 30 is shown schematically connected to a pressure support system 32 via a patient circuit 34, which communicates gas from the pressure support system to the patient interface device. Pressure support system 32 is any conventional ventilation or pressure support system.

#Examples of such pressure support systems include, but are not limited to: a ventilator, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, or a variable pressure device, e.g. an auto-titrating device, proportional assist ventilation (PAV®) device, proportional positive airway pressure (PPAP®) device, C-Flex™ device, Bi-Flex™ device, or a BiPAP® device manufactured and distributed by Respironics, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pa., in which the pressure provided to the patient varies with the patient's respiratory cycle so that a higher pressure is delivered during inspiration than during expiration, or other pressure support device.

#Patient interface device 30 includes a frame 36 sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. FIG. 2 shows patient interface device 30 being worn by a patient. A support member 38 is adjustably coupled to frame 36. In an exemplary embodiment, support member 38 is tubular shaped and inserts through a pair of slots provided in the frame and rotates relative to the frame, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1. The frame and support member are preferably formed from a rigid, lightweight material, such as plastic. However, frame 36 is preferably slightly bendable to allow it to flex when the patient interface device is donned by the patient.