Patient interface assembly for CPAP respiratory apparatus

• US 20070119454A1
• Filed: 01/29/2007
• Published: 05/31/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1991
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Berthon-Jones, Michael, Calluaud, Michel, Lynch, Christopher, Sullivan, Colin
• Granted Patent: US 7,931,023 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/204.230
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/00 Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes stimulating the respiratory movement by mechanical, pneumatic or electrical means, iron lungs combined with gas breathing means A61H31/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0069 the speed thereof being controlled by respiratory parameters, e.g. by inhalation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/022 Control means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0616 with face sealing means comprising a flap or membrane projecting inwards, such that sealing increases with increasing inhalation gas pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0677 Gas-saving devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0833 T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0858 Pressure sampling ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/1045 Devices for humidifying or heating the inspired gas by using recovered moisture or heat from the expired gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose

Abstract

A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient'"'"'s respiratory system includes a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient and at least one inlet tube provided to the patient interface. Each inlet tube includes a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall.

Claims

1-13. -13. (canceled)

14. A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient'"'"'s respiratory system, comprising:

a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient; and

at least one inlet tube provided to the patient interface, each inlet tube including a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall.

15. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

16. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube is flexible.

17. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube has an effective internal diameter of 9-15 mm.

18. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein a pair of inlet tubes are provided to the patient interface.

19. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, further comprising at least one strap structured to retain the patient interface in position on the patient'"'"'s head.

20. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein the patient interface includes a nose mask adapted to seal over the patient'"'"'s nose.

21. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein the patient interface includes a full face mask adapted to seal over the patient'"'"'s nose and mouth.

22. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein the patient interface includes nasal prongs adapted to seal with the patient'"'"'s nostrils.

23. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube extends below the patient'"'"'s eye and across the patient'"'"'s cheek.

24. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube is resiliently deformable.

25. A patient interface assembly according to claim 24, wherein each inlet tube includes crush resistant structure.

26. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, further comprising:

a supply conduit provided to the gas supply pump; and

a connector having one end portion connected to the supply conduit and an opposite end portion connected to each inlet tube.

27. A patient interface assembly according to claim 26, wherein the supply conduit provides a bore that is substantially larger than a bore of the inlet tube.

28. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, further comprising a supplemental tube integrally formed in one-piece with the inlet tube.

29. A patient interface assembly according to claim 14, wherein each inlet tube is structured to allow the patient to lie upon the inlet tube without feeling discomfort.

30. A CPAP apparatus, comprising:

a gas supply pump; and

a patient interface assembly according to claim 14.

31. A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient'"'"'s respiratory system, comprising:

a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient; and

a pair of inlet tubes provided to the patient interface, each inlet tube including a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall.

32. A patient interface assembly according to claim 31, wherein each inlet tube has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

33. A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient'"'"'s respiratory system, comprising:

a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient; and

at least one inlet tube provided to the patient interface, each inlet tube having a profile configured to reduce discomfort to the patient in use due to the weight of the patient'"'"'s head lying on at least one inlet tube.

34. A patient interface assembly according to claim 33, wherein each inlet tube includes a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall.

35. A patient interface assembly according to claim 34, wherein each inlet tube has a substantially D-shaped cross-sectional shape.

36. A method for providing CPAP therapy to a patient, comprising:

providing a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient; and

providing at least one inlet tube to the patient interface having a profile configured to reduce discomfort to the patient in use due to the weight of the patient'"'"'s head lying on at least one inlet tube.