Mask Assembly

• US 20080190432A1
• Filed: 08/21/2006
• Published: 08/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Compumedics Limited
• Original Assignee: Compumedics Limited
• Inventors: Blochlinger, Fred, Freeman, Warwick, Omer-Cooper, Marina
• Application Number:
  US12/064,501
• Publication Number:
  US 20080190432A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/205.25
• 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 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/084 Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Abstract

The invention provides a nasal cushion for a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to the nose of a subject for treatment with continuous positive air pressure. The nasal cushion includes a self-supporting side wall defining a nose-receiving cavity; the side wall extending from a first end to a second end. The side wall is formed continuously with a thin membrane extending inwardly from a second end of the side wall into the nose-receiving cavity for sealingly engaging the nose, upper lip and cheeks of a subject. The side wall has continuously varying thickness. The first end of the side wall is adapted to engage a mask frame. The invention further provides a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to a patient, the assembly including a nasal cushion for sealing against the nose, cheek and-lip area the nasal cushion as described, a frame for receiving the nasal cushion, and a headgear, the headgear including a rigid arm for positioning behind the ear of a patient.

Claims

1. A nasal cushion for a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to the nose of a subject, including;

a self-supporting side wall defining a nose-receiving cavity;

said side wall extending from a first end to a second end;

said side wall formed continuously with a thin membrane extending inwardly from a second end of said side wall into said nose-receiving cavity for sealingly engaging nose, upper lip and cheeks of said subject;

said side wall having continuously varying thickness; and

said first end adapted to engage a mask frame.

2. The nasal cushion according to claim 1, wherein the thin membrane has a variable width of extension into said nose-receiving cavity.

3. The nasal cushion according to claim 2, further including a nasal flap formed continuously with said thin membrane and further extending into said nose-receiving cavity for sealing engagement with the nose of said subject.

4. The nasal cushion according to claim 3 wherein said first end forms a substantially flat surface.

5. The nasal cushion according to claim 4, wherein said side wall includes at least one thicker portion in at least one portion of the side wall along a longitudinal axis of the side wall, said thicker portion extending from the foot of the side wall.

6. The nasal cushion according to claim 5 further including a securing means for securing the nasal cushion to the nose of said subject.

7. The nasal cushion according to claim 6 wherein the securing means includes an externally applied clip.

8. The nasal cushion according to claim 7 wherein the securing means is over-moulded within the said side wall.

9. The nasal cushion according to claim 8 wherein the securing means is comprised of metal material.

10. A mask assembly for delivering pressurized gas to a patient, the assembly including:

a nasal cushion for sealing against the nose, cheek and lip area, wherein the nasal cushion further comprises;

a self-supporting side wall defining a nose-receiving cavity;

said side wall extending from a first end to a second end;

said side wall formed continuously with a thin membrane extending inwardly from a second end of said side wall into said nose-receiving cavity for sealingly engaging nose, upper lip and cheeks of said subject;

said side wall having continuously varying thickness; and

said first end adapted to engage a mask frame;

a frame for receiving the nasal cushion; and

a headgear;

the headgear including a rigid arm for positioning behind the ear of a patient.

11. The nasal cushion according to claim 10, wherein the thin membrane has a variable width of extension into said nose-receiving cavity.

12. The nasal cushion according to claim 11, further including a nasal flap formed continuously with said thin membrane and further extending into said nose-receiving cavity for sealing engagement with the nose of said subject.

13. The nasal cushion according claim 12 wherein said first end forms a substantially flat surface.

14. The nasal cushion according claim 13, wherein said side wall includes at least one thicker portion in at least one portion of the side wall along a longitudinal axis of the side wall, said thicker portion extending from the foot of the side wall.

15. The nasal cushion according to claim 14 further including a securing means for securing the nasal cushion to the nose of said subject.

16. The nasal cushion according to claim 15 wherein the securing means includes an externally applied clip.

17. The nasal cushion according to claim 16 wherein the securing means is over-moulded within the said side wall.

18. The nasal cushion according to claim 17 wherein the securing means is comprised of metal material.

19. The mask assembly of claim 18, said headgear including a cheekstrap, the cheekstrap including a pivotable engagement means for engaging the frame.

20. The mask assembly of claim 19, further including a cheekstrap in the headgear, the cheekstrap including a positioning slot for positioning an engaging means for engaging the frame.

21. The mask assembly of claim 20, the frame having a male engagement means for engaging said headgear.