BREATHING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS

• US 20100083961A1
• Filed: 12/08/2009
• Published: 04/08/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
• Original Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
• Inventors: DAVIES, NEIL GLEN, PRENTICE, CRAIG ROBERT, SCHOENBERG, STEPHEN JOHN, ERSTICH, EVAN STUART, GLEESON, OLIVER, FREEMAN, SIMON ERIC, McAULEY, ALASTAIR EDWIN, LAW, KAMMAN
• Granted Patent: US 9,138,555 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/203.120
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0611 with a gusset portion
• 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 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0666 Nasal cannulas or tubing devices for improving normal breathing through the nose A61F5/08; nose filters A62B23/06; outside holding devices A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/16 Devices to humidify the respiration air A61M16/1045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/161 with means for measuring the humidity
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0216 Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3368 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3653 by Joule effect, i.e. electric resistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0625 Mouth

Abstract

Headgear for use with a respiratory mask is described. The headgear comprises a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a user'"'"'s nose and at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of the elongate member. A mask attachment on the elongate member is disposed to sit below or on one of said user'"'"'s nose, mouth, upper lip and an inlet to the mask. The attachment is capable of receiving the mask.

Claims

1. A breathing assistance apparatus for use with delivery of respiratory gases to a user comprising:

a mask having a base and body, said body having two flexible nasal pillows that in use rest in a substantially sealed manner against said user'"'"'s nares,

a continuous and substantially curved elongate member extending in use below a patient'"'"'s nose,

at least two headgear straps capable of attachment to the ends of said elongate member, and

a mask attachment on said elongate member disposed below said user'"'"'s nose, said attachment capable of receiving said mask.

2. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said at least two straps are substantially flexible, soft straps each extending down a user'"'"'s cheekbones in use and terminating at each of said strap'"'"'s ends in said user'"'"'s upper lip area and said a substantial portion of said elongate member is attached to each of said straps.

3. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the length of said at least two straps that extends in use along said user'"'"'s cheekbones is attached to said elongate member, said elongate member providing rigidity to said length of said at least two straps.

4. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elongate member has two ends each of which is attached to one of said at least two straps, said elongate member having at least one pad extending along the inner side of the elongate member in at least the areas where the elongate member is incident on said patient'"'"'s cheekbones.

5. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said at least one pad are substantially the same width as said elongate member.

6. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said continuous elongate member is substantially rigid compared to said straps.

7. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said nasal pillows are substantially elliptical and have gases outlets that are offset from the centre of said elliptical pillows.

8. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said breathing assistance apparatus includes humidification means adapted to, in use, be in fluid communication with said source of gases and said transportation means and adapted to in use humidify said gases.

9. A breathing assistance apparatus according to of claim 1 wherein said continuous elongate member includes two side arms and a central section.

10. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said side arms and said central section are formed as a single item.

11. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said side arms and said central section are formed as two separate items.

12. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said at least one pad is two pads one each extending substantially along the length of each said side arm.

13. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said side arms have at least one weakened or narrow area to allow for manipulation of said side arms.

14. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said base frictionally fits to said central section, and said body to said base, such that said central section suspends said base below said user'"'"'s nares, and when said body is attached to said base, said nasal pillows rest against said user'"'"'s naves.

15. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said base is integrally formed with said central section.

16. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said side arms attach one to each side of said base.

17. A breathing assistance apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said curved elongate member is moulded in a three dimensional manner to fit the contours of said user'"'"'s cheeks.