CUSHION INSIDE A CUSHION PATIENT INTERFACE

• US 20120318272A1
• Filed: 08/21/2012
• Published: 12/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: HO, PETER CHI FAI, BUSCH, LANCE RANARD
• Granted Patent: US 8,662,079 B2
• 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 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0683 Holding devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors

Abstract

A patient interface device that includes a mask shell and a cushion assembly. The cushion assembly includes a seal cushion and a support cushion. The seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient'"'"'s face to form a seal therewith. The support cushion defines a second area over a face of such a patient when the patient interface device is being worn. The second area overlaps at least a portion of the first area.

Claims

1. A patient interface device for use in delivering a flow of gas to an airway of a patient, the patient interface device comprising:

(a) a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted to receive a flow of gas; and

(b) a cushion assembly comprising;

(1) a seal cushion having a first end portion structured to contact a patient'"'"'s face to form a seal therewith and a second end portion opposite the first end portion operatively coupled to the mask shell, and wherein the seal cushion is structure and arranged such at least a portion of the seal cushion is caused to inflate during use, and

(2) a support cushion having a first end portion adapted to contact a surface of a patient and a second end portion operatively coupled to the mask shell, wherein at least a portion of the seal cushion is disposed within a cavity defined by the support cushion.

2. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the seal cushion is configured so as to seal around a patient'"'"'s nares, a mouth, or both a mouth and nares of such a patient.

3. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the mask shell is formed form a rigid material.

4. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the cushion assembly comprises a unitary member and wherein the seal cushion comprises a first portion of the unitary member and wherein the support cushion comprises a second portion of the unitary member.

5. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the first end portion of the seal cushion, the first end portion of the support cushion, or both are contoured.

6. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the seal cushion is disposed within the cavity defined by the support cushion.

7. The patient interface device of claim 1, wherein the seal cushion is generally circular.