Inhalation apparatus and method
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for ensuring the fit of a face mask to the face of a patient, comprising:
- a face mask which includes an inlet through which gas can be inhaled;
a sensor for measuring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask and providing a signal indicating said flow rate, said signal having breath cycle waveforms;
a processor that receives and analyzes said signal and compares flow rate waveforms to determine if they are substantially uniform over a plurality of breath cycles, and an indicator for providing an indication as to when the face mask is satisfactorily fitted to a patient, wherein the fit of the face mask is determined by monitoring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask upon inhalation by the patient, with the face mask being considered satisfactorily to fit the patient when a substantially regular inhalation waveform is achieved.
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Abstract
An apparatus for and a method of ensuring the fit of a face mask to the face of a patient, the apparatus including a face mask having an inlet through which gas can be inhaled and a sensor for measuring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask. The fit of the face mask is determined by monitoring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask upon inhalation by a patient. The face mask is considered to satisfactorily fit the patient when a substantially regular inhalation waveform is achieved.
240 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An apparatus for ensuring the fit of a face mask to the face of a patient, comprising:
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a face mask which includes an inlet through which gas can be inhaled;
a sensor for measuring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask and providing a signal indicating said flow rate, said signal having breath cycle waveforms;
a processor that receives and analyzes said signal and compares flow rate waveforms to determine if they are substantially uniform over a plurality of breath cycles, and an indicator for providing an indication as to when the face mask is satisfactorily fitted to a patient, wherein the fit of the face mask is determined by monitoring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask upon inhalation by the patient, with the face mask being considered satisfactorily to fit the patient when a substantially regular inhalation waveform is achieved. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of ensuring the fit of a face mask to the face of a patient, comprising the steps of:
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fitting a face mask having an inlet through which gas can be inhaled to the face of a patient;
monitoring the flow rate of gas drawn through the inlet of the face mask as the patient inhales;
comparing flow rate waveforms to determine if they are substantially uniform over a plurality of breath cycles; and
adjusting the position of the face mask as necessary until a substantially regular inhalation waveform is achieved over a plurality of breath cycles. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification