Compact oronasal patient interface

• US 7,658,189 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2006
• Issued: 02/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Davidson, Aaron, Robinson, Gary, Lynch, Susan, Gunaratnam, Michael, Lubke, Steven, Raje, Milind, Smart, Gregory, Scheiner, Rupert, Kwok, Philip
• Primary Examiner(s): DEMILLE, DANTON D
• Application Number:
  US11/474,415
• Publication Number:
  US 20060237017A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,324 Days
• Field of Search: 128/205.25, 128/206.11, 128/206.12, 128/206.18, 128/206.21, 128/206.24, 128/206.26, 128/206.27, 128/206.28, 128/207.11, 128/207.13, 128/207.18
• US Class Current: 128/205.25
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• 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 16/0858 Pressure sampling ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/208 Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 18/084 Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Abstract

A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient'"'"'s mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient'"'"'s nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient'"'"'s face.

Claims

1. A breathing arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a substantially rigid frame; and

a patient interface including

a cushion structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of the patient'"'"'s mouth in use, the cushion including a side wall structured to be removably attached to the frame, a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim, and

a pair of nozzles extending from the side wall and structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of the patient'"'"'s nose in use, wherein the patient interface does not seal an interior of the patient'"'"'s mouth.

2. A breathing arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a substantially rigid frame; and

a patient interface including

a cushion structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of the patient'"'"'s mouth in use, the cushion including a side wall structured to be removably attached to the frame, a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim, and

a pair of nozzles extending from the side wall and structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of the patient'"'"'s nose in use, wherein the patient interface does not include a mouthpiece.

3. A breathing arrangement for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a substantially rigid frame; and

a patient interface including

a cushion structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of the patient'"'"'s mouth in use, the cushion including a side wall structured to be removably attached to the frame, a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim, and

a pair of nozzles extending from the side wall and structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of the patient'"'"'s nose in use, wherein each nozzle comprises a pillow.

4. A breathing arrangement that delivers breathable gas to a patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a substantially rigid frame; and

a patient interface including

a cushion structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient'"'"'s mouth in use, the cushion including a side wall structured to be removably attached to the frame, a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane spaced from and substantially surrounding the rim, the membrane having an inner edge that extends further than an inner edge of the rim; and

a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient'"'"'s nose in use,

wherein the nozzles are formed separately from the cushion and selectively mounted thereto, each nozzle including a base portion that is secured within a respective opening provided to the side wall of the cushion.

5. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the frame includes upper and lower headgear connector portions on each side thereof.

6. The breathing arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the headgear assembly includes upper and lower straps that include connectors that interface with the upper and lower headgear connector portions.

7. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the cushion defines an aperture having a generally oval shape.

8. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the nozzles are angled with respect to the side wall.

9. The breathing arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the side wall includes inclined nozzle mounting portions adapted to support respective nozzles.

10. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the membrane includes a thickness that is less than the rim.

11. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising at least four vent holes provided on the frame above the elbow.

12. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the height of each nozzle may be selectively adjusted with respect to the side wall of the cushion.

13. The breathing arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the base portion of each nozzle includes an annular recess that is secured within the respective opening.

14. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the nozzles are individually interchangeable to accommodate different size patient nares.

15. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the headgear assembly includes upper straps that extend over the patient'"'"'s ears and lower straps that extend below the patient'"'"'s ears.

16. The breathing arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the upper and lower straps include connectors that interface with upper and lower headgear connector portions provided on each side of the frame, the straps being length adjustable via a hook and loop fastening arrangement.

17. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the headgear assembly includes a strap adapted to pass over the top of the patient'"'"'s head.

18. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the nozzles are directly coupled to one another.

19. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the nozzles are provided as a single insert.

20. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, further comprising an elbow provided to the frame and structured to deliver breathable gas into a chamber defined at least in part by the frame and the cushion.

21. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the patient interface does not seal an interior of the patient'"'"'s mouth.

22. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the patient interface does not include a mouthpiece.

23. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein each nozzle comprises a pillow.

24. The breathing arrangement according to claim 23, wherein each pillow comprises a frusto-conical outer surface configured to sealingly engage a naris of the patient'"'"'s nose.

25. The breathing arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the frusto-conical surface is arced

26. The breathing arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the rim is provided in regions of the cushion configured to engage cheeks of the patient.

27. The breathing arrangement according to claim 26, wherein the rim does not extend in a region of the cushion configured to engage an upper lip of the patient.

28. A breathing arrangement for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a patient interface including;

a mouth covering assembly including a rigid frame and a cushion provided to the frame, the cushion being structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient'"'"'s mouth in use,

a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage nares of a patient'"'"'s nose in use, the nozzles comprising nasal prongs, nasal puffs, or nasal pillows, and

a common breathing chamber in communication with the pair of nozzles and the mouth covering assembly;

an elbow provided to the frame and structured to deliver breathable gas into the common chamber for breathing by the patient; and

a headgear assembly removably connected to the frame so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient'"'"'s face, wherein;

the cushion includes a non-face-contacting portion and a face-contacting portion, the non-face-contacting portion being structured to be coupled to the rigid frame and the face-contacting portion having a resilient membrane structured to provide a seal, and

the elbow includes an asphyxia valve.

29. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the nozzles are formed separately from the cushion and selectively mounted thereto.

30. The breathing arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the frame includes upper and lower headgear connector portions on each side thereof.

31. The breathing arrangement according to claim 30, wherein the headgear assembly includes upper and lower straps that include connectors that interface with the upper and lower headgear connector portions.

32. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the cushion defines an aperture having a generally oval shape.

33. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the cushion includes a side wall supporting the nozzles.

34. The breathing arrangement according to claim 33, wherein the nozzles are angled with respect to the side wall.

35. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, further comprising at least four vent holes provided on the frame above the elbow.

36. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the nozzles are formed separately from the cushion and selectively mounted thereto, each nozzle including a base portion that is secured within a respective opening provided to a side wall of the cushion.

37. The breathing arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the height of the each nozzle may be selectively adjusted with respect to the side wall of the cushion.

38. The breathing arrangement according to claim 37, wherein the base portion of each nozzle includes an annular recess that is secured within the respective opening.

39. The breathing arrangement according to claim 38, wherein the nozzles are individually interchangeable to accommodate different size patient nares.

40. The breathing arrangement according to claim 39, wherein the headgear assembly includes upper straps that extend over the patient'"'"'s ears and lower straps that extend below the patient'"'"'s ears.

41. The breathing arrangement according to claim 40, wherein the upper and lower straps include connectors that interface with upper and lower headgear connector portions provided on each side of the frame, the straps being length adjustable via a hook and loop fastening arrangement.

42. The breathing arrangement according to claim 41, wherein the headgear assembly includes a strap that passes over the top of the patient'"'"'s head.

43. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the nozzles are directly coupled to one another.

44. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the elbow includes a swivel elbow.

45. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the mouth covering assembly does not seal an interior of the patient'"'"'s mouth.

46. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the mouth covering assembly does not include a mouthpiece.

47. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein each nozzle of the pair of nozzles comprises a nozzle portion and a conduit that connects the nozzle portion to the cushion.

48. The breathing arrangement according to claim 47, wherein the conduit comprises a gusset.

49. The breathing arrangement according to claim 47, wherein the nozzle portion comprises a pillow.

50. The breathing arrangement according to claim 49, wherein the pillow comprises a dual wall construction.

51. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein each nozzle comprises a pillow.

52. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the cushion is structured to sealingly engage an area between an upper lip and the nose of the patient and an area between a lower lip and a chin of the patient.

53. The breathing arrangement according to claim 28, wherein the nozzle assembly is provided to an outer portion of the face contacting portion of the cushion.

54. A breathing arrangement for use between a patient and a structure to deliver a breathable gas to the patient, the breathing arrangement comprising:

a patient interface including;

a mouth covering assembly including a rigid frame and a cushion provided to the frame, the cushion being structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient'"'"'s mouth in use,

a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient'"'"'s nose in use, and

a common breathing chamber in communication with the pair of nozzles and the mouth covering assembly;

an elbow provided to the frame and structured to deliver breathable gas into the common chamber for breathing by the patient; and

a headgear assembly removably connected to the frame so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient'"'"'s face, wherein;

the cushion includes a non-face-contacting portion and a face-contacting portion, the non-face-contacting portion being structured to be coupled to the rigid frame and the face-contacting portion having a resilient membrane structured to support the nozzles and provide a seal around an exterior of a patient'"'"'s mouth in use, and

at least four vent holes are provided to the frame above the elbow, wherein the cushion is structured to sealingly engage an area between an upper lip and the nose of the patient and an area between a lower lip and a chin of the patient.

55. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, further comprising clips structured to attach the headgear assembly to the frame.

56. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the headgear assembly includes upper straps that extend over the patient'"'"'s ears and lower straps that extend below the patient'"'"'s ears.

57. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the headgear assembly includes a strap that passes over the top of the patient'"'"'s head.

58. The breathing arrangement according to claim 57, wherein the headgear assembly includes a strap that passes over the patient'"'"'s ears.

59. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the elbow includes a swivel elbow.

60. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the mouth covering assembly does not seal an interior of the patient'"'"'s mouth.

61. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the mouth covering assembly does not include a mouthpiece.

62. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein each nozzle comprises a pillow.

63. The breathing arrangement according to claim 62, wherein the pillow comprises a dual wall construction, and an inner wall comprises at least one opening.

64. The breathing arrangement according to claim 54, wherein the nozzles comprise nasal prongs, nasal puffs, or nasal pillows.

65. The breathing arrangement according to claim 64, wherein the nozzles are provided on an outer portion of the fact contacting portion of the cushion.