Patient interface systems

• US 8,291,906 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2009
• Issued: 10/23/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kooij, Michiel, Howard, Scott Alexander, Formica, Justin, Rummery, Gerard Michael, Flower, Renee Frances, Barlow, Adam, Gibson, Joel Edward, Mazzone, Damien Julian, Davidson, Aaron Samuel, Lang, Bernd Christoph, Biener, Achim, Reid, Michael John
• Primary Examiner(s): MATTER, KRISTEN CLARETTE
• Application Number:
  US12/478,537
• Publication Number:
  US 20100000534A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,237 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.24, 128/205.25, 12820612-20614, 128/206.21, 12820623-20625, 128/206.27, 128/207.11, 128/207.17, 128/207.29, 606/199
• US Class Current: 128/206.24
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/06 Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0605 Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
• 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 16/0633 with forehead support
• 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 16/0688 by means of an adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0875 Connecting tubes

Abstract

A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient'"'"'s nares; a pair of strips configured to be connected to opposite sides of the patient interface structure; and adhesive configured to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient'"'"'s nares. The adhesive may be provided on the strips, and the strips are configured to be adhered to sides of the patient'"'"'s nose by the adhesive. Another patient interface system includes a first component including adhesive on a first side and hook or loop fastener material on a second side, wherein the adhesive is configured to adhere the component to the face of the patient; and a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient'"'"'s airways. The patient interface structure includes a second component including a corresponding loop or hook fastener material configured to engage the corresponding hook or loop fastener material of the first strip to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient'"'"'s face. A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure including a pair of nasal prongs or pillows configured to sealingly engage the patient'"'"'s nares; and at least one spring configured to bias the nasal prongs or pillows outwards into engagement with the nares of the patient.

Claims

1. A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient, comprising:

a first component comprising adhesive on a first surface and a first fastener element on a second surface, wherein the adhesive is configured to adhere the first component to the face of the patient; and

a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient'"'"'s airways, the patient interface structure including a second component comprising a second fastener element configured to engage the first fastener element of the first component to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient'"'"'s face, wherein the patient interface structure is repositionable by disengaging the second component from the first component and reengaging the second component with the first component, and wherein the first component is configured to be located across and/or proximate the patient'"'"'s nasal bridge.

2. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first component is configured to extend across the patient'"'"'s nasal bridge.

3. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first fastener element is provided on the entire second surface of the first component.

4. A patient interface system according to 1, wherein the first fastener element is provided in zones on the second surface of the first component.

5. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second component is mechanically secured to the patient interface structure.

6. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second component is adhesively secured to the patient interface structure.

7. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second component is secured to an exterior of the patient interface structure.

8. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the second component is secured to an interior of the patient interface structure.

9. A patient interface system according to claim 1, further comprising a stiffening element connected to the second component and configured to provide a nasal passages dilating force when the second fastener element is engaged with the first fastener element.

10. A patient interface system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spring connected to the second component and configured to provide a nasal passages dilating force when the second fastener element is engaged with the first fastener element.

11. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a nose cap.

12. A patient interface system according to claim 11, wherein the nose cap comprises a vertical component configured to connect to a strap configured to extend around the patient'"'"'s head.

13. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first component comprises a pair of rigid elongate members, and each rigid elongate member is configured to be adjustably connected to a strap configured to extend around the patient'"'"'s head.

14. A patient interface system according to claim 13, wherein the rigid elongate members are adjustably connected to the strap.

15. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a zinc oxide based adhesive, a synthetic rubber, acrylic, silicone gel, and/or polyurethane.

16. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive does not leave a residue on the patient'"'"'s face.

17. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive and/or the patient interface structure is disposable.

18. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises an end of life indicator.

19. A patient interface system according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive fitting guide provided on the adhesive and/or the patient interface structure.

20. A patient interface system according to claim 19, wherein the adhesive fitting guide comprises alignment markings on the adhesive and/or the patient interface structure and/or the support.

21. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 400 mm²-900 mm².

22. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 500 mm²-800 mm².

23. A patient interface system according to claim 22, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 600 mm²-700 mm².

24. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 500 mm²-700 mm².

25. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 600 mm²-800 mm².

26. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 500 mm².

27. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 650 mm².

28. A patient interface system according to claim 21, wherein the adhesive has an adhesion area of about 800 mm².

29. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to support approximately 50 g-300 g.

30. A patient interface system according to claim 29, wherein the adhesive is configured to support approximately 50 g-200 g.

31. A patient interface system according to claim 30, wherein the adhesive is configured to support approximately 50-150 g.

32. A patient interface system according to claim 31, wherein the adhesive is configured to support approximately 50 g-100 g.

33. A patient interface system according to claim 29, wherein the adhesive is configured to support approximately 160 g.

34. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured such that, at an angle of 150°

to the patient'"'"'s face, a peel force required to remove the adhesive from the patient'"'"'s face is to be no more than about 1.5N/15 mm without the adhesive attached to the patient interface structure or support.

35. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to maintain the patient interface in sealing contact with the patient'"'"'s nares when the flow of breathable gas to the patient interface is about 2 cm H₂O-30 cmH₂O.

36. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to maintain the patient interface in sealing contact with the patient'"'"'s nares when the flow of breathable gas to the patient interface is about 4-12 cm H₂O.

37. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured not to be displaced by more than about 0.3 mm from an original position during use.

38. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to maintain its characteristics up to about 45°

C.

39. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to maintain its characteristics over a range of relative humidity.

40. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is not more than about 10 mm thick.

41. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to remain adhered to the patient'"'"'s skin for at least about 4 hours.

42. A patient interface system according to claim 41, wherein the adhesive is configured to remain adhered to the patient'"'"'s skin for at least about 8 hours.

43. A patient interface system according to claim 42, wherein the adhesive is configured to remain adhered to the patient'"'"'s skin for longer than 8 hours.

44. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is biocompatible.

45. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is biodegradable.

46. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is clear.

47. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is skin toned.

48. A patient interface system according to claim 1, further comprising a non-adhesive strip configured to cover the adhesive.

49. A patient interface system according to claim 48, wherein the adhesive is configured to be re-covered with the non-adhesive strip at least 5 times without losing integrity.

50. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one hole configured to allow venting.

51. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to be sterilized.

52. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to provide a warming effect.

53. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive comprises a light switching adhesive.

54. A patient interface system according to claim 53, wherein the light switching adhesive is sticky in the dark and deactivates when exposed to light.

55. A patient interface system according to claim 1, wherein the first fastener element comprises loop material and the second fastener element comprises hook material, or vice versa.