Layered nasal respiratory devices

• US 8,875,711 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2011
• Issued: 11/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Theravent, Inc
• Original Assignee: Theravent, Inc
• Inventors: Sather, Elliot, Ferdinand, Arthur, Favet, Michael L., Lai, Danny Yu-Youh, Doshi, Rajiv
• Primary Examiner(s): DOUGLAS, STEVEN O
• Application Number:
  US13/117,933
• Publication Number:
  US 20110290256A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,257 Days
• Field of Search: 128/206.11, 128/204.12, 128/204.11, 128/207.18, 128/206.18, 128/206.15
• US Class Current: 128/207.18
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/08 Devices for correcting deformities of the nose ; Devices for enlarging the nostril, e.g. for breathing improvement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/56 Devices for preventing snoring by influencing the respiratory system by gas treatment A61M16/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0605 Means for improving the adaptation of the mask to the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0688 by means of an adhesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0866 Passive resistors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/208 Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0216 Materials providing elastic properties, e.g. for facilitating deformation and avoid breaking
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0238 the material being a coating or protective layer
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/0618 Nose
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1064 Partial cutting [e.g., grooving or incising]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

Described herein are nasal devices, including nasal devices formed in layers having four or fewer layers. In some variations, the nasal devices include a single integrated layer from which the flap of the airflow resistor is formed as well as the base of the holdfast region. The nasal devices may include a single aligner or rim body on the side of the device facing the subject. The aligner may protect the airflow resistor, and may help center or position the nasal device. In some variations, these nasal devices may include a noise-reduction feature. Also described herein are systems, devices and methods for determining if a passive nasal respiratory device having an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation has been worn by a subject, and thereby confirming compliance.

Claims

1. A nasal device for inhibiting exhalation more than inhalation, the nasal device comprising:

a flap/holdfast layer comprising a flap portion and a holdfast portion;

a flap limiting layer adjacent to the flap portion, wherein the flap limiting layer and the flap portion form an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation;

an adhesive ring between the flap limiting layer and the flap/holdfast layer; and

an aligner extending from at least one side of the flap/holdfast layer and at least partially surrounding the flap portion.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive material on the holdfast portion of the flap/holdfast layer.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the adhesive material comprises a core layer having an adhesive on either side.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the core layer comprises a fabric.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap portion comprises multiple flaps cut from the flap/holdfast layer.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap/holdfast layer further comprises one or more openings forming a leak pathway through the nasal device.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein further comprising a lower rim body extending from the opposite side of the flap/holdfast layer, away from the aligner.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the aligner is adhesively secured to the flap/holdfast layer.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap limiting layer comprises a mesh.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the flap limiting layer comprises a frame.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a noise reduction feature.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the flap/holdfast layer comprises urethane.

13. A nasal device for inhibiting exhalation more than inhalation, the nasal device comprising:

a flap/holdfast layer comprising a flap portion and a holdfast portion;

a flap limiting layer adjacent to the flap portion, wherein the flap limiting layer and the flap portion form an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation;

an aligner extending from one side of the flap/holdfast layer and at least partially surrounding the airflow resistor configured to help align the device with a nostril opening; and

a noise reduction feature configured to minimize noise as air is drawn through the device, wherein the noise-reduction feature comprises projections on the aligner.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the flap formed in the layer incorporates noise-reduction features in the shape of the flap.

15. A nasal device for inhibiting exhalation more than inhalation, the nasal device comprising:

a flap/holdfast layer comprising a flap portion and a holdfast portion;

a flap limiting layer adjacent to the flap portion, wherein the flap limiting layer and the flap portion form an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation;

an aligner extending from one side of the flap/holdfast layer and at least partially surrounding the airflow resistor configured to help align the device with a nostril opening; and

a noise reduction feature configured to minimize noise as air is drawn through the device, wherein the noise-reduction feature comprises a thickened region on the flap.