Nasal assembly

• US 8,985,117 B2
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Issued: 03/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd. (ResMed Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Resmed Limited (ResMed Incorporated)
• Inventors: Gunaratnam, Michael K., Kwok, Philip R., Hitchcock, Robin G., Veliss, Lee J., Guney, Memduh, Sokolov, Richard, Lithgow, Perry D., Darkin, Donald, Lynch, Susan R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dixon, Annette
• Application Number:
  US13/619,666
• Publication Number:
  US 20130008447A1
• Time in Patent Office: 921 Days
• Field of Search: 128/857, 128/863, 128/200.24, 128/200.26, 128/203.22, 128/205.25, 128/206.21, 128/206.28, 128/207.13, 128/207.18
• US Class Current: 128/207.18
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0611 with a gusset portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0622 having an underlying cushion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0633 with forehead support
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0644 having the means for adjusting its position
• 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 16/08 Bellows; Connecting tubes having means for taking samples G01N1/22; Water traps; Patient circuits
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0825 with ball-sockets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0833 T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0661 with customised shape

Abstract

A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient'"'"'s face.

Claims

1. A nasal interface for delivering pressurized breathable gas to a user, comprising:

a support frame having a central portion and a pair of lateral support arms extending laterally away from the central portion, each lateral support arm including an integrally formed connector slot;

a silicone pillows cushion including a base portion and a pair of nozzles, the pillows cushion being removably coupled with the central portion of the support frame with the pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage with nasal passages of a user'"'"'s nose;

an inlet tube having a first end provided with a swivel connector to be connected to a source of pressurized breathable gas via an air delivery tube, and a second end provided to deliver the gas into the support frame for breathing by the user via the pillows cushion; and

headgear including a back strap adapted to pass around the rear portion of the user'"'"'s head, a top strap adapted to pass over the top of the user'"'"'s head, and a pair of depending side straps each of which is suspended from a junction between the back and top straps, said depending side straps being configured to extend forwardly of the ear along the user'"'"'s face, each of said depending side straps having an end received in a respective one of said connector slots of said lateral support arms,

wherein each of the depending side straps includes a hook and loop fastener, and

wherein the top strap is a coronal strap arranged and configured to engage the user'"'"'s corona and the back strap is an occipital strap configured and dimensioned to engage the user'"'"'s occiput.

2. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein each junction between the top, back and depending side straps is generally Y-shaped.

3. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 2, wherein the back strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly below horizontal.

4. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 3, wherein the top strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly forward of vertical.

5. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the straps is constructed of a soft, flexible composite material.

6. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, not including a support configured for the bridge of the user'"'"'s nose or the user'"'"'s forehead.

7. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support frame, headgear and pillows cushion are designed to substantially isolate relatively higher stability forces from relatively lower sealing forces.

8. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 7, wherein the stability forces are designed to act primarily on less sensitive regions of the user, including the upper lip and the back of the user'"'"'s head.

9. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 8, wherein the stability forces compensate for any tube drag forces without substantially affecting the sealing forces.

10. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pillows cushions, each having a different size.

11. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lateral support arms are formed in one piece with the central portion.

12. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 11, wherein the support frame is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

13. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein each lateral support arm is adapted to extend partly across the cheek with its end terminating over the user'"'"'s cheek.

14. The nasal interface according to claim 1, wherein the pillows cushion wraps around the central portion of the frame.

15. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillows cushion comprises a one part molded silicone piece.

16. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pillows cushion includes a lower surface adapted to contact the upper lip of the user.

17. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lower surface includes a slightly concave shape.

18. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion includes opposed side walls that interlock with respective lateral side walls of the support frame.

19. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 18, wherein each side wall of the base portion includes a recess to receive a respective rib provided on the lateral side walls of the support frame.

20. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of nozzles has a first portion integrally formed with the base portion in communication with a respective outlet opening provided in the base portion, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion and adapted to sealingly engage with the nasal passages of the user'"'"'s nose.

21. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first portion is necked down relative to the second portion.

22. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second portion is in the form of a hollow, truncated cone.

23. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second portion has one portion adapted to seal on the underside of the nostrils and another portion adapted to enter into the nasal passage of the user.

24. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second portion defines a sealing zone that extends at an angle extending from a base of the second portion to about half the length of the second portion of the nozzle.

25. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first portion has a reduced cross-section with respect to the second portion to allow the nozzles to move relative to the base portion.

26. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first portion is configured to act as a spring structure.

27. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 20, wherein the side walls of the first and second portions are concave.

28. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sealing force applied to the user'"'"'s nose is provided by the pillows cushion, and wherein tension from the headgear is substantially independent of the sealing force.

29. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein a front wall of the pillows cushion is configured to contact the immediate underside of the user'"'"'s nose, whereby a resultant force is directed along a line extending from the immediate underside to a rear portion of the user'"'"'s head, between the eye and the ear of the user.

30. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1,

wherein the top, back and side straps define a substantially Y-shaped junction;

wherein the back strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly below horizontal;

wherein the top strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly forward of vertical;

wherein each of the straps is constructed of a soft, flexible composite material;

wherein the nasal interface does not include a support configured for the bridge of the user'"'"'s nose or the user'"'"'s forehead;

wherein the lateral support arms are formed in one piece with the central portion;

wherein the support frame is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material;

wherein the pillows cushion comprises a one part molded silicone piece;

wherein the pillows cushion includes a lower surface adapted to contact the upper lip of the user;

wherein each of the pair of nozzles has a first portion integrally formed with the base portion in communication with a respective outlet opening provided in the base portion, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion and adapted to sealingly engage with the nasal passages of the user'"'"'s nose;

wherein the first portion is necked down relative to the second portion;

wherein the second portion is in the form of a hollow, truncated cone;

wherein the second portion has one portion adapted to seal on the underside of the nostrils and another portion adapted to enter into the nasal passage of the user;

wherein the first portion has a reduced cross-section with respect to the second portion to allow the nozzles to move relative to the base portion;

wherein the side walls of the first and second portions are concave as viewed from an extension of the nozzles; and

wherein the nasal interface further comprises a swivel elbow connected between the support frame and the second end of the inlet conduit.

31. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a swivel elbow connected between the support frame and the second end of the inlet conduit.

32. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 1,

wherein each junction between the top, back and depending side straps is generally Y-shaped;

wherein the back strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly below horizontal;

wherein the top strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly forward of vertical;

wherein each of the straps is constructed of a soft, flexible composite material;

wherein the nasal interface does not include a support configured for the bridge of the user'"'"'s nose or the user'"'"'s forehead;

wherein the nasal interface further comprises a plurality of pillows cushions, each having a different size;

wherein the lateral support arms are formed in one piece with the central portion;

wherein the support frame is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material;

wherein each lateral support arm is adapted to extend at least partly across the cheek;

wherein the pillows cushion wraps around the central portion of the frame;

wherein the pillows cushion comprises a one part molded silicone piece;

wherein the pillows cushion includes a lower surface adapted to contact the upper lip of the user;

wherein the lower surface includes a slightly concave shape;

wherein the base portion includes opposed side walls that interlock with respective lateral side walls of the support frame;

wherein each of the pair of nozzles has a first portion integrally formed with the base portion in communication with a respective outlet opening provided in the base portion, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion and adapted to sealingly engage with the nasal passages of the user'"'"'s nose;

wherein the first portion is necked down relative to the second portion;

wherein the second portion is in the form of a hollow, truncated cone;

wherein the second portion has one portion adapted to seal on the underside of the nostrils and another portion adapted to enter into the nasal passage of the user;

wherein the first portion has a reduced cross-section with respect to the second portion to allow the nozzles to move relative to the base portion;

wherein the side walls of the first and second portions are concave; and

wherein the nasal interface further comprises a swivel elbow connected between the support frame and the second end of the inlet conduit.

33. A nasal interface for delivering pressurized breathable gas to a user, comprising:

a support frame having a central portion and a pair of lateral support arms extending laterally away from the central portion, each lateral support arm including an integrally formed connector slot;

a silicone pillows cushion including a base portion and a pair of nozzles, the pillows cushion being removably coupled with the central portion of the support frame with the pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage with nasal passages of a user'"'"'s nose;

an inlet tube having a first end provided with a swivel connector to be connected to a source of pressurized breathable gas via an air delivery tube, and a second end provided to deliver the gas into the support frame for breathing by the user via the pillows cushion; and

headgear including a back strap adapted to pass around the rear portion of the user'"'"'s head, a top strap adapted to pass over the top of the user'"'"'s head, and a pair of side straps configured to extend forwardly of the ear along the user'"'"'s face, each of said side straps having a connector portion that removably connects with a respective one of the connector slots of said lateral support arms,

wherein the top strap is a coronal strap arranged and configured to engage the user'"'"'s corona and the back strap is an occipital strap configured and dimensioned to engage the user'"'"'s occiput.

34. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein the top, back and side straps define a substantially Y-shaped junction.

35. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 34, wherein the back strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly below horizontal.

36. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 35, wherein the top strap extends from the junction and forms an angle that is slightly forward of vertical.

37. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein each of the straps is constructed of a soft, flexible composite material.

38. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, not including a support configured for the bridge of the user'"'"'s nose or the user'"'"'s forehead.

39. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein the lateral support arms are formed in one piece with the central portion.

40. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 39, wherein the support frame is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material.

41. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein the pillows cushion comprises a one part molded silicone piece.

42. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein the pillows cushion includes a lower surface adapted to contact the upper lip of the user.

43. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein each of the pair of nozzles has a first portion integrally formed with the base portion in communication with a respective outlet opening provided in the base portion, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion and adapted to sealingly engage with the nasal passages of the user'"'"'s nose.

44. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first portion is necked down relative to the second portion.

45. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the second portion is in the form of a hollow, truncated cone.

46. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the second portion has one portion adapted to seal on the underside of the nostrils and another portion adapted to enter into the nasal passage of the user.

47. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first portion has a reduced cross-section with respect to the second portion to allow the nozzles to move relative to the base portion.

48. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the first portion is configured to act as a spring structure.

49. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 43, wherein the side walls of the first and second portions are concave.

50. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein a sealing force applied to the user'"'"'s nose is provided by the pillows cushion, and wherein tension from the headgear is substantially independent of the sealing force.

51. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, wherein a front wall of the pillows cushion is configured to contact the immediate underside of the user'"'"'s nose, whereby a resultant force is directed along a line extending from the immediate underside to a rear portion of the user'"'"'s head, between the eye and the ear of the user.

52. The nasal interface as claimed in claim 33, further comprising a swivel elbow connected between the support frame and the second end of the inlet conduit.