Seal for a patient interface, interface assemblies and aspects thereof

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016184544-A1
Application number	US-201414907135-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Aug 5, 2014
Priority date	Aug 5, 2013
Publication date	Jun 30, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A mask assembly or interface with a mask assembly includes a mask seal and a mask shell that supports the mask seal. In some configurations, the mask assembly is configured to be fully positioned lower than a bridge of a nose of a face of a user and to provide an exposed bridge of the nose of the user. The mask seal includes one or more features that decouple movement of the nasal portion and the oral portion to allow relative movement therebetween at least about a longitudinal axis extending in the front to back direction of the mask seal. In some configurations, an interface assembly includes a movement limiting arrangement that limits movement of the upper portion of the mask seal.

First claim

1 . A mask assembly for an interface used in providing positive pressure respiratory therapy, the mask assembly comprising:
a mask seal; and a mask shell that supports the mask seal; wherein the mask assembly is configured to be fully positioned lower than a bridge of a nose of a face of a user and to provide an exposed bridge of the nose of the user, the mask shell comprising a central portion and a pair of wings sweeping rearwardly of the central portion, an opening for a connector being formed in the mask shell in the central portion, the mask seal being connected to the mask shell, the mask seal comprising at least one oral opening on a lower portion and at least one nasal opening on an upper portion, the at least one oral opening being positioned opposite of the opening for the connector and the at least one nasal opening being positioned between the opening for the connector and the oral opening in a front to back direction, the upper portion of the mask seal comprising a first paddle, a second paddle, and a nasal region having an upper support surface being positioned between the first paddle and the second paddle such that an upwardly-open valley is defined by the first paddle, the upper support surface and the second paddle, at least a portion of the at least one nasal opening being positioned on the upper support surface within the valley, the valley being configured to provide an exposed tip of the nose of the user; wherein the mask seal comprises one or more features that decouple movement of the nasal portion and the oral portion to allow relative movement therebetween at least about a lateral axis that extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the front to back direction of the mask seal.

2 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the nasal portion of the mask seal comprises at least one nasal element configured to engage a nare of the user.

3 . The mask assembly of claim 2 , wherein the at least one nasal element comprises a pair of nasal pillows that sealingly engage a respective one of the nares of the user.

4 . (canceled)

5 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the decoupling feature comprises an upper wall portion positioned directly above a lower wall portion that are movable toward and away from one another.

6 . The mask assembly of claim 4 , wherein the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion are generally linear to define a V-shape in cross-section.

7 . The mask assembly of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the upper wall portion and the lower wall portion have a curved shape in cross-section.

8 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the decoupling feature comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion that are arranged at an angle relative to one another.

9 . The mask assembly of claim 7 , wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion cooperate to define an L-shape in cross-section.

10 . The mask assembly of claim 8 , further comprising a curved wall portion between the second wall portion and a portion of the mask wall adjacent the decoupling feature.

11 . (canceled)

12 . (canceled)

13 . (canceled)

14 . (canceled)

15 . (canceled)

16 . (canceled)

17 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the decoupling feature extends at least to a transition between a side surface and a user-facing surface of the mask assembly.

18 . The mask assembly of claim 10 , wherein the decoupling feature extends into the user-facing surface of the mask assembly.

19 . The mask assembly of claim 11 , wherein the decoupling feature defines an invert point at or near the transition.

20 . The mask assembly of claim 12 , wherein the decoupling feature tapers in height and or depth toward the invert point.

21 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the decoupling feature comprises a corrugated arrangement.

22 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , in combination with an interface component, the combination further comprising a movement limiting arrangement that limits movement of the upper portion of the mask seal.

23 . The combination of claim 15 , wherein the movement limiting arrangement comprises one of a ratchet assembly, a cowling and a tether.

24 . An interface for use in providing positive pressure respiratory therapy, the interface comprising:
a mask assembly comprising a mask seal and a mask shell, the mask assembly configured to be positioned on a face of a user covering the nose and mouth of the user, the mask shell comprising a central portion and a pair of wings sweeping rearwardly of the central portion, an opening for a connector being formed in the mask shell in the central portion, the mask seal being connected to the mask shell, the mask seal comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, at least one oral opening being positioned on the lower portion opposite of the opening for the connector, the mask assembly comprising one or more features that decouple movement of the upper portion and the lower portion to allow relative movement therebetween at least about a lateral axis that extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending in the front to back direction of the mask seal, the upper portion of the mask seal comprising a first paddle, a second paddle, and a nasal region having an upper support surface being positioned between the first paddle and the second paddle such that an upwardly-open valley is defined by the first paddle, the upper support surface and the second paddle, at least a portion of the at least one nasal opening being positioned on the upper support surface within the valley, the valley being configured to provide an exposed tip of the nose of the user, a frame assembly coupled to the mask assembly, the frame assembly configured for connection to a headgear; a movement limiting arrangement that limits movement of the upper portion of the mask seal relative to the lower portion of the mask seal.

25 . The interface of claim 17 , wherein the movement limiting arrangement comprises one of a ratchet assembly, a cowling and a tether.

26 . (canceled)

27 . (canceled)

28 . The interface of claim 17 , wherein the movement limiting arrangement comprises portions located on one or both lateral sides of the mask assembly.

29 . (canceled)

30 . (canceled)

31 . (canceled)

32 . The interface of claim 24 , wherein the mask seal comprises a continuous curve that extends substantially from the top of the upper portion to substantially the bottom of the lower portion.

33 . The interface of claim 24 , wherein the mask seal comprises a user contacting surface that comprises a continuous curve that extends substantially from the top of the upper portion to substantially the bottom of the lower portion.

34 . The mask assembly of claim 1 , wherein the decoupling feature comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion wherein the first wall portion comprises a different thickness to the second wall portion.

35 . The interface of claim 24 , wherein the movement limiting arrangement comprises portions located on one or both lateral sides of the frame assembly.

36 . The interface of claim 24 , wherein the mask seal compr

Assignees

• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd

Inventors

• Patel Roheet
• Bearne Peter David Alexander
• Cox Michael John Henri
• Mashal Fadi Karim Moh D
• Middlekoop Kirstin Elizabeth

Classifications

• A61M2210/0618

  Nose · CPC title

• A61M16/0611 Primary

  with a gusset portion · CPC title

• A61M16/06 Primary

  Respiratory or anaesthetic masks · CPC title

• A61M16/0683

  Holding devices therefor · CPC title

• A61M2210/0625

  Mouth · CPC title