U.S. patent application number 13/766483 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-20 for system, method and ventilation interface for providing pressurized breathable gas to the mouth and nose separately.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mergenet Solutions. The applicant listed for this patent is Mergenet Solutions. Invention is credited to Louis Javier Collazo, Shara Hernandez, Bruce Sher.
Application Number | 20130152935 13/766483 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787142 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130152935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sher; Bruce ; et
al. |
June 20, 2013 |
System, Method And Ventilation Interface For Providing Pressurized
Breathable Gas To The Mouth And Nose Separately
Abstract
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a
ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the
nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is
disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that
can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be
in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a
portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the
channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral
passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber
can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing
chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway.
The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the
oral passageway.
Inventors: |
Sher; Bruce; (Lighthouse
Point, FL) ; Hernandez; Shara; (Davie, FL) ;
Collazo; Louis Javier; (Pompano Beach, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mergenet Solutions; |
Coconut Creek |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mergenet Solutions
Coconut Creek
FL
|
Family ID: |
40787142 |
Appl. No.: |
13/766483 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12341198 |
Dec 22, 2008 |
8397724 |
|
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13766483 |
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61008558 |
Dec 21, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.24 ;
128/205.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20130101;
A61M 16/0875 20130101; A61M 16/0616 20140204; A61M 16/0057
20130101; A61M 16/0666 20130101; A61M 16/0622 20140204; A61M
16/0638 20140204; A61M 16/20 20130101; A61M 16/0655 20140204; A61M
16/0683 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.24 ;
128/205.25 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20060101
A61M016/06; A61M 16/08 20060101 A61M016/08; A61M 16/20 20060101
A61M016/20; A61M 16/00 20060101 A61M016/00 |
Claims
1. A respiratory mask comprising: a respiratory interface having a
gas entry port and having a plurality of gas receiving chambers; a
gas supply tube, wherein the gas supply tube is in fluid
communication with the respiratory interface wherein the plurality
of gas receiving chambers includes a first gas receiving chamber
and a second gas receiving chamber and the respiratory mask is
structured to allow gas to flow from the gas supply tube into the
first gas receiving chamber and the second gas receiving chamber at
the same time.
2. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gas
receiving chambers include a nasal breathing chamber and an oral
breathing chamber.
3. The ventilation mask of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gas
receiving chambers is configured to receive gas through a single
gas entry port during use.
4. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gas
receiving chambers are not in fluid communication to each
other.
5. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
plurality of gas receiving chambers includes a valve, which adjusts
the fluid flow from the gas supply tube to at least one of the
plurality of gas receiving chambers.
6. The respiratory mask of claim 2, wherein the respiratory
interface includes a dividing wall that provides a substantially
airtight seal between the nasal breathing chamber and the oral
breathing chamber.
7. The respiratory mask of claim 1, wherein the respiratory
interface includes nasal prongs that are adapted to enter at least
one of the nostrils of a user.
8. The respiratory mask of claim 6, wherein the gas entry port
abuts the dividing wall.
9. A respiratory mask comprising: a respiratory interface having a
gas entry port and having a first gas receiving chamber and a
second gas receiving chamber; a gas supply tube, wherein the gas
supply tube is in fluid communication with the respiratory
interface wherein the respiratory interface has a dividing wall
between the first gas receiving chamber and the second gas
receiving chamber that is configured to separate the gas received
through the gas entry port during use.
10. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein at least one of the
gas receiving chambers includes a valve, which adjusts the fluid
flow entering the gas receiving chamber.
11. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein the dividing wall
provides a substantially airtight seal between the first gas
receiving chamber and the second gas receiving chamber.
12. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein the dividing wall
abuts the first gas receiving chamber and the second gas receiving
chamber.
13. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein the respiratory mask
is structured to allow the flow rate into at least one of the gas
receiving chambers to be adjusted.
14. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein the respiratory mask
includes nasal prongs that are adapted to enter at least one of the
nostrils of a user.
15. The respiratory mask of claim 9, wherein the gas entry port
abuts the dividing wall.
16. A respiratory mask comprising: a respiratory interface having a
gas entry port and having a plurality of gas receiving chambers; a
gas supply tube, wherein the gas supply tube is in fluid
communication with the respiratory interface wherein the
respiratory interface has a dividing wall between the plurality of
gas receiving chambers, wherein the dividing wall abuts the gas
entry port.
17. The respiratory mask of claim 16, wherein at least one of the
gas receiving chambers includes a valve, which adjusts the fluid
flow entering the gas receiving chamber.
18. The respiratory mask of claim 16, wherein the respiratory mask
is structured to allow the flow rate into at least one of the gas
receiving chambers to be adjusted.
19. A respiratory mask comprising: a respiratory interface having
at least one gas entry port and having a plurality of gas receiving
chambers; at least one gas supply tube, wherein the gas supply tube
is in fluid communication with the respiratory interface wherein
the respiratory mask is structured to allow the flow rate into at
least one of the plurality of gas receiving chambers to be
adjusted.
20. The respiratory mask of claim 19, wherein at least one of the
plurality of gas receiving chambers includes a valve.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/341,198, filed Dec. 22, 2008, and claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/008,558, filed Dec. 21, 2007, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (commonly referred to as
obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea syndrome, and/or sleep apnea)
is a medical condition that includes repeated, prolonged episodes
of cessation of breathing during sleep. During a period of
wakefulness, the muscles of the upper part of the throat passage of
an individual keep the passage open, thereby permitting an adequate
amount of oxygen to flow into the lungs. During sleep, the throat
passage tends to narrow due to the relaxation of the muscles. In
those individuals having a relatively normal-sized throat passage,
the narrowed throat passage remains open enough to permit an
adequate amount of oxygen to flow into the lungs. However, in those
individuals having a relatively smaller-sized throat passage, the
narrowed throat passage prohibits an adequate amount of oxygen from
flowing into the lungs. Additionally, a nasal obstruction, such as
a relatively large tongue, and/or certain shapes of the palate
and/or the jaw of the individual, further prohibit an adequate
amount of oxygen from flowing into the lungs.
[0003] An individual having the above-discussed conditions can stop
breathing for one or more prolonged periods of time (e.g., ten
seconds or more). The prolonged periods of time during which
breathing is stopped, or apneas, are generally followed by sudden
reflexive attempts to breathe. The reflexive attempts to breathe
are generally accompanied by a change from a relatively deeper
stage of sleep to a relatively lighter stage of sleep. As a result,
the individual suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
generally experiences fragmented sleep that is not restful. The
fragmented sleep results in one or more of excessive and/or
inappropriate daytime drowsiness, headache, weight gain or loss,
limited attention span, memory loss, poor judgment, personality
changes, lethargy, inability to maintain concentration, and
depression.
[0004] Other medical conditions can also prevent individuals,
including adults and infants, from receiving an adequate amount of
oxygen into the lungs. For example, an infant who is born
prematurely can have lungs that are not developed to an extent
necessary to receive an adequate amount of oxygen. Further, prior
to, during and/or subsequent to certain medical procedures and/or
medical treatments, an individual can be unable to receive an
adequate amount of oxygen.
[0005] Under these circumstances, it is known to use a ventilation
interface to apply a positive pressure to the throat of the
individual, thereby permitting an adequate amount of oxygen to flow
into the lungs. In known ventilation interfaces, oxygen and/or room
air containing oxygen is delivered through the mouth and/or nose of
the individual.
[0006] Existing types of positive pressure applied by the known
ventilation interface include continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP), in which a positive pressure is maintained in the throat
passage throughout a respiratory cycle, bi-level positive airway
pressure (BiPAP), in which a relatively high positive pressure is
maintained during inspiration and a relatively low positive
pressure is maintained during expiration, and intermittent
mechanical positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), in which a
positive pressure is applied when apnea is sensed (i.e., the
positive airway pressure is applied intermittently or
non-continuously), automatic positive airway pressure (APAP), in
which a positive pressure is automatically tuned to provide the
minimum required to maintain an unobstructed throat passage on a
breath-by-breath basis.
[0007] Typical CPAP airflow generators can deliver air to patients
at pressures between 4 and 20 cm H.sub.2O. More specialized units
can delivery pressures up to 25 or even 30 cm H.sub.2O. Most
patients typically require air delivered at pressures between 6 and
14 cm H.sub.2O.
[0008] One conventional ventilation interface for the application
of positive pressure includes a face mask that covers both the nose
and the mouth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,908 (Mizerak) discloses a nasal
cannula having oral gas delivery means incorporated therein adapted
to increase efficiency in providing gas, such as oxygen to a
patient. U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,071 (Berthon-Jones et al) discloses a
combination mouth and nasal mask for assisted respiration or CPAP.
At least one other exemplary ventilation interface is disclosed by
U.S. Patent Application Publications Nos. 2006/0124131 (Chandran et
al.) and 2006/0174887 (Chandran et al.). Other face masks include
configurations that cover only the nose or only the mouth. Standard
masks have air supplied under pressure and use headgear or
harnesses to hold the mask on a user.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to at least one embodiment, a ventilation system
can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply
tube having a channel. The gas supply tube can be in fluid
communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of
the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the
gas supply tube forming one or more nasal passageways and one or
more oral passageway. One or more nasal breathing chambers and one
or more oral breathing chambers can be defined in the ventilation
interface. The one or more nasal breathing chambers can be in fluid
communication with the one or more nasal passageways. The one or
more oral breathing chambers can be in fluid communication with the
one or more oral passageways. Therefore, breathable gas under a
first pressure can be delivered to a wearer via the nose. Moreover,
breathable gas under a second pressure can be delivered to the
wearer via the mouth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary "hybrid" mask
and an exemplary supply tube connected thereto.
[0012] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary "hybrid"
mask and the exemplary supply tube of FIG. 1A illustrating a pair
of exemplary valves.
[0013] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary "hybrid"
mask and the exemplary supply tube of FIG. 1A illustrating another
pair of exemplary valves.
[0014] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary "hybrid"
mask and the exemplary supply tube of FIG. 1A illustrating yet
another pair of exemplary valves.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary full mask and
an exemplary supply tube connected thereto.
[0016] FIG. 2B schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the
exemplary full mask and the exemplary supply tube of FIG. 2A where
the exemplary supply tube is detached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0018] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the
terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiment" or "invention"
do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the
discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
[0019] Embodiments can be designed to cooperate with nearly any
ventilation interface that makes use of a cushion for sealing
engagement with portions of a user's face. For examples,
embodiments can be designed to cooperate with nasal masks, oral
masks, full masks and "hybrid" masks (i.e. those masks having an
oral cavity and nasal prongs) of various styles and shapes, as will
be readily recognized by those having ordinary skill in the
art.
[0020] Embodiments described below and the principles thereof may
be applied to, for example, ventilation interfaces disclosed in
U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0124131 (Chandran et
al.), 2006/0174887 (Chandran et al.), 2007/0221226 (Hansen et al.)
and 2007/0272249 (Chandran et al.), the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
[0021] Referring generally to FIGS. 1A-1D, one exemplary
ventilation interface can be similar in construction to a "hybrid"
ventilation mask disclosed by, for example, U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2006/0174887. Mask 100 can have mask shell 102 with
port 104 defined therein. Gas supply tube 106 can extend from mask
shell 102 in fluid communication with port 104. Gas supply tube 106
can be a single piece of tubing. Alternatively, gas supply tube 106
can be more than one piece. For example, gas supply tube 106 may
include various joints, including an elbow piece (not shown)
extending from port 104, as one non-limiting example. Gas supply
tube 106 and port 104 can be divided. Gas supply tube 106 can be
divided in whole or in part.
[0022] Mask shell 102 can be coupled to cushion 108 for forming a
seal around the mouth of a wearer when in use. Chin flap 110 may
also be provided. Top wall 112 of cushion 108 can have apertures
114, 116 for respectively receiving nasal prongs 118, 120, which
can be nasal pillows or nasal inserts. As shown, nasal prongs 118,
120 can be nasal pillows. Nasal prongs 118, 120 can be received by
apertures 114, 116, respectively, so as to maintain a substantially
airtight seal. Mask shell 102 can have attachment points 122 or any
other type of connectors known to one having ordinary skill in the
art for affixing headgear or straps (not shown) to mask 100.
Extending inside from divided port 104, the inside of mask 100 can
have separated breathing chambers 124, 126 defined by divider 128.
Divider 128 can thus separate the inside of mask 100 into two
cavities--nasal breathing chamber 124 and oral breathing chamber
126. Divider 128 can be a one-piece or multi-piece construction.
Divider 128 can extend upwards behind apertures 114, 116 proximate
the bottom side of top wall 112. Alternatively, a divider (or
portion thereof) can extend back far enough to be proximate the
skin between the base of the nose and the upper lip of a wearer
when in use. Divider 128 can be situated around the inner sides of
mask shell 102 and cushion 108 so as to form a substantially
airtight seal. Breathable gas can be delivered from nasal breathing
chamber 124 to the nostrils of a wearer via nasal pillows 118, 120.
One or more expiration holes (not shown) can be defined through
mask shell 102 for each of breathing chambers 124, 126 to allow a
user to exhale waste gas from each chamber 124, 126.
[0023] Divider 128 can be made of any suitable material and in any
suitable shape, as will be readily appreciated by one having
ordinary skill in the art. In at least one exemplary embodiment,
divider 128 can be made of the same material as cushion 108. For
example, divider 128 can be made of an elastomeric material, such
as a silicone elastomer. As shown, divider 128 can be thicker
proximate port 104. Alternatively, divider 128 may be uniformly
thick or may have other portions of various thicknesses. Divider
128 can be formed integral with cushion 108 and suitably mated with
the inside of mask shell 102 and port 104.
[0024] As another non-limiting example, divider 128 can be made of
a rigid plastic, which can also be the same material that mask
shell 102 is constructed of. Divider 128 can be integral with mask
shell 102 and can be suitably mated with cushion 108.
Alternatively, divider 128 can be made to be retrofitably applied
to conventional masks.
[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, divider 128 can include a
floor and one or more sidewalls (not shown) extending from the
floor so as to form an enclosed structure around apertures 114, 116
defined in top wall 112 of cushion 108. Divider 128 can cooperate
with mask shell 102 to form nasal breathing chamber 124. Divider
128 can be any of a variety of shapes.
[0026] Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, a flow generator (not shown)
can be connected to gas supply tube 106 for delivering breathable
gas to mask 100. Gas supply tube 106 can be of any suitable length.
For illustrative purposes and in a non-limiting manner, gas supply
tube 106 is shown truncated. The flow generator can be a CPAP
machine, a BiPAP machine, an IPPV machine, an APAP machine and the
like known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Gas supply tube
106 (or portions thereof) can be any flexible, thin-walled tubing
known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Other portion or
pieces of gas supply tube 106 may be more rigid. For example, gas
supply tube 106 may include rigid plastic pieces.
[0027] At least a portion of gas supply tube 106 can include gas
supply divider 130. Gas supply tube 106 can be fluidly coupled to
mask 100. Gas supply divider 130 can split the gas supply tube 106
into nasal channel 132 and oral channel 134 for delivering
breathable gas to nasal breathing chamber 124 and oral breathing
chamber 126, respectively. Gas supply divider 130 can be planar,
or, alternatively, non-planar. In at least one exemplary
embodiment, gas supply divider 130 can split gas supply tube 106
into channels 132, 134 of substantially equal volume.
Alternatively, gas supply divider 130 can split gas supply tube
into channels 132, 134 of substantially different volumes.
Accordingly, gas supply divider 130 may span the diameter of gas
supply tube 106 so as to form two substantially equal
cross-sectional areas. Alternatively, gas supply divider 130 may be
positioned so as to form two unequal cross-sectional areas within
gas supply tube 106. Gas supply divider 130 may also divide gas
supply tube 106 into more than two channels in other
embodiments.
[0028] Gas supply divider 130 can be constructed of the same
material as gas supply tube 106 (or portions thereof). Gas supply
divider 130 can be made of a flexible plastic, as one non-limiting
example. Gas supply divider 130 can be equally thin-walled as gas
supply tube 106 (or portions thereof) or can be thicker and thus
more rigid than gas supply tube 106.
[0029] Gas supply divider 130 can be integrally formed with gas
supply tube 106 (or portions thereof). Alternatively, gas supply
divider 130 can be configured for insertion into gas supply tube
106 (or portions thereof). Gas supply divider 130 can be attached
within gas supply tube 106 or held within gas supply tube 106 by a
mating mechanism. For example, gas supply divider 130 can include a
ridge portion of a tongue-in-groove mating system. Lateral groove
sections can thus be defined within gas supply tube 106 for
receiving the ridge portion.
[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, breathable gas can be
communicated through nasal channel 132 and oral channel 134 at
different pressures. Moreover, pressurized breathable gas from
nasal channel 132 and oral channel 134 can be directed to nasal
breathing chamber 124 and oral breathing chamber 126, respectively.
Accordingly, the pressurized breathable gas provided to nasal
breathing chamber 124 can be under a different pressure than the
pressurized breathable gas provided to oral breathing chamber
126.
[0031] To provide breathable gas at different pressures to nasal
breathing chamber 124 and oral breathing chamber 126, respectively,
one or more valves or like mechanisms can be situated within or at
any divided portion of port 104 or gas supply tube 106. The one or
more valves can be set to partially obstruct channels 132, 134
within gas supply tube 106 or at port 104. The one or more valves
can be any valve known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Accordingly, one or more valves can regulate the flow of
pressurized breathable gas through channels 132, 134.
Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or more valves can
regulate the flow of pressurized breathable gas entering breathing
chambers 124, 126. Valves can have positions ranging from fully
opened to fully closed and any selectable position there
between.
[0032] Other mechanisms for controlling gas flow and/or pressure
through channels 132, 134 can include providing walls having one or
more openings, which may be fixed or adjustable. In other
embodiments, walls having different gas permeabilities can be
positioned within channels 132, 134. In further embodiments, any
other methods or mechanisms for controlling gas flow and/or gas
pressure known to those having ordinary skill in the art can be
used. For example, nasal channel 132 and oral channel 134 can have
different cross-sectional areas, which in itself can be used to
regulate gas flow and/or pressure. Additionally, an external
approach to changing the cross-sectional areas of channels 132, 134
can be applied, such as various clamps known to one having ordinary
skill in the art. Valves and like mechanism for controlling gas
flow and/or pressure may be used in combination.
[0033] Separate channels 132, 134 under the control of one or more
valves or like mechanisms can allow a doctor to prescribe different
pressures or ranges of pressures of breathable gas to be received
nasally and orally by a patient. The patient or doctor can adjust
the pressure of the breathable gas coming to the patient's nose or
mouth by selecting or adjusting the corresponding valve. This may
allow the doctor and patient to form a consensus on an effective
treatment that may be comfortable to the patient. For example, a
doctor prescribing pressurized gas or a patient prescribed
pressurized gas can adjust the nasal flow to 8 cm H.sub.2O and the
oral flow to 2 cm H.sub.2O. Likewise, the doctor or patient can
adjust the nasal flow to 4 cm H.sub.2O and the oral flow to 6 cm
H.sub.2O and so on.
[0034] Referring particularly to FIG. 1B, first valve 236 can be
disposed within any portion of nasal channel 132. Second valve 238
can be disposed within any portion of oral channel 134. As shown,
first valve 236 can be set to a greater dilation than second valve
238. The greater the dilation of valves 236,238, the greater the
pressure of the breathable gas provided to chambers 124, 126,
respectively.
[0035] Referring particularly to FIG. 1C, first valve 336 can be
disposed within any portion of nasal channel 132 and second valve
338 can be disposed within any portion of oral channel 134. As
shown, first valve 336 can be set to provide less obstruction to
nasal channel 132 than second valve 338 is set to provide to oral
channel 134. The less obstructed channels 132, 134 are by valves
336, 338, respectively, the greater the pressure of the breathable
gas that passes through the passageways of valves 336, 338.
[0036] Referring particularly to FIG. 1D, first valve 436 can be
disposed proximate the upper portion of divided port 104. Second
valve 438 can be disposed proximate the lower portion of divided
port 104. As shown, first valve 436 can be set to provide more
obstruction to the entryway of nasal breathing chamber 124 than
second valve 438 is set to provide to the entryway of oral
breathing chamber 126. The greater the obstruction at the entryways
of breathing chambers 124, 126, the lesser the pressure of
breathable air in breathing chambers 124, 126.
[0037] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, a valve feature
or like mechanism for providing breathable gas under different
pressures to nasal channel 132 and oral channel 134 can be part of
a CPAP unit configured to interface with divided gas supply tube
106. In other embodiments, a divided Y connector can be coupled to
gas supply tube where each tube extending from an arm of the Y
connector leads to a separate CPAP unit for providing breathable
gas under pressure to each channel 132, 134.
[0038] In a further exemplary embodiment, mask 100 can include a
divided port 104 having at least two openings that may be in fluid
communication with at least two gas supply tubes 106. Each of the
gas supply tubes 106 may be in fluid communication with a single
breathable gas supplying device or each supply tube 106 can be
connected to a different gas supplying device. Each of the gas
supply tubes 106 can deliver gas at the same pressures or
alternatively, the gas supply tubes 106 may also deliver gas at
different pressures. Gas supply tubes 106 may each have the same
cross-sectional area or they can have different cross-sectional
areas. The gas supply tubes 106 may also include valves or other
desired pressure or flow regulating mechanisms known to one skilled
in the art.
[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, each channel 132 and 134
may include at least one divider 130, which can serve to a
plurality of different channels. Each of the plurality of channels
132 and 134 may be in fluid communication with a single breathable
gas supplying device or each channel 132 and 134 can be connected
to a different gas supplying device. Each of the channels 132 and
134 can deliver gas at the same pressures or alternatively, the
channels 132 and 134 may also deliver gas at different pressures.
Channels 132 and 134 may each have the same cross-sectional area or
they can have different cross-sectional areas. Additionally,
channels 132 and 134 may also include valves or other desired
pressure or flow regulating mechanisms known to one skilled in the
art.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, another exemplary ventilation
interface in accordance with at least one other exemplary
embodiment can be similar in construction to the full mask
disclosed, for example, by U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2007/0221226 (incorporated by reference above). Full mask 500 can
have mask shell 502 with port 504 defined therein. Gas supply tube
506 can be a single piece of tubing. Alternatively, gas supply tube
506 can be more than one piece. For example, gas supply tube 506
may include various joints, including an elbow piece (not shown)
extending from port 504, as one non-limiting example. Gas supply
tube 506 and port 504 can be divided. Gas supply tube 506 can be
divided in whole or in part.
[0041] Mask shell 502 can be coupled to cushion 508 for forming a
seal around the nose and mouth of a wearer. Arm 540 can extend from
mask shell 502 for contacting portions of a wearer's forehead. Arm
540 can be made of more than one piece so as to be adjustable (as
shown), or, alternatively, can be one-piece. Arm 540 can have pad
542 on the backside thereof for comfortably abutting against
portion of a wearer's forehead. Mask shell 502 and 540 can have
attachment points 522 for connecting headgear or straps (not shown)
to mask 500.
[0042] Extending inside from divided port 504, the inside of mask
500 can have separated breathing chambers 524, 526 defined by
divider 528. Divider 528 can thus separate the inside of mask 500
into two cavities--nasal breathing chamber 524 and oral breathing
chamber 526. Divider 528 can be a one-piece or multi-piece
construction. Divider 528 can extend back far enough to be
proximate the skin between the base of the nose and the upper lip
of a wearer when in use. Divider 528 can be situated around the
inner sides of mask shell 502 and cushion 508 so as to form a
substantially airtight seal.
[0043] Breathable gas can be delivered from nasal breathing chamber
524 to the nostrils of a wearer when in use. Breathable gas can be
delivered from oral breathing chamber 526 to the mouth of a wearer
when in use. One or more expiration holes 544 can be defined
through mask shell 502 for one or both of breathing chambers 524,
526 to allow a user to exhale waste gas from one or both of
chambers 524, 526.
[0044] Divider 528 can be made of any suitable material and in any
suitable shape, as will be readily appreciated by one having
ordinary skill in the art. In at least one exemplary embodiment,
divider 528 can be made of the same material as cushion 508. For
example, divider 528 can be made of an elastomeric material, such
as a silicone elastomer. Divider 528 may be uniformly or
non-uniformly thick. Divider 528 can be formed integral with
cushion 508 and can be suitably mated with the inside of mask shell
502 and port 504.
[0045] As another non-limiting example, divider 528 can be made of
a rigid plastic, which can also be the same material that mask
shell 502 is constructed of. Divider 528 can be integral with mask
shell 502 and can be suitably mated with cushion 508.
Alternatively, divider 528 can be made to be retrofitably applied
to conventional masks.
[0046] Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a flow generator (not
shown) can be connected to gas supply tube 506 for delivering
breathable gas to mask 500. Gas supply tube 506 can be of any
suitable length. For illustrative purposes and in a non-limiting
manner, gas supply tube 506 is shown truncated. The flow generator
can be a CPAP machine, a BiPAP machine, an IPPV machine, an APAP
machine and the like known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
Gas supply tube 506 (or portions thereof) can be any flexible,
thin-walled tubing known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
Other portion or pieces of gas supply tube 506 may be more rigid.
For example, gas supply tube 506 may include rigid plastic
pieces.
[0047] At least a portion of gas supply tube 506 can include gas
supply divider 530. Gas supply tube 506 can be fluidly coupled to
mask 500. Gas supply divider 530 can split the gas supply tube 506
into nasal channel 532 and oral channel 534 for delivering
breathable gas to nasal breathing chamber 524 and oral breathing
chamber 526, respectively. Gas supply divider 530 can be planar,
or, alternatively, non-planar. In at least one exemplary
embodiment, gas supply divider 530 can split gas supply tube into
channels 532, 534 of substantially different volumes.
Alternatively, gas supply divider 530 can split gas supply tube 506
into channels 532, 534 of substantially equal volume. Accordingly,
gas supply divider 530 may be positioned so as to faun two unequal
cross-sectional areas within gas supply tube 506. Alternatively,
gas supply divider 530 may span the diameter of gas supply tube 506
so as to form two substantially equal cross-sectional areas. Gas
supply divider 530 may also divide gas supply tube 506 into more
than two channels in other embodiments.
[0048] Gas supply divider 530 can be constructed of the same
material as gas supply tube 106 (or portions thereof). Gas supply
divider 530 can be made of a flexible plastic, as one non-limiting
example Gas supply divider 530 can be equally thin-walled as gas
supply tube 506 (or portions thereof) or can be thicker and thus
more rigid than gas supply tube 506.
[0049] Gas supply divider 530 can be integrally formed with gas
supply tube 506 (or portions thereof). Alternatively, gas supply
divider 530 can be configured for insertion into gas supply tube
506 (or portions thereof). Gas supply divider 530 can be attached
within gas supply tube 506 or held within gas supply tube 506 by a
mating mechanism. For example, gas supply divider 530 can include a
ridge portion of a tongue-in-groove mating system. Lateral groove
sections can thus be defined within gas supply tube 506 for
receiving the ridge portion.
[0050] Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, breathable gas can be
communicated through nasal channel 532 and oral channel 534 at
different pressures. Moreover, pressurized breathable gas from
nasal channel 532 and oral channel 534 can be directed to nasal
breathing chamber 524 and oral breathing chamber 526, respectively.
Accordingly, the pressurized breathable gas provided to nasal
breathing chamber 524 can be under a different pressure than the
pressurized breathable gas provided to oral breathing chamber
526.
[0051] To provide breathable gas at different pressures to nasal
breathing chamber 524 and oral breathing chamber 526, respectively,
one or more valves (not shown) or like mechanisms can be situated
within or at any divided portion of port 504 or gas supply tube
506. The one or more valves can be set to partially obstruct
channels 532, 534 within gas supply tube 506 or at port 504. The
one or more valves can be any valve known to one of ordinary skill
in the art. Accordingly, one or more valves can regulate the flow
of pressurized breathable gas through channels 532, 534.
Alternatively, singularly or in conjunction, one or more valves can
regulate the flow of pressurized breathable gas entering breathing
chambers 524, 526. Valves can have positions ranging from fully
opened to fully closed and any selectable position there between.
Exemplary valves can be similar to any of valves 236, 238, 336,
338, 436, 438 described above, as will be readily recognized by one
having ordinary skill in the art.
[0052] In a further exemplary embodiment, mask 500 can include a
divided port 504 having at least two openings that may be in fluid
communication with at least two gas supply tubes 506. Each of the
gas supply tubes 506 may be in fluid communication with a single
breathable gas supplying device or each supply tube 506 can be
connected to a different gas supplying device. Each of the gas
supply tubes 506 can deliver gas at the same pressures or
alternatively, the gas supply tubes 506 may also deliver gas at
different pressures. Gas supply tubes 506 may each have the same
cross-sectional area or they can have different cross-sectional
areas. The gas supply tubes 506 may also include valves or other
desired pressure or flow regulating mechanisms known to one skilled
in the art.
[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, each channel 532 and 534
may include at least one divider 530, which can serve to form a
plurality of different channels. Each of the plurality of channels
532 and 534 may be in fluid communication with a single breathable
gas supplying device or each channel 532 and 534 can be connected
to a different gas supplying device. Each of the channels 532 and
534 can deliver gas at the same pressures or alternatively, the
channels 532 and 534 may also deliver gas at different pressures.
Channels 532 and 534 may each have the same cross-sectional area or
they can have different cross-sectional areas. Additionally,
channels 532 and 534 may also include valves or other desired
pressure or flow regulating mechanisms known to one skilled in the
art.
[0054] Other mechanisms for controlling gas flow and/or pressure
through channels 532, 534 can include providing walls having one or
more openings, which may be fixed or adjustable. In other
embodiments, walls having different gas permeabilities can be
positioned within channels 532, 534. In further embodiments, any
other methods or mechanisms for controlling gas flow and/or gas
pressure known to those having ordinary skill in the art can be
used. For example, nasal channel 532 and oral channel 534 can have
different cross-sectional areas, which in itself can be used to
regulate gas flow and/or pressure. Additionally, an external
approach to changing the cross-sectional areas of channels 532, 534
can be applied, such as various clamps known to one having ordinary
skill in the art. Valves and like mechanism for controlling gas
flow and/or pressure may be used in combination.
[0055] In at least one other exemplary embodiment, a valve feature
or like mechanism for providing breathable gas under different
pressures to nasal channel 532 and oral channel 534 can be part of
a CPAP unit configured to interface with divided gas supply tube
506. In other embodiments, a divided Y connector can be coupled to
gas supply tube where each tube extending from an arm of the Y
connector leads to a separate CPAP unit for providing breathable
gas under pressure to each channel 532, 534.
[0056] Separate channels 532, 534 under the control of one or more
valves or like mechanisms can allow a doctor to prescribe different
pressures or ranges of pressures of breathable gas to be received
nasally and orally by a patient.
[0057] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0058] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *