U.S. patent application number 13/864853 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for strapless nasal interface device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Venkata Buddharaju. Invention is credited to Venkata Buddharaju.
Application Number | 20130233315 13/864853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48145990 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130233315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buddharaju; Venkata |
September 12, 2013 |
STRAPLESS NASAL INTERFACE DEVICE
Abstract
A strapless nasal interface device is disclosed. The device is
used in conjunction with CPAP, BIPAP, ventilators, or any other
suitable device. The device includes a body with a passageway to a
ventilating tube, exhalation holes, and a passageway to nostril
interface tubes. The nostril interface tubes include a nasal
interface element which is an expandable, compressible material
such that the user can compress the element, insert it into the end
of the nostril and allow it to expand to hold the tube in place.
Alternatively, the nasal interface elements are held against the
outer edge of the nostrils. Optionally, a skirt is included at the
outer side of the nostril to aid in sealing against air leaks.
Optionally, flaps are included to assist in holding the device in
place, such as side flaps, a front flap, or both. The front flap
may be adherable to the exterior of the nose and optionally
includes resilient strips to open the nasal passageway.
Alternatively, a nose cover is adhered to the nose and side
attachment flaps secure the device to the nose cover. Thus, the
device requires no additional straps or headgear in order to
maintain the device in operable position during sleep.
Inventors: |
Buddharaju; Venkata; (Park
Ridge, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Buddharaju; Venkata |
Park Ridge |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48145990 |
Appl. No.: |
13/864853 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12641094 |
Dec 17, 2009 |
8430098 |
|
|
13864853 |
|
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|
|
61138472 |
Dec 17, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0875 20130101;
A61M 16/0683 20130101; A61M 16/0666 20130101; A61M 2205/0238
20130101; A61M 16/0057 20130101; A61M 16/0616 20140204; A61M
16/0688 20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.25 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/06 20060101
A61M016/06; A61M 16/08 20060101 A61M016/08; A61M 16/00 20060101
A61M016/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a housing including a cavity, a first
opening in fluid communication with the cavity and a positive
pressure source, a second opening in fluid communication with the
cavity and atmosphere, a third opening, and a fourth opening; a
first nostril tube removably coupled to the third opening and in
fluid communication with the cavity; a second nostril tube
removably coupled to the fourth opening and in fluid communication
with the cavity; and a nasal interface element removably coupled to
one of the first nostril tube and the second nostril tube, wherein
the nasal interface element is compressible to fit within a nostril
of a user and expandable to make contact with an inner edge of the
nostril to hold the nostril tube in place within the nostril and to
form a seal sufficient for CPAP operation.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a facial patch which
is adherable to a portion of a person's face above the level of
such a person's nostrils.
3. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one
attachment flap coupled to the housing and removably attachable to
the facial patch.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a second attachment
flap coupled to the housing and removably attachable to the facial
patch.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein the facial patch at least
partially covers a person's nose and includes an adhesive on a
bottom surface thereof adapted to removably adhere to the outer
surface of a person's nose.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the facial patch comprises a
bendable element adapted to bend to match contours of a person's
nose and hold its shape.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the second opening is of
sufficient size and configured to allow exhaled air to pass
therethrough without substantially depressurizing the cavity.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the second opening is about 0.02
inches in diameter.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second opening includes a
plurality of openings, and wherein each of the openings is of
sufficient size and is configured to allow exhaled air to pass
therethrough without substantially depressurizing the cavity.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of
openings is about 0.02 inches in diameter.
11. A device comprising: a housing including a cavity, and a port
in fluid communication with the cavity and extending from the
housing, the port being rotatable with respect to the housing and
connectable to a positive pressure source; a first nostril tube
coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the cavity;
a second nostril tube coupled to the housing and in fluid
communication with the cavity; a nasal interface element coupled to
one of the first nostril tube and the second nostril tube, wherein
the nasal interface element is compressible and expandable to form
a seal within a nostril of a user that is sufficient for CPAP
operation.
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a facial patch which
is adherable to a portion of a person's face above the level of
such a person's nostrils.
13. The device of claim 12, further comprising at least one
attachment flap coupled to the housing and removably attachable to
the facial patch.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a second attachment
flap coupled to the housing and removably attachable to the facial
patch.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the facial patch at least
partially covers a person's nose and includes an adhesive on a
bottom surface thereof adapted to removably adhere to the outer
surface of a person's nose.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the facial patch comprises a
bendable element adapted to bend to match contours of a person's
nose and hold its shape.
17. The device of claim 11, wherein the second opening is of
sufficient size and configured to allow exhaled air to pass
therethrough without substantially depressurizing the cavity.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the second opening is about
0.02 inches in diameter.
19. The device of claim 11, wherein the second opening includes a
plurality of openings, and wherein each of the openings is of
sufficient size and is configured to allow exhaled air to pass
therethrough without substantially depressurizing the cavity.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of
openings is about 0.02 inches in diameter.
21. A device comprising: a housing including a cavity, and a port
in fluid communication with the cavity and extending from the
housing, the port connectable to a positive pressure source; an
attachment flap coupled to the housing and releasably coupled to a
facial patch applied to a nose of a user; a first nostril tube
coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the cavity;
a second nostril tube coupled to the housing and in fluid
communication with the cavity; a nasal interface element coupled to
one of the first nostril tube and the second nostril tube, wherein
the nasal interface element is compressible and expandable to form
a seal within a nostril of a user that is sufficient for CPAP
operation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/641,094, filed on Dec. 17,
2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/138,472, filed Dec. 17, 2008. The subject matter of these
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a strapless nasal interface
device, and more particularly, to a device for use with a
ventilator, CPAP, or BIPAP for strapless interface with the nasal
passages.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Nasal passage interface devices are commonly used in
conjunction with CPAP devices, BIPAP, ventilators, and other
devices. For example, in CPAP applications, a nasal passage
interface device is used to provide a passageway for air to enter
the nasal passages of the user. Such devices must be secured to the
nasal passages so that it remains in place during sleep.
[0004] Various existing interfaces are typically held in place by
straps or headgear. Such straps can become uncomfortable to the
user, and can 5 deter use of the device. Thus, existing devices are
deficient in that they fail to provide an ideal method of
attachment.
[0005] Numerous such interfaces have been disclosed. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,729, issued to Thornton, discloses an oral
appliance for improving breathing. The appliance includes a
mouthpiece and two nasal cushions which sit on the outside of the
nose. The device requires the use of the mouthpiece to hold it in
place, which would be uncomfortable for a user not in need of the
mouthpiece. Without the mouthpiece, the nasal interface would not
hold the unit in place.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,026, issued to Wood, discloses a nasal
ventilation interface. The unit includes tubes which insert into
the nose of the user. However, the inserts do not hold the unit in
place. The devices require that the air tubes be looped over the
ears of the user to hold the unit in place, which would be
uncomfortable and easily dislodged during sleep.
[0007] Another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,594,
issued to Drew et al. In this patent, a cumbersome respiratory mask
is disclosed which covers the nose of the user. A forehead piece
extends from the unit and is attachable to straps to hold the unit
in place. The device is rather obtrusive and would have both straps
to hold the device in place and a mask, both of which would be
uncomfortable for a user.
[0008] Yet another device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,613,
issued to Wood et al. In this patent, an interface device also has
tubes which extend into the nasal passage. Again, straps in the
form of head straps are used to secure the device, which can cause
discomfort to a user.
[0009] In U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2004/0182397, filed
by Wood, a ventilation interface is disclosed having tubes
extending into the nares of 5 the nose. In this disclosure, seal
portions inserted into the nostrils are disclosed. However, these
seal portions are not capable of securing the device to the user,
and thus, further securing methods such as straps are needed, again
causing potential discomfort to the user.
[0010] Another typical interface device is disclosed in U.S.
Published Patent Application No. 2007/0272249, filed by Chandran et
al. In this device, pillows are included which wedge into the nares
of the nose. However, again, these pillows do not secure the
device, and straps of various sorts would be required to hold it in
place.
[0011] While a number of other interface devices have been used or
disclosed, none of them enable securing via nasal inserts to
eliminate the use of straps or air tube contraptions to secure the
device to the user's nose. Furthermore, they each pose a level of
potential discomfort to the user which render them problematic for
sleeping.
[0012] Thus, there continues to be a need for a particular suitable
nasal passage interface device which can be secured without the
need for straps or air tube arrangements, and which provides a
greater comfort level to the user.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention is a strapless nasal interface device
for use with a CPAP or BIPAP device, or any other ventilator type
device. The nasal interface device of the present invention enables
the user to secure the device in place without the need for straps
or headgear, which can be uncomfortable for the user. Typical PAP
devices are secured to the user via straps which wrap around the
head of the user. These straps can be very uncomfortable, and can
even deter use of the device altogether. Straps can be particularly
uncomfortable when the head is tilted in various directions during
sleep. This problem may also be particularly present in patients
having claustrophobia issues when headgear or straps can be
perceived as enclosing on a patient. Additionally, eliminating
straps or headgear can make the maintenance and cleaning of the
device easier. Providing a lightweight device which can be secured
without straps or headgear is thus most advantageous.
[0014] The nasal interface device of the present invention includes
an interface body which is preferably light weight and low profile.
A ventilation tube is connected to the body, such as a tube through
which air is supplied via a CPAP or other device. The body also
includes exhalation holes. Thus, when the user exhales, the carbon
dioxide rich exhalation air can exit through the exhalation holes,
allowing new air to enter.
[0015] The body of the device interfaces with the nasal passage via
nostril interface tubes extending from the body. These tubes
include a nasal interface element designed to aid in securing the
device in place, and thus eliminating the need for straps or
headgear. The nasal interface elements are formed of an expandable,
compressible material, meaning they can be compressed in order to
insert them into the nostril, and once inserted they expand to
apply pressure to the inner surfaces of the nostril opening to hold
the device in place. Preferably, the contact is made at the end
portion of the nostril so that only the section in the nostril
covered by skin is contacted, thus avoiding the more sensitive
nasal mucosa. Alternatively, the nostril interface elements are
held against the outer edge of the nostrils.
[0016] These nasal interface elements can be formed of any suitable
material which can be deformed, but are resilient in that they tend
back to their original shape. A compressible foam is one material
which may be well-suited for use in the invention. The interface
element can be either permanently mounted to the interface tubes,
or they may be removable and disposable so that they can be
replaced after use. Thus, they can be mounted to the tubes via any
suitable method. For example, they can be mounted via threading,
frictional fit, or adhesive. However, other suitable methods of
mounting the element to the tubes are contemplated and considered
within the scope of the present invention.
[0017] The nasal interface elements of the present invention are
ideally shaped in such a manner that they will form a seal or snug
fit within the nostril of the user. This may mean they have more
material on the bottom part toward the user's face, or that they
may be specially formed to conform to the shape of the interior of
the nostril. By exerting a small amount of pressure to the inside
of the nostril, an additional advantage can be obtained by widening
the passageway to allow more airflow. Furthermore, to enhance the
securing of the device, the interface elements may include a mild
adhesive on their exterior surface to hold them in place against
the inner surfaces of the nostril. Such adhesive must be mild
enough that the element can be easily removed by the user without
causing significant discomfort or irritation or abrasion.
[0018] Optionally, these interface elements may contain an
anti-bacterial agent to reduce the growth of contaminants. Once
used, the user may replace the elements onto the tubes.
[0019] In various embodiments of the present invention, the
interface tubes may further include a skirt surrounding the tube
below the interface elements. Such skirts can be fitted against the
outside of the nostril opening to help form a seal. Optionally, a
mild adhesive can be disposed on the surface of the skirt which
touches the outside edge of the nasal opening to help hold it in
place.
[0020] In various embodiments of the present invention, the device
also includes one or more flaps to assist in holding the device in
place while in use. For example, side flaps are optionally included
extending from the sides of the body of the device. The side flaps
have an adhesive, enabling them to be adhered to the outer surface
of the nose of the user to secure the device in place.
Alternatively, the side flaps may removably secure to a nose cover
which is adhered to the nose of the user.
[0021] Furthermore, an optional front flap may be included. The
front flap extends from the body of the device and is secured to
the exterior surface of the nose of the user. It may be secured via
a strip of tape, and adhesive on the underside of the flap, or by
any other suitable method. This front flap holds the device in
place during use. In certain embodiments, the front flap may
include resilient strips traversing the exterior of the nasal
passageways. These strips can be deformed when applying the front
flap to the nose via an adhesive, and will apply pressure tending
to open the nasal passageways. A single one of such strips can be
used. Alternatively, multiple strips can be used. Thus, the
passageway is opened to allow more airflow, reducing the tendency
of snoring in the user, and potentially reducing the air pressure
required through the device to accomplish its purpose. Greater
airflow may be enhanced by the combination of the strips and the
expanding nasal interface elements, thus reducing air pressure
requirements.
[0022] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described
only the preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other
and different embodiments and its several details are capable of
modifications in various obvious respects, without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals represent like features, and description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the nasal interface device of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the nasal interface
device of the present invention, having optional side and front
straps for mounting the device.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the nasal interface device of
the present invention as mounted on the nose of a user.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the nasal interface element of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the nasal interface
device of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of the nasal
interface device of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
nasal interface device of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the nasal interface
device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with
the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered
as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0032] The present invention is a strapless nasal interface device
10 suitable for use with a CPAP or BIPAP device, or any other
ventilator type device. The device 10 includes an interface body 20
having an interior cavity. The cavity is fluidly connected to an
air tube 40 extending from the body 20 for use with a CPAP or other
device. The body 20 ideally includes exhalation holes 30 to enable
expelled air to escape the device 10.
[0033] The device 10 further includes at least one nostril
interface tube 50 extending from the body 20 to interface with the
nasal passages of the user. Preferably, two such tubes 50 are
included. Surrounding the tubes are compressible expandable nasal
interface elements 60. These elements 60 are formed such that they
can be compressed to fit within the nostril of the user, after
which they expand to make contact with the interior of the nostril
at the inner edge of the nostril to hold the interface tube 50 in
place within the nostril. Thus, the need for straps or headgear in
conjunction with the device is eliminated.
[0034] In various embodiments of the present invention, the
interface elements 60 are permanently mounted to the interface
tubes 50. However, in various other embodiments, the interface
elements 60 are removably mounted to the tubes 50. If removably
mounted, the interface elements 60 may be mounted to the tubes 50
by any suitable means. For example, they may be threaded,
frictionally fit, or adhered with an adhesive 62.
[0035] Interface elements 60 can be formed of any suitable
material. In certain embodiments, they are formed of an expandable,
compressible foam. Preferably, the elements 60 have an
anti-bacterial agent. Optionally, elements 60 may include a mild
adhesive 64 on the outer surface to make contact with the skin on
the interior of the nostril. Ideally, elements 60 form a seal
within the nostril. Ideally, they are shaped to optimize such a
seal. For example, they may be formed to conform to the interior
shape of the nostril so as to form a proper fit.
[0036] In various embodiments of the present invention, a skirt 70
is also included. The skirt 70 is disposed on the nostril interface
tube 50 between the interface element 60 and the interface body 20.
The skirt interfaces with the end of the nostril opening to help
aid in sealing the air passage. Optionally, a mild adhesive can be
disposed on the surface 75 of the skirt 70 adjacent the rim of the
nostril opening to further seal the passageway.
[0037] In various further embodiments, the device 10 includes one
or more flaps in order to further secure it on the user. For
example, in certain embodiments, side flaps 80 extend from the body
20. The side flaps 80 have an adhesive thereon to adhere the flaps
to the exterior of the nose, further securing it. Side flaps 80 may
be mounted to the interface body 20 by any suitable method, such as
via a groove in the interface body 20 allowing an end of flap to be
inserted. Such a fit may be a friction fit, or it may be a dovetail
groove. However, any other suitable method of attachment is
contemplated as within the scope of the invention.
[0038] Additionally, an optional front flap 90 may extend from the
interface body 20. The front flap 90 covers an exterior portion of
the nose. It can be mounted to the nose via any suitable method.
For example, a separate strip of tape or adhesive may be used. In
certain embodiments, it may be mounted via an adhesive on the
underside of the front flap 90. Thus, the device 10 is further
secured to the nose of the user. Front flap 90 may be mounted to
the interface body 20 by any suitable method, such as via a groove
in the interface body 20 allowing an end of flap 90 to be inserted.
Such a fit may be a friction fit, or it may be a dovetail groove.
However, any other suitable method of attachment is contemplated as
within the scope of the invention.
[0039] In various embodiments, the front flap 90 of the device 10
further includes tension bows or strips 95. These strips 95 are
formed of a resilient material. Thus, the strips 95 may be deformed
when adhered to the exterior of the nose via an adhesive on the
underside of the front flap 90, after which they apply pressure
tending to expand the nasal passageway. Thus, the passageways are
expanded, relieving a tendency of snoring and potentially reducing
the air pressure required for the user's purposes. While a single
such strip 95 can be used, in certain embodiments multiple strips
95 are used to open the passageway along an entire portion of the
passageway. The front flap 90 can be used without side flaps 80, or
in conjunction therewith.
[0040] In various other embodiments, the present invention includes
a strapless nasal interface device 100 having an interface body 105
having an internal cavity 110. The cavity 110 is in communication
with an air tube 115 which extends from the body 105. The air tube
115 is preferably rotatably attached to the interface body 105 at a
first point of attachment 120. Ideally, this point of attachment
120 allows the air tube 115 to rotate 360 degrees, yet maintains a
substantially leak-proof connection regardless of how the air tube
115 is oriented with respect to the interface body 105. A sealing
o-ring may be incorporated to facilitate the rotatable mounting.
This first point of attachment 120 may be located at any suitable
position on interface body 105, however, in a preferred embodiment
it is located on a front wall which is adjacent the wall on which
nostril interface tubes 135 are located such that the air tube 115
extends out perpendicular to the plane of the face and away from
the face, thus keeping air tube 115 and air supply tube 125 from
rubbing against the face of the user.
[0041] Preferably, the device 100 comprises at least one exhalation
hole, and preferably a plurality of exhalation ports or holes 122
which are sized to allow exhaled air to pass therethrough, but
which are sized so that they do not substantially depressurize the
cavity 110 of the interface body 105. Exhalation holes 122 can be
placed in any suitable location on the interface body 105. For
example, they may be placed on the side opposite of where nostril
interface tubes 135 are located, or on the top side of the
interface body 105 near the first point of attachment 120, or in
both locations, or in any other suitable location. In certain
embodiments, 35 to 40 exhalation holes sized at about 0.023 inches
each may be suitable to enable carbon dioxide rich exhalation air
to leave the cavity 110, yet such holes 122 are small enough such
that air pressure intended to pressurize the nasal passage is
maintained. In another embodiment, hole sizes may be approximately
0.02 inches in diameter, and about 78 of them may be suitable.
However, any size, number, and configuration of exhalation holes
122 which function as described is suitable and contemplated within
the scope of the present invention.
[0042] In various embodiments, the air tube 115 is also attached to
an air supply tube 125. Preferably, this is a removable attachment.
Optionally, the connection at a second attachment point 130 between
the air tube 115 and the air supply tube 125 also allows rotation
while maintaining a leak-proof connection. Ideally, 360 degrees of
rotation is enabled. In certain embodiments, the air tube 115 is
bent somewhere along its length, such that the planes of rotation
at the two attachment points 120 and 130 are different planes of
rotation. For example, if the air tube is bent by about 90 degrees,
the planes of rotation will be substantially orthogonal with
respect to one another. In some embodiments, one plane of rotation
will be parallel to the face of the user, and the other will be
perpendicular to the user. This allows for a great degree of
freedom of movement of the user without compromising the integrity
of the seal formed between the device and the user's nostrils.
[0043] In various embodiments, the device includes at least one
nostril interface tube 135 having an internal passage extending
from the interface body 105 to the nostrils of a user. Preferably,
there are two such tubes or nostril interface elements 135
extending to the nostrils of a user. In certain embodiments, the
nostril interface elements 135 include an upper cushion 140, which
is a radial protrusion, preferably formed of compressible material
such that the upper surface of the cushion can be compressed
against the outer edge of the nostril to help form a seal with the
nostril of the user. Ideally, nostril interface tubes 135 are each
formed as a single integral piece which can be attached and removed
from the interface body 105.
[0044] Preferably, the nostril interface elements 135 also include
a lower radial element 145 which is a radial protrusion adapted to
be urged toward the upper cushion 140 and to compress the upper
cushion 140 to aid in forming a seal between the upper cushion 140
and a person's nostril when the device 100 is worn by a person. In
certain embodiments, the lower radial element 145 includes an
internal substantially rigid rim 152 adapted to aid in compressing
the upper cushion 140 when the device 100 is worn by a person.
[0045] Ideally, the nostril interface elements 135 have
substantially non-porous surfaces. For example, they may be formed
entirely of a non-porous material such as silicone or any other
suitable material. Alternatively, at least the exposed surfaces of
the nostril interface elements 135 are coated with a non-porous
material such as silicone, or any other suitable material. In
certain embodiments, the nostril interface elements 135 are
removably attached to the interface body 105, such as via a snap
fit, frictional fit, threading, or any other suitable method. Thus,
they can be removed for cleaning or replacement.
[0046] The device 100 includes a facial patch 150. The facial patch
can be adhered to the face of a user. Preferably, the facial patch
150 is a nose cover 150 which adheres to the nose of a user. The
nose cover 150 preferably includes an adhesive on its bottom
surface to removably adhere to the skin of the user's nose. The
adhesive is ideally suitable for use on skin and removable. This
nose cover 150 is ideally disposable and replaceable.
[0047] The nose cover 150 is ideally formed of a flexible material.
Optionally, a bendable element 155 is included as part of the nose
cover 150 which may be embedded within it or on one of its
surfaces. The bendable element 155 is formed of a material which
can be bent to fit the contour of the nose and hold its shape so as
to help the nose cover 150 adhere to the nose. The bendable element
may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal as
aluminum, or any other material with suitable properties.
[0048] In various embodiments, in order to hold the device 100 in
place properly, at least one attachment flap 160, and preferably
two attachment flaps 160 are connected to the nasal interface body
105. They secure to the surface of the nose cover 150. Any suitable
manner of removable attachment is contemplated. For example, hook
and loop attachment in which one element of the hook and loop
material 165 is attached to the flaps 160, and the other element of
the hook and loop material 170 is attached to the surface of the
nose cover 150. However, an adhesive or other manner of attachment
can be used. Ideally, the flaps 160 extend around the sides of the
interface body 105 and hold the device 100 snug against the
nostrils. In this way, no straps around the head of the user are
required.
[0049] In an alternate embodiment, the nostril interface elements
135 may include a magnet or iron or nickel bearing material, and
they may be secured to the nose via magnets on the external surface
of the nose. In a further alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8,
the nose cover 150 may be eliminated and one or more flaps 160 may
be adhered directly to the outer surface of the nose of the
user.
[0050] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the
scope of protection is limited by the scope of the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *