Nasal interface and system including ventilation insert

Abstract

A ventilation or CPAP interface system adapted to be inserted into a nares of a user to secure the interface. A cannula adapted to be connected to a source of ventilation gas forms a first portion of an input gas flow passage to supply the ventilation gas to the user. A nasal insert adapted to be inserted the nares of the user forms a second portion of the input gas flow passage from the cannula to a distal end of the nasal insert. A seal portion adapted to engage a portion of the first naris is provided adjacent the distal end of the nasal insert. Ventilation interface system may optionally include feed tubes, y-connector, tube holder, and headgear.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 10 / 658,769. Further, application Ser. No. 10 / 658,769 is related in subject matter to U.S. Pat. No. 6,478,026, PCT Patent Application Number PCT / US03 / 24590, filed Aug. 6, 2003, U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 10 / 610,594 filed Jul. 2, 2003, Ser. No. 10 / 044,925 filed Jan. 15, 2002, Ser. No. 10 / 096,795 filed Mar. 14, 2002, and Ser. No. 10 / 392,959 filed Mar. 21, 2003, all to Thomas J. Wood, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed to a ventilation interface, and more particularly to a ventilation interface including a cannula forming a first portion of an input gas flow passage and a nasal insert forming a second portion of the input gas flow passage, the first and second portions of the input gas flow passage dispo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a ventilation interface for users who require assistance with breathing. The interface includes a cannula and a nasal insert with a seal portion that engages the user's nares. The interface is secured by a nasal insert and a seal portion that forms a seal with the nares. The interface is designed to provide a comfortable and secure connection for users who require ventilation assistance. The invention also includes a feed tube and y-connector for delivering ventilation gas to the user. The interface system is easy to use and can be held in place with head or harness gear. The thin skirt optionally wraps around the nasal insert to prevent leaks. The technical effects of the invention include improved ventilation assistance for users and a comfortable and secure connection for the interface."

Problems solved by technology

However, in those individuals having a relatively smaller sized throat passage, the narrowed throat passage prohibits the adequate amount of oxygen from flowing into the lungs.

Additionally, one or more of a nasal obstruction, a relatively large tongue, and / or certain shapes of the palate and / or the jaw of the individual further prohibit the adequate amount of oxygen from flowing into the lungs.

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 / or depression.

Further, prior to, during, and / or subsequent to certain medical procedures and / or medical treatments, an individual can be unable to receive the adequate amount of oxygen.

Additionally, the conventional tubing will collapse if it is bent around the ears with the flat side against the side of the users head.

Thus, the use of such a conventional harness and tubing results in a number of disadvantages.

For example, because pressure must be applied between the required harness and the head of the individual to maintain the required seal, the harness is generally uncomfortable, particularly when sleeping.

The applied pressure often results in undesirable irritation and sores caused by movement of the mask and harness during periods of both wakefulness and sleep.

Further, the required seal is generally unable to be maintained when the mask and harness is moved.

The mask also generally applies an undesirable pressure to the sinus area that is adjacent to the nose, causing the nasal sinus airways to narrow, thereby increasing a velocity of flow through the upper anatomical airways and decreasing lateral pressure against the nasal mucosal walls.

Further, the tubing may fold, undesirably further exacerbating the above problem.

The above-discussed combination of increased flow velocity and decreased pressure results in the removal of moisture from the mucosal walls during inspiration, causing an undesirable drying and a burning sensation within the nares.

As a result, the individual may remove the mask to alleviate these discomforts, consequently discontinuing the beneficial application of the positive pressure.

However, the known nasal pillows also require the use of a harness to keep the nasal pillows pressed against the bottom of the nares, resulting in disadvantages similar to those of the conventional face mask.

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