Positive-Air-Pressure Machine Conduit

Abstract

A conduit for delivering a supply of gas under a positive pressure includes a conduit wall having a first conduit end and a second conduit end. The first conduit end is adapted to be attached to the supply of gas. The conduit wall is deformable between an open condition in which the conduit wall defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel between the first conduit end to the second conduit end, and a collapsed condition in which the conduit wall substantially collapses the conduit passage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of AU Provisional Application No. 2004902020, filed Apr. 15, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a positive-air-pressure (PAP) machine conduit. The present invention also relates to headgear including such a conduit and to nose pieces including such a conduit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] One of the main factors influencing the success or failure of a patient to adopt a CPAP apparatus used in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea is the patient's ability to handle the discomfort of the headgear and supply conduit associated with such apparatus. [0004] Such apparatus can tend to limit a patient's ability to move or roll during sleep, thus adding to the potential discomfort for a patient. [0005] Therefore, a need has developed in the art to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of such appara...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for constructing headgear that delivers a supply of gas under a positive pressure to a patient. The method includes providing headgear including at least one conduit that defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel, mapping the shape of a particular patient's head, and forming the headgear into a headgear shape in accordance with the mapping such that the headgear achieves a substantially close and comfortable fit on the particular patient's head.

[0015] In another embodiment, the material may a lamination of a plurality of materials. In forms of this embodiment, the material may be a lamination of a thin foam layer and a fabric layer which, in one form, is coated on the foam layer, or felt flocking which, in one form, is coated on the foam layer. Such embodiments may provide a soft, warm comfortable feel against the skin of a patient using the conduit.

[0025] In another embodiment, the material from which each conduit is formed may be adapted to permit the passage of water vapour therethrough to enhance patient comfort particularly in a warm climate, but is substantially air tight.

Problems solved by technology

Such apparatus can tend to limit a patient's ability to move or roll during sleep, thus adding to the potential discomfort for a patient.

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