Mask and flow generator system

Abstract

A system for delivering a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface configured to contact the patient's head. The patient interface has a frame and a cushion supported by the frame. The cushion is configured to sealingly connect the patient interface to the patient's face and form a chamber between the frame and the patient's face. The patient interface also has an inlet port in the frame to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas. The system further includes a flow generator mounted on the patient interface. The flow generator is configured to generate the pressurized flow, capable of creating a pressure of about 2-40 cm H2O in the chamber. A flow generator housing houses the flow generator and is configured to reduce a transmission of vibration and / or noise generated by the flow generator to the patient interface. At least one support arm extends from the flow generator housing to the frame of the patient interface. The at least one support arm is connected to the frame of the patient interface by a soft joint.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 438,899, filed Feb. 25, 2009, which is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT / AUI2007 / 001325, filed Sep. 6, 2007, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to Australian Provisional Applications 2006904900 and 2006905967, filed Sep. 7, 2006 and Oct. 27, 2006, respectively, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. WO 2005 / 028009 is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to respiratory therapies, including but not limited to, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), bi-level and ventilation therapies. The present invention also relates to a mask and flow generator system that delivers a flow of pressurized breathable gas, e.g. air, to a patient for treatment of various breathing disorders. Tue present invention further relates to a system in which the flow g...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]An even further advantage of the present invention associated with the removal of the air tubing is a reduction in the functional dead space of the mask. Functional dead space is defined as the volume of exhaled air that is trapped within the system and that the patient subsequently re-breathes. It is desirable that functional dead space is kept within a safe range, or in the most extreme cases this could lead to the eventual patient suffocation. Current techniques to reduce functional dead space involve minimizing internal volume of the mask to minimize the amount of CO2 that is re-breathed and maximising the vent size and thus air flow through the mask to flush out the trapped CO2. Part of the CO2 that is re-breathed by the patient comes from the exhaled air that is breathed back into the tube. By removing the tube this reduces the physical volume that is available to trap CO2 and hence reduces functional dead space. This has implications for mask design. The first implication is that the internal volume of the mask can be made larger to increase the range of fit for each mask. The second implication is that this could lead to reduced flow requirements. If less CO2 is trapped in the mask, then the required flow rate to remove this CO2 is less. Reducing the flow rate will lead to a reduction in noise created as air rushes through the vents, reduce the power requirements of the pump, and increase patient comfort.

associated with the removal of the air tubing is a reduction in the functional dead space of the mask. Functional dead space is defined as the volume of exhaled air that is trapped within the system and that the patient subsequently re-breathes. It is desirable that functional dead space is kept within a safe range, or in the most extreme cases this could lead to the eventual patient suffocation. Current techniques to reduce functional dead space involve minimizing internal volume of the mask to minimize the amount of CO2 that is re-breathed and maximising the vent size and thus air flow through the mask to flush out the trapped CO2. Part of the CO2 that is re-breathed by the patient comes from the exhaled air that is breathed back into the tube. By removing the tube this reduces the physical volume that is available to trap CO2 and hence reduces functional dead space. This has implications for mask design. The first implication is that the internal volume of the mask can be made larger to increase the range of fit for each mask. The second implication is that this could lead to reduced flow requirements. If less CO2 is trapped in the mask, then the required flow rate to remove this CO2 is less. Reducing the flow rate will lead to a reduction in noise created as air rushes through the vents, reduce the power requirements of the pump, and increase patient comfort.

Problems solved by technology

Most OSA suffers do not remember these arousals however each arousal places extra strain on a patient's heart and destroys the quality of their sleep.

Studies have shown it can lead to significant health problems if left untreated.

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