Nasal mask system
An elbow for a respiratory mask includes a mask connection end adapted to connect to the mask and a tube connection end adapted to connect to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to a patient. The mask connection end includes a first region constructed of a more rigid material and a second region constructed of a more flexible material. The second region provides flexibility to one or more portions of the mask connection end to enable engagement and disengagement of the elbow with the mask and/or sealing of the elbow with the mask.
1. An elbow for a respiratory mask, comprising:
a mask connection end adapted to connect to the respiratory mask; and
a tube connection end adapted to connect to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to a patient,
the mask connection end including a first region constructed of a more rigid material and a second region constructed of a more flexible material,
wherein:
the first region includes a button on one side of the mask connection end,
the second region connects the button to the rest of the first region, thereby providing flexibility to the button to allow the button to flex inwardly towards an air path through the elbow, in turn enabling engagement and disengagement of the mask connection end with the respiratory mask, and
the second region provides sealing of the air path through the elbow.
2. A mask system comprising:
a frame adapted to attach headgear;
a sealing arrangement releasably connectable to the frame, the sealing arrangement defining a breathing chamber and adapted to form a seal with a patient's face; and
the elbow according to claim 1 , the mask connection end of the elbow being adapted to connect to the sealing arrangement,
wherein the sealing arrangement is structured and arranged to positively connect with the frame and with the elbow.
3. A mask system according to claim 2 , wherein the sealing arrangement includes a silicone cushion.
4. A mask system according to claim 3 , wherein the silicone cushion includes a dual wall configuration including an undercushion and a membrane that at least partially covers the undercushion.
5. A mask system according to claim 3 , further comprising a foam cushion provided to the silicone cushion.
6. A mask system according to claim 5 , wherein the silicone cushion defines the breathing chamber and the foam cushion is supported by the silicone cushion such that the foam cushion is not in communication with the breathing chamber.
7. A mask system according to claim 5 , wherein the foam cushion supports the sealing arrangement on the frame.
8. A mask system according to claim 2 , wherein the frame includes a forehead support.
9. A mask system according to claim 8 , wherein the forehead support is fixed to a main body of the frame.
10. A mask system according to claim 2 , wherein the sealing arrangement includes one or more protrusions adapted to interlock with respective openings provided to the frame.
11. A mask system according to claim 2 , wherein the sealing arrangement includes an opening adapted to receive the elbow.
12. A mask system according to claim 11 , further comprising a swivel ring structured to be supported within the opening and adapted to couple the elbow to the sealing arrangement.
13. A mask system according claim 2 , wherein the sealing arrangement provides a nasal interface.
14. A mask system comprising:
a frame;
a sealing arrangement provided to the frame, the sealing arrangement including a silicone cushion and a foam cushion provided to the silicone cushion; and
the elbow according to claim 1 , the mask connection end of the elbow being adapted to connect to the sealing arrangement,
wherein the silicone cushion defines a breathing chamber and the foam cushion is supported by the silicone cushion such that the foam cushion is not in communication with the breathing chamber, and
wherein the foam cushion supports the sealing arrangement on the frame.
15. A mask system according to claim 14 , wherein the elbow is provided to the silicone cushion of the sealing arrangement.
16. A mask system comprising:
a frame;
a sealing arrangement releasably connectable to the frame, the sealing arrangement defining a breathing chamber and adapted to form a seal with a patient's face;
the elbow according to claim 1 , the mask connection end of the elbow being adapted to connect to the sealing arrangement; and
a forehead support provided to the frame, the forehead support including an elongated arm adapted to extend from the frame and an upper headgear connector adapted to attach upper headgear straps,
wherein at least a portion of the elongated arm is constructed from metal.
17. A mask system according to claim 16 , wherein the frame includes lower headgear connectors adapted to attach lower headgear straps.
18. A mask system according to claim 16 , wherein the elbow is non-vented.
19. A mask system according to claim 16 , further comprising a vent ring structured to provide an interface between the sealing arrangement and elbow, the vent ring including a plurality of vent holes for venting.
20. A mask system according to claim 16 , wherein the metal is encapsulated in a plastic material.
21. A mask system according to claim 16 , wherein the upper headgear connector includes a flexible region.
22. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the second region allows the button to flex inwardly when said button is manually pinched or squeezed.
23. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is provided along a perimeter of the button.
24. The elbow according to claim 23 , wherein the second region includes a thickness that is tunable to adjust a depression force of the button.
25. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the first region includes a button on both sides of the mask connection end.
26. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the first region includes polypropylene or polycarbonate.
27. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the second region includes thermoplastic elastomer.
28. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the second region is co-molded with the first region.
29. The elbow according to claim 1 , wherein the button is structured and arranged to directly engage the respiratory mask so as to connect the elbow to the respiratory mask.
30. An elbow for a respiratory mask, comprising:
a mask connection end adapted to connect to the respiratory mask; and
a tube connection end adapted to connect to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to a patient,
the mask connection end including a first region constructed of a more rigid material and a second region constructed of a more flexible material,
wherein:
the first region includes a button on one side of the mask connection end,
the second region connects the button to the rest of the first region, thereby providing flexibility to the button to allow the button to flex inwardly towards an air path through the elbow, in turn enabling engagement and disengagement of the mask connection end with the respiratory mask, and
the button includes a raised portion adapted to be manually depressed and a tab or catch portion adapted to engage the respiratory mask, and the raised portion is spaced apart from and anterior to the tab or catch portion.
31. An elbow for a respiratory mask, comprising:
a mask connection end adapted to connect to the respiratory mask; and
a tube connection end adapted to connect to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to a patient,
the mask connection end including a first region constructed of a more rigid material and a second region constructed of a more flexible material,
wherein:
the first region includes a button on one side of the mask connection end,
the second region connects the button to the rest of the first region, thereby providing flexibility to the button to allow the button to flex inwardly towards an air path through the elbow, in turn enabling engagement and disengagement of the mask connection end with the respiratory mask, and
the mask connection end includes an interior stop to prevent a region thereof from occluding the air path.