MASK SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING THE SAME
A mask system including a frame module and a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The cushion module includes a main body defining a breathing chamber and adapted to interface with the frame module and a cushion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face. The main body and the cushion are comolded with one another.
1 . A mask system, comprising:
a frame module; and
a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face,
wherein the cushion module includes a main body defining a breathing chamber and adapted to interface with the frame module and a cushion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face, the main body and the cushion being comolded with one another.
2 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the frame module includes headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear.
3 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the frame module includes a forehead support, the forehead support providing headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear.
4 . A mask system according to claim 3 , wherein the forehead support is fixed in position.
5 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the frame module includes open construction that provides an annular cushion retaining portion structured to retain the cushion module.
6 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion is a nasal cushion.
7 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the main body is constructed of a relatively rigid material and the cushion is constructed of a relatively soft elastomeric material.
8 . A mask system according to claim 7 , wherein the main body is constructed of polycarbonate and the cushion is constructed of silicone.
9 . A mask system according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion module is attachable to the frame module in different angular positions with respect to the frame module.
10 . A mask system according to claim 9 , wherein the cushion module is pivotally mounted to the frame module.
11 . A mask system according to claim 1 , further comprising an elbow module adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube that delivers breathable gas to the patient.
12 . A mask system according to claim 11 , wherein the elbow module is provided to the cushion module.
13 . A mask system according to claim 12 , wherein the elbow module includes an interfacing structure structured to interface with the cushion module, an elbow provided to one end of the interfacing structure, and a vent arrangement provided to the other end of the interfacing structure for gas washout.
14 . A mask system according to claim 13 , wherein the vent arrangement includes a plurality of holes.
15 . A mask system according to claim 13 , wherein the interfacing structure is structured to interface with an opening provided to the main body of the cushion module.
16 . A mask system according to claim 15 , wherein the interfacing structure and the opening of the cushion module include complementary shapes.
17 . A mask system according to claim 16 , wherein the interfacing structure and the opening of the cushion module include a figure-8 or hourglass-type shape.
18 . A mask system according to claim 12 , wherein the elbow module is attachable to the cushion module in two different orientations.
19 . A mask system according to claim 18 , wherein the elbow module is attachable to the cushion module in (1) a first orientation so that the elbow extends downwardly from the mask to direct the air delivery tube under the patient's head in use, and (2) a second orientation so that the elbow extends upwardly from the mask to direct the air delivery tube over the patient's head in use.
20 . A mask system according to claim 12 , further comprising a seal provided at the interface between the elbow module and the cushion module.