Braided hose for use in sleep apnea treatment systems that decouples force
A hose is described that includes a braided matrix with an interior lumen. The matrix also includes filaments that intersect one another, creating a braid. A longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen, and the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle. The braid angle can be varied by compressing or by expanding the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis. A polymer coating is applied to the matrix such that the matrix is substantially impermeable to air. The hose has two states: (1) a relaxed state where the hose does not experience a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and (2) a stressed state where the hose experiences a force in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The braid angle is larger in the relaxed state as compared to the stressed state. A method of manufacture for the hose is also disclosed.
1. A method of manufacture of a hose, the method comprising:
providing a braided matrix with an interior lumen, the matrix including:
filaments that intersect each other and create a braid;
a longitudinal axis that runs along the lumen, wherein the filaments intersect the longitudinal axis at a braid angle,
wherein the braid angle can be varied by compressing the matrix along the direction of the longitudinal axis or by expanding the matrix in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
compressing the matrix;
stabilizing the braid angle by applying heat to the matrix; and
applying a polymer to the matrix.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix is compressed at least 50% prior to the stabilization step.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the braid angle is increased by at least 30 degrees prior to the stabilization step.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein after the polymer is applied, the hose is stretched.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the matrix has a length after the stabilization step, and the method further includes stretching the matrix by at least 130% of the length after the polymer is applied.