Cushion/frame assembly for a patient interface
A cushion/frame assembly for a patient interface includes a cushion frame and a cushion. The cushion frame includes a cushion frame material, an annular wall portion having an opening that extends along a cushion frame longitudinal axis, and a projection extending radially with respect to the opening. The cushion frame is configured to snap fit with an outer frame having headgear attachment points and being configured to engage an inlet conduit. The cushion is connected to the cushion frame. The cushion is structured to form a seal with the patient and includes a cushion material that is more flexible than the cushion frame material.
1. A cushion/frame assembly for a patient interface for treatment of sleep disorder breathing by delivering a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient's airways, the cushion/frame assembly comprising:
a cushion frame comprising a cushion frame material of polycarbonate material, the cushion frame including an annular wall portion having an opening that extends along a cushion frame longitudinal axis and a projection extending radially with respect to the opening, the cushion frame being configured to snap fit with an outer frame 1) having headgear attachment points and 2) being configured to engage an inlet conduit; and
a cushion connected to the cushion frame, the cushion being configured to form a seal with the patient and including a cushion material that is more flexible than the cushion frame material.
2. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the annular wall portion is sized and shaped to at least partially nest with an annular portion of the outer frame.
3. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the projection forms a continuous flange completely around a perimeter of the opening.
4. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the annular wall portion extends in an anterior direction.
5. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one-piece integrated cushion/frame assembly.
6. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion is constructed of liquid silicone rubber.
7. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion frame is contoured to fit over the patient's nose or nose and mouth.
8. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber around the patient's nose or nose and mouth.
9. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion frame is devoid of headgear attachment points.
10. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 1 , wherein:
the projection forms a continuous flange around a perimeter of the opening,
the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one-piece integrated cushion/frame assembly, and
the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber.
11. A cushion/frame assembly for a patient interface for treatment of sleep disorder breathing by delivering a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient's airways, the cushion/frame assembly comprising:
a cushion frame comprising a cushion frame material, the cushion frame including an annular wall portion having an opening that extends along a cushion frame longitudinal axis and a projection extending radially with respect to the opening and forming a continuous flange completely around a perimeter of the opening, the cushion frame being configured to snap fit with an outer frame 1) having headgear attachment points and 2) being configured to engage an inlet conduit; and
a cushion connected to the cushion frame, the cushion being configured to form a seal with the patient's nose and mouth and including a cushion material that is more flexible than the cushion frame material.
12. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the annular wall portion is sized and shaped to at least partially nest with an annular portion of the outer frame.
13. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the projection is positioned at an end of the annular wall portion, the projection being configured to be positioned anterior to and contact a surface of the outer frame that is perpendicular to a direction of assembling the cushion frame and the outer frame to interlock the cushion/frame assembly with the outer frame.
14. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the annular wall portion extends in an anterior direction.
15. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one piece integrated cushion/frame assembly.
16. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the cushion frame includes a flange and a portion of the cushion sandwiches the flange.
17. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber around the patient's nose and mouth.
18. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the cushion frame is devoid of headgear attachment points.
19. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 11 , wherein:
the annular wall portion extends in an anterior direction,
the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one piece integrated cushion/frame assembly, and
the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber around the patient's nose and mouth.
20. A cushion/frame assembly for a patient interface for treatment of sleep disorder breathing by delivering a supply of air at positive pressure to a patient's airways, the cushion/frame assembly comprising:
a cushion frame comprising a rigid cushion frame material, the cushion frame including an annular wall portion having an opening that extends along a cushion frame longitudinal axis and a projection extending radially with respect to the opening, the cushion frame being configured to snap fit with an outer frame 1) having headgear attachment points and 2) being configured to engage an inlet elbow; and
a cushion connected to the cushion frame, the cushion being configured to form a seal with at least the patient's nose and including a cushion material that is more flexible than the rigid cushion frame material.
21. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the annular wall portion is sized and shaped to at least partially nest with an annular portion of the outer frame.
22. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the projection is positioned at an anterior end of the annular wall portion, the projection being configured to be positioned anterior to and contact a surface of the outer frame that is perpendicular to a direction of assembling the cushion frame and of the outer frame to interlock the cushion/frame assembly with the outer frame.
23. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the projection forms a continuous flange completely around a perimeter of the opening.
24. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one piece integrated cushion/frame assembly.
25. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber around the patient's nose.
26. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein a portion of the annular wall portion is configured to seal with the inlet conduit.
27. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the cushion frame includes a flange and a portion of the cushion sandwiches the flange.
28. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein the cushion frame is devoid of headgear attachment points.
29. The cushion/frame assembly according to claim 20 , wherein:
the projection is positioned at an anterior end of the annular wall portion and forms a continuous flange around a perimeter of the opening,
the annular wall portion is configured to seal with the inlet conduit,
the cushion frame is over-molded with the cushion to form a one piece integrated cushion/frame assembly, and
the cushion frame and the cushion together at least partly form a breathing chamber around the patient's nose.