Patent ID: 9072852
Filing Date: 2015-07-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A mask assembly for use as part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user, the mask assembly comprising: a rigid mask body including an inlet through which said flow of respiratory gases are provided to an interior of said mask assembly, a mask seal assembly coupled to said mask body in use, said mask seal assembly including a mask seal having a molded shape when unpressurized to approximately match contours of a face of the user and in use substantially seal against the face, said mask seal defining an opening adapted in use to place the user in communication with an interior of said mask assembly, said opening comprising an apex in a nasal bridge region of said mask assembly, said mask seal comprising a thin region and a thick region, said thin region extending along an inner periphery of the mask seal and being located in said nasal bridge region and extending downward beyond said apex of said opening, wherein the thin region ends in cheek regions of the mask seal, said thick region comprising a remainder of the inner periphery of said mask seal and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending along an outer periphery of the mask seal towards the mask body and the second portion extending along an inner edge encircling said opening between said thin region and said opening, in use said inner periphery adapted to be in contact with the face of the user, said thin region inflating under typical CPAP pressure to an elastically stretched condition significantly larger than said molded shape, and the mask seal being formed of a seal material having a strain greater than 0.1 when in said elastically stretched condition.