Patent ID: 6516802
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method of treating sleep apnea utilizing a breathing mask and a mask attachment device having an occipital anchor adapted to fit against the head of a person beneath their occipital lobe, a forward anchor adapted to fit against the person's head at a forward anchoring position selected from the group consisting of a first portion of the person's head proximally surrounding a breathing orifice and a region selected from the group consisting of a top portion of the person's head and a forehead portion of the person's head, a biasing structure extending from the occipital anchor to the forward anchor, and a mounting member extending from said forward anchor for mounting the breathing mask, said method comprising the steps ofpositioning the occipital anchor about the person's occipital lobe, and the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head, such that the breathing mask is in communication with at least one breathing orifice of the person and the occipital anchor, the forward anchor, and the biasing structure are substantially aligned along an axis of symmetry of the person's head, the biasing structure biasing the occipital anchor against the person's occipital lobe, the forward anchor against the corresponding portion of the person's head, and the breathing mask against the portion of the person's head proximally surrounding the breathing orifice; connecting the mask to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system; and providing respirator gas from the CPAP system to the person via the mask to prevent apnea while the person sleeps.