Patent ID: 7845354
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: A61D,A61M,A62B,B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A CPAP mask assembly for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal, the CPAP mask assembly including: a mask having an inlet tube that is, in use, adapted to be in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit, said mask including a shell made of an elastomeric material, the shell being provided with a sealing membrane to provide a gas tight seal with the user in use, the shell and the sealing membrane defining a breathing chamber of the mask; and a vent array provided as part of the shell, the vent array including four or more gas washout orifices extending through the elastomeric material of the shell, the orifices extending from an inner side of the vent assembly placed, in use, adjacent the human or animal's face to an outer side placed, in use, adjacent atmosphere, the gas washout orifices being open in use, wherein a cross-sectional area of each orifice at the inner side of the vent assembly is larger than a cross-sectional area of the orifice at the outer side of the vent assembly, each orifice having a transition portion that decreases in size from the inner side to the outer side, each said orifice being in communication with a source of pressurized gas in use.