Breathing mask and methods thereof

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a breathing mask for alleviating conditions causing sleep apnea and avoiding onset claustrophobia in a patient often caused by a breathing mask. In one embodiment of the present invention, a breathing mask comprises an overhead gear assembly comprising an overhead receptor and a hose attachment connected to the overhead receptor, and a patient interface coupled to a connector tubing and/or valve of the overhead gear assembly, wherein the hose attachment is positioned outside of a line of sight of a user, when the breathing mask is utilized by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a breathing mask and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a breathing mask for alleviating conditions causing sleep apnea and avoiding onset claustrophobia in a patient often caused by a breathing mask.

2. Description of the Related Art

Sleep apnea, which manifests itself by intensive snoring during sleep, is a biological disorder in the respiratory channels, in particular the upper air passages which tend to collapse and become blocked towards the end of every exhalation cycle. In order to overcome and avoid suffocation, the patient must exert an effort to continue the breathing process, i.e. the inhalation phase, which effort entails his actual awaking. Patients are thus driven into a serious mental and physical condition, due to accumulated lack of sleep; although the patients seem to be asleep, actually they are not deriving the benefits of slumber, not to mention the inconvenience caused to people in proximity.

In the course of medical research, it has been found that great relief is attained if, by some external means, the patient's lungs (and, of course, the upper bronchial passages included) be kept under a constant, slightly elevated air pressure, above the ambient, “atmospheric” pressure.

In the art of respirators, resuscitators, and the like it is well known to provide apparatus in the form of an enclosure which encompasses a portion of the human body such as the upper torso or thoracic region thereof to provide within the confines of the enclosure a pressure containment chamber wherein pressure variations may be applied to the body to stimulate respiration.

It has been known for some time that sleep apnea can be alleviated through the use of respiratory assist apparatus, such as is used in the well known continuous positive airflow pressure (CPAP) therapy. It is also well recognized that one of the primary causes for patient non-compliance with CPAP or other device therapy is significant physical discomfort cause by the facial masks such devices require.

CPAP therapy essentially requires that air pressure be provided through the patient's nostrils to assist the muscles in the throat to prevent throat blockage during sleep, thus assuaging snoring and actual interruption of breathing. A respirator machine is connected to the patient's nostrils through airflow tubing connected to a facial mask placed over the patient's nose.

There are several known causes of patient concern when prior art apnea therapy masks are in use. For example, physical discomfort can arise with pressure facial neuralgia and vacuum sinusitis. Pressure facial neuralgia is caused by tissue being compressed against the facial bones, for example by a facial mask. Vacuum sinusitis is a painful result of a buildup of pressure in the maxillary cavities located in the maxillary bones located adjacent to the nose. This buildup of pressure is often associated with external pressure placed on the maxillary bones by a facial mask.

What generally goes largely unnoticed, however, in situations where patients have no physical concerns over the use of a mask, significant physiological issues can arise. One major concern is the feeling or sense of claustrophobia when the patient wakes up from a night's sleep and sees a hose coming out of a mask on his/her face.

Thus, there is a need for an improved breathing mask and methods thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a breathing mask for alleviating conditions causing sleep apnea and avoiding onset claustrophobia in a patient often caused by a breathing mask. In one embodiment of the present invention, a breathing mask comprises an overhead gear assembly comprising an overhead receptor and a hose attachment connected to the overhead receptor, and a patient interface coupled to a connector tubing and/or valve of the overhead gear assembly, wherein the hose attachment is positioned outside of a line of sight of a user, when the breathing mask is utilized by the user.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a breathing mask comprises an overhead gear assembly comprising an overhead receptor and a hose attachment to connect the overhead receptor, a patient interface coupled to a connector tubing and/or valve of the overhead gear assembly, and a pillow surrounding at least a portion of the overhead receptor, wherein the hose attachment is positioned proximate to the top of a user's head when worn by the user.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of administering CPAP treatment to a patient comprises supplying a stream of pressurized air continuously to the patient utilizing a breathing mask, the breathing mask comprising: an overhead gear assembly comprising an overhead receptor and a hose attachment to connect the overhead receptor, and a patient interface coupled to a connector tubing and/or valve of the overhead gear assembly, wherein the hose attachment is positioned outside of a line of sight of the patient when the breathing mask is utilized by the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of exemplary embodiments or other examples described herein. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail, so as to not obscure the following description. Further, the examples disclosed are for exemplary purposes only and other examples may be employed in lieu of, or in combination with, the examples disclosed.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a breathing mask and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a breathing mask for alleviating conditions causing sleep apnea while avoiding a sense of claustrophobia. In the following, numerous details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the embodiments or other examples described herein.

FIG. 1.1depicts a frontal view of an overhead receptor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1.2depicts a perspective view of a mobile head attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1.3illustrates the combination of an overhead receptor and a mobile round head attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1.4illustrates three pieces of a breathing mask in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

In viewingFIGS. 1.1to1.4collectively, the overhead gear assembly100as shown includes the overhead receptor110, a hose attachment108and an optional hose retention mechanism102. The overhead receptor100extends to the left and to the right with connector tubing and/or valves104and106at each end for connection with a breathing mask (not shown). The overhead receptor110may be adjustable depending on the size of the patient's head. The hose attachment108gives a hose mobility to allow for the patient to move freely from side to side without any discomfort. The hose retention mechanism102may retain the hose (not shown) in the hose attachment108, to ensure the hose will be in a ponytail position atop the patient's head, or alternatively, in a position away from the patient's face to retain the patient's ability to move freely from side to side without the patient feeling suffocated or claustrophobic.

One significant advantage of this assembly provides that the individual is able to move freely throughout the night while the mask and overhead gear assembly is left in place. The hose attachment108may generally connect to a blower (not shown), or other air/oxygen source. The connector tubing and/or valves104and106at the ends of the overhead receptor110generally attach to a breathing mask frame (not shown).

In operation, before sleeping, a user places the breathing mask apparatus on his/her head so that the hole in the apparatus through which air is transferred is placed directly over the user's nasal passages. The blower (not shown) is then activated, producing a positive air pressure on the user's airways by forcing air into the user's nasal passages, thus keeping them open throughout the night and increasing the ease of breathing which is hindered by obstructive sleep apnea. The amount of air pressure provided by the blower may be adjusted by the user and may be set to comply with the advice of a medical practitioner or health care specialist.

As appreciated by embodiments of the present invention, acceptable materials for components of the present invention may comprise any suitable material as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. More specifically, acceptable materials may comprise any material recognized by government agencies monitoring medical or health devices, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA. Generally, embodiments of the present invention may comprise any polymer, metal, fabric, or the like, as commonly used by hospitals and/or medical device manufacturers.

FIG. 2.1depicts a cross-sectional view of a pillow model with an internal groove for the placement of the hose in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2.2depicts a lateral view of a pillow model with a closed zipper seal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2.3illustrates three pieces of a neck support pillow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

InFIGS. 2.1through2.3, collectively, a pillow model200may be used to protect and support the patient's face for greater comfort. The pillow model200generally comprises a pillow202having an internal groove204for the placement of the hose (not shown) connected to an overhead gear assembly100. The internal groove204allows for the hose to remain away from the patient's face to relieve the patient from feeling suffocated or claustrophobic. As shown inFIG. 2.2, according to one embodiment of the invention, the pillow model200may additionally comprise a fastening mechanism210, which may include at least one or a combination of a zipper, a set of interlocking snaps, buttons, Velcro®, or any other closure mechanism which is feasible in the context of the present invention. The closure mechanism may optionally be resealable to provide for user adjustment of the hose and to seal the hose within the pillow210.

In many embodiments of the pillow model200are two openings206and208. Opening208may be adapted for the portion of the hose connected to the blower (not shown) via overhead gear assembly100and opening206is for the portion of the hose connected to the patient interface (not shown). The pillow model200may be made of a cushion-like or absorbent material, such as foam, cotton, down feathers or the like, and is adjustable to different temperatures to accommodate each patient's needs.FIG. 2.3illustrates three pieces of a neck support pillow in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The neck support pillow230, having a back section232and two side sections234and236, may be used concurrently with the pillow model200as may provide increased patient comfort and/or mobility.

FIG. 3.1illustrates a frontal view of the breathing mask assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the patient interface400may be a full-face mask, nasal mask, nasal pillow or the like. As depicted in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3.2, the patient interface400comprises a full-face breathing mask. The patient interface may be an industry-standard, substantially-triangular face mask, connected to the overhead gear assembly100using a pillow model200.

FIG. 4.1illustrates a front view of a substantially triangular face mask as a patient interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the breathing mask may be positioned around the nose and mouth as shown inFIG. 4.2. The mask may include a mask cushion (not shown), a hollow body (not shown) and a cushion clip (not shown), as is common for face masks in the industry. As shown, the patient interface400generally comprises a breathing portion402, an inflow air pathway404and an outflow air pathway406.

FIG. 4.3depicts a pillow model breathing mask assembly in use on a patient, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pillow model200may generally be positioned on a patients face comfortably, for example, by leaving room for the patient's ear, thus ensuring greater patient comfort.

A hose408may generally be attached to the hose attachment108atop the patient's head, outside of the patient's view. In many embodiments of the present invention, by keeping the hose408out of the patient's view, there is minimal likelihood the patient will awake during the night and immediately feel claustrophobic, or a similar fear, due to the hose or tubes entering the patient interface.

Optionally, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a neck support pillow230may be installed in the apparatus to enhance the overall comfort level of the patient utilizing the apparatus.FIG. 4.4illustrates a view of a breathing mask in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4.4, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the breathing mask may cover only the nasal region of the user, thus leaving the oral region exposed.

FIG. 5.1depicts a breathing mask assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the breathing mask assembly may comprise overhead gear assembly100, a patient interface400and a neck support pillow system230.

FIG. 6.1illustrates a back view of a breathing mask in operation on an individual in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6.2illustrates a front view of a breathing mask assembly having a neck support pillow in operation on an individual in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6.3illustrates a front view of a breathing mask assembly in operation on an individual in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Viewing these three figures collectively, a breathing mask assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention may include a breathing mask and a neck pillow support portion.

FIG. 7.1illustrates a patient in a supine position utilizing a breathing mask assembly700in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The breathing mask may generally be connected to a blower702, or other air source, for providing the increased air flow to the patient.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. In view of the wide variety of embodiments that can be applied, it should be understood that the illustrated examples are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the following claims. Further, the claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. In addition, use of the term “means” in any claim is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, and any claim without the word “means” is not so intended.