Patent Publication Number: US-2017368287-A1

Title: Molded vinyl/polyvinyl/rubber/silicone oxygen mask contoured for improved compfort of user with acute or chronic need for oxygen or aerosolized medications. Mask applicable for all adult and pediatric oxygen masks. New decreased size of mask with gel strip at nasal bridge and under-the-chin contiguous portion of molded mask body modifications.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to oxygen masks and, more particularly, to an oxygen face mask with a gel nasal strip, an under-the-chin segment of the mask and a reduced dimension of the overall mask for use in patients requiring aerosol medication delivery and oxygen therapy for both pediatric and adult patients. 
     Oxygen and aerosolized delivery by mask allows for medication and medical gases to be delivered to a patient who requires supplemental oxygen or aerosolized medications. This method of oxygen/aerosolized medication delivery may be inadequate for patients with compromised pulmonary function, COPD, Asthma, respiratory failure, either acute or chronic, or hypoxic patients because medication and oxygen delivery is not maximized due to leakage around the nose and eye portion of a standard mask in part to its overall size and rolled edge at the nasal portion of the mask. The use of a metal strip that does not adequately seal the nose and cheek area is subjectively applied pressure to the metal strip that can cause discomfort to the nose and upper cheek areas. The size of a standard oxygen face mask may prohibit the use of eyewear by the patient which interferes with the user&#39;s daily activities of living. As can be seen, there is a need for a greater deposition of oxygen and aerosolized medications that is enhanced by the gel strip fit against the face, elimination of the rolled edge at the nasal portion of the mask and elimination of the metal adjustment strip on the nose which will allow for greater comfort and function of the mask. The additional under-the-chin segment of the mask body allows for a greater stability of the mask in the case of movement of the face or head by the user during use of the mask. The reduced size of the mask at the nose portion allows for the utilization of eyewear during therapy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, an oxygen mask comprises a mask adapted to fit over a nose, mouth and chin of a patient, pediatric or adult, a nasal gel strip in a portion of the mask and an under-the-chin portion of the mask. The mask having a reduced size for a more comfortable fit, more enhanced securement of the mask and an improved seal of delivered oxygen or aerosolized medication to the patient, pediatric and adult, are aspects and advantages that will be understood with reference to the following drawings, descriptions and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a detailed side view of an oxygen face mask showing a gel nasal strip in connection with the mask and an under-the chin extended portion of the mask, in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed side view of an oxygen mask and a user&#39;s face showing the location of a gel nasal strip in connection with the reduced size of the mask on the face, a space between the top of the mask and the forehead to allow for the use of eyewear, the mask is void of a metal adjustment strip at the nose and comprising an extended under-the-chin portion of the mask, in use, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the exemplary embodiments of the invention. This detailed description is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implication. The figures and the detailed description, as follows, more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an oxygen face mask with a gel nasal strip that provides a proper, comfortable seal of the mask and an under-the-chin portion of the mask body that provides increased securement from movement on the patient&#39;s face. Use of the face mask with the nasal strip, under-the chin portion of the mask and the reduction in size provides for increased delivery of oxygen and or aerosolized medications. The reduction in size and the lack of a metal nasal strip allows the patient to utilize eyewear without physical restrictions from the mask. 
     Referring now to: 
       FIG. 1  is the oxygen face mask  100  secured to the face by one or two elastic cords  106  attached to slits  104  on the sides of the mask. The gel nasal strip  102  covers the nose and creates a seal with the nose, cheeks and the mask. An under-the-chin portion of the mask  105  provides addition securement of the mask to the patient&#39;s face. Side ports  101  allow for elimination of CO2 from the mask. Oxygen is supplied by tubing  112  from an oxygen source. A fixed connector  107  on the mask attaches the oxygen delivery tubing to the mask. 
       FIG. 2  is the oxygen face mask  100  secured to the face by two elastic cords  106  attached to slits  104  on the sides of the mask. The gel nasal strip  102  covers the nose and creates a seal with the nose, cheeks and mask. An under-the-chin portion of the mask  105  provides additional securement of the mask to the patient&#39;s face. Side ports  101  allow for elimination of CO2 from the mask. Oxygen is supplied by tubing  112  from an oxygen source. A fixed connector  107  on the mask attaches the oxygen delivery tubing to the mask. The facial side perspective shows eyewear  103  on the user&#39;s eyes and the space  110  between the reduced size mask nose portion and the forehead which allows for eyewear to be worn by user. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. 
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