Patent Abstract:
There is a requirement within certain environments to provide an individual with positive pressure air flow or oxygen flow, commonly referred to as Positive Air Pressure (PAP). Such environments including sleeping, racing, and firefighting for example and addressed within the prior art by approaches such as full face masks or inserts into the users nostrils and/or mouth. However, such approaches have limitations in respect of at least one of allowing speech, smell, or motion. According to embodiments of the invention the user is provided with a head covering that provides placement of vents in proximity of the user&#39;s nostril and/mouth. The connection from the source of positive pressure, such as pump or pressurized container, includes in some embodiments gimbal elements to provide increased flexibility of user motion.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to breathing apparatus and more specifically to providing an improved apparatus for non-invasive provisioning of positive air pressure to a user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which an individual has one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while they sleep; apnea is the combination of the Greek words “a” meaning without and “pnea” meaning air. The resulting loss of air movement during sleep results in a depletion of oxygen and a build up of carbon dioxide in the lungs and blood. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They often occur 5 to 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound and is accompanied by a movement out of deep sleep and into light sleep when the breathing pauses or becomes shallow resulting in poor sleep quality. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed. Doctors usually can&#39;t detect the condition during routine office visits. Also, there are no blood tests for the condition. Most people who have sleep apnea don&#39;t know they have it because it only occurs during sleep. A family member and/or bed partner may first notice the signs of sleep apnea. 
         [0003]    Today in North America it is estimated that between 4%-9% of middle-aged men and between 2%-4% of middle-aged women suffer from sleep apnea. Roughly 30% of the population of the United States are middle-aged, assuming 35-55 as middle aged (US National Census Bureau). As of Dec. 22, 2009 the US population was approximately 308 million people. Hence, between 6.2 million and 13.9 million middle-aged men and between 3.1 million and 6.2 million middle-aged women suffer from sleep apnea in the United States alone. Worldwide these numbers are probably between 3-5 times higher but the true numbers may be significantly higher as between 80%-90% of people in North America with sleep apnea go undiagnosed. 
         [0004]    As shown in  FIG. 1  with first body section  100  when an individual is awake air flows in and out of their nasal passages and throat. When the individual is asleep, shown in second body section  110 , a partial vacuum develops in their throat causing a partial collapse. This vacuum develops when air moves through a restricted space at high speed, resulting in turbulent airflow within the nose and thereby snoring, the most obvious event associated with sleep apnea. The more severe the restriction, the louder the snoring becomes and the more likely apnea is to occur. When the throat collapses like a pinched straw on inspiration, carbon dioxide levels rise and oxygen levels decrease, resulting in arousal as shown in third body section  120 . The patient will simply lighten their sleep for a few seconds (arousal), open the airway to breathe and return to sleep, only to resume snoring and repeat the apnea cycle about once per minute. Therefore, in more severe cases, it is possible for a person to experience 500 to 600 episodes of sleep apnea each night. The bed partner becomes aware of this problem because of pauses in air flow that are followed by gasping. 
         [0005]    Sleep apnea is a progressive disease, mild snoring converts gradually to sleep apnea as more negative pressures are created because of weight gain, aging, etc. Initially this may be only a few apneas per night but as the number of apneic events increases, both physical and mental symptoms develop. These are usually not noted until there are at least 50 or more events per night. These are several symptoms which indicate the possible presence of apnea including weight gain, fitful sleep, tiredness, loud snoring, mumbling in sleep, and drooling. Cognitive dysfunction may also be present including poor concentration, poor memory, irritability, chronic fatigue, decrease libido, depression, and claustrophobia. Long-term effects of sleep apnea include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris (chest pains) and hypertension. Whilst symptoms may vary amongst sufferers it is clear that these are increasingly severe as the apnea continues. 
         [0006]    Typically those with sleep apnea are encouraged to address the issue through lifestyle changes to address issues such as weight and smoking. However, three of the major risk factors for sleep apnea are largely determined at birth, being age as prevalence and severity of symptoms increase with age, gender, as men are about twice as likely to develop sleep apnea until women reach menopause, and airway size and shape where factors including cranial structure, small jaw, large tongue, large tonsils, and narrow airway. Other factors include diseases such as emphysema, asthma, neuromuscular disease, nasal obstruction and hypothyroid. As a result lifestyle changes generally do not address the problem resulting in the need for prosthetic devices or ultimately surgical interventions. Such surgical interventions include nasal surgery, plastic surgery of palate, uvula and pharynx, jaw relocation, facial surgery and tracheotomy. 
         [0007]    As a result intervention in sleep apnea is dominated by prosthetic devices as sufferers do not wish to result in the more severe and drastic surgical interventions. The most frequently used treatment for sleep apnea is positive airway pressure (PAP), primarily continuous PAP (CPAP). In this therapy, a prosthetic device consisting of an airflow generator, a flexible hose and a mask is attached to the sufferer whilst they sleep, such as shown in  FIG. 2  wherein air is provided to the mask  240  through air pipe  220 . The mask  240  being held in place on the sufferer&#39;s head  210  through straps  230 . CPAP uses air under pressure to splint the sufferers airway passage open and prevents both snoring and obstruction of airflow in and out of the lungs. CPAP has several advantages including eliminating apnea, being effective on almost all patients, quick, relatively cheap, and non-invasive. 
         [0008]    However, most masks for CPAP are based primarily upon surgical devices and are linked to the airflow generator with large pipes that come directly to the mask. For most suffers they are initially reluctant to use the therapy, as the nose mask and hose to the airflow generator look uncomfortable and clumsy, and indeed they are. In fact a significant number of sufferers will discontinue using them due to the discomfort, restricted sleeping position, etc that the masks of the prior art require. Further other sufferers take a long period of time to adjust to the treatment. Coupled with this there are a significant number of PAP manufacturers who offer different models at different price ranges, and PAP masks have many different sizes and shapes, so that users may need to try several masks before finding a good fit. These different machines may not be comfortable for all users and the purchase, evaluation of these is clearly expensive and frustrating to the sufferer irrespective of the benefit they derive and selection of PAP models may be very important in furthering adherence to therapy. Beards, mustaches or facial irregularities may interfere also with the mask, and where the mask contacts the skin it must be free from dirt and excess chemicals (such as skin oils). For me shaving before mask-fitting may be necessary. Further PAP masks and restraints according to the prior art are of limited designs and essentially utilitarian with no ability for the sufferer to personalize, enhance, or disguise the mask. 
         [0009]    It would, therefore, desirable to provide users with a PAP facial device that has reduced issues for the user in terms of being compatible with facial irregularities, beards, mustaches, chemicals as most female users will use face creams, cleaners, night masks etc. It would be further beneficial if the PAP facial device was less cumbersome, less restrictive on sleeping position and allows the user the opportunity to personalize or disguise the mask. Further it would be beneficial for the device not to have to insert tubes into their nostrils, insert mouthpieces or combinations thereof. Accordingly it is an aspect of the invention to provide a PAP with said benefits. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage of the prior art. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a device comprising a shell comprising at least an outer layer covering a predetermined portion of a users head, a first pipe, a connector attached to a predetermined location of the shell and for coupling a first end of the first pipe to a second pipe, and a first vent attached to a predetermined location of the shell and comprising a first inlet and a first outlet, the first outlet disposed in a predetermined location relative to at least one of the users mouth and the users nostril and the first inlet coupled to second end of the first pipe. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided a device a vent piece for demountably attaching to a vent, the vent piece comprising at least one opening of a plurality of openings to couple a gas flow within the vent piece to outside the vent piece, wherein the vent forms part of a shell comprising at least an outer layer covering a predetermined portion of a users head, a first pipe, a connector attached to a predetermined location of the shell and for coupling a first end of the first pipe to a second pipe, and the vent which is attached to a predetermined location of the shell and comprising a first inlet and a first outlet, the first inlet coupled to second end of the first pipe and the first outlet disposed in a predetermined location relative to at least one of a users mouth and a users nostril when the user wears the shell and none of the vent piece, the plurality of openings, and shell enclose the at least one of the users mouth and the users nostril. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment of the invention there is provided a head gear comprising covering a predetermined portion of a users head and comprising at least an outer layer, an inlet port for accepting gas and at least an outlet port of a plurality of outlet ports for venting the gas and a a connector attached to the inlet port for coupling the device to the source of gas; wherein attaching at least one vent of a plurality of vents to the at least an outlet port provides a venting of the gas under pressure at a predetermined location relative to at least one of the users mouth and the users nostril and where none of the head gear and vent enclose the at least one of the users mouth and the users nostril. 
         [0014]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  depicts the stages of sleep apnea; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  depicts a schematic of a face mask according to the prior art; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  depicts a Hans Rudolph 7600 Series V2 CPAP mask according to the prior art; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  depicts a series of PAP and CPAP masks according to the prior art; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention with increased air circulation to the head; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention with air vents disposed relative to nose and mouth of the sufferer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention with dual air vents and personalized to the sufferer; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention with personalized masks and a nasal bridge in front of the sufferer&#39;s nose; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention wherein nasal and mouth bridges in front of the sufferer&#39;s face; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  depicts PAP systems according to embodiments of the invention introduced to safety helmets; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12A  depicts a sectional view of PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12B  depicts a PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the head gear forms the air transport without requiring specific tubing within the head gear; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  depicts PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the head gear is designed to resemble another form of head gear. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present invention is directed to providing breathing apparatus for individuals with increased flexibility and maneuverability whilst providing positive air pressure for medical applications such as the treatment of sleep apnea and emergency applications such as firefighters. 
         [0031]    Reference may be made below to specific elements, numbered in accordance with the attached figures. The discussion below should be taken to be exemplary in nature, and not as limiting of the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims, and should not be considered as limited by the implementation details described below, which as one skilled in the art will appreciate, can be modified by replacing elements with equivalent functional elements. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 3  there is shown a CPAP mask  300  according to the prior art such as described supra in respect of  FIG. 2  with mask  240 , straps  230  and air pipe  220 . Mask  240  covers the sufferer&#39;s nose and is retained in position with respect to their face by straps  230 . Air under positive pressure at the prescribed airflow for the sufferer is coupled from a pump (not shown for clarity) to the mask  240  via an air hose (not shown for clarity) which connects to the air pipe  220 . Within  FIG. 3  CPAP mask  300  is a Hans Rudolph 7600 Series V2 Full Face CPAP Mask and comprises silicone rubber for the mask  240  and polycarbonate for the air pipe  220  and the swivel port connection between the air pipe  220  and mask  240 . The air pipe  220  and mask  240  are designed to be cold chemical, steam autoclave, pasteurization, and dishwasher safe. Currently the Hans Rudolph 7600 retails for approximately US$170 to the sufferer without air hose, pump etc. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4  other CPAP/PAP masks according to the prior art are shown including ResMed Activa  410 , ResMed Swift  420 , Bravo  430  and OA/CPAP  440 . ResMed Activa  410  comprises a mask  412  to provide air flow to the nose and mouth and forehead stabilization  414  which is intended to maintain placement of the mask  412  when ResMed Activa  410  is placed over the sufferer&#39;s face and retained with straps, not shown for clarity. The ResMed Swift  420  comprising body  422  which accepts the incoming air and directs this to the two nasal inserts  424  which are inserted into the sufferer&#39;s nostrils. The ResMed Swift  420  being held in place on the sufferer&#39;s head by strap  428  and positioned relative to their nostrils by cheek mounts  426 . Bravo  430  comprises body  432  with nasal inserts and is retained in position by head-strap  434  differs from ResMed Mirage  410  and ResMed Mirage  420  in that the position of the air pipe  436  is connected to the air generator above the head of the sufferer rather than at the front of their face. In some instances the sufferer may wish to avoid the straps and restraints employed in the prior CPAP and PAP masks. 
         [0034]    Accordingly in some instances such as shown by PAP mask  440  there is a mouthpiece providing jaw stabilization of the nasal inserts for the sufferer, the mouthpiece in some sufferers improving alignment of their upper and lower jaws and reducing other aspects of sleep apnea such as snoring. Bravo  430  ResMed Mirage  410  is a ResMed Mirage Activa CPAP Mask currently retailing for approximately US$200, ResMed Swift  420  is a ResMed Mirage Swift LT for Her CPAP mask currently retailing for approximately US$175, and the Bravo  430  is a Bravo CPAP Mask Pillow System retailing for approximately US$100. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 5  there is shown PAP headgear according to an embodiment of the invention comprising side view  500  and front view  550 . The user is shown wearing head covering  510  which surrounds a predetermined portion of the user&#39;s head  500 A and is retained in position by chin strap  530 . As shown in side view  500  the head covering  510  has a series of openings  560  which are disposed proximate to the user&#39;s ears allowing them clear hearing whilst wearing the head covering  510 . Shown at the top of the head covering  510  is connection  520  which provides connection to the remote air pump, not shown for clarity. Also shown disposed proximate the user&#39;s nose is outlet  540  which is connected to the connection  520  via tubing which is disposed within the head covering  510  and is not shown explicitly within the embodiments presented here in respect of  FIG. 5  and subsequent  FIGS. 6 through 11 . Referring to front view  550  it is shown that outlet  540  in side view  500  is actually a pair of vents  540 A and  540 B which are disposed to either side of the user&#39;s nose in proximity to their nostrils. The vents  540 A and  540 B are embedded within the lining  570  of the head covering  510 . As would be evident to one skilled in the art head covering  510  with vents  540 A and  540 B provides a more comfortable PAP mask for the sufferer as the air pumped from the remote pump is dispensed proximate their nose rather than through fittings inserted into their nostrils or via a mask body that covers their noses and mouth. As such the sufferer is able to communicate normally whilst falling asleep/waking etc but deriving benefit from the PAP mask. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the vents  540 A and  540 B cause pressurized air to be directed into the user&#39;s nostril. As such it would be beneficial to provide a seal between vents  540 A and  540 B and the head covering  510 . Optionally the vents  540 A and  540 B may be shaped to direct the airflow to the sufferers nostrils. 
         [0036]    Now referring to  FIG. 6  there is shown PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention as shown in side view  600  and front view  650 . As shown in side view  600  the PAP mask is shown as a head covering  610  that surrounds a predetermined portion of the user&#39;s head and is retained via chin strap  630 . Connection to the remote pump providing the positive air pressure is via connection  620  at the top of the head covering  610 . As the connection  620  is disposed to the top of the user&#39;s head then when they are laying down in bed as they turn in their sleep or move the air hose connecting the PAP head gear does not interfere or restrict their motion. It also does not come between the user and a partner in bed or cause issues associated therefrom. As with PAP head gear supra in respect of  FIG. 5  the PAP head gear is shown as providing vent  540  in proximity to the user&#39;s nose in side view  600  which is actually two airways  640 A and  640 B embedded within the lining  670  of the head covering  610 . As before the head covering  610  has first openings  660  disposed proximate to the user&#39;s ears but now the head covering  610  comprises a plurality of second openings  680  which allow for example the weight of the head covering  610  to be reduced or reduce sweating. 
         [0037]    Now referring to  FIG. 7  there is PAP head gear according to an embodiment of the invention wherein again as shown in side view  700  the positive air pressure to the sufferer is provided by first vent  740  disposed proximate the sufferer&#39;s nose and second vent  760  disposed proximate their mouth. As is evident from front view  750  the first vent  740  of side view  700  is actually two nose vents  740 A and  740 B within the head covering  710 . Similarly the second vent  760  of the side view  700  is actually two mouth vents  760 A and  760 B within the head covering  710 . The two nose vents  740 A and  740 B as well as the two mouth vents  760 A and  760 B are connected to the connection  720  disposed to the top of the head covering  710 . 
         [0038]    It would be apparent that the head coverings  510 ,  610  and  710  described supra in respect of  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  respectively that the outer covering of the head coverings  510 ,  610  and  710  would be predetermined by the supplier of the PAP head gear. As such the selections may be limited or may be lacking personality. As shown in side view  800  the head covering  810  has a logo  820  disposed upon it, in this example representing the Outlook Ice Hawks, a senior league hockey team being part of the Saskatchewan River Valley Hockey League. In front view  850  the head covering  810  having a logo  830  disposed upon it, in this example representing the Regina Pats, a junior hockey league team being part of the Western Hockey League in Canada. The material of the head covering may be patterned prior to delivery to the sufferer or may be selected from a material that allows a user to choose and either print themselves or have printed a pattern that can be ironed or affixed to the outer surface of the head covering. Additional examples of head coverings of the PAP head gear are shown in  FIG. 9  with first head gear  910  in side view  900  and second head gear  950  in front view  950 . As shown in first head gear  910  the sufferer is a fan of the National Football League (NFL) and has the logo  940  of the NFL on the side of their PAP head gear as well as the team logo  930 , in this case of the Minnesota Vikings. As shown in second head gear  950  the sufferer, in this case most likely a woman, has chosen a paisley pattern  960  for the covering. Unlike the head coverings  510 ,  610 ,  710  and  810  presented supra head gear  910  and  950  provide a nasal air vent  920  to the user which runs under the nose of the sufferer. In the upper surface of the nasal air vent  920  are openings  925  that release under the nostrils of the sufferer. 
         [0039]    Now referring to  FIG. 10  there is shown another embodiment of the invention showing PAP head gear  1010  which has the continuous nasal air vent  1030  across the face of the sufferer with nasal openings  1035 . Also shown is continuous mouth air vent  1040  which runs across the face of the user in front of their mouth. A cross-section of mouth air vent  1020  in front of the sufferer&#39;s mouth is shown in Insert A showing a mouth opening  1025  within the tubing forming mouth air vent  1020 . It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the nasal air openings  1035  and mouth air openings  1035  may be a plurality of small holes rather than the single large openings depicted or implied within the nasal air vent  1030  and mouth air vent  1020 . Optionally these may be disposable or replaceable tubing which mounts to fittings within the PAP head gear  1010  at the sides near the sufferer&#39;s nose and mouth such as shown in Insert B of  FIG. 10 . As shown in Insert B nasal air vent  1030  comprises a nasal mounting  1030 A to which nasal tubing  1030 B is attached. Similarly mouth air vent  1020  comprises mouth mounting  1020 A and mouth tubing  1020 B. 
         [0040]    It would be evident to one skilled in the art that other designs of nasal vents are possible to those described above in respect of  FIGS. 5 through 10 . Whilst the embodiments discussed supra have been those not invasive to the user&#39;s nostrils or mouth other may be. Optionally such nasal or mouth insertion elements may be demountably attached to the embodiments presented supra such that they may be removed and cleaned, changed etc. 
         [0041]    The provisioning of air or oxygen to a user under positive pressure relative to their surroundings is not unique to sufferers of sleep apnea. Referring to  FIG. 11  there is shown first helmet  1100  and second helmet  1150 . First helmet  1100  for example may be employed by a driver such as within National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), Formula One (F1), Touring car and rallying for example and comprises body  1110 , air pump connection  1140 , and visor  1110 . Shown in part section view X-X in the region of first helmet  1100  are shown lining  1120 , mouth vent tube  1135 , and nasal vent tube  1130 . Mouth vent tube  1135  and nasal vent tube  1130  for example being similar to those shown supra in respect of  FIG. 10 . Second helmet  1150  for example being a firefighter safety helmet comprising air pump connector  1195 , body  1160 , visor  1170 , chin strap  1190 , and neck guard  1175 . Positive air or oxygen pressure to the firefighter is provided by nasal vent tube  1180  and mouth vent tube  1185 , which are for example similar to those presented supra in respect of  FIG. 10 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 12A  there is depicted a cross-section of a PAP head gear  1200  according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the user has mouth vent  1250  and nasal vent  1240 . These are connected to airway tubing  1230  that links back to an airway connector  1260 , which would be linked to an air pump, not shown for clarity, to provide the positive air flow to the sufferer. Airway tubing  1230  is embedded within filling  1220  which lines the body  1210  of the PAP head gear  1200 . 
         [0043]    Within the embodiments presented supra in respect of PAP head gear in  FIGS. 5 through 11  the interconnection between the particular vents or bridges providing positive air pressure at predetermined locations relative to the user&#39;s face and the air inlet were not described with any particular detail. This was because several interconnection formats could be employed. As noted in  FIG. 12A  supra on such interconnection is tubing positioned within the head gear. Alternatively the tubing could be formed by leaving voids within a filling forming part of the inner of the head gear such as a lightweight injection mouldable foam or plastic for example. Alternatively the interconnection may be via the multiple holes and pathways within a lightweight injection mouldable porous foam or plastic. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 12B  there is depicted a PAP head gear  1270  according to an embodiment of the invention wherein air under pressure is presented at inlet  1275  which is connected to a remote source of air under pressure. From inlet  1275  the air flows into a bladder assembly comprising outer wall  1280 A and inner wall  1280 B. The only other openings in the bladder being located at the positions where nasal vent  1290  and mouth vent  1250  are positioned. As shown the mouth vent  1295  and nasal vent  1290  are inserted into the openings within the bladder. It would evident to one skilled in the art that the openings may be formed with mechanical fittings, such as threaded portions for example allowing the mounting of the nasal vent  1290  and mouth vent  1295  mechanically by threaded connection. Such a demountable connection allowing replacement of the nasal vent  1290  and mouth vent  1295  as appropriate by the user for cleaning, replacement, etc. As such PAP head gear  1270  provides a cushioned air pillow around the user&#39;s head as well as providing the air flow mechanism from the inlet  1275  to the nasal and mouth vents  1290  and  1295  respectively. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 13  there are shown first and second PAP head gear  1300  and  1350  respectively. In first head gear  1300  a mask  1310  is shown covering the lower portion of the user&#39;s face and being attached to the head covering  1305  by attachment means  1320 , for example including but not limited to a VelcroTM mounting, a snap fitting, and a strap and clip. Also shown are vents  1330  which then provide air within the mask  1330  attached to the head covering  1305 . Mask  1310  thereby directs the air flow to around the user&#39;s nose and mouth. In second head gear  1350  an alternate mask  1360  is shown covering the user&#39;s upper portion of their face and again being attached by fittings  1380  to head gear covering  1390 . However in this embodiment the vents  1370  are disposed at the forehead of the user and air flow is directed by the alternate mask  1360  to be around the user&#39;s nose. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the head coverings  1305  and  1390  in conjunction with particular designs of mask  1330  and alternate mask  1360  would allow the user to have a PAP mask that mimicked another mask or helmet design such as for example army helmet  1391 , Star Wars™ Imperial fighter pilot  1392 , Star WarsTM Rebel fighter pilot  1393 , Star Wars™ Darth Vader™ helmet  1394 , jet fighter pilot  1395 , NASCARTM helmet  1396  and ski racing helmet  1397 . Such designs for example making PAP head gear fun for many to use, especially children. 
         [0046]    Within the embodiments presented supra in respect of PAP hear gear in  FIGS. 5 through 13  the air tubing between the connector and the vents proximate the user&#39;s nose or mouth have been described as being embedded within the lining of the head gear. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that rather than simple tubing the PAP head gear may include additional elements such as air flow regulators, control valves etc. Whilst the sufferer or user may control the air flow through the settings of the air pump to which their PAP head gear is connected it may be beneficial for the PAP head gear to include controls allowing the user to adjust or start and stop the air flow. This may be achieved directly by the user with air flow regulators; control valves etc or alternatively the PAP head gear may contain electrical controls that control the air flow within the PAP head gear or at the air pump. Electrical interconnection from the PAP head gear to the air pump being for example via electrical cabling forming part of the air way connection between the PAP head gear and air pump. 
         [0047]    Within CPAP/PAP masks according to the prior art the air pipe connection to the mask is a rigid joint. However, it would be beneficial for this joint, such as airway connection  1260  and connections  520 ,  620  and  720  in  FIGS. 10 ,  5 ,  6  and  7  respectively, was a flexible gimbal joint allowing the user&#39;s head to move freely as they sleep, drive, etc. Such a flexible gimbal joint may be formed for example in the tubing joint, see for example K. B. Bredtschneider in U.S. Pat. No. 2,862,729 entitled “Flexible Bellows Seal for Flanged Pipe Joint” and M. Uegane et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,280 entitled “Exhaust Pipe Joint Assembly”. 
         [0048]    It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that whilst embodiments presented supra in respect of  FIGS. 5 through 13  employ chin straps for example that the design of the PAP head gear in encompassing a portion of the user&#39;s head may on it&#39;s own be sufficient in many instances to maintain the PAP head gear in the correct position as the user moves. 
         [0049]    It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that the PAP head gear described supra in respect of  FIGS. 5 through 13  does not comprise elements which are inserted into or block either the mouth or the nose of the sufferer or user. Accordingly, the sufferer or user is able to freely talk whilst the PAP head gear is in place, for sufferers this allows them to communicate to a partner for example until they are asleep or in the event of safety helmets communicate freely to others directly around them or via a microphone for example. Similarly in designs where the vents are not blocking their nostrils sufferers may be able to smell, for example, smoke allowing them potentially to react to dangerous circumstances. 
         [0050]    It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the external source of positive gas pressure may be other than a pump, such external sources may include compressors and pressured gas containers such as air bottles or oxygen bottles for example. Further whilst the shape of the PAP head gear has within the embodiments for sleep apnea sufferers etc in respect of  FIGS. 5 through 10  been considered as having a form that generally conforms to the users head it would be apparent from the safety helmets  1100  and  1150  in  FIG. 11  that other shapes may be provided for or by the user. Accordingly the user may wish to employ PAP head gear shaped with respect to a favorite hobby for example and to have it in the shape of a racing driver&#39;s helmet, football, or hockey puck. Other options would be evident to one of skill in the art including providing additional elements including but not limited to microphones, headphones, an audiovisual media player, eye shades, eye coverings, face masks, and sun visors. Further whilst the descriptions have been presented in respect of air under pressure it would be evident that this may alternatively be oxygen, premixed oxygen and nitrogen, air or oxygen with airborne medication etc. Further the source of the positive pressure air flow may be an air pump as described but may also include compressed gas cylinders or canisters such that the entire assembly is not only wearable but also portable allowing use in emergency, rescue and other environments. 
         [0051]    The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0