EP-4736922-A2 - OVERMOLDED TEXTILE CUSHION

Abstract

A cushion for a respiratory mask is provided. The cushion includes a face contacting portion, a non-face contacting portion and an intermediate region. The face contacting portion is formed from an open cell foam material and includes an opening to provide, in use, a source of breathing gas to a user's airways. The non-face contacting portion is formed from an elastomeric material. The intermediate region is formed between the face contacting portion and the non-face contacting portion. Open cells of the open cell foam material in the intermediate region are filled with the elastomeric material.

Inventors

• BORNHOLDT, MELISSA CATHERINE
• WALLS, Bruce Michael

Assignees

• Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited

Dates

Publication Date

20260506

Application Date

20180302

Claims (20)

1. A cushion for a respiratory mask, the cushion comprising: a face contacting portion comprising a locating region for locating a user's face relative to the mask and a sealing region for providing a seal against a user's face; and a non-face contacting portion, wherein the sealing region surrounds the locating region; and wherein the locating region comprises a textile material.
2. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-face contacting portion comprises an elastomeric material.
3. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing region comprises an elastomeric material.
4. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-face contacting portion and the sealing region comprise the same material.
5. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastomeric material of the non-face contacting portion comprises a silicone material.
6. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing region comprises a transition region that extends between the sealing region and the locating region.
7. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transition region comprises a composite material.
8. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transition region comprises the textile material that is impregnated with the elastomeric material of the sealing region.
9. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, the transition region and sealing region are configured to form a seal against a user's face.
10. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating region comprises a continuous surface that is breathable such that, in use, a supply of breathing gas can be provided to a user's airways through the locating region.
11. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locating region comprises a first opening configured, in use, to supply a breathing gas to at least a patient's nose.
12. The cushion according to claim 11, wherein the first opening is a nasal opening configured to deliver a supply of breathing gas to a patient's nose.
13. The cushion according to claim 12, wherein the locating region further comprises an oral opening located, in use, below the nasal opening.
14. The cushion according to claim 11, wherein the first opening is an oro-nasal opening configured to deliver a supply of breathing gas to a patient's mouth and nose.
15. The cushion according to any of the previous claims, wherein the textile material of the locating region comprises more than one layer.
16. The cushion according to any of the previous claims, wherein the transition region has a greater thickness than the locating region.
17. The cushion according to claim 16, wherein the transition region protrudes in a thickness direction towards an interior of the cushion.
18. The cushion according to claim 17, wherein the transition region protrudes from an inner surface of the face contacting portions.
19. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the face contacting portion is a smooth continuous surface.
20. The cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transition region comprises a raised bead on an internal surface of the face contacting portion.

Description

Field of Invention The disclosure generally relates to a seal for a respiratory interface, and to an interface including the seal, comprising either a mask or a mask and headgear. More particularly, certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a cushion having a textile portion and an elastomeric portion. Background Respiratory interfaces are used to provide respiratory gas or gases, such as air in CPAP (or other positive pressure) therapy, to a user under positive pressure. A respiratory interface delivers the gases to the nose and mouth of a user. The respiratory interface provides a substantially airtight seal against the user's face such that pressurized gases are received by the user through the respiratory interface. Summary of the Invention Preferably, the respiratory interface is constructed to be soft, comfortable and lightweight when donned by the user and having an aesthetic that fits in the bedroom. The respiratory interface may be formed from a plurality of materials such that certain portions of the respiratory interface provide sufficient rigidity to inhibit collapsing due to over-tightening of the respiratory interface during fitting. Other portions may provide a soft touch and appearance that has an aesthetic that fits in the bedroom. The systems, methods and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the claims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized. In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a cushion for a respiratory mask is provided. The cushion comprises an open cell foam material, the face contacting portion including an opening to provide, in use, a source of breathing gas to a user's airways; a non-face contacting portion comprising an elastomeric material; and an intermediate region formed between the face contacting portion and the non-face contacting portion. The elastomeric material of the non-face contacting portion is received in open cells of the open cell foam material in the intermediate region. According to a further aspect, the intermediate region extends at least partially around a periphery of the cushion. According to a further aspect, the intermediate region extends around a periphery of the cushion. According to a further aspect, the intermediate region extends entirely around a periphery of the cushion. According to a further aspect, the face contacting portion comprises a mouth region and a nasal region. According to a further aspect, the nasal region is comprised of open cell foam material. According to a further aspect, the nasal region is comprised of a textile material. According to a further aspect, the mouth region comprises the same material as the non-face contacting portion. According to a further aspect, the intermediate region extends from the periphery to the opening along the face contacting portion. According to a further aspect, the face contacting portion comprises a laminate material. According to a further aspect, the open cell foam material forms part of a foam and fabric laminate material. In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a cushion for a respiratory mask is provided. The cushion comprises a face contacting portion comprising a locating region for locating a user's face relative to the mask and a sealing region for providing a seal against a user's face; and a non-face contacting portion. The sealing region surrounds the locating region, and the locating region comprises a textile material. According to a further aspect, the sealing region comprises an elastomeric material. According to a further aspect, the non-face contacting portion and the sealing region comprise the same material. According to a further aspect, the non-face contacting material comprises a silicone material. According to a further aspect, the sealing region comprises a transition region that extends between the sealing region and the locating region. According to a further aspect, the transition region comprises a composite material. According to a further aspect, the transition region comprises the textile material that is impregnated with the elastomeric material of the sealing region. According to a further aspect, in use, the transition region and sealing region are configured to form a seal against a user's face. According to a further aspect, the locating region comprises a continuous surface that is breathable such that, in use, a supply of breathing gas can be provided to a user's airways through the locating region. According to a further aspect, the locating region comprises a first opening configured, in use, to supply a breathing gas to at least a patient's nose. According to a further aspect, the first opening is a nasal opening configured to deliver a supply of breathing gas to a patient's nose. According to a further aspect, the first opening is