FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to patient Interfaces, more particularly, though not solely, to patient interfaces for delivery of gases to a user, for example such as nasal cannula for delivering gases to the nares of a user's nose, where the patient interface is capable of configurations providing for enhanced stability when in-situ upon the user's face.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] There are many forms of patient interfaces for delivery of gases to a user, such as for example full face masks, oro-nasal masks, nasal masks and nasal cannula.

[0003] There are a significant variety of patient interfaces available to users, each of which may have their own stability issues.

[0004] Stability of an interface upon a user is of importance for at least the reasons of comfort and maintenance of a desired therapy delivery to the user.

[0005] Instability of an interface may lead to dislodgment of an interface or components of the interface which may affect the desired delivery or integrity of therapy for the user.

[0006] In various modes, instability of an interface upon a user may be, for example, the result of loading such as by a user speaking and changing the geometry of their face to which the interface is positioned. Facial geometry, such as that of humans, varies greatly due to a large range of factors. These factors may include, but are not limited to, gender, age, or particular medical conditions.

Incorrect sizing and geometry of an interface to a particular user may also adversely affect the stability and usability of certain patient interfaces.

[0007] In terms of facial movement, when a user speaks, eats, cries or has their facial features distorted or exaggerated, such movement can affect the stability of a patient interface or components of the interface on a user, for example such as a nasal prong or a pair of such prongs of a nasal cannula which may inadvertently come out of a gas delivery position for delivering gas to the nare(s) of a user's nose. More prolonged changes to facial features can also arise from

aspects such as a user's position, for example while sleeping. Long term changes in geometry can also occur from user growth and injury recovery.

[0008] In relation to the above, it will be appreciated that either due to changes in geometry of a user to which the patient interface is located, or for example by yet other forces, such as by a user pulling on a tube or the interface or other components attached to these, forces or movements can be transmitted to the interface and components thereof. The application of such forces can pose problems of stability, comfort and operational use of the patient interface for a user.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a patient interface, for example such as a nasal cannula, which will go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or which will at least provide the industry/public with a useful choice.

[0010] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention may broadly consist in a patient interface, such as a nasal cannula, comprising

a body to be positioned upon a user (preferably such as a user's face),

the body including at least one (and preferably a pair of) nasal prong(s), the or each nasal prong including a lumen capable of being fluidly connected thereto for fluid communication with a supply of breathable gas, the or each nasal prong to be in a configuration either inserted into, or to direct a flow of gas toward, a nare or the nares of the user's nose,

wherein the body includes at least one element (optionally mechanically) responsive to force(s) or movement(s), or both, experienced by at least a first region of the patient interface; optionally or alternatively wherein the body includes at least one element (optionally mechanically) responsive to force(s) or

movement(s), or both, experienced by at least a first region of the patient interface from being transferred to at least one other region of the patient interface.

[0013] Preferably the element facilitates the reduction in transfer of a force or movement, or both, applied to at least a first region of the interface from being transferred to at least another region of the interface.

[0014] Preferably the element responds in a manner to localise the force or the movement, or both, experienced by the at least first region.

[0015] Preferably the element responds to minimise or prevent transfer of the force or the movement, or both, from the at least first region to at least one other region of the patient interface.

[0016] Preferably the element responds in a manner to maintain the at least one (and preferably the pair of) nasal prong(s) in the configuration of insertion in a nare or nares of the user's nose, or in the configuration of directing a flow of gas toward a nare or nares of the user's nose.

[0017] Preferably the response is such that the at least one (or preferably the pair of) nasal prong(s) maintain a stable position within or adjacent to the nares of a user's nose to which the prong(s) is directed.

[0018] Preferably the response is such that the interface maintains an operational position upon the user.

[0019] Preferably the response is such that the interface maintains a stabile position upon the user.

[0020] Preferably the force or movement, or both, experienced by at least a first region of the interface are either, or both, of:

an applied force(s) or a movement(s) between the nasal prong(s) and body of the patient interface, or

an applied force(s) or a movement(s) between the body of the patient interface and the nasal prong(s),

[0021] Preferably the element is deformable or deformed in response to the force or movement, or both, being experienced by at least the first region of the interface.

[0022] Preferably the element has a predetermined or preferential mode of deformation in response to an applied force or movement, or both, being experienced by at least a first region of the interface,

[0023] Preferably the element is deformable by one or a combination of a compression or a tension or a torsion or bending or other flexion.

[0024] Preferably the element responds to the force or movement, or both, experienced by at least the first region of the interface by one or a combination of: changing shape, changing position, changing configuration or deforming.

[0025] Preferably the element comprises one or a combination of any of the following:

hinges, pivots, articulated joints or articulately connected portions of the body or portions associated with the body, swivels, ball-and-socket type joints, pin-in-barrel type joints,

materials which are relatively less flexible than other portions of the interface, materials which are relatively more flexible than other portions of the interface, materials of characteristics which change upon application of a force or movement, such as by increasing their resistance to the applied force or movement (or both), or by reducing their resistance to the applied force or movement (or both), or materials which are elastically deformable in response to the applied force or movement (or both), or materials which are preferentially deformable in particular or predetermined geometries and yet which may optionally resistant to deformation in other particular or predetermined geometries.

[0026] Preferably the element is one or more of the following :

a pivot (or swivel) or region capable of pivoting (or swivelling), or

a hinge or a hinged region or region capable of being hinged relative to another component of the interface or another region of the interface, or

an articulation or articulated joint or region capable of being articulated.

[0027] Preferably the element provides for a de-coupling of forces or movement (or both) which is applied to at least the first region of the interface from being transferred to at least one other region of the interface.

[0028] Preferably the element provides or is operable or works to prevent or minimise transfer of force of movement from the at least first region of the interface to at least one other region of the interface.

[0029] Preferably the element may be a structure or a mechanism of the interface or may be a region of the interface.

[0030] Preferably the element is deformable about at least one axis or at least one plane.

[0031] Preferably the element is deformable about a preferential first geometry.

[0032] Preferably the element is deformable by one or a combination of a compression or a tension or a torsion or bending or other flexion.

[0033] Preferably there are two or more elements are located about the interface.

[0034] Preferably elements are connected together in a manner so as to provide for a combined response to the force or movement (or both).

[0035] Preferably element may respond to the force or movement (or both) in a different mode, thereby providing for a combined response.

[0036] Preferably elements are operatively coupled to each other, or to other portions of the interface to provide for a or the combined response.

[0037] Preferably at least one of the elements, or each such element, is provided as one or more of:

an isolator or a region of isolation,

an absorber or a region of absorption,

a dampener or a region of dampening,

or the any other structure or mechanism providing for a reactive response to a force(s) or movement(s) imparted to at least a first region of the patient interface from being transferred to at least a second or another region of the patient interface.

[0038] Preferably the response of one or each element is at least one (or a combination) of an isolation or an absorption or a dampening or a reduction of the force(s) or movement(s) imparted to at least the first region from being transferred to at least one other region of the patient interface during use by a user.

[0039] Preferably the element is a pre-formed so as to be deformed or displaced in a preferential geometry or dimension.

[0040] Preferably the element facilitates a preferential bend or flexure or twist or torsion or a preferential or predetermined pivot or stretch or compression of a material(s) or a component(s) forming the body of the interface.

[0041] Preferably such force(s) or movement(s) are resultant from a user of the interface changing their facial geometry to which the interface is retained or located or positioned, or such as by a user pulling or applying a force or movement on or to the interface or an associated headgear thereof, or a breathing circuit or other componentry of the interface applying a force or movement, such as by weighing down upon, a portion of the interface or a headgear associated thereof.

[0042] Preferably the applied forces or movement between the nasal prong(s) and body of the patient interface, or between the body of the patient interface and the nasal prong is resultant from changes in user facial geometry, such as during speech, eating, sleeping or other facial distortions between relaxed and

exaggerated conditions.

[0043] Preferably the at least one element, or at least one of the elements, is located in a bridge region of a nasal cannula patient interface, , to facilitate movement of the bridge region in response to a force or movement or both (in addition, may be such as substantially adjacent the septum region of a user).

[0044] Preferably the interface comprises a plurality of elements utilised on their own or in combination with other elements to provide for the response.

[0045] Preferably the at least one element is a hinged portion located or positioned as a bridge between a left body portion and a right body portion, each of the body portions together forming the body of an interface to be located upon a user's face, such a hinged portion providing for a preferential region of deformation In response to at least a first region of the body or a portion of the body, experiencing a force or movement (or both) resulting from a change in the facial geometry of the user.

[0046] Preferably the patient interface is substantially conformed or conformable to the geometry of a user's face, such that the element responds to the force or movement (or both) to substantially maintain the interface in a preferred therapy delivery configuration for a user.

[0047] In a further aspect, the present invention may broadly consist in a patient interface, such as a nasal cannula, comprising : a pair of respective left and right body portions, each body portion to be located, in-use upon a face of a user, each of the body portions being separate from each other, at least one, and preferably both, of the body portions including a nasal prong to be inserted Into, or to direct a flow of gas into, a nare or the nares of the user's nose, and a bar extending from a connection point with the left body portion to a connection point with the right body portion, the bar comprising a substantially elastically deformable region, wherein a displacement of one or both of the left and/or right body portions when in-use is transmittable to the bar via the connection point, the substantially elastically deformable region being deformable as a reactive response to the displacement.

[0048] Preferably the substantially elastically deformable region of the bar comprises a substantially flexible section.

[0049] Preferably the substantially elastically deformable region of the bar is deformable to substantially absorb the displacement.

[0050] Preferably the substantially elastically deformable region of the bar reduces transmission of a displacement by one of the body portions to the other of the body portions.

[0051] Preferably the connection point of the bar to a body portion is via an anchor.

[0052] Preferably the anchor is a barbed projection to be received by a region of the body portion located substantially distal to the respective prong.

[0053] Preferably the barbed projection and the prong are in fluid
CLAIMS

1. A patient interface, such as a nasal cannula, comprising

a body to be positioned upon a user (preferably such as a user's face),

the body including at least one (and preferably a pair of) nasal prong(s), the or each nasal prong including a lumen capable of being fluidly connected thereto for fluid communication with a supply of breathable gas, the or each nasal prong to be in a configuration either inserted into, or to direct a flow of gas toward, a nare or the nares of the user's nose,

wherein the body includes at least one element responsive to force(s) or movement(s), or both, experienced by at least a first region of the patient interface.

2. The interface as claimed in claim 1, wherein the element facilitates the reduction in transfer of a force or movement, or both, applied to at least a first region of the interface from being transferred to at least another region of the interface.

3. The interface as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the element responds in a manner to localise the force or the movement, or both, experienced by the at least first region.

4. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the element responds to minimise or prevent transfer of the force or the movement, or both, from the at least first region to at least one other region of the patient interface.

5. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the element responds in a manner to maintain the at least one (and preferably the pair of) nasal prong(s) in the configuration of insertion in a nare or nares of the user's nose, or in the configuration of directing a flow of gas toward a nare or nares of the user's nose.

6. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the response is such that the at least one (or preferably the pair of) nasal prong(s) maintain a stable position within or adjacent to the nares of a user's nose to which the prong(s) is directed.

7. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the force or movement, or both, experienced by at least a first region of the Interface are either, or both, of:

an applied force(s) or a movement(s) between the nasal prong(s) and body of the patient interface, or

an applied force(s) or a movement(s) between the body of the patient interface and the nasal prong(s).

8. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the element is deformable or deformed in response to the force or movement, or both, being experienced by at least the first region of the interface.

9. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the element has a predetermined or preferential mode of deformation in response to an applied force or movement, or both, being experienced by at least a first region of the interface.

10. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the element is deformable by one or a combination of a compression or a tension or a torsion or bending or other flexion.

11. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the element responds to the force or movement, or both, experienced by at least the first region of the interface by one or a combination of: changing shape, changing position, changing configuration or deforming.

12. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the element comprises one or a combination of any of the following :

hinges, pivots, articulated joints or articulately connected portions of the body or portions associated with the body, swivels, ball-and-socket type joints, pln-in-barrel type joints,

13. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the element comprises one or a combination of any of the following: materials which are relatively less flexible than other portions of the interface, materials which are relatively more flexible than other portions of the interface, materials of characteristics which change upon application of a force or movement, such as by increasing their resistance to the applied force or movement (or both), or by reducing their resistance to the applied force or movement (or both), or materials which are elastlcally deformable in response to the applied force or movement (or both), or materials which are preferentially deformable in particular or

predetermined geometries and yet which may optionally resistant to deformation In other particular or predetermined geometries.

14. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the element is one or more of the following :

a pivot (or swivel) or region capable of pivoting (or swivelling), or

a hinge or a hinged region or region capable of being hinged relative to another component of the interface or another region of the interface, or

an articulation or articulated joint or region capable of being articulated.

15. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the element provides for a de-coupling of forces or movement (or both) which is applied to at least the first region of the interface from being transferred to at least one other region of the interface.

16. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the element is deformable about at least one axis or at least one plane.

17. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the element is deformable about a preferential first geometry.

18. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there are two or more elements are located about the interface.

19. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein elements are connected together in a manner so as to provide for a combined response to the force or movement (or both).

20. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein each element may respond to the force or movement (or both) in a different mode, thereby providing for a combined response.

21. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein elements are operatively coupled to each other, or to other portions of the interface to provide for a or the combined response.

22. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the elements, or each such element, is provided as one or more of:

an isolator or a region of isolation,

an absorber or a region of absorption,

a dampener or a region of dampening,

or the any other structure or mechanism providing for a reactive response to a force(s) or movement(s) imparted to at least a first region of the patient interface from being transferred to at least a second or another region of the patient interface.

23. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the response is at least one (or a combination) of an isolation or an absorption or a dampening or a reduction of the force(s) or movement(s) imparted to at least the first region from being transferred to at least one other region of the patient interface during use by a user.

24. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the element is a pre-formed so as to be deformed or displaced in a preferential geometry or dimension.

25. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the element facilitates a preferential bend or flexure or twist or torsion or a preferential or predetermined pivot or stretch or compression of a material(s) or a component(s) forming the body of the interface.

26. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the at least one element, or at least one of the elements, is located in a bridge region of a nasal cannula patient interface to facilitate movement of the bridge region in response to a force or movement or both.

27. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at least one element is a hinged portion located or positioned as a bridge between a left body portion and a right body portion, each of the body portions together forming the body of an interface to be located upon a user's face, such a hinged portion providing for a preferential region of deformation in response to at least a first region of the body or a portion of the body, experiencing a force or movement (or both) resulting from a change in the facial geometry of the user.

28. The interface as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the patient interface is substantially conformed or conformable to the geometry of a user's face, such that the element responds to the force or movement (or both) to substantially maintain the interface in a preferred therapy delivery configuration for a user.

29. A nasal interface comprising :

an elongate body comprising at least one lumen extending at least partially through the body, the body configured to be coupled to a gases flow source;

one or more prongs extending from the body and in fluid communication with the at least one lumen; and

one or more hinges that are predisposed to bend in predefined directions;

wherein the one or more hinges are configured to stabilise a position of the one or more prongs on a patient's face when forces are exerted on the nasal interface.

30. The nasal interface of claim 29, further comprising one or more facial pads configured to rest on a patient's face.

31. The nasal interface of claim 29 or 30, wherein at least one of the one or more hinges is located adjacent to or between the one or more prongs.

32. The nasal interface of any one of claims 29-31 wherein at least one of the one or more hinges is predisposed to bend in a pre-defined direction.

33. The nasal interface of any one of claims 29-32, wherein at least one of the one or more hinges is configured to bend in, either or both of, the following directions: inward towards the patient's face, downwards from the patient's nose.

34. The nasal interface of any one of claims 29-33, wherein the one or more hinges comprise a variable cross-sectional area or a variable thickness.

35. The nasal interface of any one of claims 29-34, wherein the one or more hinges comprises an elastic hinge that is configured to be pre-stressed before application to a patient.