PATIENT INTERFACE THAT ENGAES THE SIDES OF THE HEAD

摘要

An improved patient interface (4) having a cushion (12) and a headgear (16), with the headgear having a pair of engagement elements (24) that each engage the patient with an engagement force, and with the engagement forces being directed generally toward one another. The engagement forces result in frictional forces between the headgear and the patient which resist the cushion from becoming disengaged with the patient. In one embodiment, the engagement elements each include a circumferential brace (44) that engages the head and extends about the ears. In another embodiment, the engagement elements engage the ears of the patient. In a free state, at least a portion of the headgear is of a spiral configuration which makes the patient interface collapsible and relatively easy to pack, such as for traveling.

主权项

1. A patient interface structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to the airways of a patient, the patient interface comprising:
a cushion structured to be in fluid communication with the airways of the patient and to supply the flow of breathing gas to the airways of the patient; and a headgear comprising a frame and a pair of engagement elements, the cushion being disposed on the frame, the pair of engagement elements being disposed on the frame and being structured to be engaged with the patient, the engagement elements engaged with the patient each being structured to apply an engagement force in a direction generally toward the patient, the engagement forces being directed generally toward one another; the frame comprising a base and a pair of legs, the legs extending from the base, the cushion being situated on the base, the pair of engagement elements being disposed on the pair of legs; and the pair of engagement elements each comprising a circumferential brace having an opening formed therein, the circumferential braces each being structured to engage the head of the patient and to extend circumferentially about at least a portion of one of the ears of the patient, the openings each being structured to receive at least a portion of one of the ear.