摘要 |
A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of an infant human includes a manifold (16) for supplying air to an aperture (56) in the mask (10) and a support structure or plate (14) for supporting the manifold (16). A shaped membrane structure (12) formed from a thin walled membrane extends generally away from the support structure (14) and defines an enclosure for receiving at least the nares of an infant human nose and a generally trapezoidal aperture (56) adapted to fit around the nasal area of the infant human. Part of the membrane (12) around the aperture (56) is sufficiently flexible to mould to the shape of the infant human's nasal area or is countoured to generally match the contours around that nasal area whilst the membrane structure (12) itself has sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the backing plate (14) without collapsing. The provision of a generally trapezoidal rather than the generally triangular apertures (56) for fitting around the nares provides a substantially improved fit when the mask (10) is used with infants. The moulding or contouring of the membrane structure (12) around the aperture (56) to match the shape of the infant's facial contours around the nasal area is also important in ensuring a comfortable fit and an effective seal. |