Respiratory mask having gas washout vent and gas washout vent for respiratory mask
US6581594B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA62B18/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask fame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.