Surgery – Respiratory method or device – Face mask covering a breathing passage
Reexamination Certificate
1996-01-31
2001-04-03
Millin, Vincent (Department: 3761)
Surgery
Respiratory method or device
Face mask covering a breathing passage
C128S204180, C128S201180, C128S206210, C128S848000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209542
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly to a combination face mask and dental device for improved breathing during sleep.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many people experience difficulty in sleeping because of breathing problems. These problems may result in snoring, or the more serious condition of sleep apnea.
One treatment for serious sleep breathing disorders involves application of constant positive air pressure (“CPAP”) to the patient. This CPAP is delivered through a face mask, nose mask, or nasal inserts and results in opening of the patient's breathing passageway. The CPAP pressure must be increased for more serious conditions. Face masks for delivering CPAP are commonly secured to the patient's head with an adjustable or elastic strap. As the patient moves during sleep, the face mask often shifts and unseats from the patient's face, resulting in a loss of pressure from the CPAP, or awakening of the patient.
Another treatment for sleep breathing disorders involves the use of dental devices for extending forward the lower jaw of the patient. These devices operate to more fully open the breathing passageway, thereby allowing for easier breathing, whether that breathing be through the nose or through the mouth. These dental devices treat snoring problems very well, but may not sufficiently treat more serious cases, such as some sleep apnea cases.
Therefore, a need has arisen for a device that will allow for more efficient treatment of breathing disorders during sleep, and which will assist in maintaining the proper seating of a CPAP face mask.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a combination face mask and dental device is provided which significantly reduces or eliminates disadvantages and problems associated with prior art devices for treating breathing disorders during sleep.
In particular, a device for assisting breathing is provided in which a face mask is connected to a system for supplying gas to the face mask. A dental device is connected to the face mask. With such a system, the dental device serves as an anchor for the face mask. In a particular embodiment, the system for supplying gas is a constant positive air pressure system.
Furthermore, the dental device may comprise an upper arch that includes a post for causing a user's lower jaw to extend forward. The upper arch may be a custom mold of at least some of the user's upper teeth. Also, the upper arch may include a deformable material capable of being molded to as least some of the user's upper teeth.
In a particular embodiment, the dental device is connected to the face mask through a connector. The connector may include a support member coupled to the face mask at a first ball joint. The connector may also include a joining member coupled to the support member at a second ball joint, the joining member coupled to the dental device.
An important technical advantage of the present invention is the fact that a face mask is anchored by a dental device, thereby providing a more secure fit for the face mask.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is the fact that a dental device may be used which causes the lower jaw to extend forward, thereby increasing the opening of the user's breathing passageway. This increased opening increases the effectiveness of treatment for sleep breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea.
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Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Millin Vincent
Srivastava V.
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