Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved sealing element for a facemask. The sealing element includes three primary faces: a facemask attachment face; a skin contact face; and a third face. The skin contact face is the longest of the three primary faces when the sealing element is viewed in cross-section. The third face extends from a plane defined by an attachment surface of a corresponding facemask. When the sealing element is viewed in cross-section, the third face has a length that is less than 90% of a length of the skin contact face. Moreover, an entirety of the third face is configured to form a portion of the corresponding facemask's chamber when the facemask is worn by a user.

Abstract: A “replaceable cushion system” allows for a cushion frame with an integral cushion (e.g., a gel bladder) to be quickly and easily swapped in and out of a respiratory mask (e.g., a CPAP mask) while maintaining an effective seal via the compression of a gasket. In all of the preferred embodiments, the cushion frame (with an affixed cushion) is removably attached to a mask shell by a press-fit and by associated prongs and notches. The prongs can be located in the mask shell with the notches in the cushion frame, or vice versa.

Abstract: A flexible positive airway pressure (PAP) mask body, frame, and cushion are described. The mask body includes prongs that insert through and act upon apertures of the mask frame to connect the mask frame to the mask body. An airtight seal may be created between the mask body and the mask frame by a ball and socket connector, of the mask frame, having an elongated portion that extends through and has an outer perimeter commensurate with an aperture located in the mask body. The mask body may be configured with elongated portions that extend from the mask body chamber and to ends of eye sockets of the user. Headgear may couple to end portions of the mask frame corresponding to the elongated portions of the mask body. When pulling pressure by the headgear, additional contact is created between elongated portions of the mask cushion and the user's face.

Abstract: A flexible positive airway pressure (PAP) mask body, frame, and cushion are described. The mask body includes prongs that insert through and act upon apertures of the mask frame to connect the mask frame to the mask body. An airtight seal may be created between the mask body and the mask frame by a ball and socket connector, of the mask frame, having an elongated portion that extends through and has an outer perimeter commensurate with an aperture located in the mask body. The mask body may be configured with elongated portions that extend from the mask body chamber and to ends of eye sockets of the user. Headgear may couple to end portions of the mask frame corresponding to the elongated portions of the mask body. When pulling pressure by the headgear, additional contact is created between elongated portions of the mask cushion and the user's face.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved sealing element for a facemask.

Abstract: An improved sealing element for a facemask and facemasks which include the sealing element are provided. The sealing element may be formed of a flexible material having a durometer value of 60 or less on a Type 000 scale, and the sealing element may have at least three primary external faces including a) a facemask attachment face; b) a skin contact face; and c) a third face. When viewed in cross-section, the skin contact face is the longest of the three faces, and the sealing element is formed into a triangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration during manufacturing. Also when viewed in cross section, the side corresponding to the third face may have a length which is less than 90% of the length of the skin contact face.

Abstract: An improved sealing element for a facemask and facemasks which include the sealing element are provided. The sealing element may be formed of a flexible material having a durometer value of 60 or less on a Type 000 scale, and the sealing element may have at least three primary external faces including a) a facemask attachment face; b) a skin contact face; and c) a third face. When viewed in cross-section, the skin contact face is the longest of the three faces, and the sealing element is formed into a triangular or trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration during manufacturing. Also when viewed in cross section, the side corresponding to the third face may have a length which is less than 90% of the length of the skin contact face.

Abstract: The present invention is a particulate filter face mask with replaceable filter element, the filter element being inexpensive, easily replaceable and securely held within the mask when installed.

Abstract: Applicants have disclosed an “Articulating Headgear Connector for Respiratory Masks” which allows three-dimensional movement of the headgear connector to alleviate the mechanical forces incurred from a wearer's head movement, and thus maintain an effective seal. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises: a CPAP mask having a plastic shell; the mask has a stub tube extending outwardly from the shell; a headgear connector mounted loosely onto the stub tube; a T-shaped nib on the elbow guides the headgear's movement; whereby the headgear connector can slide forward on the stub tube (i.e., move along the Z axis), guided by the nib; and, whereby the headgear connector can rock (i.e., about the X-Y axes) and its sides seesaw on the stub tube (i.e., along the Z-axis), with the amount of rotation and seesawing limited by the nib.

Abstract: Applicant has disclosed a “replaceable cushion system” which allows for a cushion frame with an integral cushion (e.g., a gel bladder) to be quickly and easily swapped in and out of a respiratory mask (e.g., a CPAP mask) while maintaining an effective seal via the compression of a gasket. In all of the preferred embodiments, the cushion frame (with an affixed cushion) is removably attached to a mask shell by a press-fit and by associated prongs and notches. The prongs can be located in the mask shell with the notches in the cushion frame, or vice versa.

Abstract: Applicants have disclosed an “Articulating Headgear Connector for Respiratory Masks” which allows three-dimensional movement of the headgear connector to alleviate the mechanical forces incurred from a wearer's head movement, and thus maintain an effective seal. In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises: a CPAP mask having a plastic shell; the mask has a stub tube extending outwardly from the shell; a headgear connector mounted loosely onto the stub tube; a T-shaped nib on the elbow guides the headgear's movement; whereby the headgear connector can slide forward on the stub tube (i.e., move along the Z axis), guided by the nib; and, whereby the headgear connector can rock (i.e., about the X-Y axes) and its sides seesaw on the stub tube (i.e., along the Z-axis), with the amount of rotation and seesawing limited by the nib.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for stiffening a portion of the perimeter of a respiratory mask that has a formable element disposed about its perimeter, thereby making the respiratory mask more comfortable to wear.

Abstract: A nasal mask includes a shell forming a chamber having an inlet and at least one outlet and a seal. The seal is disposed proximate the outlet for contacting and sealing with external skin proximate at least one naris at a base of a nose of a user donning the mask. Substantially all of the sealing occurs between the seal and the external skin.

Abstract: A nasal mask (301) includes a shell (308) forming a chamber (390) having an inlet (332) and at least one outlet and a seal (302). The seal (302) is disposed proximate the outlet for contacting and sealing with external skin proximate at least one naris at a base of a nose of a user donning the mask. Substantially all of the sealing occurs between the seal (302) and the external skin.

Abstract: A nasal mask includes a flexible shell and a seal. The flexible shell has an inlet and includes a malleable element disposed about a periphery of the shell for maintaining the shell in a user selectable configuration. The seal is disposed along a perimeter of the shell so as to form a chamber within the shell when the mask is donned by a user.