WO2006079149A1

WO2006079149A1 - An oral leak prevention device

Info

Publication number: WO2006079149A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001624
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Leslie Fischer; Paul William James
Original assignee: Donald Leslie Fischer; Paul William James
Priority date: 2004-11-01
Filing date: 2005-10-21
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: AU2004100928A4

Abstract

Disclosed is an oral leak prevention device for patients who use nasal CPAP machines (Continuous positive airway pressure). The device minimises air escaping through the mouth of patient while they are being pressurised through the nasal passage by the airflow of a CPAP machine. The oral leak prevention device is placed over the mouth and securing straps hold the device in place. The built in valve is to allow the patient to inhale if the CPAP machine should fail but under normal circumstances the valve stops air escaping from the mouth while the patient is sleeping.

Description

DESCRIPTION

AN ORAL LEAK PREVENTION DEVICE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece, that is primarily designed to be used for the reduction and prevention of mouth leaks (also known as exhale puffing) that can occur with the use of C.P.A.P. (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) that is used as a treatment in therapy for obstructive Sleep apnoea. Additionally 2 other uses have been identified for the device and they are as

(I) A Corrective breath-training device (see schematic 1) (2) A Chin Strap replacement (see schematic 2)

DESCRIPTION

Background of the Invention

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C.P.A.P.) is an effective treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea ( O.S.A.) . A C.P.A.P. device delivers a positive pressure on airways of a patient. The positive pressure acts as an "air splint" which keeps the patients airways open to avoid cessation of breathing related to airway closure that may occur in various stages during the patients sleep.

The airflow pressure produced by a C.P.A.P. machine is very high when compared to normal breath pressure and as a result a major problem that can be experienced by the patient is air leakage at the C.P.A.P masking and also as a result of air leakage from the mouth. This pressure loss can disrupt sleep, but as a rule this type of leak (masking appliance leak) can be rectified by adjustment to the masking appliance or selection of a more efficient CPAP air delivery system. However by far the major problem of system leakage associated with C.P.A.P. use are those caused by mouth leaks and "exhale puffing" which if not corrected can compromise the patients treatment to the extent that the treatment can become ineffective. Other deleterious effects can be that the patient complains of a dry mouth which is caused by the CPAP air escaping through the mouth, this is brought about by the effect of higher than normal breathing pressure which tends to "dry out" the oral and nasal cavity due to the CPAP pressure being exhaled through the mouth rather than being delivered to the patient's lungs via the airway and exhausted through the exhaust vent of the CPAP Mask. The result of this is that the CPAP pressure is compromised and adequate pressures are not maintained to optimise the patient's treatment. DESCRIPTION

At present the methods that can be used by patients to minimise the problem of mouth leakage and exhale puffing are "mouth taping" and the use of a "chin strap". Mouth taping can become a desperation method to control leakage, it can be effective but troublesome and inconvenient for the patient, and the use of a "chin strap" is currently the first choice alternative. Chin straps are a simple device and consist of a chin support pouch made from fabric with straps fitted that are secured in position over the top of the head, their disadvantages are that they can be quite uncomfortable to wear, leave additional strap marks on the face after prolonged use, become dislodged during sleep with patient movement and can still allow mouth leakage, if not adjusted and tightened correctly.

Conclusion

This Oral Leak Prevention device has been designed to reduce air leakage via the mouth and assist patients when using CPAP machines and differing Nasal masking types for use with CPAP.

It also has additional uses and functions as mentioned in "Field of the

Invention"

(1) As a Corrective Breath Training Device

(2) As an alternative replacement for a Chin Strap

Applicants

Mr Paul William James 21st October 2005

Mr Donald Leslie Fischer

Claims

Claim

Summary of this invention.

This invention provides a new innovative and unique solution to minimise the problems of mouth leakage. With the use of C.P.A.P. the inventors have created a device specifically designed to reduce/solve the problem of mouth leakage or "exhale puffing" which compromises the therapeutic effect of C.P.A.P treatment. The invention also has efficacy as a breathing training device that assists patients in a unique way when first commencing CPAP treatment.

The inventors identified that mouth leakage of pressurised air with C.P.A.P. treatment is a major factor in unsuccessful patient compliance and that optimal results during treatment cannot therefore be achieved, all. of the currently available appliances and techniques are unpredictable in their efficacy and inconvenient in their use, thus the development of this invention and the claims made.