Mask and flow generator system

Abstract

A system for delivering a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface configured to contact the patient's head. The patient interface includes a frame, a cushion supported by the frame and configured to sealingly connect the patient interface to the patient's face and form a chamber between the frame and the wearer's face, and an inlet port in the frame to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas. A flow generator is configured to generate the pressurized flow and is capable of creating a pressure of about 2-40 cm H 2 0 in the chamber. A flow generator housing is provided to house the flow generator. The flow generator housing is mounted on the patient interface and configured to reduce the transmission of vibration and/or noise generated by the flow generator to the patient interface.

1 . A system for delivering a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient, the system comprising:
 a patient interface configured to contact a wearer's head, the patient interface comprising a frame, a cushion supported by the frame and configured to sealingly connect the patient interface to the patient's face and form a chamber between the frame and the wearer's face, and an inlet port in the frame to receive the pressurized flow of breathable gas;   a flow generator configured to generate the pressurized flow, capable of creating a pressure of about 2-40 cm H 2 O in the chamber;   and a flow generator housing to house the flow generator, wherein the flow generator housing is mounted on the patient interface and configured to reduce the transmission of vibration and/or noise generated by the flow generator to the patient interface.   
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the flow generator housing is mounted on the frame of the patient interface. 
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the patient interface includes a headgear and the flow generator housing is mounted to the headgear. 
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow generator housing comprises dampening and/or absorbing material, such as open cell foam. 
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 2 , wherein the flow generator housing and the frame comprise dampening material. 
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface to control the flow generator. 
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to supply power to the flow generator. 
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to control the flow generator through an electrical connection. 
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to control the flow generator through a wireless connection. 
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of the flow generator housing is mounted to the frame, and an outlet of the flow generator housing and the inlet of the frame are connected by a soft joint. 
   
   
       11 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the user interface is configured to receive signals from a pressure sensor. 
   
   
       12 . A system according to  claim 11 , wherein the pressure sensor is provided at an outlet of the flow generator. 
   
   
       13 . A system according to  claim 11 , wherein the pressure sensor is provided in the frame of the patient interface. 
   
   
       14 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow generator comprises a brushless DC motor. 
   
   
       15 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the flow generator housing is integrally formed with the frame of the patient interface. 
   
   
       16 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of a wall of the flow generator housing is about 0.5-2.5 mm. 
   
   
       17 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of a wall of the flow generator housing is about 1.0-2.0 mm. 
   
   
       18 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein a thickness of a wall of the flow generator is about 1.5 mm. 
   
   
       19 . A system according to  claim 6 , wherein the user interface comprises an LCD, a keypad, a microcontroller, a motor controller, a user interface control, an audible device, and/or an LED. 
   
   
       20 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame and the cushion are formed of the same material. 
   
   
       21 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the flow generator housing is mounted to the frame inclined with respect to the frame to reduce a moment generated by the flow generator. 
   
   
       22 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow generator housing comprises first and second parts. 
   
   
       23 . A system according to  claim 22 , wherein the first part of the flow generator housing is formed integrally with the frame and the second part is attached to the first part. 
   
   
       24 . A system according to  claim 22 , wherein the first and second parts are attached to each other and the first part is attached to the frame. 
   
   
       25 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow generator housing is unitarily formed and attached to the frame. 
   
   
       26 . A system according to  claim 24 , wherein the attachment of the flow generator housing to the frame comprises a soft joint. 
   
   
       27 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the flow generator comprises a centrifugal fan.