Hybrid ventilation mask with nasal interface and method for configuring such a mask

Abstract

A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A respiratory mask comprising:
 a gas entry port for allowing gas to enter the mask;   a cushioned facial interface comprising a non-face contacting periphery comprised of a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall, a face contacting periphery extending from the non-face contacting periphery, wherein the top wall has an upper surface; and   a nasal interface coupled with said upper surface, the nasal interface being substantially external to the cushioned facial interface;   wherein the cushioned facial interface is in fluid communication with the gas entry port.   
     
     
         2 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned facial interface is in fluid communication with the nasal interface. 
     
     
         3 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein said nasal interface is removably coupled to said upper surface. 
     
     
         4 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein said nasal interface and said cushioned facial interface are integral. 
     
     
         5 . The mask according to  claim 1 , further comprising a gas exit defined in said facial interface, said gas exit is shaped to completely surround only the mouth of the user. 
     
     
         6 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein said mask has a chin portion that is configured to include at least a part of a chin of the user. 
     
     
         7 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein said nasal interface consists of two nasal pillows. 
     
     
         8 . The mask according to  claim 7 , wherein said pillows are connected to one another with a connecting member. 
     
     
         9 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the mask is made of a gel material. 
     
     
         10 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein said mask has at least one exhalation port. 
     
     
         11 . The mask according to  claim 10 , wherein said exhalation port is at least one of a bleed nipple, variable bleed port, and diffuser. 
     
     
         12 . The mask according to  claim 10 , wherein said exhalation port has an adjustable opening. 
     
     
         13 . The mask according to  claim 1 , further comprising a valve. 
     
     
         14 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein the nasal interface is a nasal plug. 
     
     
         15 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned facial interface is adapted to seal in at least one of around the mouth, on the mouth, and inside the mouth of the user. 
     
     
         16 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned facial interface is adapted to engage inside the mouth. 
     
     
         17 . The mask according to  claim 1 , further comprising a gas exit defined in said facial interface, said gas exit is adapted to deliver gas only to the mouth of the user. 
     
     
         18 . The mask according to  claim 1 , wherein the cushioned facial interface is adapted to couple with various sizes of the nasal interface. 
     
     
         19 . A respiratory mask comprising:
 a gas entry port for allowing gas to enter the mask;   a cushioned facial interface comprising a non-face contacting periphery comprised of a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall, a face contacting periphery extending from the non-face contacting periphery, wherein the top wall has an upper surface; and   a nasal interface coupled with said upper surface, the nasal interface having a nasal sealing portion that is external to the cushioned facial interface;   wherein the cushioned facial interface is in fluid communication with the gas entry port.   
     
     
         20 . A respiratory mask comprising:
 a gas entry port for allowing gas to enter the mask;   a cushioned facial interface comprising a non-face contacting periphery comprised of a bottom wall, two side walls, and a top wall, a face contacting periphery extending from the non-face contacting periphery, wherein the top wall has an upper surface; and   a nasal interface coupled with said upper surface, the nasal interface having a lower portion that is internal to the cushioned facial interface and an upper portion that is external to the cushioned facial interface;   wherein the cushioned facial interface is in fluid communication with the gas entry port.