Cushion for mask system

Abstract

A mouth cushion for a mask system includes a side wall, an undercushion extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use. The side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs. Each prong support structure includes an alignment indicator to aid correct assembly of the respective nasal prong.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mouth cushion for a mask system, the mouth cushion comprising:
 a side wall;   an undercushion extending away from the side wall; and   a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use,   wherein the side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs, and each prong support structure includes an alignment indicator to aid correct assembly of the respective nasal prong.   
     
     
         2 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the prong support structures provide an angled pedestal that project the nasal prongs at an angle to the patient's nares. 
     
     
         3 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein each alignment indicator includes spaced-apart tabs or protrusions. 
     
     
         4 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 3 , wherein the tabs or protrusions protrude from a top wall of the prong support structure adjacent the recess. 
     
     
         5 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration. 
     
     
         6 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 5 , wherein the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration in a lower lip section. 
     
     
         7 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 5 , wherein the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration in cheek sections. 
     
     
         8 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 1 , wherein the membrane in each cheek section defines an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of about 30-50°. 
     
     
         9 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 8 , wherein the membrane in each cheek section defines an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of about 40°. 
     
     
         10 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 1 , further comprising a support strut or rib along opposing side walls thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A mouth cushion for a mask system, the mouth cushion comprising:
 a side wall;   an undercushion extending away from the side wall; and   a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use,   wherein the side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs, and   at least a portion of the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration when in cross-section.   
     
     
         12 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 11 , wherein the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration in a lower lip section. 
     
     
         13 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 11 , wherein the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration in cheek sections. 
     
     
         14 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 11 , wherein the membrane in each cheek section defines an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of about 30-50°. 
     
     
         15 . The mouth cushion according to  claim 14 , wherein the membrane in each cheek section defines an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of about 40°. 
     
     
         16 . A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient, the mask system comprising:
 a frame;   a mouth cushion according to  claim 11  provided to the frame; and   a pair of nasal prongs provided to respective prong support structures of the mouth cushion.   
     
     
         17 . The mask system according to  claim 16 , wherein each prong includes a tab that engages a respective alignment indicator provided to the mouth cushion. 
     
     
         18 . The mask system according to  claim 16 , wherein the mouth cushion includes a tapered end portion with a sealing lip, the tapered end portion adapted to be inserted and retained within a channel provided to the frame. 
     
     
         19 . The mask system according to  claim 18 , wherein the sealing lip provides a seal around the perimeter of the cushion. 
     
     
         20 . The mask system according to  claim 18 , wherein the frame includes a recess that communicates with the channel and a hole that connects the recess to a frame exterior.