Patient interface systems

Abstract

A headgear for use with a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes at least a strap adapted to position the patient interface in sealing engagement with the patient’s airways. The strap is constructed from an elastomer and a first side of the strap includes a first region on a portion of its surface that is textured to reduce friction with objects contacting the strap. A textured surface coating for a portion of an elastomer strap included in a headgear system is adapted to contact the skin of a patient, when in use, and the coating has a Ra value greater than zero. A vent for use with a patient interface for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a plurality of rises and runs in a stepped arrangement; and a plurality of holes in the stepped arrangement for the venting of gas.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Headgear for a patient interface configured to deliver a flow of breathable gas to a patient, the headgear comprising:
 a strap adapted to position the patient interface in sealing engagement with the patient’s airways, wherein the strap comprises an elastomer and a first side of said strap includes a first region on a portion of its surface that is textured to reduce friction with objects contacting the strap.   
     
     
         2 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the first side is adapted to contact a patient when the headgear is engaged with the patient’s head. 
     
     
         3 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the first side is adapted not to contact a patient, when the headgear is engaged with the patient’s head. 
     
     
         4 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the first region has a Ra value greater than zero. 
     
     
         5 . The headgear of  claim 4 , wherein the first region has a Ra value of 1 to 7 µm. 
     
     
         6 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the first region extends over the entirety of the first side. 
     
     
         7 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomer is silicone. 
     
     
         8 . The headgear of  claim 2 , wherein a second side, opposed to the first side, includes a second region which is textured. 
     
     
         9 . The headgear of  claim 8 , wherein the first region has a lower Ra value than the second region. 
     
     
         10 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the strap has a rounded edge. 
     
     
         11 . The headgear of  claim 10 , wherein the rounded edge has a radius of curvature of about 0.1 to 5 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The headgear of  claim 10 , wherein the rounded edge includes a parting line, and the parting line is adapted to be out of contact with the patient’s face when the headgear is engaged with the patient’s head. 
     
     
         13 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is at least partially covered by a flexible wrap. 
     
     
         14 . The headgear of  claim 13 , wherein the wrap is formed of fleece, Lycra, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         15 . The headgear of  claim 13 , wherein the wrap is folded over or wrapped around the strap. 
     
     
         16 . The headgear of  claim 15 , wherein the wrap is secured around the strap in a loop. 
     
     
         17 . The headgear of  claim 16 , wherein the wrap is secured by adhesive, magnets, hook and loop material, and/or elastic. 
     
     
         18 . The headgear of  claim 16 , wherein the wrap comprises a spring configured to preload the wrap into at least a partial loop. 
     
     
         19 . The headgear of  claim 1 , wherein the mask is configured for a CPAP system, a respirator or ventilation support treatment. 
     
     
         20 . A textured surface coating of a portion of an elastomer strap included in a headgear system, wherein the textured surface is adapted to contact the skin of a patient when the headgear is mounted on a patient’s head, and the coating has a Ra value greater than zero.