Introduction

This invention improves the performance of snorkelling masks converted to mechanical ventilation masks for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment: this non-invasive system provides patients experiencing respiratory distress with a positive airflow, through an airtight connection with the nose and mouth, in order to improve their breathing capacity.

Technical features

Current systems that convert snorkelling masks for CPAP have shown problems linked to the limited section of the air inlet and outlet ducts. During air intake the masks equipped with  ‘Charlotte’ valves cannot compensate the air volume that the patient inhales, resulting in a decrease in pressure. Moreover, when exhaling, such a setup does not evacuate the air quickly enough to avoid the sensation of fatigue in patients. This patented system increases the volume available for the patient air intake by using a double-channel for the incoming airflow, which prevents the internal pressure to drop during inhalation, by maintaining a constant air flow of 50 litre/minute. These components can be used with portable or fixed ventilators and oxygen blenders with a standard 22mm pipe diameter inlet.  The patented set-up also includes an anti-suffocation valve that allows patients to continue breathing even if the air and oxygen supply are interrupted. The output air tube can also be fitted with an anti-contamination filter. The components can be printed with different 3D printing plastics, such as PLA o PETG,  according to the type of use required (single vs multiple use), according to their specific characteristics in terms of cost, duration and sterilisation method.

 

Possible Applications

• Conversion of commercially available snorkelling masks into masks for medical CPAP use, for the treatment of  respiratory distress, in case of scarcity of standard medical grade equipment.

 

Advantages

• Avoids pressure drop during inhalation in converted CPAP masks;
• Improves the evacuation of exhaled air;
• Includes an anti-suffocation valve;
• Anti-contamination filter can be applied to the output;
• The system can be easily printed in 3D;
• Printing time can be reduced up to 30% because of the smaller size of the components.