DreamView

What it does

DreamView is a respiratory mask designed to improve the non-invasive ventilation and to give the opportunity to have three different models of masks in a single product, facilitating the Dynamic interface.

Your inspiration

My grandmother had a neurological disease which forced her to use a ventilatory mask. So, we could see the inconvenients of this treatment at home: the pressure sores, the leaks, the intolerance… that affected her treatment. Furthermore, some personal conditions cause even more inconvenients such as, using glasses or a hearing aid or even, having a big nose and small mouth at the same time, appart from many other disadvantages. Approximately 10% of the world population needs a non-invasive ventilatory treatment. However, all of the masks are offered in only 3 or 4 sizes, so it is hard to find a mask that fits the user.

How it works

Like the rest of the masks, it needs to be connected to a CPAP/BiPAP. The mask can be used in three different modes: oronasal, nasal or oral. So, the user can start with one mode, and afterwards change the components so the mask works in another mode, as if it was a completely different mask, letting the skin breath. Placing the mask on the face is easy, it only has a few parts and an easy handling strap. First, the user has to put the strap on his head and adjust it. If he wants to use the oronasal, then he should insert the cushion on the frame and the nasal pillow in its holes, and finally put the mask on the mouth and the nasal pillows in the nose. The last step is joining the frame with the strap. If he wants the oral mask, he has only to put the cushion on the frame and join with the strap when it is over the mouth. And if he wants the nasal, he has to connect the nasal pillows with the nasal frame, put the pillows on the nose, and join with the strap.

Design process

The conceptual design started researching the state of the art of masks. It was found that the masks were quite expensive, so people could only afford one and they didn’t change them, without Dynamic interface. This is a problem, because as the skin doesn’t rest, it is very likely that pressure sore will come out, and if the injuries are big, the patient may have to stop the treatment.The next research conducted with nurses and doctors that helped me to discover the needs: it should be biocompatible with transparent materials, having a fine adjustment, without leaks and ergonomic. It requires an easy handling for the users and third people (nurses, caregivers…). It is also interesting the possibility to change some parts when they break. Therefore, with these concepts, we started the first sketches of the alternatives. After a market research and studying the necessities, the basic design started. During this step, the mask was modified according to the anthropology measures of the mouth, nose and nasal cavities. Several 3D models were designed and manufactured until a prototype was satisfactory. The last part of the design consisted ofthe detail design. It was focused on the materials, the joints and mechanisms, as well as little details, as how to adjustthe mask with the face.

How it is different

It is a simple mask but with three different ventilation options: oronasal, nasal and oral. It has three components that have three different sizes, so, actually it offers 27 options with 3 sizes. It is an interchangeable mask so, it facilitates the Dynamic interface, lowering the likelihood of sores. Another advantage is the elimination of the part in contact with the dorsum of the nose and it also avoids the need of an ear support, allowing to wear glasses and hearing aid.As the mask is interchangeable, a broken part can be replaced with a new one, without having to acquire a complete new mask and reducing the environmental impact. This design is not only intended for user ergonomics, but also to help the caregiver facilitating the adjustment of the mask. In addition, it tries to lower the society-illness barrier, by reducing the optical feeling of illness thanks to the fact that the mask is smaller than usual and that it gives a full vision of the mouth.

Future plans

In the process of patenting.

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