Facial interface

Abstract

The present document describes a facial interface comprising a flexible face contact layer configured to cover a user's face; and a nasal layer configured to sealably cover an external nose region of said user. The flexible face contact layer and nasal layer provide fluid circulation of air through said user's nostrils.

1 . A method for the treatment of sleep apnea in a patient in need thereof, comprising the step of contacting a patient's face with a facial interface prior to treatment with a positive airway pressure device, the facial interface comprising:
 a flexible face contact layer configured to cover the patient's face and comprising a contact free overlay of an ocular region of the patient's face which comprises a slot and a flap, the flap configured to fold away from the ocular region, to allow the patient to see through the facial interface; and   a nasal layer configured to sealably cover an external nose region of the patient,   
       wherein the flexible face contact layer and the nasal layer do not impede circulation of air through the patient's nostrils. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer is further configured to cover a neck region, a forehead, a temporal region, a cheek region, a jaw region, a chin region, of a patient's face, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer is further configured to cover the external nose region. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer is further configured to cover the external nose region of the patient and provide fluid circulation of air through the patient's nostrils. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer and/or the nasal layer is opened over the nostrils of the patient, or wherein the flexible face contact layer and/or the nasal layer further comprises a breathable overlay over the nostrils of the patient. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer and/or the nasal layer is configured to cover a base of the eye area, cover a bridge of the nose, around the nose and nostrils, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible face contact layer and/or the nasal layer further comprises a sub-nasal tab for coverage of a contour of the nose and nostrils. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sub-nasal tab comprises a pair of sub-nasal tabs, with one sub-nasal tab on each side of each nostril, without joining under the nose or wherein the sub-nasal tab comprises a single sub-nasal tab joining under the nose. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nasal layer is laminated over the flexible face contact layer. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible external layer, contacting the flexible face contact layer and/or the nasal layer, configured to modulate thickness of the facial interface. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a nasal padding layer, to provide padding to the nasal layer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a cervical wing, configured to cover a neck region. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cervical wing is a pair of cervical wings configured to cover both sides of a neck region. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising an auricular clearance, configured to provide clearance between ears of the patient and the facial interface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a grip layer to provide adherence and prevent slippage of an overlaid mask from the facial interface, and wherein the grip layer is configured to cover the any one of an external nose region, a neck region, a temporal region, a forehead region, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising means to maintain the facial interface in place on a patient's head. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said means to maintain said facial interface in place on a patient's head comprises an ear strap, a head strap, and an adherent material. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the facial interface is configured as having a thickness tapering off toward an outline thereof, to avoid marking of the patient's skin from use of the facial interface.