Respiratory mask

Abstract

A respiratory mask, a mould for a respiratory mask, as well as to a method for producing a respiratory mask are disclosed, in which manufacturability and usability of respiratory masks are improved. A respiratory mask is disclosed for administering a breathable gas to a patient, the respiratory mask comprising a first component formed from a flexible material and a second component formed from a material that is more rigid than the flexible material, wherein the first component is formed onto the second component by an overmoulding process.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A tub configured to receive a volume of liquid for a humidifier, the tub comprising:
 at least one substantially rigid component including at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the at least one substantially rigid component at least partially enclosing the volume of liquid in use, and wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion has an increased affinity to adhesive bonding;   an elastomeric seal made from a more flexible material than the at least one substantially rigid component;   wherein the elastomeric seal is bonded directly to the at least one of the first portion and the second portion with the increased affinity to adhesive bonding.   
     
     
         22 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component is constructed from plastic. 
     
     
         23 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion includes a plasma treated section or a corona treated section. 
     
     
         24 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the elastomeric seal is formed from a liquid silicone rubber. 
     
     
         25 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component includes a curved surface. 
     
     
         26 . The tub of  claim 25 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component includes a concave shape relative to a space for receiving said volume of liquid. 
     
     
         27 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the elastomeric seal forms at least one channel with two side walls, in which at least a section of the at least one substantially rigid component is arranged. 
     
     
         28 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component is a lid and the elastomeric seal is a lid seal. 
     
     
         29 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the first portion includes a higher affinity to adhesive bonding as compared to the second portion, and wherein the elastomeric seal is only bonded to at least a part of the first portion. 
     
     
         30 . A method of making the tub of  claim 29 , wherein at least a portion of the substantially rigid component that is intended to remain uncoated with the elastomeric seal is covered before the application of the elastomeric seal. 
     
     
         31 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component and the elastomeric seal are injection molded. 
     
     
         32 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein an inner perimeter of the elastomeric seal is curved. 
     
     
         33 . The tub of  claim 21 , further comprising a bottom wall and one or more side walls surrounding the bottom wall. 
     
     
         34 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the at least one substantially rigid component includes the increased affinity for adhesive bonding on a surface facing a space for receiving said volume of liquid. 
     
     
         35 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component is a lid and the elastomeric seal is a lid seal. 
     
     
         36 . The tub of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid component includes an opening, and wherein the elastomeric seal is connected to the at least one substantially rigid component around the opening. 
     
     
         37 . An apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder in a patient, the apparatus comprising:
 a patient interface;   a controllable motor-blower configured to generate a supply of air at a positive pressure relative to ambient pressure; and   the tub according to  claim 21 ; and   a heating element to heat liquid received within said tub.   
     
     
         38 . A method for manufacturing the tub of  claim 21 , the method comprising:
 providing the at least one substantially rigid component; and   attaching the at least one substantially rigid component in a fluid tight manner to the elastomeric seal, such that the at least one substantially rigid component forms at least part of a fluid tight space for receiving said volume of liquid,   wherein before the attaching of the at least one substantially rigid component and the elastomeric seal, treating at least one of the first portion and the second portion in order to increase the increased affinity to forming an adhesive bond.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein treating at least one of the first portion and the second portion involves applying a surface treatment, a plasma treatment, and/or a coronal treatment. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the attaching of the at least one substantially rigid component and the elastomeric seal is done in an injection molding tool.