BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a side profile view illustrating the device according to the present inventions in an installed configuration and by which the user's lips are compressed, resulting in a nasal directed intake of air;
FIG. 2 is a successive side profile view illustrating the device according to the present inventions permitting the user's lips to partially open during an exhaling step;
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the breath assist device according to the inventions and which includes a flexible and impermeable one-sided adhesive body, combined with a centrally disposed (lip seating and air passage) aperture, between which is optionally disposed an intermediate cloth layer;
FIG. 4 is a first diagrammatic illustration of percentage of total air intake in a person's lungs relative to inhale/exhale breathing cycle;
FIG. 5 is a second diagrammatic illustration of a ratio of oxygen saturation (by percent) relative to hours of sleep, both with and without tie breathing assist device according to the present inventions;
FIG. 6 is a third diagrammatic illustration of a frequency of sleep arousal indicating a number of sleep interruptions both with and without the device (e.g. 36:1) according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a bar graph illustration of pulse pressure factoring in systolic minus diastolic pressure readings for clinical studies including both assist and non-assist applications;
FIG. 8 is a further bar graph illustrating a cholesterol level after four months use of the breathing assist device according to the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a weight loss graph illustrating weight reduction resulting from four months usage of the breathing assist device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, in combination, an article and associated method is now described for assisting in maintaining proper breathing cycles of a person according to the present inventions. As previously described, the article and method of the present invention operates to optimize a person's sleep cycle (in particular older individual's), particularly as it relates to the individual's ability to absorb increased amounts of oxygen by virtue of the associated device's construction to encourage breathing in nasally (through the nose) and exhaling orally (through the mouth).
The breathing assist device, as best shown in FIG. 3, includes a flexible and impermeable one-sided adhesive body 1. An optional intermediate cloth or like fabric layer 2 may be overlaid, such as upon a central location of the body 1, and which may further exhibit a desired consistency and permeability. A centrally disposed (lip seating and air passage) aperture 3 is sized in an appropriate fashion and defines in inner continuous annular edge within the body 1. The aperture 3 may be formed within the optional intermediate cloth layer 2 or, as is also contemplated within the scope of the invention, may be formed directly in the body 1. The dimensions of the tape are further not limited to any specific size, but may exhibit any suitable shape and size including a central aperture 3 exhibiting an interior diameter of ⅞″.
FIG. 1 further illustrates, at 4a, a side profile outline of the device 1 according to the present inventions in an installed configuration upon a user's face 5 and which includes, in relevant part, a nose 6 with internal nasal passages (of which a single one 7 is illustrated in side profile) and a mouth defined by lips 8 and 9. In FIG. 1, die user's lips are compressed, owing to the substantially closed position associated with the compressing edge 3a of the inner aperture, thus resulting in a nasal directed inhalation of air. Reviewing further to FIG. 2, a successive side profile view 4b illustrates the device according to the present inventions during a subsequent exhalation step, and by which the geometry of the device 1 permits the user's lips (see at 3b) to partially open during an exhaling step.
By inhaling through the nose only, and exhaling orally (i.e. from the mouth), a proper sleep breathing cycle is established and so that breathing is regulated in both an automatic and natural fashion. The proper sequence of breathing can be further controlled if the user's mouth is permitted to exhale, but not inhale. In this condition, the nose is forced to perform the inhaling step by itself.
A further advantage of establishing a proper breathing cycle as outlined above is to avoid interruptions or choking in the individual's glotis. Otherwise, and in the instance of deep exhaling occurring through the user's nasal passages, air discharge would be blocked and choking and gasping by the individual would occur.
In support of the above, FIG. 4 presents a first diagrammatic illustration 10 of a percentage of total air intake 11 in a person's lungs relative to inhale/exhale breathing cycle 12. Specifically, the function of the lip closing check valve (see again aperture defining rim 3a in FIG. 1) during nasal inhalation greatly increases the total percentage of air intake 11 (up to 100% at the completion of the inhalation stage and immediately following closing of the individual's epiglottis, e.g. approximately at 90% air intake capacity). Following this, oral (mouth) exhalation is initiated and, following reopening of the epiglottis again at about 90%, the nasal passages close naturally and concluding at the end of the exhalation stage, at which point the lung air percentage is about 0% and immediately prior to the initiation of a subsequent cycle.
FIG. 5 presents at 13 a second diagrammatic illustration of a ratio of oxygen saturation (by percent) 14 relative to hours of sleep, as further represented at 15, both with and without the breathing assist device 1 according to the present inventions. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates an average oxygen saturation of approximately 90% over a course of 1-6 hours of proper sleep, whereas a lowered average saturation range of 75-85 percent is typically encountered in test patients not utilizing the device 1.
FIG. 6 further presents at 16 is a third diagrammatic illustration of a frequency of sleep arousal 17 relative to an indicated number of sleep interruptions 18, both with and without the device (e.g. 36:1) according to the present invention. This corresponds to a total of 180 interruptions occurring over a six hour period in individuals having sleep issues and not utilizing the sleep assist article 1, as opposed to a mere documented five (5) occurrences in individuals utilizing the sleep assist device 1.
FIG. 7 illustrates at 20 a bar graph illustration of pulse pressure factoring in systolic minus diastolic pressure readings for clinical studies including both assist and non-assist applications. In particular, clinical studies have established that the differences between systolic and diastolic pressures dropped forty (40) points for individuals after using the inhaling assist device for at least four months.
FIG. 8 illustrates at 22 a further bar graph illustrating a cholesterol level after four months use of the breathing assist device according to the present invention. Again, a drop (in this instance of 70 points) attended four months of continuous usage of the inhaling assist device.
Finally, FIG. 9 illustrates a weight loss graph 24 illustrating weight reduction, approx. 13 lbs, resulting from four months usage by an individual of the breathing/inhaling assist device according to the present invention.
An associated method is also disclosed for obtaining a proper and optimized breathing cycle according to the above article description. In particular, the method is accomplished through tie associated article operating as a check valve, such as when the user's lips are in a whistling (pursed) position by which air can escape from the mouth because it is pressurized. Inhalation is, in this stage, rendered impossible from the mouth, thus necessitating that the nasal passages initiate inhalation.
The present device and method provides benefits during both shallow breathing as well as proper/deep breathing cycles, as well as again assisting greatly in reducing the effects of sleep apnea. The benefits of more complete breathing include better lymphatic fluid circulation, as well as oxygen absorption which can be beneficial for weight loss, lowering of blood pressure, improving arthritic conditions, reducing chronic fatigue and other sleep disturbances, both apnea related and the like. Additional health issues the present device solves include arousals and sleep disturbances by optimizing oxygen saturation in the body, reducing the systolic blood pressure due to less stressful conditions, lower cholesterol, loss of body fat and improving other body functions.
In particular regards to sleep apnea, it has been found that this condition can be eliminated by changing ones breathing cycle, mainly by inhaling through the nose and exhaling from the mouth. As part of the desired methodology associated with the present invention, breathing must be rendered automatic and habit forming. This can be accomplished by practicing, such as twice daily for approximately fifteen minutes for three or four days and prior to installation of the breath assist tape at night before going to sleep. Upon installation, the user's lips must project through the central aperture formed in the tape and a breathing exercise initiated whereby the user keeps his/her mouth closed but allows air to escape during inhaling. Upon exhaling and closing the lips, inhalation is initiated through the nose and the cycle repeated.
Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080041397
