Super-soft TPE in first nasal-only medical mask

摘要

Thanks to the sealing and cushioning capabilities of a super-soft thermoplastic elastomer the company Revolutionary Medical Devices, Inc. (RMD), based in Tucson, AR, USA, has succeeded in creating the first nasal-only alternative to the standard full-face oxygenation and ventilation medical masks. The patent-pending Super NO2 VA mask provides easy access to the oral cavity and is designed to deliver a greater flow of oxygen under positive pressure to the patient's airways. The single-use device consists of a transparent rigid polypropylene component with access ports for an anesthesia circuit or hyperinflation bag, plus a TPE cushion that is over-moulded onto the PP structure. The TPE plays a critical role by providing a strong yet comfortable seal to the patient's face. The material, a gel-like 5 Shore A Medalist MD-10105 grade, is supplied by Teknor Apex. The super-soft biocompatible compound exhibits excellent bonding to PP. Overmoulding the TPE onto the PP substrate was challenging, as the TPE part is complex, with thick- and thin-wall sections and recessed areas, or undercuts, that must retain their shape during ejection of the part from the mould.