GAS CONDUIT FOR A RESPIRATORY SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas conduit for a respiratory support device comprising a face mask and a gas reservoir bag, said gas conduit comprising a proximal portion for fluid connection to the mask and a distal portion extending into the reservoir bag, wherein at least a side wall of said distal portion comprises one or more apertures. The present invention also relates to a respiratory support device comprising said conduit.

Claims

1. A gas conduit for a respiratory support device comprising a face mask and a gas reservoir bag, said gas conduit comprising a proximal portion for fluid connection to the mask and a distal portion extending into the reservoir bag, wherein at least a side wall of said distal portion comprises one or more apertures.

2. The gas conduit according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the gas conduit is made of a flexible material.

3. The gas conduit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas conduit comprises or consists of a shapable material or structure.

4. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the gas conduit comprises a frontal side and a dorsal side, and the apertures are formed at least on the dorsal side.

5. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the apertures are through-slits.

6. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the distal portion of the gas conduit comprises a plurality of ribs.

7. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the distal portion of the gas conduit comprises a plurality of rings.

8. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, the distal portion of the gas conduit comprises a mesh.

9. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, the gas conduit comprises a distal opening formed on the frontal side of the conduit.

10. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the gas conduit comprises a rounded distal end.

11. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the distal and proximal portions of the gas conduit are integrally formed.

12. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the gas conduit comprises means for securing the proximal portion of the gas conduit to an element of the mask.

13. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the gas conduit comprises a valve to regulate the gas flow between the mask and the reservoir bag.

14. The gas conduit according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the gas conduit comprises a gas inlet port in fluid communication with a gas source.

15. A respiratory support device comprising a gas conduit as defined in any one of the preceding claims.

16. The respiratory support device according to claim 15, wherein the respiratory support device is a non-rebreather mask.

Description

[0034] The invention will be further described with reference to the drawings and figures, in which

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an oxygen mask of the non-rebreather type;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a conduit according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of another conduit according to the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another conduit according to the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a face mask for use with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the conduit of FIG. 4 (in a first configuration) connected to a face mask of FIG. 5;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the conduit of FIG. 4 (in a second configuration) connected to a face mask of FIG. 5;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a respiratory support device according to the present invention;

[0043] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic representations of a conduit according to the present invention in a first and second configuration, respectively;

[0044] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of another conduit according to the present invention in a first and second configuration, respectively;

[0045] FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of another conduit according to the present invention in a first and second configuration, respectively;

[0046] FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic representations of another conduit according to the present invention in a first and second configuration, respectively;

[0047] FIG. 13A is a schematic representation of another conduit according to the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 13B is a schematic representation of another conduit according to the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of another conduit according to the present invention; and

[0050] FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C are schematic representations of another conduit according to the present invention in different configurations.

[0051] The exemplary devices described hereinafter are provided for the purpose of illustrating features of the present invention. The present invention relates, in particular to a conduit which may be connected to the mask (or to the neck or connector thereof) and extends into the reservoir bag. The present invention also relates to a respiratory support device comprising said conduit. The conduit of the present invention is described with reference to an exemplary respiratory support device.

[0052] A known respiratory support device is illustrated in FIG. 1, in the form of an oxygen mask of the non-rebreather or non-rebreathing type. The device comprises a mask applicable to the face of the patient, covering the mouth and nose of the patient. The mask comprises a neck or connector which enables gas communication with an oxygen reservoir bag. The neck comprises an oxygen line through which oxygen from an oxygen tank or bottle is delivered.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a gas conduit 1 according to the present invention for a respiratory support device 2 comprising a face mask 3 and a gas reservoir bag 4, said gas conduit 1 comprising a proximal portion 1a for fluid connection to the mask and a distal portion 1b extending into the reservoir bag 4, wherein at least a side wall of said distal portion 1b comprises one or more apertures 5.

[0054] The mask 3, illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, is arranged and configured to cover the mouth and nose of the patient. The mask 3 comprises an opening 6 and an inner space 7 shaped and dimensioned so as to fit the contours of the face against and above which it is positioned.

[0055] The mask 3 may comprise a neck 8, usually positioned towards the uppermost area of the mask 3 above the nose of the patient. The neck 8 may serve or comprise means for securing with the conduit 1 and/or the reservoir 4. The neck 8 and/or connection means may be integrally formed with the mask 3. Alternatively, the neck 8 and/or securing means may be formed separately and connected to the mask 3.

[0056] Preferably, the mask 3 comprises one or more one-way valves 9, which enables the escape of the carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient from the inner space 7 of the mask 3 to the atmosphere, but prevents the patient from inhaling atmospheric air.

[0057] The mask 3 may comprise means for attaching the mask 3 to the patient's head, for example an elastic band secured to both sides of the mask and extending around the head of the patient, or more preferably an ear-loop elastic band attached on each side of the mask 3.

[0058] The reservoir 4, illustrated in FIG. 8, is preferably a reservoir bag, more preferably an oxygen reservoir bag. The reservoir bag 4 is preferably made of a plastics material. The reservoir 4 is in fluid communication with the mask 3, through an opening, which is hermetically sealed, for example to the mask 3. In practice, the health professional may apply adhesive tape to improve the seal. Preferably, the conduit 1 comprises a seal area 13 onto which the opening of the reservoir bag 4 may be sealed.

[0059] The conduit 1 preferably comprises an elongated member comprising an inner lumen for fluid flow therethrough. The cross-sectional outer shape of the conduit 1 is preferably circular, but may be any other suitable shapes including oval. Angle-free cross-sectional shapes are preferred. The elongated member may be formed integrally, or of separate components attached to each other.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the conduit 1 comprises a cylindrical member. Preferably, the conduit 1 is as thin as possible, whilst providing rigidity. Preferably, the side wall(s) of the conduit 1 is no more than 5 mm thick. Numerical ranges described herein include the lowest and highest values of the range.

[0061] The conduit 1 comprises a proximal portion 1a and a distal portion 1b.

[0062] The proximal portion 1a is closer to the mask 3, and, in this embodiment, is secured to the neck 8 of the mask 3. The conduit 1 may comprise means for securing the conduit 1 to the mask 3. Examples of securing means include, but are not limited to, screwing means, snap-fit, tab(s) and corresponding recess(es) and other mechanical securing means. The proximal portion 1a of the conduit may be made of a flexible material, and have outer dimensions slightly smaller than the inner dimensions of the receiving portion 8 of the mask 3, so that the proximal portion 1a can be pushed into and secured to the receiving portion 8. The conduit 1 may be welded, glued, adhered to the mask 3. Alternatively, the conduit 1 may be integrally formed with the mask 3. In a preferred embodiment, the proximal portion 1a of the conduit comprises one or more ribs, which can be received into one or more corresponding recesses in the (neck 8 of the) mask 3, in a snap-fit manner.

[0063] The conduit 1 preferably comprises a one-way valve 10. More preferably, the valve 10 is positioned in the proximal portion 1a, and most preferably at the proximal end of the conduit 1 (i.e. at the proximal opening 1c of the conduit 1). The one-way valve 10 enables oxygen to flow from the reservoir 4 to the mask 3 to be inhaled by the patient, but prevents exhaled carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient from flowing from the mask 3 to the reservoir 4.

[0064] The distal portion 1b is further from the mask 3, and extends beyond the neck 8 of the mask 3, into the reservoir bag 4. Therefore, the length of the conduit 1 should preferably be sufficient to extend beyond the opening of the mask 3 towards the bag. Owing to the presence of apertures in the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1, the maximum length of the conduit 1 is only limited by the length of the reservoir bag 4. Preferably, the proximal portion 1a inside the neck 8 has substantially the same length as the length of the neck 8 of the mask 3.

[0065] The distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 comprises one or more apertures 5, on the side wall of the conduit 1. In other words, the aperture 5 is not located at the distal end 1d of the conduit 1. In known respiratory support devices, gas flows through the single opening at the distal end of a rigid cylinder, or directly through the neck of the mask. These distal end openings are frequently partially or completely obstructed either by the reservoir bag, by the patient's anatomy, by covers and clothing and/or other obstacles, so that the flow of gas is impeded. A conduit 1 having one or more apertures 5 through the side wall(s) provides alternative and additional gas flow paths, thereby decreasing the risk of flow hindrance. Moreover, the apertures 5 increase the area through which the gas can flow, thereby enabling a greater flow capacity.

[0066] The shape of the apertures 1 is not limited. The apertures 5 may have the same or different shapes (FIGS. 13A and 14). The apertures 5 may be discrete apertures, or may be connected to other apertures. The apertures 5 may be formed as apertures through the side wall of the conduit 1, or may be apertures through a mesh (FIGS. 11a and 11b), through rings or spirals (FIGS. 12a and 12b), and the like.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the apertures 5 are through-slits, as shown for example in FIGS. 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b. The through-slits may comprise straight lines, undulations, zig-zags, jagged lines, crenellations, and the like.

[0068] Preferably, the through-slits 5 are formed along a partial (i.e. less than 100% of the) cross-sectional perimeter of the conduit 1. More preferably, the through-slits 5 are formed along more than 50% of the cross-sectional perimeter of the conduit 1.

[0069] The through-slits 5 may be formed perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis of the conduit 1 (as seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9), or they may be formed at an angle of less than 180 degrees, preferably 45 degrees (as seen in FIG. 2), relative to the longitudinal axis of the conduit 1. The through-slits 5 are preferably substantially parallel to each other so as to facilitate bending and shaping the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1.

[0070] When the respiratory support device 2 is fitted onto the patient, the conduit 1 comprises a frontal portion, facing away from the patient, a dorsal portion, facing towards the patient, and side portions between the frontal and dorsal portions. The one or more apertures 5 may be positioned in one or more of the frontal, dorsal and side portions of the conduit 1.

[0071] Frontal and side apertures 5 are more advantageous in that the obstructions are more commonly located on the patient's side of the device 2. Dorsal apertures 5 are more advantageous in that they may facilitate the bending and shapability of the conduit 1 away from the patient.

[0072] Preferably, the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 is flexible and/or bendable. Preferably, the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 may take a first configuration, in which the distal portion 1b is substantially straight, and a second configuration different from the first configuration. More preferably, the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 may take a first configuration, in which the distal portion 1b is substantially straight and the apertures 5 are closed, and a second configuration different from the first configuration, in which the apertures 6 are opened. Preferably, the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 is shapable, preferably manually shapable, in that it can retain a given configuration.

[0073] In FIGS. 9a and 9b, the apertures 5 are through-slits formed on the dorsal side of the conduit 1. FIG. 9a shows the distal portion 1b in a first configuration, in which the distal portion 1b is substantially straight and the through-slits 5 are closed. FIG. 9b shows a second configuration, in which the distal portion 1b is bent away from its first configuration and the through-slits 6 are opened. FIGS. 10a and 10b show two configurations of a conduit 1 comprising jagged through-slits 5. In FIGS. 11a and 11b, the distal portion 1b comprises or consists of a flexible and/or shapable mesh. In FIGS. 12a and 12b, the distal portion 1b comprises or consists of a spiral. Alternatively, the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 may comprise a plurality of ribs and/or rings linked to each other by a bendable and/or shapable spine. FIGS. 13 and 14 show conduits 1 comprising a distal portion 1b, with a “fixed” shape, i.e. which is not shapable.

[0074] The distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 may be flexible enough so as to be bendable without impeding gas flow within the lumen of the conduit 1. Preferably, the conduit 1, of at least the distal portion 1b thereof, is made of a flexible material. Preferred materials include plastics materials.

[0075] The conduit 1 (or the distal portion 1b thereof) may comprise one or more pre-formed bends, or preferably it is bendable. Bendability may be achieved by various means, including, but not limited to, using one or more portions of flexible material (i.e. selecting a suitable flexible material), one or more hinges (i.e. mechanical means to bend the conduit 1), spirals, ribs and/or rings, a bendable spine, an accordion-type portion (as shown in FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c) and the like.

[0076] The distal opening 11 may be formed at the distal end 1d of the conduit 1. Alternatively, it may be formed in a side wall of the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1, preferably on the frontal side of the conduit 1 (as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14). The distal opening 11 is preferably aligned with the side wall of the conduit 1, but may alternatively elevated relative to the side wall of the conduit 1.

[0077] In some embodiments, the conduit 1 does not comprise a distal opening at the distal end 1d of the conduit 1. In such embodiments, the distal end 1d of the conduit 1 is preferably rounded or curved so as to facilitate movement and/or bending of the distal portion 1b of the conduit 1 when it encounters an obstacle.

[0078] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B and 14, the conduit 1 is provided with a single configuration, i.e. it is not bendable or shapable. The opening 11 is provided on the frontal side of the conduit 1. The opening 11 may be aligned with or made through the side wall of the conduit 1, or it may be offset from the side wall of the conduit 1 as shown in FIGS. 13A and 14.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the distal opening 11 is formed and positioned at the distal end 1d of the conduit 1 in a first configuration, and positioned on the frontal side of the distal portion 1b in a second configuration.

[0080] The conduit 1 may comprise a gas inlet port 12, for delivering gas from the gas source to the reservoir 4. The gas inlet port 12 is positioned on the proximal portion 1a of the conduit 1, i.e. outside the reservoir bag 4. The gas inlet port 12 may be integrally formed with the conduit 1. In another embodiment, the conduit 1 does not comprise a gas inlet port and, instead, the gas inlet port is connected to or integrally formed with the mask 3.

[0081] In an exemplary manufacturing method (for example with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8), the main body of the conduit 1 (excluding the valve 10) may be integrally moulded from suitable plastics material. The apertures 5 may be subsequently form by cutting, perforating, punching or any other suitable method.

[0082] The valve 10 may be fitted, secured (e.g. by applying an adhesive, snap fit or other mechanical securing means) and sealed to the proximal end 1c of the conduit 1.

[0083] The proximal portion 1a of the conduit 1 is inserted into the neck 8 of a mask 3, until a rib of the conduit 1 fits into a corresponding recess formed in the inner surface of the neck 8 of the mask 3.

[0084] A tubing is secured to the gas inlet port 12. A gas reservoir bag 3 is provided separately, or sealably connected to the mask 3 or conduit 1.

[0085] In use, the mask 3 is positioned over the mouth and nose of the patient, and secured to the patient's head by means of elastic band(s). The tubing is connected to a gas source, e.g. an oxygen tank.

[0086] The health practitioner adjusts the flow of oxygen exiting the oxygen tank to that prescribed, and checks whether the mask 3 is fitted so that there is minimal leakage through potential gaps between the mask 3 and the face of the patient.

[0087] The distal opening 11 of the conduit 1 is checked for obstructions. If the distal opening 11 is obstructed, the health practitioner may manually bend the conduit 1 so that the distal opening 11 is positioned away from the obstruction.

[0088] The conduit 1 is bent from a first configuration (as shown in FIG. 6) to a second configuration (as shown in FIG. 7). In the first configuration, the distal opening 11 may obstructed by the patient's own anatomy, clothes or covers. In the second configuration, there is no hindrance of the distal opening 11, and gas can freely flow through the distal opening 11. The apertures 5 open as the conduit 1 is bent, and facilitate the bending of the conduit 1. Moreover, increased oxygen delivery is achieved through the combination of the distal opening 11 and the apertures 5.

[0089] During use, the partially inflated reservoir bag 4 may potentially fold over the distal opening 11, thereby reducing gas flow through the distal opening 11. However, gas will continue to flow through the apertures 5, so that oxygen delivery to the patient is never interrupted.

[0090] Thus, from the above description, it can be seen that the conduit of the present invention provides an improved gas delivery from a gas source to the reservoir, and from the reservoir to the mask. The present invention provides a simple solution to the problem of diminished flow due to the partial or complete obstruction of a conduit opening by obstacles (such as the patient's anatomy, clothing or cover). Consequently, the gas is delivered to the patient's airways in an efficient manner, with minimal loss and leakage, as prescribed by the health professional.

[0091] Although the present invention has been described in the context of respiratory support devices, in particular a non-rebreather oxygen mask, it is envisaged that it could have other advantageous implementations in other devices and systems, medical (e.g. inhalers) or not, requiring an improved flow of fluid as described herein.

[0092] Similarly, although the present invention has been described in relation to a gas conduit, the conduit may be a fluid conduit, wherein the conduit is a gas, liquid or a mixture thereof.

[0093] The following description describes a ribbed cylinder, as described in the priority application, and forms part of the present disclosure.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0094] The invention is a connecting component between a mask and an oxygen reservoir.

[0095] I refer here to an extract from the chapter on oxygen treatment in the Emergency Medicine Handbook [Legevakthåndboken]: “In acute medical treatment away from hospital, oxygen is an important drug. Ample oxygen supply is often recommended. The treatment aim should be O2 saturation >90-95, depending on condition. Choose a method of administration that is suitable for the amount of oxygen the patient needs. The following alternatives are available:

[0096] Oxygen by nasal catheter/nasal cannula, give 2-4 l/min. Gives approx. 30% oxygen.

[0097] Oxygen by mask without reservoir, give 6-8 l/min. Gives approx. 50% oxygen.

[0098] Oxygen by mask with reservoir, give 8-12 l/min (until the reservoir is full). Gives approx. 70% oxygen. Often preferred in awake critically ill or injured patients who are breathing for themselves.

[0099] Indication: hypoxia, respiratory failure, circulatory failure, severe trauma.”

STATE OF THE ART—TECHNIQUES ON WHICH THE INVENTION IS BASED

[0100] The existing connecting tube between the mask and the reservoir bag is a rigid plastic cylinder. The point for connecting the oxygen hose from the oxygen bottle is perpendicular, centrally, to the cylinder. In some variants a joint is made in the fixing point to the mask, so that the cylinder with the bag can be angled in relation to the mask. This solution does not prevent the risk of pinching of the neck of the reservoir bag. The same applies to variants where the rigid plastic cylinder is replaced with a flexible accordion tube. The accordion solution does not actually reduce the risk of pinching in the neck of the bag. Nor does the accordion solution increase the area for oxygen flow into and out of the bag. The accordion solution has soft walls, which in itself presents a risk of pinching.

[0101] Examples of Other Methods for Bending Rigid Material

[0102] To create curves in a wooden plank for the wing board on a mansard roof, the builder makes transverse, but not through, cuts on one side of the wooden board, several one after another, so that the rigidity of the wooden board is weakened. The wooden board can then be curved more easily.

[0103] Alternatively, the piece of wood must be heated in a steam chamber and bent in a clamp, so that the wooden board remains bent when it has dried, as in boat building.

[0104] A suction tube with accordion segment means that the suction tube can be used without difficulty regardless of the angle that the end openings make with one another.

[0105] A “slinky” staircase toy at rest is in the form of a solid cylinder, but the walls are a spiral, which can expand and open when the upper turns are raised.

[0106] Our thorax is in the form of a solid cylinder, but is built up of movable ribs with fixed points in the thoracic spinal column.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART

[0107] Oxygen treatment during patient transport is decisive for survival and the risk of sequelae after illness or injury. During ambulance transport with oxygen treatment there is a known risk of pinching in the neck of the oxygen reservoir bag. The cause is as a rule the patient's bed during transport, plus clothing and bedclothes, which are located higher than the mask cylinder. Pinching in the neck of the bag has the result that potential oxygen supply to the patient is more than halved. The invention is characterized in that it is a flexible connecting cylinder between the mask and the oxygen reservoir bag, which reduces the risk of pinching of the neck of the reservoir bag, and at the same time multiplies the area for flow of gas in and out of the reservoir bag. The invention is characterized in that it is possible to use the same reservoir bag and the same mask as before, but they are connected together by means of the invention.

NECESSARY MEANS FOR PRODUCTION

[0108] The invention is characterized in that the currently existing rigid cylinder can be worked. The invention is characterized in that it can be used together with, and be connected to, the currently existing reservoir bag and mask. The invention is characterized in that one or more cuts, e.g. slanting or perpendicular, are made in the end of the cylinder that goes into the reservoir bag. The invention is characterized in that the cuts are not through-cuts, and that the upper portion of the cylinder wall is intact, so that the cylinder wall maintains its integrity. The invention is characterized in that at the same time as the end piece is bent, the cylinder walls open on the inside of the reservoir bag. The invention is characterized in that the cuts in the cylinder wall open when the cylinder is bent. The invention is characterized by a manual increase in the area of the opening in the reservoir bag, and at the same time the invention creates a framework that strengthens the neck of the bag. The invention is characterized in that the increased opening into the reservoir bag gives increased flow in and out of the reservoir bag, and the invention reduces the risk both for and in pinching of the neck of the bag. The invention is characterized in that the reservoir bag is pulled over the end of the cylinder, which has one or more rib-like cuts. The invention is characterized in that the whole segment with cuts on the cylinder is covered and sealed inside the reservoir bag, in such a way that leakage from the connection between the reservoir bag and the cylinder is negligible.

EMBODIMENT EXAMPLES—ILLUSTRATION

[0109] FIG. 1 shows an illustration from the Emergency Medicine Handbook [“Legevakthåndboken”]: Mask with oxygen reservoir. The green hose from the oxygen tank is fastened to the connecting cylinder, which is the connecting element between the mask and the reservoir bag.

[0110] The invention is illustrated in side view in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in which illustrations 3 slanting cuts have been made in the end piece.

[0111] FIG. 2 shows the invention, ribbed cylinder, with 3 rib-like cuts, in the unbent and closed position.

[0112] FIG. 3 shows the invention, ribbed cylinder, which is bent so that the rib-like cuts open.

SUMMARY

[0113] Ribbed cylinder is a cylinder with transverse cuts applied in one end piece (FIG. 2). The end piece with ribbing can be introduced into the neck of the reservoir bag and fastened to the reservoir bag by existing methods. During oxygen treatment with a mask and a reservoir (FIG. 1), the ribbing in the end piece will be bent so that the ribbing opens, and the area for flow of gas in and out of the reservoir bag is multiplied (FIG. 3). The curvature of bending of the end piece (FIG. 3) moves the reservoir bag away from potential pinching, contributes to support and structure in the neck of the reservoir bag, and reduces the risk for and in pinching over the end of the cylinder.

[0114] The following numbered statements set out particular combinations of features which are considered relevant to particular embodiments of the present disclosure: [0115] 1. Ribbed cylinder, characterized by one or more cuts or perforations at the end of a cylinder in such a way that an object attached to the end piece will move in the same direction. [0116] 2. Ribbed cylinder according to Statement 1, used as coupling between the mask and the reservoir bag for oxygen treatment, characterized in that one or more cuts or perforations are made in the end of the cylinder that is introduced into the reservoir bag, so that the cylinder can be bent inside the reservoir bag. [0117] 3. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-2, characterized in that the reservoir bag can be angled up to 90 degrees in relation to the mask when the ribbing in the cylinder opens. [0118] 4. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-3, characterized in that the cylinder wall in the region with ribbing gives increased area for flow of gas when the cylinder wall is bent and the ribbing opens. [0119] 5. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-4, characterized by a rigid cylinder that maintains its angled position with open ribbing. [0120] 6. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-5, characterized in that it can also be bent manually when the reservoir bag is attached. [0121] 7. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-6, characterized in that in the open position it gives support and integrity to the neck of the reservoir bag, so that the neck of the reservoir bag maintains its opening and ensures flow of gas between the reservoir and the mask. [0122] 8. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-7, characterized in that it reduces the risk of pinching in a case where the reservoir bag is located over the end of the cylinder, because the bent and open cylinder has a greatly increased area for flow of gas in the reservoir bag. [0123] 9. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-8, characterized in that the reservoir bag can be angled in relation to the mask, so that the reservoir bag is turned away from potential pinching obstructions during oxygen treatment. [0124] 10. Ribbed cylinder according to Statements 1-9, characterized in that for implementing the invention it is possible to use equivalent materials and dimensions as for an existing component, and make the rib-like cuts/perforations in the end of the cylinder that is to be in the neck of the reservoir bag.