Abstract:
CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable positive airway pressure device. A sensor generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow that is provided to a controller. The controller is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold determined from long term ventilation. When an apnea or hypopnea has occurred the calculation of the threshold is suspended until the end of that event.
Abstract:
In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The flattening index serves as an obstruction index used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon comparison of values of airflow in different sectors of the inspiratory peak of the wave function and is particularly suitable for distinguishing M shaped or square shaped respiratory patters indicative of partially obstructed airways.
Abstract:
According to certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided an apparatus (10) for treatment of a patient with both sleep-disordered breathing and diabetes. A PAP device (30) may be configured to provide a supply of pressurized breathable gas. At least one glycemia sensor (80) also may be provided. A controller (50) may be operable to receive a signal from the at least one glycemia detector (80) and may be further operable to analyze the signal for an indication of a glycemia abnormality (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic coma, etc.). Optionally, when the signal indicates that the patient is experiencing a diabetic event, an alert may be generated and/or a drug delivery unit (100) may administer an appropriate treatment to the patient.
Abstract:
A cushion (10) for a patient interface includes two or more bladders (12, 14) arranged in concentric relation. Each of the bladders (12, 14) includes a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face, and each of the bladders (12, 14) is adapted to be pressurized independently from one another. At least one of the bladders (12, 14) is an active bladder that is pressurized to at least a sealing pressure to form a continuous seal with the patient's face in use.
Abstract:
A nasal assembly (5) for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame (65) having lateral connector (85), a cushion (70) with a pair of nozzles (175), and a clip (75) to secure the cushion (70) to the frame (65). The frame (65) includes a vent channel (90) and a plurality of vent holes (130). The frame/cushion includes structure (lugs/cut outs) to prevent the assembly of an unvented frame with an unvented cushion, for safety purposes. The frame (65) includes cored portions (160) that interface with corner lugs (185) provided on the cushion (70). A patient interface includes a frame, a cushion (nasal mask, nasal-oro mask, nozzles, etc.) and a vent assembly including a pattern of vent holes including at least two rows.
Abstract:
An elbow assembly (5) for a mask assembly includes an anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) assembly (15) that may take the form of a box-like frame work, a drop-in arrangement, or a slot-in arrangement. In each case, the AAV assembly (15) may include a flap element (45) which is movable so as to either direct ambient gas/air to the elbow assembly (5) and thus the patient using the mask assembly, or to allow the passage of pressurized gas to the patient.
Abstract:
A network enabled flow generator (10) includes a continuous source of breathable gas for delivery to airways of a patient, and a process controller (18) processing data relating to operations of the flow generator. A network interface (34) communicates with the process controller and is configured to support a communications protocol. In this manner, patient data can be more easily accessed, and the flow generator can be more easily maintained via access through a network such as the Internet.
Abstract:
A humidifier includes a humidifier tub including an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet may have an exit port positioned in a plane disposed below the air inlet. A base plate is provided to the bottom of the humidifier tub. The base plate and humidifier tub define a water chamber adapted to receive a volume of water. The humidifier tub may include a guidance structure adapted to direct air entering the humidifier tub via the air inlet to swirl downwardly and around within the humidifier tub reaching the water surface before exiting the exit port. The tub may include a structure to prevent the inadvertent entry of water from the tub to the flow generator.
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 6A formed from a flexible material and a second component 4A 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.
Abstract:
A method of acclimatizing a user to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, including operating a device for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB) during successive treatment sessions, wherein the device provides continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, includes determining a clinically-derived full therapeutic pressure (201), applying a sub-therapeutic treatment pressure for the duration of a first session (203), obtaining responses to a series of pre-programmed patient and/or bed partner feedback questions before the start of a second session (205), and, based on the responses, either incrementally increasing the treatment pressure for the second session if the responses indicate that the patient is adjusting to therapy (206), or maintaining the treatment pressure for the second session if the responses do not indicate that the patient is adjusting to therapy (207).