Position control devices and methods for use with positive airway pressure systems
First Claim
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1. A positive airway pressure system comprising:
- a wearable mask for delivery of pressurized air to a user;
a pressure source configured to provide the pressurized air;
an airway tube connecting the mask and the pressure source, the airway tube and mask defining an airway between the pressure source and the user;
an airflow-altering element positioned at least partially in the airway, the airflow-altering element moveable between a first position when the mask is in a first position and a second position when the mask is in a second position and wherein the airflow-altering element is configured to alter flow of the pressurized air in the airway in at least one of the first and second positions; and
at least one sensor configured to detect alterations in the flow of the pressurized air,wherein the system is configured to alter an output of the pressure source based on a position of the airflow-altering element using an output of the at least one sensor.
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Abstract
Described here are positive airway pressure (PAP) systems and methods with various mechanisms for altering the air pressure based in part on the head position of the user. This can be achieved actively or passively. Passively, pressure is altered when head position is altered, as gravity acts to open or close venting elements. Actively, head position information can then be communicated to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or within a separate housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided.
244 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A positive airway pressure system comprising:
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a wearable mask for delivery of pressurized air to a user; a pressure source configured to provide the pressurized air; an airway tube connecting the mask and the pressure source, the airway tube and mask defining an airway between the pressure source and the user; an airflow-altering element positioned at least partially in the airway, the airflow-altering element moveable between a first position when the mask is in a first position and a second position when the mask is in a second position and wherein the airflow-altering element is configured to alter flow of the pressurized air in the airway in at least one of the first and second positions; and at least one sensor configured to detect alterations in the flow of the pressurized air, wherein the system is configured to alter an output of the pressure source based on a position of the airflow-altering element using an output of the at least one sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A mask assembly for use with a positive airway pressure system comprising:
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a wearable mask for delivery of pressurized air to a user; an airway tube for connecting the mask to a pressure source, the airway tube and mask defining an airway therethrough; an airflow-altering element positioned at least partially in the airway, the airflow-altering element moveable between a first position when the mask is in a first position when worn by the user and a second position when the mask is in a second position when worn by the user, wherein a position of the airflow-altering element is dependent upon a position of the mask, and wherein the airflow-altering element is configured to alter flow of the pressurized air in the airway in at least one of the first and second positions. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for providing pressurized air to a user'"'"'s airway comprising:
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delivering pressurized air to the user using an air pressure system comprising; a wearable mask for delivery of the pressurized air to the user, a pressure source configured to provide the pressurized air, an airway tube connecting the mask and the pressure source wherein the airway tube and mask defining an airway between the pressure source and the user, and an airflow-altering element positioned at least partially in the airway, wherein the airflow-altering element is moveable between a first position when the mask is in a first position and a second position when the mask is in a second position and wherein the airflow-altering element is configured to alter flow of the pressurized air in the airway in at least one of the first and second positions; monitoring the flow of pressurized air through the airway to determine a head position based on a position of the airflow-altering element; and altering an output of the pressure source based on the determined head position. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification