APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
First Claim
1. A mask for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, the mask adapted to be connected to an air flow generator and constructed to cover at least the nostrils of the patient, the mask comprising:
- a cavity in fluid connection with the nostrils of the patient;
an inlet pressure port constructed to be attached to the air flow generator;
the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to the cavity via an inlet pressure one-way valve that is constructed to allow air flow from the air flow generator to the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the air flow generator;
the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to an expiration valve, wherein the expiration valve is fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the expiration valve restricts air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask, wherein the restriction is dependent on the pressure of air in the inlet pressure port; and
an inspiration one-way valve fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the inspiration valve is constructed to allow air flow from the outside of the mask into the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask'"'"'s valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A mask for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, the mask adapted to be connected to an air flow generator and constructed to cover at least the nostrils of the patient, the mask comprising:
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a cavity in fluid connection with the nostrils of the patient; an inlet pressure port constructed to be attached to the air flow generator; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to the cavity via an inlet pressure one-way valve that is constructed to allow air flow from the air flow generator to the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the air flow generator; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to an expiration valve, wherein the expiration valve is fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the expiration valve restricts air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask, wherein the restriction is dependent on the pressure of air in the inlet pressure port; and an inspiration one-way valve fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the inspiration valve is constructed to allow air flow from the outside of the mask into the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A mask for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, the mask adapted to be connected to an air flow generator and constructed to cover at least the nostrils of the patient, the mask comprising:
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a cavity in fluid connection with the nostrils of the patient; an inlet pressure port constructed to be attached to the air flow generator; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to the cavity via an inlet pressure one-way valve; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to an expiration valve, wherein the expiration valve is fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask; an inspiration one-way valve fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask; the mask having at least an inspiration mode, a rest/apnea mode and an expiration mode; the inspiration mode occurs when the patient inspires air, during which the inspiration one-way valve and the inlet pressure one-way valve are open; the rest/apnea mode occurs when the patient is neither inspiring air nor expiring air, during which the inlet pressure one-way-valve is open, and the expiration valve and inspiration one-way valve are closed; and the expiration mode occurs when the patient expires air, during which the expiration valve is open and the inlet pressure one-way valve and the inspiration one-way valve are closed. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A system for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, system comprising:
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an air flow generator, which further comprises a controller that adjusts an air flow pressure and volume to be generated; a tube connected to the air flow generator; a mask constructed to cover at least the nostrils of the patient, the mask comprising; a cavity in fluid connection with the nostrils of the patient; an inlet pressure port constructed to be attached to the air flow generator via the tube; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to the cavity via an inlet pressure one-way valve that is constructed to allow air flow from the air flow generator to the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the air flow generator; the inlet pressure port fluidly connected to an expiration valve, wherein the expiration valve is fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the expiration valve restricts air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask, wherein the restriction is dependent on the pressure of air in the inlet pressure port; and an inspiration one-way valve fluidly connected to the cavity and to the outside of the mask, the inspiration valve is constructed to allow air flow from the outside of the mask into the cavity with little resistance and blocking air flow from the cavity to the outside of the mask. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification