Method and apparatus for monitoring and treatment of sleep-related conditions

• US 8,482,418 B1
• Filed: 08/01/2012
• Issued: 07/09/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Polly Harman
• Original Assignee: Pursuit Enterprises, LLC
• Inventors: Harman, Polly
• Primary Examiner(s): Mehmood, Jennifer
• Assistant Examiner(s): ALAM, MIRZA F
• Application Number:
  US13/563,901
• Time in Patent Office: 342 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/575, 340/576, 128/200.24, 128/848, 128/774, 128/782, 128/733, 600/300, 600/301, 600/586, 600/590, 600/595, 600/391, 600/528, 600/509, 600/546, 600/587, 600/559
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0412 Low-profile patch shaped housings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0261 Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/06 Arrangements of multiple sensors of different types
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/18 for vehicle drivers or machine operators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/389 Electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4812 Detecting sleep stages or cycles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4818 Sleep apnoea
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6815 Ear
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/74 Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient indicating measured values G01D7/00; user input means input or output arrangements for computers G06F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 7/003 Detecting lung or respiration noise

Abstract

Treatment of sleep conditions is disclosed, particularly snoring, sleep apnea and the related problem of dozing while driving or engaging in activity requiring full attention. Also disclosed are means and methods of pinpointing sleep patterns, particularly therapeutic treatment of sexual disorders. Monitoring of REM sleep cycles to optimize the time for awakening one from sleep is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring snoring, REM, sleep apnea or dozing of a sleeping person comprising a universal sensor sensing the movement of subcutaneous muscles during periods of REM and an alert indicator wherein

the universal sensor comprises

an ultrathin, flexible membrane adhered to the sleeping person'"'"'s skin above and adjacent to that person'"'"'s subcutaneous muscles that control eye movement associated with rapid eye movement;

electronic components mounted on the membrane, configured to sense movement of the subcutaneous muscles during periods of rapid eye movement and

electronic transmission media mounted on the membrane for wirelessly transmitting information sensed by the universal sensor;

the alert indicator comprises a receiver of the information transmitted by the universal sensor, and a signal emitter configured to emit an audible or vibratory signal when the information transmitted by the universal sensor indicates the sleeping person is experiencing a period of rapid eye movement.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the ultrathin membrane comprises a gas permeable, stretchable material having the thickness of less than about 300 microns and a total area of up to about 4 square inches which is used to hold the electronic components in place when they are applied to the skin of the user.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the subcutaneous muscles being monitored are those controlling left and right movement of the person'"'"'s eyeball.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein one or more of the following muscles are monitored:

lateral rectus and medial rectus.

5. A system for monitoring snoring, REM, sleep apnea or dozing of a person comprising a universal sensor sensing the movement of subcutaneous muscles during periods of dozing and an alert indicator wherein

the universal sensor comprises

an ultrathin, flexible membrane adhered to the person'"'"'s skin above and adjacent to that person'"'"'s subcutaneous muscles that control vertical movement of the person'"'"'s eyelids

electronic components mounted on the membrane configured to sense movement of the subcutaneous muscles during periods of dozing;

and

electronic transmission media mounted on the membrane for wirelessly transmitting information sensed by the universal sensor;

the alert indicator comprises a receiver of the information transmitted by the universal sensor, and a signal emitter configured to emit an audible or vibratory signal when information transmitted by the universal sensor indicates the person is dozing.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the ultrathin membrane comprises a gas permeable, stretchable material having the thickness of less than about 300 microns and a total area of up to about 4 square inches which is used to hold the electronic components in place when they are applied to the skin of the user.

7. The system of claim 5 wherein the universal sensor is mounted adjacent the side of one or more of the person'"'"'s eyes.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein movement of one or more of the following muscles is sensed:

the orbicularis oculi or levator palpebrae superioris.

9. A system for monitoring sleep apnea, snoring, REM or dozing experienced by a sleeping person comprising a universal sensor detecting the absence of sound associated with a cessation of breathing indicative of sleep apnea and an alert indicator wherein

the universal sensor comprises

an ultrathin, flexible membrane adhered to the person'"'"'s skin in proximity to the sleeping person'"'"'s trachea;

electronic components for detecting the absence of sound associated with a cessation of breathing indicative of sleep apnea mounted on the membrane, and

electronic transmission media for wirelessly transmitting information sensed by the universal sensor;

the alert indicator comprises a receiver of the information transmitted by the universal sensor, and a signal emitter configured to emit an audible or vibratory signal when the information transmitted by the universal sensor indicates the person is experiencing sleep apnea.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the ultrathin membrane comprises a gas permeable, stretchable material having the thickness of less than about 300 microns and a total area of up to about 4 square inches which is used to hold the electronic components in place when they are applied to the skin of the user.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the membrane has mounted thereon electronic components capable of detecting the absence of sound associated with sleep apnea.

12. A system for monitoring snoring, REM, sleep apnea or dozing by a sleeping person comprising a universal sensor detecting vibration of the neck tissue indicative of snoring and alert indicator wherein

the universal sensor comprises

an ultrathin, flexible membrane adhered to the sleeping person'"'"'s neck tissue in close proximity to the sleeping person'"'"'s vibrating soft tissue located below the person'"'"'s ear and under the jawbone;

electronic components for detecting vibration of the neck tissue indicative of snoring mounted on the membrane, and

electronic transmission media for wirelessly transmitting information sensed by the universal sensor;

the alert indicator comprises a receiver of the information transmitted by the universal sensor, and a signal emitter configured to emit an audible or vibratory signal when the information transmitted by the universal sensor indicates the person is snoring.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the ultrathin membrane comprises a gas permeable, stretchable material having the thickness of less than about 300 microns and a total area of up to about 4 square inches which is used to hold the electronic components in place when they are applied to the skin of the user.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the membrane has mounted thereon electronic components capable of detecting vibration of soft tissue associated with snoring.