Portable positive pressure apparatus and method for the attenuating the noise emitted therefrom

Abstract

The systems, apparatus and methods described herein provide a quiet, light-weight, and portable system and apparatus for providing positive air pressure to a patient. The application discloses a CPAP apparatus (100, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 900) comprising: a housing (180, 380, 381, 780, 784, 980) defining a first acoustic chamber (402, 502, 602, 930) with a first inlet port (412, 512, 612, 613, 910), and a second acoustic chamber (414, 514, 614, 934) with a blower unit (140, 416, 516, 616, 740, 940) and a second inlet port (422, 507, 622, 917) extending from the first to the second chamber. The CPAP apparatus can be portable. A system can comprise the apparatus comprising an adapter (160, 360, 760, 960) in communication with the blower unit and extending outward from the apparatus, and a detachable patient interface system (165, 365, 965). The apparatus can include alternatively a single acoustic chamber (130, 230, 730) with an inlet port (110, 710) most of whose length is within the acoustic chamber, and an outlet port (139, 739). The blower unit can be vibrationally isolated. The dimensions of inlet ports and acoustic chambers may be proportionally related, in particular defining an acoustic low-pass filter. The application discloses a method for reducing noise in a portable CPAP device with first and second acoustic chambers, including routing the flow of air through the device, wherein the first inlet is sealed from and passes through the second chamber into the first acoustic chamber, and the flow of air is routed through an outlet port sealed from and passing through the first chamber.

Description

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT[0001]A portion of the disclosure of this patent application document contains material that is subject to copyright protection including the drawings. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to medical devices, and, more particularly to devices providing positive airway pressure [PAP] such as continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] devices, automatic positive airway pressure devices [APAP], variable positive airway pressure devices [VPAP], and bi-level positive airway pressure devices [BPAP].[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]It is known that applying a CPAP device to a patient may prevent upper airway occlusion during sleep. CPAP devices have become the app...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a compact, quiet, and lightweight CPAP device that is easier to use on the go, reducing noise disturbance and improving patient comfort by achieving noise levels below 30 decibels, enhancing usability and mobility for patients.

Problems solved by technology

Bedside CPAP machines are typically large and heavy.

The size, weight, and power constraints can interfere with patients' ability and willingness to use the machine.

For example, these constraints can make it difficult to utilize the CPAP apparatus in areas away from their bedside or while traveling.

Additionally, these constraints can also prohibit patients from moving freely during sleep, thereby inducing further discomfort.

Furthermore, typical CPAP devices are relatively loud and can interfere with a patient's sleep or the sleep of other people nearby.

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