Systems and methods for increasing compliance with pressure support therapy

Abstract

A method for increasing patient compliance with therapy provided by a pressure support device includes: collecting data about a number of attributes of the patient and time information thereof; determining the occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data; determining a condition of the pressure support device; and providing an indication to the patient in response to determining the occurrence and determining the condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for increasing compliance with prescribed therapy, and more particularly to methods for increasing compliance with prescribed pressure support therapy. The present invention also relates to systems for use in performing such methods. Background Art

[0002] Many individuals suffer from breathing disorders during sleep. Sleep apnea is a common example of such a sleep breathing disorder suffered by millions of people around the world. One type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a repeated interruption of sleep by an inability to breathe due to an obstruction of the airway; typically the upper airway and pharyngeal region. The obstruction of the airway is generally believed to be at least partially due to the general relaxation of the muscles that stabilize the airway segments, allowing the tissue to collapse the airway. Another type of sleep apnea syndrome is central apnea, which is a cessation of breathing due to a lack of breathing signals from the respiratory center of the brain. Obstructive, central or mixed apnea conditions (which are a combination of obstructive and central) are defined as complete or near cessation of breathing, such as a 90% or greater decrease in peak respiratory airflow.

[0003] Individuals with sleep apnea experience sleep fragmentation and intermittent complete or nearly complete cessation of ventilation during sleep with potentially severe desaturation of oxyhemoglobin. These symptoms can translate clinically into extreme daytime sleepiness, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, and / or cognitive dysfunction. Other consequences of sleep apnea include right ventricular dysfunction, carbon dioxide retention during wakefulness and during sleep, and continuous reduced arterial oxygen tension. Sleep apnea patients may be at risk for excess mortality from these factors as well as an elevated risk of accidents while driving and / or operating potentially dangerous equipment.

[0004] Even if the patient does not suffer from complete or nearly complete obstruction of the airway, it is known that adverse effects (such as arousals from sleep) may occur in the presence of only partial obstruction of the airway. Partial obstruction of the airway often results in shallow breathing known as hypopnea. Hypopnea is often defined as a 50% or greater decrease in peak respiratory airflow. Other types of sleep-disordered breathing include, but are not limited to, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and vibrations of the airway, such as vibrations of the pharyngeal wall (commonly known as snoring).

[0005] It is well known that sleep disordered breathing is treated by applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to the patient's airway. This positive pressure effectively "splints" the airway, thereby maintaining an open passage to the lungs. It is also known to provide positive pressure therapy (PAP) in which the pressure of the gas delivered to the patient varies with the patient's breathing cycle or varies with the patient's breathing effort to increase the patient's comfort. This pressure support technology is known as bi-level pressure support, in which the inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) delivered to the patient is higher than the expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP). It is also known to provide positive pressure therapy in which the pressure is automatically adjusted based on a detected condition of the patient, such as whether the patient is experiencing apnea and / or hypopnea. This pressure support technology is known as an auto-titration type of pressure support because the pressure support device attempts to provide the patient with only as high a pressure as necessary to treat the breathing disorder.

[0006] Pressure support therapy as just described involves placing a patient interface device including a mask component with a soft flexible sealing liner on the patient's face. The mask component can be, but is not limited to, a nasal mask that covers the patient's nose, a nasal / oral mask that covers the patient's nose and mouth, or a full-face mask that covers the patient's face. Such a patient interface device can also employ other patient contact components, such as a forehead support, cheek pads, and chin pads. The patient interface device is typically secured to the patient's head by a headgear component. The patient interface device is connected to a gas delivery tube or conduit and interfaces the pressure support device with the patient's airway so that a flow of breathing gas can be delivered to the patient's airway from the pressure / flow generating device.

[0007] US2005061319A1 discloses an implantable device for monitoring one or more conditions associated with an external respiratory therapy delivered to a patient. The device can monitor therapy parameters, including therapy effectiveness, effects of therapy on the patient, therapy use, compliance with prescribed use, therapy interactions, and / or other parameters.

[0008] Despite the many innovations in the use of devices for providing pressure support therapy, therapy compliance remains a challenge for a significant portion of patients prescribed such treatment. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for increasing compliance with prescribed pressure support therapy.

[0010] As one aspect of the present invention, a method for increasing patient compliance with therapy provided by a pressure support device is provided. The method includes: collecting data about a number of attributes of the patient and time information thereof; determining an occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data; determining a condition of the pressure support device; and providing an indication to the patient in response to determining the occurrence and determining the condition.

[0011] Collecting data about a number of attributes of the patient may include collecting data about one or more of: an actigraphy recording, heart rate, and / or oxygen saturation of the patient.

[0012] Determining the occurrence of a sleep event may include determining one or more of: a scheduled bedtime for the patient will occur within a predetermined time period; the patient is on his way to sleep; the patient is sleeping; and / or the patient is experiencing sleep disruption.

[0013] Determining the condition of the pressure support device may include determining whether the pressure support device is one of turned on and in use or not turned on.

[0014] Determining the condition of the pressure support device may include determining that the pressure support device is one of: not within a predetermined proximity to the patient; within a predetermined proximity to the patient, turned on and in use; or within a predetermined proximity to the patient but not turned on.

[0015] Determining the occurrence of sleep-related events based on the data may include: determining the occurrence of sleep onset and sleep interruption of the patient; wherein determining the condition of the pressure support device includes determining that the pressure support device is not in use; and providing instructions to the patient in response to determining the occurrence and determining the condition includes providing an audible alarm and providing a visual alarm for using the pressure support device.

[0016] Determining the occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data may include: determining that a bedtime for the patient will occur within a predetermined time period; determining the condition of the pressure support device may include determining that the pressure support device is not within a predetermined proximity; and providing an indication to the patient may include displaying a visual reminder to the patient to obtain the pressure support device for use during sleep.

[0017] Determining the occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data may include: determining that a bedtime for the patient will occur within a first predetermined time period; determining the condition of the pressure support device may include determining that the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity and that the patient has not used the pressure support device within another predetermined time period; and providing an indication to the patient may include displaying a visual reminder to the patient that the pressure support device should be used regularly.

[0018] Determining the occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data may include: determining that bedtime for the patient will occur within a first predetermined time period and that the patient is on the way to sleep; determining the condition of the pressure support device may include determining that the pressure support device is not in use; and providing an indication to the patient may include providing one or more of the following to the user: an audible alarm, a vibration alarm, and / or a visual alarm.

[0019] As another aspect of the present invention, an external device for use in a system for increasing patient compliance with pressure support therapy is provided. The external device includes: a number of sensors configured to sense one or more attributes of the patient; a processing unit in communication with the number of sensors; a communication unit in communication with the processing unit, the communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate with a pressure support device; and an output device configured to provide one or more of the following to the patient: a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and / or a vibration alarm, wherein the processing unit is programmed to: collect data about the number of attributes of the patient and time information thereof; determine an occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data; determine a condition of the pressure support device; and provide an indication to the patient via the output device in response to determining the occurrence and determining the condition.

[0020] The communication unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the pressure support device via Bluetooth.

[0021] As another aspect of the present invention, a system for increasing patient compliance with pressure support therapy. The system includes: a pressure support device; and an external device, which includes: a number of sensors configured to sense one or more attributes of the patient; a processing unit that communicates with the number of sensors; a communication unit that communicates with the processing unit and wirelessly communicates with the pressure support device; and an output device configured to provide one or more of an auditory alarm and / or a vibration alarm to the patient. The processing unit is programmed to: collect data about a number of attributes of the patient and time information thereof; determine the occurrence of a sleep-related event based on the data; determine a condition of the pressure support device; and provide an indication to the patient via the output device in response to determining the occurrence and determining the condition.

[0022] The one or more attributes may include at least one of an actigraphy recording or a heart rate.

[0023] The communication unit may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the pressure support device via Bluetooth.

[0024] These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related structural elements and the combination of parts and the economy of manufacture will become more apparent after considering the following description and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a partial schematic diagram of an airway pressure support system including a pressure generating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for use in performing a method for increasing compliance with pressure support therapy according to an example embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for increasing patient compliance with a pressure support system according to an example embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are only exemplary of the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein will not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present invention in various ways in almost any appropriate detailed structure.

[0029] As used herein, the singular form of "one", "an" and "the" includes multiple references, unless clearly specified otherwise in the context. As used herein, "and / or" should mean one or both of the elements separated by such phrases (for example, A and / or B will mean A, B, or both A and B). As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" should mean that the parts are directly or indirectly (that is, through one or more intermediate parts or components) combined together or run together, as long as a link occurs. As used herein, "direct coupling" means that two elements directly contact each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" and "fixed" mean that two components are coupled to maintain a constant fixed orientation relative to each other. As used herein, "selectively coupled" means that two components are coupled in a way that allows components to be easily coupled or decoupled in a predictable, repeatable manner without damaging any one of the components. Unless otherwise specifically described herein, any component that is only described as "coupled" can also be "fixedly" or "selectively" coupled and will not be different from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] As used herein, the term "unitary" means that a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes multiple pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body. As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means that the parts exert forces on one another directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0031] Directional terms used herein, such as, for example but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, front, rear and derivatives thereof, refer to the orientation of elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims unless explicitly recited therein.

[0032] exist Figure 1An example airway pressure support system 2 that can be used as part of one specific non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The airway pressure support system 2 includes a pressure support device 4 housing a blower assembly 6, an example of which will be further described below. The blower assembly 6 receives breathing gas, generally indicated by arrow C, from the ambient atmosphere through a filtered gas inlet 8 provided as part of the pressure support device 4 and generates a flow of breathing gas therefrom at relatively high and low pressures (i.e., generally equal to or greater than the pressure of the ambient atmosphere) for delivery to the airway of a patient 10 to generate pressure to provide pressure compensation to the patient 10 via a patient circuit 12, 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the blower assembly 6 is capable of providing a flow of breathing gas in a pressure range of 2-30 cmH20. The pressurized flow of breathing gas from the blower assembly 6 of the gas flow, generally indicated by arrow D, is delivered via a delivery conduit 12 to a respiratory mask or patient interface 14 of any known construction, which is generally worn by the patient 10 or otherwise attached to the patient to deliver the flow of breathing gas to the airway of the patient 10. Delivery conduit 12 and patient interface device 14 are often collectively referred to as a patient circuit.

[0033] Figure 1 1 is what is referred to as a single-limb system, meaning that the patient circuit includes only a delivery conduit 12 that connects the patient 10 to the pressure support system 2. Thus, a vent 16 is provided in the delivery conduit 12 for exhausting exhaled gases from the system as indicated by arrow E. It should be noted that vent 16 may be provided at other locations in addition to or in lieu of in the delivery conduit 12, such as in the patient interface device 14. It should also be understood that vent 16 may have a variety of configurations depending on the desired manner in which gases are to be exhausted from the pressure support system 2.

[0034] The present concepts also contemplate that pressure support system 2 may be a two-limb system having a delivery conduit and an exhaust conduit connected to patient 10. In a two-limb system (also referred to as a dual-limb system), the exhaust conduit carries exhaust gas from patient 10 and includes an exhaust valve at the end distal to patient 10. The exhaust valve in such an embodiment is typically actively controlled to maintain a desired level or pressure in the system, which is typically referred to as positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

[0035] In addition, Figure 1 In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown, patient interface 14 is a nasal / oral mask. However, it should be understood that patient interface 14 may include a nasal mask, nasal pillows, an endotracheal tube, an endotracheal tube, or any other device that provides a suitable gas flow delivery function. Moreover, for purposes of the present invention, the phrase "patient interface" may include delivery conduit 12 and any other structure that couples a source of pressurized breathing gas to patient 10.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure support system 2 includes a pressure controller in the form of a valve 18 provided in an internal delivery conduit 20 provided in the housing of the pressure support device 4. The valve 18 controls the pressure of the flow of breathing gas from the blower assembly 6 delivered to the patient 10. For the present purposes, the blower assembly 6 and the valve 18 are collectively referred to as the pressure generating system because they act in unison to generate and control the pressure and / or flow of gas delivered to the patient 10. However, it should be apparent that the present invention contemplates other techniques for controlling the pressure of the gas delivered to the patient 10 (such as changing the speed of the blower assembly 6), either alone or in combination with the pressure control valve. Therefore, depending on the technique used to control the pressure of the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient 10, the valve 18 is optional. If the valve 18 is eliminated, the pressure generating system corresponds to the blower assembly 6 alone, and the pressure of the gas in the patient circuit is controlled, for example, by controlling the speed of the blower assembly 6.

[0037] Pressure support system 2 also includes a flow sensor 22 that measures the flow of breathing gas within delivery conduit 20 and delivery conduit 12. Figure 1 In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , flow sensor 22 is inserted in the line with delivery conduits 20 and 12 (most preferably downstream of valve 18). Pressure support system 2 additionally includes a pressure sensor 28 that detects the pressure of the pressurized fluid in delivery conduit 20. Although the point at which the flow is measured by flow sensor 22 and the pressure is measured by pressure sensor 28 is illustrated as being within pressure support device 4, it will be understood that the location at which the actual flow and pressure measurements are taken may be anywhere along delivery conduit 20 or 12. The flow of the respiratory gas measured by flow sensor 22 and the pressure detected by pressure sensor 28 are provided to processing unit 24 to determine the flow rate (Q) of the gas at patient 10. 患者 ).

[0038] Processing unit 24 includes a processing portion, which may be, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable processing device, and a memory portion, which may be internal to or operatively coupled to the processing portion and which provides a storage medium for data and software executable by the processing portion for controlling the operation of pressure support system 2. Processing unit 24 is configured to receive the output of one or more sensors, such as the sensors discussed previously, configured to collect data related to the effectiveness of pressure support therapy. Processing unit 24 is also configured to analyze the output of the sensors while pressure support therapy is being provided to the patient to determine patient air flow and pressure waveforms in the patient circuit.

[0039] Input / output devices 26 are provided for setting various parameters used by pressure support system 2, as well as for displaying and outputting information and data to a user, such as a clinician or caregiver.

[0040] exist Figure 2 An example system 30 for use in performing a method for increasing compliance with prescribed pressure support therapy according to an example embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. System 30 includes a pressure support device 32 having a processing unit 34, such as a combination of Figure 1 The pressure support device 4 and processing unit 24 thereof previously described, and an external device 36 that communicates wirelessly (e.g., but not limited to, via Bluetooth) with the processing unit 34 of the pressure support device 32. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the external device is a wearable smart device, such as a smart watch (e.g., but not limited to, FitBit or similar device) or other suitable wearable device (e.g., ring, necklace, etc.). The external device 36 includes: a number of sensors 38 for sensing one or more attributes of the patient wearing the device (e.g., wrist actigraphy recording, heart rate, SpO2, location (e.g., GPS coordinates, etc.)) and associated time information for such data; a processing unit 40 for receiving data from the number of sensors 38; a communication unit 42 that communicates with the processing unit 40 (e.g., via Bluetooth) for wireless communication with other electronic devices (e.g., via Bluetooth); and an output device 44 that is configured to provide one or more of the following to the patient: a visual alarm, an audible alarm, and / or a vibration alarm. The processing unit 40 includes: a processing portion, which can be, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or some other suitable processing device; and a memory portion, which can be internal to the processing portion or operably coupled to the processing portion and which provides a storage medium for data and software that can be executed by the processing portion for controlling the operation of the external device 36.

[0041] Having thus described the system 30, it will now be combined with Figure 3An example of a general method 100 for increasing compliance by a patient with prescribed pressure support therapy provided by pressure support device 32 of system 30 is described according to an example embodiment of the present invention, wherein external device 36 of system 30 is positioned on the patient (e.g., in the form of a watch, necklace, etc.). Method 100 begins at 102, wherein data regarding a number of attributes of the patient is sensed / collected by a number of sensors 38 of external device 36. As previously discussed, such data may have one or more of the patient's wrist actigraphy recording, heart rate, and / or oxygen saturation, as well as time information thereof. The data collected in 102 is then analyzed by processing unit 40 in order to determine the occurrence of one or more sleep-related events, such as shown at 104. Such events may include, for example: approaching a scheduled bedtime (e.g., but not limited to, one hour to the patient's typical bedtime as specified by the patient or caregiver), desired bedtime (which may be determined based on previous bedtimes observed by pressure support device 32), sleep onset (e.g., heart rate variability and / or actigraphy recordings indicate that the patient has fallen asleep), and / or sleep disruption (e.g., a decrease in heart rate variability / acceleration, actigraphy recordings, and / or oxygen desaturation may indicate possible sleep apnea).

[0042] Typically concurrently with (i.e., immediately before, during, or immediately after) the occurrence of a sleep event determined at 104, a condition of pressure support device 32 is determined via a wireless connection between external device 36 and pressure support device 32, as shown at 106. Such a determined condition of pressure support device 32 may be that the pressure support device is: not within a predetermined proximity of external device 36, and thus the patient wearing device 36 (e.g., via GPS, via detecting a common wireless network, via Bluetooth); within a predetermined proximity of external device 36, and thus the patient, while also turned on and in use; or within a predetermined proximity of the patient but not turned on. Additionally, it may be determined whether the pressure support device has been used within a predetermined period of time (e.g., a week), such as via a smartphone phone application or other suitable arrangement for tracking usage.

[0043] Finally, as shown at 108, an indication is provided to the patient via the output device 44 of the external device 36. Such an indication may be, for example, a visual indication provided on a display, an audio indication provided by a speaker, a vibration indication, a combination of one or more of the foregoing, or any other suitable location, depending on the message or urgency thereof.

[0044] Having thus described the general method 100, reference will now be made to Figure 3 Some further detailed example embodiments thereof are described.

[0045] In a first example according to one embodiment of the present invention, the occurrence of sleep onset and sleep interruption for the patient is determined at 104. Then, at 106, it is determined that the pressure support device is not in use and therefore at 108 an audible alarm (to get the patient's attention) and a visual alarm (to notify the patient to use the pressure support device) are provided to the patient.

[0046] In another example according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that bedtime for the patient will occur within a predetermined time period at 104. Then, at 106, it is determined that the pressure support device is not within a predetermined proximity, and therefore, at 108, a visual reminder is provided to the patient to obtain the pressure support device for use during sleep.

[0047] In another example according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that bedtime for the patient will occur within a first predetermined time period at 104. Then, it is determined that the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity and the patient has not used the pressure support device within another predetermined time period at 106. The patient is then provided with a visual reminder that the pressure support device should be used regularly.

[0048] In another example according to an example embodiment of the invention, it is determined at 104 that bedtime for the patient will occur within a first predetermined time period and that the patient is on the way to sleep. Then, at 106, it is determined that the pressure support device is not in use. At 108, the patient is then provided with one or more of: an audible alarm, a vibration alarm, and / or a visual alarm.

[0049] From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention improve compliance and remove some of the common failure modes (reasons) for patients not using their pressure support devices (e.g., "I forgot," "I fell asleep on the couch," "I was reading in bed without my pressure support device and fell asleep," etc.) Benefits to the patient include a better night's sleep, better practice and continuity in their use of the pressure support device, which will lead to the known health outcomes of compliance with pressure support therapy (i.e., lowered blood pressure, improved energy, daytime alertness, reduced chances for heart disease, etc.).

[0050] The features described in this application improve upon other concepts of "dumb" setup reminders that can be annoying and easily ignored by patients (e.g., say an alarm set for "Put on your CPAP" for 11 pm every night). Embodiments of the present invention instead provide actionable guidance (i.e., only alert the user when the PAP is available for use) at a time when the user is most likely to need it (i.e., the patient is not wearing a PAP and they are going to sleep) and can be done at a time when the user is likely to accept the guidance (e.g., when the patient is actually falling asleep or after they have been awakened from sleep by an SDB event).

[0051] Although the present invention has been described in detail based on what are currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that such detail is for that purpose only and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the claims. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure foresees that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

[0052] In the claims, any reference signs placed in brackets shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The words "comprise" or "comprising" do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. In a device claim enumerating a number of units, several of these units may be implemented by the same item of hardware. The words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating a number of units, several of these units may be implemented by the same item of hardware. The recitation of specific elements in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. A method for interfacing a wearable smart device with a pressure support device to increase user compliance with pressure support therapy provided by the pressure support device (32), the method comprising: Collecting (102) data on a plurality of user attributes and corresponding time information of the user attributes via the wearable intelligent device; Determining (104) the occurrence of one or more sleep-related events based on the collected data via the wearable smart device; determining (106), via the wearable smart device in communication with the pressure support device, a condition of the pressure support device (32) immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events, wherein determining immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events comprises: determining that a predetermined bedtime for the user will occur within a predetermined time period and the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity of the wearable smart device but is not turned on; and In response to the determined occurrence and the determined condition, providing (108) actionable guidance instructions via the wearable smart device, wherein the actionable guidance instructions are configured to increase the user's compliance with the pressure support therapy.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Collecting data about the plurality of user attributes includes collecting data about one or more of: wrist actigraphy records, heart rate and / or oxygen saturation of the user and corresponding time information thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining, via the wearable smart device, the occurrence of the sleep-related event based on the collected data includes: determining the onset of sleep of the user and the occurrence of the sleep interruption event of the user; wherein, determining, via the wearable smart device that communicates with the pressure support device, the condition of the pressure support device includes: determining that the pressure support device is not in use; and wherein, providing, via the wearable smart device, the actionable guidance instructions to the user in response to the determined occurrence and the determined condition also includes: providing an auditory alarm and a visual alarm as an actionable guidance for the user for using the pressure support device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the condition of the pressure support device via the wearable smart device in communication with the pressure support device further includes: determining that the pressure support device is not within a predetermined proximity of the wearable smart device; and wherein providing the actionable guidance instructions to the user via the wearable smart device further includes: displaying a visual reminder via the wearable smart device as an actionable guidance for the user with respect to obtaining the pressure support device for use during sleep within a predetermined time period before the predetermined bedtime.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the condition of the pressure support device via the wearable smart device in communication with the pressure support device further includes: determining that (i) the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity of the wearable smart device, and (ii) the user has not used the pressure support device within a second predetermined time period; and wherein providing the actionable guidance instructions to the user via the wearable smart device further includes: displaying a visual reminder via the wearable smart device as an actionable guidance for the user for using the pressure support device within the second predetermined time period.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the occurrence of the sleep-related event based on the collected data via the wearable smart device also includes: determining that the user is on the way to sleep; wherein, determining the condition of the pressure support device via the wearable smart device that communicates with the pressure support device also includes: determining that the pressure support device is not in use; and wherein, providing the actionable guidance instructions to the user via the wearable smart device also includes: providing one or more of the following: an auditory alarm, a vibration alarm, and a visual alarm.

7. An external wearable smart device (36) configured to interface with a pressure support device in a system (30) to increase user compliance with pressure support therapy provided by the pressure support device, the external wearable smart device comprising: a plurality of sensors (38) configured to sense one or more user attributes; a processing unit (40) in communication with the plurality of sensors; a communication unit (42) in communication with the processing unit (40), wherein the communication unit is configured to communicate with the pressure support device (32); and an output device (44) configured to provide one or more of: a visual alert, an audible alert, and a vibration alert, Wherein, the processing unit is programmed to: collecting (102) data about a plurality of user attributes and corresponding time information of the user attributes via the sensor; determining (104) the occurrence of one or more sleep-related events based on the collected data; determining (106) a condition of the pressure support device immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events, via the communication unit in communication with the pressure support device, wherein determining immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events comprises: determining that a predetermined bedtime for the user will occur within a predetermined time period and the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity of the wearable smart device but is not turned on; and In response to the determined occurrence and the determined condition, providing (108) actionable guidance instructions via the output device, wherein the actionable guidance instructions are configured to increase the user compliance with the pressure support therapy.

8. The external wearable smart device according to claim 7, wherein: The communication unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with the pressure support device via Bluetooth.

9. A system (30) for increasing user compliance with pressure support therapy, the system comprising: a pressure support device (32) configured to provide said pressure support therapy; as well as An external wearable smart device (36) configured to interface with the pressure support device, wherein the external wearable smart device comprises: a plurality of sensors (38) configured to sense one or more user attributes; a processing unit (40) in communication with the plurality of sensors; a communication unit (42) in communication with the processing unit (40) and in communication with the pressure support device; and an output device (44) configured to provide one or more of: a visual alert, an audible alert, and a vibration alert, Wherein, the processing unit is programmed to: collecting (102) data about a plurality of user attributes and corresponding time information of the user attributes via the sensor; determining (104) the occurrence of one or more sleep-related events based on the collected data; determining (106) a condition of the pressure support device immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events, via the communication unit in communication with the pressure support device, wherein determining immediately prior to the occurrence of the one or more sleep-related events comprises: determining that a predetermined bedtime for the user will occur within a predetermined time period and the pressure support device is within a predetermined proximity of the wearable smart device but is not turned on; and In response to the determined occurrence and the determined condition, providing (108) actionable guidance instructions via the output device, wherein the actionable guidance instructions are configured to increase the user compliance with the pressure support therapy.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more user attributes include at least one of actigraphy recording or heart rate.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The communication unit is configured to wirelessly communicate with the pressure support device via Bluetooth.

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