Systems and methods for providing sleep therapy communications

Abstract

A method includes storing sleep information associated with a plurality of users in a database, the plurality of users including a first subset of users having a first common feature in the sleep information. The method also includes defining, by the control system, a first group of users including a first subset of users based on the first common feature. The method also includes receiving sleep information associated with the first user from the user device via the control system. The method also includes determining, by the control system, whether the first user has a first common characteristic based on sleep information associated with the first user. The method also includes, in response to determining that the first user has the first common characteristic, assigning, by the control system, the first user as a component of the first group of users.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 371,921, filed on August 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for matching sleep therapy application users with a user community, and more particularly, to systems and methods for determining a match between a user and a user group of multiple users based on the user's sleep information. Background Art

[0004] Many individuals suffer from sleep-related and / or breathing-related disorders, such as, for example, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which may include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), other types of apnea (such as mixed apnea and hypopnea), respiratory effort-related micro-arousal (RERA) and snoring. In some cases, these disorders may appear or appear more obviously when the individual is in a specific lying / sleeping posture. These individuals may also suffer from other health conditions (which may be referred to as comorbidities), such as insomnia (e.g., difficulty falling asleep, frequent or long awakenings after initially falling asleep, and / or early awakening and inability to fall asleep again), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disease (NMD), rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder (also referred to as RBD), dream enactment behavior (DEB), hypertension, diabetes, stroke, chest wall disorder.

[0005] These disorders are often treated using respiratory therapy systems (e.g., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems), which deliver pressurized air to help prevent an individual's airway from narrowing or collapsing during sleep. However, some users find such systems uncomfortable, difficult to use, expensive, unsightly, and / or unable to perceive the benefits associated with using the systems. As a result, some users will choose not to use or cease using a respiratory therapy system without demonstrating the severity of their symptoms when not using respiratory therapy treatment, or without receiving encouragement or confirmation that the respiratory therapy system is improving their sleep quality and alleviating the symptoms of these disorders. The present disclosure is intended to address these and other issues. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method includes storing sleep information associated with a plurality of users in a database, the plurality of users including a first subset of users having a first common characteristic in the sleep information. The method also includes defining, by a control system, a first user group including the first subset of users based on the first common characteristic. The method also includes receiving, via the control system, sleep information associated with the first user from a user device. The method also includes determining, by the control system, whether the first user has the first common characteristic based on the sleep information associated with the first user. The method also includes assigning, by the control system, the first user as a component of a first user group in response to determining that the first user has the first common characteristic.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system includes a database, wherein the database is configured to store sleep information associated with a plurality of users. The system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the database, wherein the control system is configured to define a first user group including a first subset of users among the plurality of users based on a first common feature, the first subset of users having the first common feature in the sleep information. The control system is also configured to receive sleep information associated with the first user from a first user device. The control system is also configured to determine whether the first user has the first common feature based on the sleep information associated with the first user. The control system is also configured to assign the first user as a component of the first user group in response to determining that the first user has the first common feature.

[0008] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a system according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 a perspective view of at least a portion of a system, a user, and a bed partner;

[0011] Figure 3A According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of a system of respiratory therapy equipment;

[0012] Figure 3B is a diagram illustrating the interior of a housing according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3A A perspective view of a respiratory therapy device;

[0013] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a user interface according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 4B According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 4A An exploded view of the user interface of

[0015] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a user interface according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 5B According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 5A An exploded view of the user interface of

[0017] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a user interface according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6B According to some embodiments of the present invention Fig. 6A An exploded view of the user interface of

[0019] Figure 7 An exemplary timeline of a sleep session according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 8 The present invention is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 An exemplary hypnogram associated with a sleep session of FIG.

[0021] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Depicting a user device presenting a user's personal homepage including the user's sleep information and personal information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B depicts a user device presenting a login page for a user group of which the user is a member according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C Depicting a user device that presents recommendations based on a user's sleep information and / or personal information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C Depicting a user device presenting a participatory challenge in which a first user 1206 may participate, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a system for assigning users to groups based on sleep information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig.14is a flow diagram depicting example operations for assigning users to groups based on sleep information in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0027] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations and embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Many individuals suffer from sleep-related and / or breathing disorders, such as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA) and other types of apnea, respiratory effort-related arousals (RERA), snoring, Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), respiratory insufficiency, obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), restless legs syndrome (RLS), neuromuscular diseases (NMDs), and chest wall disorders.

[0029] Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a form of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is characterized by events that include occlusion or obstruction of the upper airway during sleep caused by a combination of an abnormally small upper airway and loss of normal muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and posterior oropharyngeal wall areas. More generally, apnea generally refers to breathing cessation caused by air obstruction (obstructive sleep apnea) or cessation of respiratory function (commonly known as central sleep apnea). CSA occurs when the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing. Typically, during an obstructive sleep apnea event, an individual will stop breathing for about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds.

[0030] Other types of apnea include hypopnea, hyperpnea, and hypercapnia. Hypopnea is usually characterized by slow or shallow breathing caused by narrow airways, rather than blocked airways. Hyperpnea is usually characterized by increased depth and / or rate of breathing. Hypercapnia is usually characterized by excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, usually caused by hypopnea.

[0031] Respiratory effort related arousal (RERA) events are typically characterized by increased respiratory effort lasting ten seconds or longer, resulting in arousal from sleep, and which do not meet the criteria for an apnea or hypopnea event. RERA is defined as a respiratory sequence characterized by increased respiratory effort resulting in arousal from sleep, but which does not meet the criteria for an apnea or hypopnea event. These events meet the following criteria: (1) a pattern of gradually more negative esophageal pressures, terminated by a sudden change in pressure to a lower negative level and a micro-arousal, and (2) the event lasts for 10 seconds or longer. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula / pressure transducer system is sufficient and reliable in the detection of RERA. The RERA detector can be based on an actual flow signal derived from a respiratory therapy device. For example, a flow limitation measurement can be determined based on the flow signal. A wake-up measurement can then be derived based on the flow limitation measurement and the measurement of the sudden increase in ventilation. One such method is described in WO 2008 / 138040 assigned to ResMed Ltd. and U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,353, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0032] Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is another form of sleep-disordered breathing. CSR is a disorder of the patient's respiratory controller in which there are rhythmic alternating cycles of increased and decreased ventilation, called CSR cycles. CSR is characterized by repeated deoxygenation and reoxygenation of arterial blood.

[0033] Obesity hyperventilation syndrome (OHS) is defined as the combination of severe obesity and chronic hypercapnia during wakefulness in the absence of other known causes of hypoventilation. Symptoms include dyspnea, morning headache, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

[0034] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses any of a group of lower airway diseases that have certain common features, such as increased resistance to the movement of air, prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal elasticity of the lungs. COPD encompasses a group of lower airway diseases that have certain common features, such as increased resistance to the movement of air, prolonged expiratory phase of breathing, and loss of normal elasticity of the lungs.

[0035] Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) encompass a wide range of diseases and ailments that impair muscle function either directly through intrinsic muscle pathology or indirectly through neuropathology.Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities that result in inefficient connections between the respiratory muscles and the thorax.

[0036] These and other disorders are characterized by specific events that occur while an individual is sleeping (e.g., snoring, apnea, hypopnea, restless legs, sleep disturbances, choking, increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, seizures, epileptic seizures, or any combination thereof).

[0037] The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is an index used to indicate the severity of sleep apnea during a sleep session. The AHI is calculated by dividing the number of apnea and / or hypopnea events experienced by the AHI user during a sleep session by the total number of hours slept in the sleep session. The event can be, for example, an apnea that lasts at least 10 seconds. An AHI of less than 5 is considered normal. An AHI greater than or equal to 5 but less than 15 is considered an indication of shallow sleep apnea. An AHI greater than or equal to 15 but less than 30 is considered an indication of moderate sleep apnea. An AHI greater than or equal to 30 is considered an indication of severe sleep apnea. In children, an AHI greater than 1 is considered abnormal. Sleep apnea can be considered "controlled" when the AHI is normal, or when the AHI is normal or mild. The AHI can also be used in conjunction with oxygen desaturation levels to indicate the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , shows a system 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 10 includes a respiratory therapy system 100, a control system 200, one or more sensors 210, a user device 260, and an activity tracker 270.

[0039] The respiratory therapy system 100 includes a respiratory pressure therapy (RPT) device 110 (referred to herein as respiratory therapy device 110), a user interface 120 (also referred to as a mask or patient interface), a conduit 140 (also referred to as a tube or air circuit), a display device 150, and a humidifier 160. Respiratory pressure therapy refers to the application of an air supply to the entrance of a user's airway at a controlled target pressure that is nominally positive relative to atmosphere throughout the user's breathing cycle (e.g., in contrast to negative pressure therapy such as a canister ventilator or chest plate). The respiratory therapy system 100 is typically used to treat individuals suffering from one or more sleep-related breathing disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, or mixed sleep apnea).

[0040] The respiratory therapy system 100 can be used, for example, as a ventilator or a positive airway pressure (PAP) system, such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, an automatic positive airway pressure system (APAP), a bi-level or variable positive airway pressure system (BPAP or VPAP), or any combination thereof. The CPAP system delivers a predetermined air pressure (e.g., determined by a sleep physician) to the user. The APAP system automatically changes the air pressure delivered to the user based on, for example, respiratory data associated with the user. The BPAP or VPAP system is configured to deliver a first predetermined pressure (e.g., inspiratory positive airway pressure or IPAP) and a second predetermined pressure (e.g., expiratory positive airway pressure or EPAP) that is lower than the first predetermined pressure.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, respiratory therapy system 100 can be used to treat user 20. In this example, user 20 of respiratory therapy system 100 and bed partner 30 are located on bed 40 and lying on mattress 42. User interface 120 can be worn by user 20 during a sleep session. Respiratory therapy system 100 generally helps increase air pressure in the throat of user 20 to help prevent airway closure and / or narrowing during sleep. Respiratory therapy device 110 can be positioned in direct proximity to a user such as Figure 2 The bed 40 is shown on a nightstand 44 , or more generally, positioned on any surface or structure generally adjacent to the bed 40 and / or the user 20 .

[0042] The respiratory therapy device 110 is generally used to generate pressurized air delivered to the user (e.g., using one or more motors driving one or more compressors). In some embodiments, the respiratory therapy device 110 generates a continuous constant air pressure delivered to the user. In other embodiments, the respiratory therapy device 110 generates two or more predetermined pressures (e.g., a first predetermined air pressure and a second predetermined air pressure). In other embodiments, the respiratory therapy device 110 generates a variety of different air pressures within a predetermined range. For example, the respiratory therapy device 110 can deliver at least about 6 cmH 2 O, at least about 10cmH 2 O, at least about 20cmH 2 O, about 6cmH 2 O and about 10cmH 2 O, about 7cmH 2 O and about 12cmH 2 The breathing apparatus 110 may also deliver pressurized air at a predetermined flow rate, for example, between about -20 L / min and about 150 L / min, while maintaining a positive pressure (relative to ambient pressure).

[0043] Respiratory therapy device 110 includes housing 112, blower motor 114, air inlet 116, and air outlet 118 ( Figure 1 ). refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the blower motor 114 is at least partially disposed or integrated within the housing 112. The blower motor 114 draws air from outside the housing 112 (e.g., the atmosphere) via the air inlet 116 and causes the pressurized air to flow through the humidifier 160 and through the air outlet 118. In some embodiments, the air inlet 116 and / or the air outlet 118 include a cover that can be moved between a closed position and an open position (e.g., to prevent or inhibit air from flowing through the air inlet 116 or the air outlet 118). Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, housing 112 may include vent 113 to allow air to pass through housing 112 to air inlet 116. Conduit 140 is coupled to air outlet 118 of respiratory therapy device 110 as described below.

[0044] Return to reference Figure 1 , user interface 120 engages a portion of the user's face and delivers pressurized air from respiratory therapy device 110 to the user's airway to help prevent the airway from narrowing and / or collapsing during sleep. This can also increase the user's oxygen intake during sleep. Generally, user interface 120 engages the user's face so that pressurized air is delivered to the user's airway via the user's mouth, the user's nose, or the user's mouth and nose. Respiratory therapy device 110, user interface 120, and conduit 140 together form an air passageway that is fluidly coupled to the user's airway. Pressurized air also increases the user's oxygen intake during a sleep session. Depending on the therapy to be applied, user interface 120 can, for example, form a seal with an area or portion of the user's face to facilitate a sufficient difference in pressure from ambient pressure (e.g., about 10 cmH relative to ambient pressure). 2 O) to achieve therapy. For other forms of therapy, such as delivery of oxygen, the user interface may not include a user interface sufficient to facilitate delivery of gas at about 10 cmH 2 A gas supply of O is delivered under positive pressure to the airway seal.

[0045] The user interface 120 may include, for example, a cushion 122, a frame 124, a head cover 126, a connector 128, and one or more vents 130. The cushion 122 and the frame 124 define a volume of space around the user's mouth and / or nose. When the respiratory therapy system 100 is in use, the volume space (e.g., from the respiratory therapy device 110 via the conduit 140) receives pressurized air to enter the user's airway. The head cover 126 is generally used to help position and / or stabilize the user interface 120 on a part of the user (e.g., face), and together with the cushion 122 (which may, for example, include silicone, plastic, foam, etc.), help provide a substantially airtight seal between the user interface 120 and the user 20. In some embodiments, the head cover 126 includes one or more bands (e.g., including hook-and-loop fasteners). The connector 128 is generally used to couple the conduit 140 (e.g., connect and fluidly couple) to the cushion 122 and / or frame 124. Alternatively, conduit 140 may be coupled directly to cushion 122 and / or frame 124 without connector 128. Vent 130 may be used to allow carbon dioxide and other gases exhaled by user 20 to escape. User interface 120 may generally include any suitable number of vents (e.g., one, two, five, ten, etc.).

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the user interface 120 is a mask (e.g., a full face mask) that covers at least a portion of the nose and mouth of the user 20. Alternatively, the user interface 120 may be a nasal mask that provides air to the user's nose or a nasal pillow mask that delivers air directly to the nostrils of the user 20. In other embodiments, the user interface 120 includes a mouthpiece (e.g., a night guard mouthpiece molded to conform to the user's teeth, a jaw repositioning device, etc.).

[0047] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , illustrating a method for interacting with a user interface 120 ( Figure 1 ) The user interface 400 is the same or similar to the user interface 400. The user interface 400 generally includes a cushion 430 and a frame 450, which define the volume of the space around the user's mouth and / or nose. When in use, the volume of the space receives pressurized air to enter the user's airway. In some embodiments, the cushion 430 and the frame 450 of the user interface 400 form an integral part of the user interface. The user interface 400 may also include a head cover 410, which generally includes a belt assembly and optionally includes a connector 470. The head cover 410 is configured to be positioned approximately around at least a portion of the user's head when the user wears the user interface 400. The head cover 410 can be coupled to the frame 450 and positioned on the user's head so that the user's head is positioned between the head cover 410 and the frame 450. The cushion 430 is positioned between the user's face and the frame 450 to form a seal on the user's face. The connector 470 is configured to be coupled to the frame 450 and / or the cushion 430 at one end and to be coupled to a conduit (not shown) of the respiratory therapy device. Pressurized air can flow directly from the conduit of the respiratory therapy system through connector 470 into the volume of the space defined by cushion 430 (or cushion 430 and frame 450) of user interface 400. Pressurized air passes from user interface 400 through the user's mouth, nose, or both to the user's airway. Alternatively, where user interface 400 does not include connector 470, the conduit of the respiratory therapy system can be directly connected to cushion 430 and / or frame 450.

[0048] In some embodiments, the connector 470 may include one or more vents 472 (e.g., multiple vents) on the body of the connector 470 itself and / or one or more vents 476 ("diffuser vents") proximate the frame 450 for allowing the user's exhaled carbon dioxide (CO 2) and other gases escape. In some embodiments, one or more vents (such as vents 472 and / or 476) can be located in the user interface 400 (such as in the frame 450) and / or in the conduit 140. In some embodiments, the frame 450 includes at least one anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) 474 that allows the user's exhaled CO to escape in the event that the vent (e.g., vent 472 or 476) fails when the respiratory therapy device is activated. 2 Typically, full face masks have an AAV (e.g., AAV 474) present (e.g., as a safety feature); however, diffuser vents and vents located on the mask or connector (typically an array of holes in the mask material itself or a mesh made of some fabric, which is replaceable in many cases) are not necessarily present at the same time (e.g., some masks may have only diffuser vents, such as vents 476, and other masks may have only vents 472 on the connector itself).

[0049] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , illustrating a method for interacting with a user interface 120 ( Figure 1 ) is the same or similar user interface 500. The user interface 500 is the same as or similar to the user interface 400 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) in that user interface 500 is an indirect user interface, whereas user interface 400 is a direct user interface. Interface 500 includes headgear 510 (e.g., as a belt assembly), cushion 530, frame 550, connector 570, and user interface conduit 590 (commonly referred to as a mini tube or flexible tube). User interface 500 is an indirectly connected user interface because pressurized air is delivered to cushion 530 and / or frame 550 from conduit 140 of the respiratory therapy system through user interface conduit 590 rather than directly from conduit 140 of the respiratory therapy system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cushion 530 and the frame 550 form an integral part of the user interface 500. Generally, the user interface conduit 590 is larger than the conduit 140 ( Figure 1 ) is more flexible and / or has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the conduit 140. The user interface conduit 590 is typically shorter than the conduit 140. A headgear 310 (similar to the user interface 300) FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B), the headgear 510 of the user interface 500 is configured to be positioned approximately around at least a portion of the user's head when the user wears the user interface 500. The headgear 510 can be coupled to the frame 550 and positioned on the user's head so that the user's head is positioned between the headgear 510 and the frame 550. The cushion 530 is positioned between the user's face and the frame 550 to form a seal on the user's face. The connector 570 is configured to be coupled to the frame 550 and / or the cushion 530 at one end and to the conduit 590 of the user interface 500 at the other end. In other embodiments, the conduit 590 can be directly connected to the frame 550 and / or the cushion 530. The conduit 590 is configured to be connected to the conduit 140 at the opposite end relative to the frame 550 and the cushion 530. Pressurized air may flow from the conduit 140 of the respiratory therapy system, through the user interface conduit 590 and connector 570, and into the volume of space defined by the cushion 530 (or cushion 530 and frame 550) of the user interface 500 against the user's face. From this volume of space, the pressurized air passes through the user's mouth, nose, or both to the user's airway.

[0051] In some embodiments, connector 570 includes a plurality of vents 572 for allowing carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaled by the user to be released when the respiratory therapy device is activated. 2 ) and other gases escape. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of vents 572 is an opening that can be angled relative to the thickness of the connector wall forming the opening. The angled opening can reduce CO 2 and other gases escaping into the atmosphere. Due to the reduced noise, the acoustic signal associated with the plurality of vents 572 may be more apparent to the internal microphone rather than the external microphone. Thus, the internal microphone may be located within or otherwise physically integrated with the respiratory therapy system and acoustically communicate with the air flow that, in operation, is generated by the flow generator of the respiratory therapy device and reaches the user interface 500 through the conduit.

[0052] In some embodiments, connector 570 optionally includes at least one valve 574 for allowing CO exhaled by the user to flow out when the respiratory therapy device is inactive. 2 In some embodiments, valve 574 (an example of an anti-asphyxia valve) includes a silicone (or other suitable material) flap that is a fail-safe component that allows the user to exhale CO in the event that vent 572 fails while the respiratory therapy device is activated. 2 In such embodiments, when the silicone valve flap is opened, the valve opening is much larger than each vent opening and is therefore less likely to be blocked by obstructive material.

[0053] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , illustrating a method for interacting with a user interface 120 ( Figure 1 ) is the same or similar user interface 600. User interface 600 is similar to user interface 500 in that it is an indirect user interface. Indirect headgear user interface 600 includes headgear 610, cushion 630, and connector 670. Headgear 610 includes strap 610a and headgear conduit 610b. Similar to user interface 400 ( FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B ) and user interface 500( FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B ), the headgear 610 is configured to be positioned generally around at least a portion of the user's head when the user wears the user interface 600. The headgear 610 includes a band 610a that can be coupled to a headgear conduit 610b and positioned on the user's head so that the user's head is positioned between the band 610a and the headgear conduit 610b. The cushion 630 is positioned between the user's face and the headgear conduit 610b to form a seal on the user's face.

[0054] The connector 670 is configured to couple to the headgear 610 at one end and to a conduit of a respiratory therapy system (e.g., conduit 140) at another end. In other embodiments, the connector 670 is not included and the headgear 610 may instead be directly connected to the conduit of the respiratory therapy system. The headgear conduit 610b may be configured to deliver pressurized air from the conduit of the respiratory therapy system to the cushion 630, or more specifically, to the volume of space surrounding the mouth and / or nose of the user and enclosed by the user cushion. The headgear conduit 610b is hollow to provide a passage for pressurized air. Both sides of the headgear conduit 610b may be hollow to provide two passages for pressurized air. Alternatively, only one side of the headgear conduit 610b may be hollow to provide a single passage. In Fig. 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, the headgear conduit 610b includes two channels that are positioned on either side of the user's head / face in use. Alternatively, only one channel of the headgear conduit 610b can be hollow to provide a single channel. Pressurized air can flow from the conduit of the respiratory therapy system through the connector 670 and the headgear conduit 610b and into the volume of space between the cushion 630 and the user's face. The pressurized air reaches the user's airway from the volume of space between the cushion 630 and the user's face through the user's mouth, nose, or both.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cushion 630 includes a plurality of vents 672 on the cushion 630 itself. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the connector 670 includes a plurality of vents 676 ("diffuser vents") proximate the headgear 610 for allowing the user's exhaled carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other gases can escape. In some embodiments, the headgear 610 may include at least one additional anti-asphyxia valve (AAV) 674 proximal to the cushion 630 to allow the user's exhaled CO to escape in the event that a vent (e.g., vent 672 or 676) fails when the respiratory therapy device is activated. 2 and other gases escape.

[0056] Return to reference Figure 1 , conduit 140 (also referred to as an air circuit or tube) allows air to flow between components of respiratory therapy system 100, such as between respiratory therapy device 110 and user interface 120. In some embodiments, there may be separate branches of the conduit for inhalation and exhalation. In other embodiments, a single branch conduit is used for inhalation and exhalation.

[0057] refer to Figure 3A , the conduit 140 includes a first end 142 that is coupled to the air outlet 118 of the respiratory therapy device 110. The first end 142 can be coupled to the air outlet 118 of the respiratory therapy device 110 using various techniques (e.g., a press fit connection, a snap fit connection, a threaded connection, etc.). In some embodiments, the conduit 140 includes one or more heating elements that heat the pressurized air flowing through the conduit 140 (e.g., heating the air to a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined temperature range). Such heating elements can be coupled to the conduit 140 and / or embedded in the conduit. In such embodiments, the first end 142 can include an electrical contact that is electrically coupled to the respiratory therapy device 110 to power the one or more heating elements of the conduit 140. For example, the electrical contact can be electrically coupled to the electrical contact of the air outlet 118 of the respiratory therapy device 110. In this example, the electrical contact of the conduit 140 can be a male connector, and the electrical contact of the air outlet 118 can be a female connector, or alternatively, the opposite configuration can be used.

[0058] Display device 150 is generally used to display images including still images, video images, or both, and / or information about respiratory therapy device 110. For example, display device 150 may provide information about the status of respiratory therapy device 110 (e.g., whether respiratory therapy device 110 is on / off, the pressure of air delivered by respiratory therapy device 110, the temperature of air delivered by respiratory therapy device 110, etc.) and / or other information (e.g., a sleep score or a therapy score (also referred to as myAir TM Ratings, as disclosed in WO 2016 / 061629 and US patents, current date / time, personal information of user 20, etc.). In some embodiments, the display device 150 acts as a human-machine interface (HMI) that includes a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display an image as an input interface. The display device 150 can be an LED display, an OLED display, an LCD display, etc. The input interface can be, for example, a touch screen or touch-sensitive substrate, a mouse, a keyboard, or any sensor system configured to sense input made by a human user interacting with the respiratory therapy device 110.

[0059] The humidifier 160 is coupled to or integrated in the respiratory therapy device 110 and includes a reservoir 162 for storing water that can be used to humidify the pressurized air delivered from the respiratory therapy device 110. The humidifier 160 includes one or more heating elements 164 to heat the water in the reservoir to produce water vapor. The humidifier 160 can be fluidly coupled to a water vapor inlet of an air passage between the blower motor 114 and the air outlet 118, or can be formed in line with the air passage between the blower motor 114 and the air outlet 118. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, air flows from the air inlet 116 through the blower motor 114 and then through the humidifier 160 before leaving the respiratory therapy device 110 via the air outlet 118.

[0060] Although the respiratory therapy system 100 has been described herein as including each of the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, the conduit 140, the display device 150, and the humidifier 160, more or fewer components may be included in the respiratory therapy system according to embodiments of the present invention. For example, a first alternative respiratory therapy system includes the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, and the conduit 140. As another example, a second alternative system includes the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, the conduit 140, and the display device 150. Thus, various respiratory therapy systems may be formed using any one or more portions of the components shown and described herein and / or in combination with one or more other components.

[0061] The control system 200 includes one or more processors 202 (hereinafter referred to as processors 202). The control system 200 is generally used to control various components of the system 10 and / or analyze data obtained and / or generated by the components of the system 10. The processor 202 can be a general or special purpose processor or microprocessor. Figure 1 , but the control system 200 may include any number of processors (e.g., one processor, two processors, five processors, ten processors, etc.), which may be located in a single housing or remotely from each other. The control system 200 (or any other control system) or a portion of the control system 200 (such as the processor 202 (or any other processor or one or more portions of any other control system)) may be used to perform one or more steps of any of the methods described and / or claimed herein. The control system 200 may be coupled to a housing of a user device 260 and / or located, for example, within a housing of the user device, within a portion of the respiratory therapy system 100 (e.g., the respiratory therapy device 110), and / or within a housing of one or more sensors in the sensor 210. The control system 200 may be centralized (within one such housing) or decentralized (within two or more such housings that are physically distinct). In such embodiments that include two or more housings that include the control system 200, the housings may be located proximately and / or remotely from each other.

[0062] The memory device 204 stores machine-readable instructions that are executable by the processor 202 of the control system 200. The memory device 204 may be any suitable computer-readable memory device or medium, such as, for example, a random or serial access memory device, a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a flash memory device, etc. Figure 1 2 , but system 10 may include any suitable number of memory devices 204 (e.g., one memory device, two memory devices, five memory devices, ten memory devices, etc.). Memory device 204 may be coupled to and / or located within a housing of respiratory therapy device 110 of respiratory therapy system 100, within a housing of user device 260, within a housing of one or more of sensors 210, or any combination thereof. Similar to control system 200, memory device 204 may be centralized (within one such housing) or distributed (within two or more such housings that are physically distinct).

[0063] In some embodiments, the memory device 204 stores a user profile associated with the user. The user profile may include, for example, demographic information associated with the user, biometric information associated with the user, medical information associated with the user, self-reported user feedback, sleep parameters associated with the user (e.g., sleep-related parameters recorded from one or more earlier sleep sessions), or any combination thereof. The demographic information may include, for example, information indicating the user's age, the user's gender, the user's race, the user's geographic location, the relationship status, the family history of insomnia or sleep apnea, the user's employment status, the user's educational status, the user's socioeconomic status, or any combination thereof. The medical information may include, for example, information indicating one or more medical conditions associated with the user, the user's medication use, or both. The medical information data may also include multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) results or scores and / or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores or values. The self-reported user feedback may include information indicating a self-reported subjective sleep score (e.g., poor, average, excellent), the user's self-reported subjective stress level, the user's self-reported subjective fatigue level, the user's self-reported subjective health status, the user's recent life events, or any combination thereof.

[0064] As described herein, the processor 202 and / or the memory device 204 can receive data (e.g., physiological data and / or audio data) from one or more sensors 210, so that the data is stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202. The processor 202 and / or the memory device 204 can communicate with the one or more sensors 210 using a wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g., using an RF communication protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol, a Bluetooth communication protocol, via a cellular network, etc.). In some embodiments, the system 10 may include an antenna, a receiver (e.g., an RF receiver), a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter), a transceiver, or any combination thereof. Such components can be coupled to or integrated into a housing of the control system 200 (e.g., in the same housing as the processor 202 and / or the memory device 204) or a user device 260.

[0065] Return to reference Figure 1, the one or more sensors 210 include a pressure sensor 212, a flow sensor 214, a temperature sensor 216, a motion sensor 218, a microphone 220, a speaker 222, a radio frequency (RF) receiver 226, an RF transmitter 228, a camera 232, an infrared sensor 234, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 236, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 238, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor 240, a capacitive sensor 242, a force sensor 244, a strain gauge sensor 246, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor 248, an oxygen sensor 250, an analyte sensor 252, a humidity sensor 254, a LiDAR sensor 256, or any combination thereof. In general, each of the one or more sensors 210 is configured to output sensor data, which is received and stored in the memory device 204 or one or more other memory devices.

[0066] Although the one or more sensors 210 are shown and described as including each of the pressure sensor 212, the flow sensor 214, the temperature sensor 216, the motion sensor 218, the microphone 220, the speaker 222, the RF receiver 226, the RF transmitter 228, the camera 232, the infrared sensor 234, the photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor 236, the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 238, the electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor 240, the capacitive sensor 242, the force sensor 244, the strain gauge sensor 246, the electromyogram (EMG) sensor 248, the oxygen sensor 250, the analyte sensor 252, the humidity sensor 254, and the LiDAR sensor 256, more generally, the one or more sensors 210 may include any combination and any number of each of the sensors described and / or shown herein.

[0067] As described herein, the system 10 may generally be used to generate physiological data associated with a user (e.g., a user of the respiratory therapy system 100) during a sleep session. The physiological data may be analyzed to generate one or more sleep-related parameters, which may include any parameters, measurements, etc. associated with the user during the sleep session. The one or more sleep-related parameters that may be determined for the user 20 during the sleep session include, for example, an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, a sleep score, a flow signal, a breathing signal, a respiratory rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, an event pattern, a stage, a pressure setting of the respiratory therapy device 110, a heart rate, a heart rate variability, movement of the user 20, a temperature, an EEG activity, an EMG activity, micro-arousals, snoring, choking, coughing, whistling, gasping, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The one or more sensors 210 may be used to generate, for example, physiological data, audio data, or both. The control system 200 may use the physiological data generated by one or more of the sensors 210 to determine whether the user 20 ( Figure 2 ) and one or more sleep-related parameters associated with the sleep-wake signal. The sleep-wake signal may indicate one or more sleep states, including wakefulness, relaxed wakefulness, micro-awakening, or different sleep stages, such as a rapid eye movement (REM) stage, a first non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N1"), a second non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N2"), a third non-REM stage (commonly referred to as "N3"), or any combination thereof. Methods for determining sleep states and / or sleep stages based on physiological data generated by one or more sensors (such as one or more sensors 210) are described in, for example, WO 2014 / 047310, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0088373, WO 2017 / 132726, WO 2019 / 122413, WO 2019 / 122414, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0383580, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sleep-wake signal described herein may be time stamped to indicate the time when the user entered the bed, the time when the user left the bed, the time when the user attempted to fall asleep, etc. The sleep-wake signal may be measured by one or more sensors 210 during a sleep period at a predetermined sampling rate, such as one sample per second, one sample per 30 seconds, one sample per minute, etc. In some embodiments, the sleep-wake signal may also indicate a respiratory signal, respiratory rate, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory ratio, number of events per hour, pattern of events, pressure setting of the respiratory therapy device 110, or any combination thereof during a sleep session. Events may include snoring, apnea, central apnea, obstructive apnea, mixed apnea, hypopnea, mask leak (e.g., from the user interface 120), restless legs, sleep disturbance, choking, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, asthma attack, epileptic seizure, convulsion, or any combination thereof. One or more sleep-related parameters that can be determined for a user based on the sleep-wake signal during a sleep session include, for example, total time in bed, total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake parameter after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, segmentation index, or any combination thereof. As described in further detail herein, physiological data and / or sleep-related parameters can be analyzed to determine one or more sleep-related scores.

[0070] The physiological data and / or audio data generated by one or more sensors 210 can also be used to determine a breathing signal associated with the user during a sleep session. The breathing signal generally indicates the user's respiration / breathing during a sleep session. The breathing signal can indicate and / or be analyzed to determine (e.g., using the control system 200) one or more sleep-related parameters, such as, for example, respiratory rate, respiratory rate variability, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory ratio, the occurrence of one or more events, the number of events per hour, the pattern of events, sleep state, sleep stage, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the pressure setting of the respiratory therapy device 110, or any combination thereof. One or more events can include snoring, apnea, central apnea, obstructive apnea, mixed apnea, hypopnea, mask leak (e.g., from the user interface 120), coughing, restless legs, sleep disorders, choking, increased heart rate, dyspnea, asthma attack, epileptic seizure, convulsion, increased blood pressure, or any combination thereof. Many of the sleep-related parameters described are physiological parameters, although some of the sleep-related parameters can be considered non-physiological parameters. Other types of physiological parameters and / or non-physiological parameters may also be determined based on data from one or more sensors 210 or based on other types of data.

[0071] The pressure sensor 212 outputs pressure data that can be stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202 of the control system 200. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 212 is an air pressure sensor (e.g., an atmospheric pressure sensor) that generates sensor data indicative of the respiration (e.g., inhalation and / or exhalation) of the user of the respiratory therapy system 100 and / or ambient pressure. In such embodiments, the pressure sensor 212 can be coupled to or integrated in the respiratory therapy device 110. The pressure sensor 212 can be, for example, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a strain gauge sensor, an optical sensor, a potentiometric sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0072] The flow sensor 214 outputs flow data, which can be stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202 of the control system 200. Examples of flow sensors (such as, for example, flow sensors 214) are described in International Publication No. WO 2012 / 012835 and U.S. Patent No. 10,328,219, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 214 is used to determine the air flow from the respiratory therapy device 110, the air flow through the conduit 140, the air flow through the user interface 120, or any combination thereof. In such embodiments, the flow sensor 214 can be coupled to the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, or the conduit 140 or integrated in the respiratory therapy device, the user interface, or the conduit. The flow sensor 214 can be a mass flow sensor, such as, for example, a rotary flow meter (e.g., a Hall effect flow meter), a turbine flow meter, an orifice flow meter, an ultrasonic flow meter, a hot wire sensor, a vortex sensor, a membrane sensor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 214 is configured to measure ventilation flow (e.g., intentional "leak"), unintentional leak (e.g., mouth leak and / or mask leak), patient flow (e.g., air entering and / or leaving the lungs), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flow rate data can be analyzed to determine the user's cardiogenic oscillations. In some examples, the pressure sensor 212 can be used to determine the user's blood pressure.

[0073] The temperature sensor 216 outputs temperature data that can be stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202 of the control system 200. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 216 generates a temperature data indicating that the user 20 ( Figure 2 ), the core body temperature of user 20, the skin temperature of user 20, the temperature of air flowing out of respiratory therapy device 110 and / or through conduit 140, the temperature in user interface 120, the ambient temperature, or any combination thereof. Temperature sensor 216 may be, for example, a thermocouple sensor, a thermistor sensor, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor or a semiconductor-based sensor, a resistance temperature detector, or any combination thereof.

[0074] The motion sensor 218 outputs motion data that can be stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202 of the control system 200. The motion sensor 218 can be used to detect movement of the user 20 during a sleep session, and / or detect movement of any of the components of the respiratory therapy system 100 (such as the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, or the catheter 140). The motion sensor 218 may include one or more inertial sensors, such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. In some embodiments, the motion sensor 218 alternatively or additionally generates one or more signals representing the user's body movement, from which a signal representing the user's sleep state can be obtained; for example, via the user's breathing movement. In some embodiments, the motion data from the motion sensor 218 can be used in combination with additional data from another sensor in the sensor 210 to determine the user's sleep state.

[0075] The microphone 220 outputs sounds and / or audio data that can be stored in the memory device 204 and / or analyzed by the processor 202 of the control system 200. The audio data generated by the microphone 220 can be reproduced as one or more sounds (e.g., sounds from the user 20) during the sleep session. The audio data from the microphone 220 can also be used to identify (e.g., using the control system 200) events experienced by the user during the sleep session, as described in further detail herein. The microphone 220 can be coupled to or integrated in the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, the catheter 140, or the user device 260. In some embodiments, the system 10 includes multiple microphones (e.g., two or more microphones and / or a microphone array with beamforming) such that the sound data generated by each of the multiple microphones can be used to distinguish the sound data generated by another of the multiple microphones.

[0076] Speaker 222 outputs information to the user of system 10 (e.g., Figure 2 The speaker 222 may be used, for example, as an alarm clock or to play an alarm or message to the user 20 (e.g., in response to an event). In some embodiments, the speaker 222 may be used to communicate audio data generated by the microphone 220 to the user. The speaker 222 may be coupled to or integrated into the respiratory therapy device 110, the user interface 120, the catheter 140, or the user device 260.

[0077] Microphone 220 and speaker 222 can be used as separate devices. In some embodiments, microphone 220 and speaker 222 can be combined into an acoustic sensor 224 (e.g., a SONAR sensor), as described in, for example, WO 2018 / 050913, WO2020 / 104465, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0007965, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, speaker 222 generates or transmits sound waves at predetermined intervals, and microphone 220 detects reflections of the transmitted sound waves from speaker 222. The sound waves generated or emitted by speaker 222 have a frequency that is inaudible to the human ear (e.g., below 20 Hz or above about 18 kHz) so as not to disturb the sleep of user 20 or bed partner 30 ( Figure 2 Based at least in part on the data from microphone 220 and / or speaker 222, control system 200 may determine that user 20 ( Figure 2 and / or one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein, such as a respiratory signal, a respiratory rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, a pattern of events, a sleep state, a sleep stage, a pressure setting of the respiratory therapy device 110, or any combination thereof. In such a context, a sonar sensor may be understood to involve active acoustic sensing such as generating and / or transmitting ultrasound and / or low-frequency ultrasound sensing signals (e.g., in a frequency range of, for example, about 17-23 kHz, 18-22 kHz, or 17-18 kHz) through air.

[0078] In some embodiments, the sensor 210 includes (i) a first microphone that is the same as or similar to the microphone 220 and is integrated into the acoustic sensor 224; and (ii) a second microphone that is the same as or similar to the microphone 220, but is separate and different from the first microphone that is integrated into the acoustic sensor 224.

[0079] The RF transmitter 228 generates and / or transmits radio waves having a predetermined frequency and / or a predetermined amplitude (e.g., within a high frequency band, within a low frequency band, a long wave signal, a short wave signal, etc.). The RF receiver 226 detects reflections of the radio waves transmitted from the RF transmitter 228, and this data can be analyzed by the control system 200 to determine the user's position and / or one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein. The RF receiver (RF receiver 226 and RF transmitter 228 or another RF pair) can also be used for wireless communication between the control system 200, the respiratory therapy device 110, one or more sensors 210, the external device 260, or any combination thereof. Although the RF receiver 226 and the RF transmitter 228 are in Figure 12 and 3. Although shown as separate and distinct elements in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the RF receiver 226 and the RF transmitter 228 are combined as part of the RF sensor 230 (e.g., a RADAR sensor). In some such embodiments, the RF sensor 230 includes a control circuit. The format of the RF communication can be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, the RF sensor 230 is part of a mesh system. An example of a mesh system is a Wi-Fi mesh system, which may include mesh nodes, mesh routers, and mesh gateways, each of which may be mobile / removable or fixed. In such embodiments, the Wi-Fi mesh system includes a Wi-Fi router and / or a Wi-Fi controller and one or more satellites (e.g., access points), each of which includes an RF sensor that is the same or similar to the RF sensor 230. The Wi-Fi router and the satellite communicate with each other continuously using Wi-Fi signals. The Wi-Fi mesh system can be used to generate motion data based on changes in Wi-Fi signals (e.g., differences in received signal strength) caused by moving objects or people partially blocking the signal between the router and the satellite. The motion data may indicate movement, breathing, heart rate, gait, falls, behavior, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0081] The camera 232 outputs image data that can be reproduced as one or more images (e.g., still images, video images, thermal images, or any combination thereof) that can be stored in the memory device 204. The image data from the camera 232 can be used by the control system 200 to determine one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein, such as, for example, one or more events (e.g., periodic limb movements or restless legs syndrome), a breathing signal, a breathing rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, an event pattern, a sleep state, a sleep stage, or any combination thereof. In addition, the image data from the camera 232 can be used to, for example, identify the user's position, determine the user's chest movement ( Figure 2 ), determine the air flow around the user's mouth and / or nose, determine when the user enters the bed ( Figure 2 ) and determining when the user leaves the bed. In some embodiments, the camera 232 includes a wide-angle lens or a fisheye lens.

[0082] Infrared (IR) sensor 234 outputs infrared image data that can be reproduced as one or more infrared images (e.g., still images, video images, or both) that can be stored in memory device 204. Infrared data from IR sensor 234 can be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters during a sleep session, including the temperature of user 20 and / or the movement of user 20. IR sensor 234 can also be used in conjunction with camera 232 when measuring the presence, position, and / or movement of user 20. For example, IR sensor 234 can detect infrared light having a wavelength between about 700 nm and about 1 mm, while camera 232 can detect visible light having a wavelength between about 380 nm and about 740 nm.

[0083] The PPG sensor 236 outputs the same signal as the user 20 ( Figure 2 ) that can be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, such as, for example, heart rate, heart rate variability, cardiac cycle, respiratory rate, inspiratory amplitude, expiratory amplitude, inspiratory-expiratory ratio, estimated blood pressure parameters, or any combination thereof. PPG sensor 236 can be worn by user 20, embedded in clothing and / or fabric worn by user 20, embedded in user interface 120 and / or its associated headgear (e.g., band, etc.) and / or coupled to the user interface and / or its associated headgear (e.g., band, etc.), etc.

[0084] ECG sensor 238 outputs physiological data associated with the electrical activity of the heart of user 20. In some embodiments, ECG sensor 238 includes one or more electrodes positioned on or around a portion of user 20 during a sleep session. Physiological data from ECG sensor 238 can be used, for example, to determine one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein.

[0085] The EEG sensor 240 outputs physiological data associated with the electrical activity of the brain of the user 20. In some embodiments, the EEG sensor 240 includes one or more electrodes positioned on or around the scalp of the user 20 during a sleep session. The physiological data from the EEG sensor 240 can be used, for example, to determine the sleep state and / or sleep stage of the user 20 at any given time during the sleep session. In some embodiments, the EEG sensor 240 can be integrated into the user interface 120 and / or associated headgear (e.g., a band, etc.).

[0086] Capacitive sensor 242, force sensor 244, and strain gauge sensor 246 output data that can be stored in memory device 204 and used / analyzed by control system 200 to determine, for example, one or more of the sleep-related parameters described herein. EMG sensor 248 outputs physiological data associated with electrical activity generated by one or more muscles. Oxygen sensor 250 outputs oxygen data indicating the oxygen concentration of a gas (e.g., in conduit 140 or at user interface 120). Oxygen sensor 250 can be, for example, an ultrasonic oxygen sensor, an electrical oxygen sensor, a chemical oxygen sensor, an optical oxygen sensor, a pulse oximeter (e.g., SpO 2 sensor) or any combination thereof.

[0087] The analyte sensor 252 can be used to detect the presence of an analyte in the exhaled breath of the user 20. The data output by the analyte sensor 252 can be stored in the memory device 204 and used by the control system 200 to determine the identity and concentration of any analyte in the user's breath. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor 174 is located near the user's mouth to detect analytes in the breath exhaled from the user's mouth. For example, when the user interface 120 is a mask covering the user's nose and mouth, the analyte sensor 252 can be located in the mask to monitor the user's mouth breathing. In other embodiments, such as when the user interface 120 is a nasal mask or a nasal pillow mask, the analyte sensor 252 can be positioned near the user's nose to detect analytes in the breath exhaled through the user's nose. In other embodiments, when the user interface 120 is a nasal mask or a nasal pillow mask, the analyte sensor 252 can be positioned near the user's mouth. In this embodiment, the analyte sensor 252 can be used to detect whether any air leaks unintentionally from the user's mouth and / or the user interface 120. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor 252 is a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor that can be used to detect carbon-based chemicals or compounds. In some embodiments, the analyte sensor 174 can also be used to detect whether the user is breathing through their nose or mouth. For example, if data output by the analyte sensor 252 positioned near the user's mouth or positioned within the mask (e.g., in embodiments where the user interface 120 is a mask) detects the presence of an analyte, the control system 200 can use this data as an indication that the user is breathing through their mouth.

[0088] The humidity sensor 254 outputs data that can be stored in the memory device 204 and used by the control system 200. The humidity sensor 254 can be used to detect humidity in various areas surrounding the user (e.g., within the conduit 140 or the user interface 120, near the user's face, near the connection between the conduit 140 and the user interface 120, near the connection between the conduit 140 and the respiratory therapy device 110, etc.). Therefore, in some embodiments, the humidity sensor 254 can be connected to the user interface 120 or the conduit 140 or integrated in the user interface or in the conduit to monitor the humidity of the pressurized air from the respiratory therapy device 110. In other embodiments, the humidity sensor 254 is placed near any area where the humidity level needs to be monitored. The humidity sensor 254 can also be used to monitor the humidity of the surrounding environment surrounding the user, such as the air in a bedroom.

[0089] Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor 256 can be used for depth sensing. This type of optical sensor (e.g., laser sensor) can be used to detect objects and build a three-dimensional (3D) map of the surrounding environment (e.g., living space). LiDAR can usually use pulsed lasers to measure time of flight. LiDAR is also called 3D laser scanning. In an example using such a sensor, a fixed or mobile device (such as a smart phone) with a LiDAR sensor 256 can measure and map an area extending 5 meters or more from the sensor. For example, LiDAR data can be fused with point cloud data estimated by an electromagnetic RADAR sensor. LiDAR sensor 256 can also use artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically enable the RADAR system to enter a geofence by detecting and classifying features in the space that may cause problems for the RADAR system, such as glass windows (which may be highly reflective to the RADAR). For example, LiDAR can also be used to provide an estimate of a person's height, as well as changes in height when a person sits down or falls. LiDAR can be used to form a 3D grid representation of the environment. In a further application, for solid surfaces through which radio waves pass (e.g., radio-transmissive materials), LiDAR can reflect off such surfaces, allowing classification of different types of obstacles.

[0090] In some embodiments, one or more sensors 210 also include a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor, a blood flow sensor, a respiration sensor, a pulse sensor, a sphygmomanometer sensor, an oximeter sensor, a sonar sensor, a RADAR sensor, a blood glucose sensor, a color sensor, a pH sensor, an air quality sensor, a tilt sensor, a rain sensor, a soil moisture sensor, a water flow sensor, an alcohol sensor, or any combination thereof.

[0091] Although in Figure 110, but any combination of one or more sensors 210 may be integrated into and / or coupled to any one or more of the components of system 100, including respiratory therapy device 110, user interface 120, conduit 140, humidifier 160, control system 200, user device 260, activity tracker 270, or any combination thereof. For example, microphone 220 and speaker 222 may be integrated into and / or coupled to user device 260, and pressure sensor 212 and / or flow sensor 132 may be integrated into and / or coupled to respiratory therapy device 110. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more sensors 210 is not coupled to respiratory therapy device 110, control system 200, or user device 260, and is generally positioned adjacent to user 20 during a sleep session (e.g., positioned on or in contact with a portion of user 20, worn by user 20, coupled to or positioned on a nightstand, coupled to a mattress, coupled to a ceiling, etc.).

[0092] One or more of respiratory therapy device 110, user interface 120, conduit 140, display device 150, and humidifier 160 may include one or more sensors (e.g., a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a microphone, or more generally any of other sensors 210 described herein). These one or more sensors may be used, for example, to measure the air pressure and / or flow of pressurized air supplied by respiratory therapy device 110.

[0093] Data from one or more sensors 210 may be analyzed (e.g., by the control system 200) to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, which may include a respiratory signal, a respiratory rate, a respiratory pattern, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, the occurrence of one or more events, the number of events per hour, an event pattern, a sleep state, an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), or any combination thereof. The one or more events may include snoring, apnea, central apnea, obstructive apnea, mixed apnea, hypopnea, mask leak, cough, restless legs, sleep disorders, choking, increased heart rate, dyspnea, asthma attack, epileptic seizure, increased blood pressure, or any combination thereof. Many of these sleep-related parameters are physiological parameters, although some of the sleep-related parameters may be considered non-physiological parameters. Other types of physiological parameters and non-physiological parameters may also be determined based on data from one or more sensors 210 or based on other types of data.

[0094] User equipment 260 ( Figure 1) includes a display device 262. User device 260 can be, for example, a mobile device such as a smart phone, a tablet, a game console, a smart watch, a laptop, etc. Alternatively, user device 260 can be an external sensing system, a television (e.g., a smart TV) or another smart home device (e.g., a smart speaker, such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, Alexa, etc.). In some embodiments, the user device is a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). Display device 262 is generally used to display images including still images, video images, or both. In some embodiments, display device 262 acts as a human-machine interface (HMI), which includes a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display images and an input interface. Display device 262 can be an LED display, an OLED display, an LCD display, etc. The input interface can be, for example, a touch screen or a touch-sensitive substrate, a mouse, a keyboard, or any sensor system configured to sense input made by a human user interacting with user device 260. In some embodiments, one or more user devices can be used by system 10 and / or included in the system.

[0095] In some embodiments, the system 100 also includes an activity tracker 270. The activity tracker 270 is generally used to help generate physiological data associated with the user. The activity tracker 270 includes one or more of the sensors 210 described herein, such as, for example, a motion sensor 138 (e.g., one or more accelerometers and / or gyroscopes), a PPG sensor 154, and / or an ECG sensor 156. The physiological data from the activity tracker 270 can be used to determine, for example, the number of steps, the distance traveled, the number of steps climbed, the duration of physical activity, the type of physical activity, the intensity of physical activity, the time spent standing, the breathing rate, the average breathing rate, the resting breathing rate, the maximum HE breathing heart rate, the breathing rate variability, the heart rate, the average heart rate, the resting heart rate, the maximum heart rate, the heart rate variability, the number of calories burned, the blood oxygen saturation, the skin electrode activity (also known as skin conductance or skin electrode response) or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the activity tracker 270 is coupled to the user device 260 (e.g., electronically or physically).

[0096] In some embodiments, the activity tracker 270 is a wearable device that can be worn by a user, such as a smart watch, wristband, ring, or patch. Figure 2, activity tracker 270 is worn on the wrist of user 20. Activity tracker 270 may also be coupled to or integrated into a garment or clothing worn by the user. Alternatively, activity tracker 270 may also be coupled to or integrated into user device 260 (e.g., within the same housing). More generally, activity tracker 270 may be communicatively coupled to or physically integrated into control system 200, memory device 204, respiratory therapy system 100, and / or user device 260 (e.g., within a housing).

[0097] In some embodiments, the system 100 also includes a blood pressure device 280. The blood pressure device 280 is generally used to assist in generating cardiovascular data for determining one or more blood pressure measurements associated with the user 20. The blood pressure device 280 may include at least one of the one or more sensors 210 to measure, for example, a systolic blood pressure component and / or a diastolic blood pressure component.

[0098] In some embodiments, blood pressure device 280 is a sphygmomanometer that includes an inflatable cuff and a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 212 described herein) that can be worn by user 20. For example, in Figure 2 In the example of , the blood pressure device 280 can be worn on the upper arm of the user 20. In such embodiments where the blood pressure device 280 is a sphygmomanometer, the blood pressure device 280 also includes a pump (e.g., a manually operated bulb) for inflating the cuff. In some embodiments, the blood pressure device 280 is coupled to the respiratory therapy device 110 of the respiratory therapy system 100, which in turn delivers pressurized air to inflate the cuff. More generally, the blood pressure device 280 can be communicatively coupled to and / or physically integrated into (e.g., within a housing) the control system 200, the memory device 204, the respiratory therapy system 100, the external device 260, and / or the activity tracker 270.

[0099] In other embodiments, the blood pressure device 280 is a mobile blood pressure monitor communicatively coupled to the respiratory therapy system 100. The mobile blood pressure monitor includes a portable recording device attached to a band or belt worn by the user 20 and an inflatable cuff attached to the portable recording device and worn around the arm of the user 20. The dynamic blood pressure monitor is configured to measure blood pressure between about every 15 minutes to about 30 minutes over a 24-hour or 48-hour period. The dynamic blood pressure monitor can simultaneously measure the heart rate of the user 20. These multiple readings are averaged over a 24-hour period. The mobile blood pressure monitor determines any changes in the blood pressure and heart rate of the user 20 measured during the sleep period and the wake period of the user 20, as well as any distribution and / or trend patterns of the blood pressure and heart rate data. The measured data and statistical data can then be transmitted to the respiratory therapy system 100.

[0100] The blood pressure device 280 can be positioned external to the respiratory therapy system 100, coupled directly or indirectly to the user interface 120, coupled directly or indirectly to a headgear associated with the user interface 120, or inflatably coupled to a portion of or around the user 20. The blood pressure device 280 is generally used to help generate physiological data to determine one or more blood pressure measurements associated with the user, such as a systolic blood pressure component and / or a diastolic blood pressure component. In some embodiments, the blood pressure device 280 is a sphygmomanometer that includes an inflatable cuff that can be worn by the user and a pressure sensor (e.g., the pressure sensor 212 described herein).

[0101] In some embodiments, the blood pressure device 280 is an invasive device that can continuously monitor the arterial blood pressure of the user 20 and collect arterial blood samples as needed to analyze the gas of the arterial blood. In some other embodiments, the blood pressure device 280 is a continuous blood pressure monitor that uses a radio frequency sensor and can measure the blood pressure of the user 20 only once every few seconds (e.g., every 3 seconds, every 5 seconds, every 7 seconds, etc.). The radio frequency sensor can use continuous wave, frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW with ramp linear frequency modulation, triangle, sine wave), other schemes such as PSK, FSK, etc., pulse continuous wave, and / or extension in ultra-wideband range (which can include extension, PRN code or pulse system).

[0102] Although the control system 200 and the memory device 204 are Figure 1 100, but in some embodiments, the control system 200 and / or the memory device 204 are integrated into the user device 260 and / or the respiratory therapy device 110. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control system 200 or a portion thereof (e.g., the processor 202) can be located in the cloud (e.g., integrated in a server, integrated in an Internet of Things (IoT) device, connected to the cloud, subject to edge cloud processing, etc.), located in one or more servers (e.g., remote servers, local servers, etc., or any combination thereof).

[0103] Although system 100 is shown as including all of the above components, more or fewer components may be included in systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a first alternative system includes control system 200, memory device 204, and at least one of one or more sensors 210, and does not include respiratory therapy system 100. As another example, a second alternative system includes control system 200, memory device 204, at least one of one or more sensors 210, and user device 260. As yet another example, a third alternative system includes control system 200, memory device 204, respiratory therapy system 100, at least one of one or more sensors 210, and user device 260. Thus, any portion or portions of the components shown and described herein and / or combined with one or more other components may be used to form various systems.

[0104] As used herein, a sleep session may be defined in a variety of ways. For example, a sleep session may be defined by an initial start time and an end time. In some embodiments, a sleep session is a duration of time that a user sleeps, i.e., a sleep session has a start time and an end time, and during the sleep session, the user does not wake up until the end time. That is, any period of time that the user is awake is not included in a sleep session. According to this first definition of a sleep session, if a user wakes up and falls asleep multiple times in the same night, each sleep interval separated by the wake-up interval is a sleep session.

[0105] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a sleep session has a start time and an end time, and during a sleep session, the user can be awake without the sleep session ending as long as the continuous duration of the user being awake is below an awake duration threshold. The wake duration threshold can be defined as a percentage of the sleep session. The wake duration threshold can be, for example, about 20 percent of the sleep session, about 15 percent of the sleep session duration, about 10 percent of the sleep session duration, about 5 percent of the sleep session duration, about 2 percent of the sleep session duration, etc., or any other threshold percentage. In some embodiments, the wake duration threshold is defined as a fixed amount of time, such as about one hour, about thirty minutes, about fifteen minutes, about ten minutes, about five minutes, about two minutes, etc., or any other amount of time.

[0106] In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as the entire time between the time the user first goes to bed in the evening and the time the user last gets up the next morning. In other words, a sleep session can be defined as a period of time that starts on a first date (e.g., Monday, January 6, 2020) at a first time (e.g., 10:00 PM) when the user first goes to bed and wants to fall asleep (e.g., if the user does not plan to watch TV or use a smartphone before falling asleep, this is not the case), and ends on a second date (e.g., Tuesday, January 7, 2020) at a second time (e.g., 7:00 AM) when the user first gets out of bed and does not want to go to sleep the next morning.

[0107] In some embodiments, a user can manually define the start of a sleep session and / or manually terminate a sleep session. For example, a user can select (e.g., by clicking or tapping) a sleep session on user device 260 ( Figure 1 ) to manually initiate or terminate a sleep session by displaying one or more user-selectable elements displayed on display device 262 of the device.

[0108] Generally, a sleep session includes any point in time after the user 20 has been lying or sitting in the bed 40 (or another area or object where they intend to sleep), and has turned on the respiratory therapy device 110 and put on the user interface 120. A sleep session may therefore include the following time periods: (i) when the user 20 is using the respiratory therapy system 100, but before the user 20 attempts to fall asleep (e.g., when the user 20 is lying in the bed 40 reading a book); (ii) when the user 20 begins to try to fall asleep but is still awake; (iii) when the user 20 is in light sleep (also known as stage 1 and stage 2 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep); (iv) when the user 20 is in deep sleep (also known as slow wave sleep SWS or stage 3 of NREM sleep); (v) when the user 20 is in rapid eye movement (REM sleep); (vi) when the user 20 is awake periodically between light sleep, deep sleep, or REM sleep; or (vii) when the user 20 wakes up and does not fall back asleep.

[0109] A sleep session is generally defined as ending once user 20 removes user interface 120, turns off respiratory therapy device 110, and leaves bed 40. In some embodiments, a sleep session may include additional time periods, or may be limited to only some of the above time periods. For example, a sleep session may be defined as a time period that begins when respiratory therapy device 110 begins supplying pressurized air to the airway or user 20, ends when respiratory therapy device 110 stops supplying pressurized air to the airway of user 20, and includes some or all time points in between when user 20 falls asleep or wakes up.

[0110] refer to Figure 7 Timeline 700 in the figure, bed entry time t 床 The user initially enters the bed (e.g., before falling asleep) (e.g., when the user lies down or sits in bed) Figure 2 The bed time tbed may be identified based on the bed threshold duration to distinguish between the time when the user goes to bed to sleep and the time when the user goes to bed for other reasons (e.g., watching TV). For example, the bed threshold duration may be at least about 10 minutes, at least about 20 minutes, at least about 30 minutes, at least about 45 minutes, at least about 1 hour, at least about 2 hours, etc. Although the bed time tbed is described herein with reference to the bed, 床 , but more generally, the bed entry time tbed may refer to the time when a user initially enters any position to sleep (eg, a couch, chair, sleeping bag, etc.).

[0111] Going to sleep time (GTS) and the time it takes for the user to enter the bed (t 床 ) is associated with the time of an initial attempt to fall asleep after falling asleep. For example, after getting into bed, the user may engage in one or more activities to cool down before attempting sleep (e.g., reading, watching television, listening to music, using user device 260, etc.). The initial sleep time (t 睡眠 ) is the time when the user initially falls asleep. For example, the initial sleep time (t 睡眠 ) may be the time when the user initially enters the first non-REM sleep stage.

[0112] Wake-up time t 唤醒 The time associated with a user waking up without returning to sleep (e.g., as opposed to a user waking up and returning to sleep during the night). A user may experience multiple involuntary micro-awakenings (e.g., micro-awakening MAs) of short duration (e.g., 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.) after initially falling asleep. 1 and MA 2 ) and the wake-up time t 唤醒 Instead, the user wakes up the MA in a micro 1 and MA 2 Similarly, the user may have one or more conscious awakenings (e.g., awakening A) after initially falling asleep (e.g., getting up to go to the bathroom, taking care of a child or pet, sleep walking, etc.). However, the user returns to sleep after awakening A. Therefore, the awakening time t can be defined, for example, based on an awakening threshold duration (e.g., the user is awake for at least 15 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, etc.). 唤醒 .

[0113] Similarly, the wake-up time t 起身is associated with the time when the user wakes up and gets up to end a sleep session (e.g., as opposed to the user getting up during the night to go to the bathroom, take care of a child or pet, sleep walk, etc.). In other words, the wake-up time t 起身 is the time when the user last got up and did not return to bed until the next sleep session (e.g., the next night). Thus, the wake-up time t may be defined, for example, based on a rising threshold duration (e.g., the user has been up for at least 15 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 1 hour, etc.). 起身 The bed time t of the second subsequent sleep session may also be defined based on a rising threshold duration (eg, the user has been up for at least 4 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 12 hours, etc.). 床 time.

[0114] As mentioned above, at the initial t bed and the final t 起身 During the night between t and t, the user may wake up and get up more than once. In some embodiments, the final wake-up time t 唤醒 and / or final wake-up time t 起身 The threshold duration may be customized for the user. For a typical user who goes to bed at night and then wakes up and leaves the bed in the morning, any period between about 12 and about 18 hours (after the user wakes up (t 唤醒 ) or get up (t 起身 ) and when the user goes to bed (t 床 )、fall asleep(t GTS ) or fall asleep (t 睡眠 ). For users who spend longer periods of time in bed, a shorter threshold period (e.g., between about 8 hours and about 14 hours) may be used. The threshold period may be initially selected and / or later adjusted based on the system monitoring the user's sleep behavior.

[0115] Total time in bed (TIB) is the time to bed 床 and wake-up time 起身 Total sleep time (TST) is associated with the duration between the initial sleep time and the wake time, excluding any conscious or unconscious arousals and / or micro-awakenings in between. Typically, total sleep time (TST) will be shorter than total time in bed (TIB) (e.g., one minute shorter, ten minutes shorter, one hour shorter, etc.). For example, refer to Figure 7 The timeline 700 of the total sleep time (TST) spans the initial sleep time t 睡眠 and wake-up time t 唤醒 Between, but not including, the first micro wake-up MA 1 , the second micro wake-up MA 2and the duration of wake-up A. As shown, in this example, the total sleep time (TST) is shorter than the total time in bed (TIB).

[0116] In some embodiments, the total sleep time (TST) can be defined as the total continuous sleep time (PTST). In these embodiments, the total continuous sleep time does not include a predetermined initial portion or period of the first non-REM stage (e.g., a light sleep stage). For example, the predetermined initial portion can be between about 30 seconds and about 20 minutes, between about 1 minute and about 10 minutes, between about 3 minutes and about 5 minutes, etc. The total continuous sleep time is a measure of continuous sleep and smoothes the sleep-wake sleep graph. For example, when a user initially falls asleep, the user can be in the first non-REM stage for a short time (e.g., about 30 seconds), then return to the wake stage for a short time (e.g., one minute), and then return to the first non-REM stage. In this example, the total continuous sleep time does not include the first example of the first non-REM stage (e.g., about 30 seconds).

[0117] In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as a sleep period between bedtime (t 床 ) and start at the wake-up time (t 起身 ) ends, i.e., a sleep session is defined as total time in bed (TIB). In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as the total time in bed (TIB) after the initial sleep time (t 睡眠 ) starts and starts at the wake-up time (t 唤醒 ) ends. In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as total sleep time (TST). In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as the total sleep time (TST) between the time of falling asleep (t GTS ) starts and starts at the wake-up time (t 唤醒 ) ends. In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as the time at which sleep begins (t GTS ) and start at the wake-up time (t 起身 ) ends. In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as the time at which a person goes to bed (t 床 ) and ends at the wake time (twake). In some embodiments, a sleep session is defined as a sleep session that begins at the initial sleep time (t 睡眠 ) and start at the wake-up time (t 起身 )Finish.

[0118] refer to Figure 8 , illustrating a timeline 700 ( Figure 7). As shown, the hypnogram 800 includes a sleep-wake signal 801, a wake stage axis 810, a REM stage axis 820, a light sleep stage axis 830, and a deep sleep stage axis 840. The intersection between the sleep-wake signal 801 and one of the axes 810-840 indicates the sleep stage at a given time during a sleep session.

[0119] The sleep-wake signal 801 can be generated based on physiological data associated with the user (e.g., generated by one or more of the sensors 210 described herein). The sleep-wake signal can indicate one or more sleep states, including wakefulness, relaxed wakefulness, micro-awakening, REM stage, first non-REM stage, second non-REM stage, third non-REM stage, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the first non-REM stage, the second non-REM stage, and the third non-REM stage can be grouped together and classified as a light sleep stage or a deep sleep stage. For example, the light sleep stage may include the first non-REM stage, while the deep sleep stage may include the second non-REM stage and the third non-REM stage. Although the sleep graph 800 is Figure 8 800 as including a light sleep stage axis 830 and a deep sleep stage axis 840, but in some embodiments, the hypnogram 800 may include an axis for each of the first non-REM stage, the second non-REM stage, and the third non-REM stage. In other embodiments, the sleep-wake signal may also indicate a breathing signal, a breathing rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, a pattern of events, or any combination thereof. Information describing the sleep-wake signal may be stored in the memory device 204.

[0120] The hypnogram 800 may be used to determine one or more sleep-related parameters, such as, for example, sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep segmentation index, sleep blocks, or any combination thereof.

[0121] Sleep onset latency (SOL) was defined as the time to sleep onset (t GTS ) and initial sleep time (t 睡眠). In other words, the sleep start wait time represents the time it takes for the user to actually fall asleep after the initial attempt to fall asleep. In some embodiments, the sleep start wait time is defined as the continuous sleep start wait time (PSOL). The difference between the continuous sleep start wait time and the sleep start wait time is that the continuous sleep start wait time is defined as the duration between the time of entering sleep and the predetermined amount of continuous sleep. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep may include, for example, sleeping for at least 10 minutes in the second non-REM stage, the third non-REM stage, and / or the REM stage, and waking up for no more than 2 minutes, the first non-REM stage, and / or the movement therebetween. In other words, the continuous sleep start wait time requires continuous sleep for up to, for example, 8 minutes in the second non-REM stage, the third non-REM stage, and / or the REM stage. In other embodiments, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep may include at least 10 minutes of sleep in the first non-REM stage, the second non-REM stage, the third non-REM stage, and / or the REM stage after the initial sleep time. In such embodiments, the predetermined amount of continuous sleep may exclude any micro-awakening (e.g., a ten-second micro-awakening does not restart a 10-minute period).

[0122] Wake after sleep onset (WASO) is associated with the total duration that the user was awake between the initial sleep time and the wake time. Thus, wake after sleep onset includes both brief awakenings and micro-awakenings during a sleep session (e.g., Figure 7 The micro wake-up MA shown 1 and MA 2 In some embodiments, a wake-after-sleep onset (WASO) is defined as a persistent wake-after-sleep onset (PWASO) that includes only wake-after-sleep onsets (PWASOs) with a total duration of arousals of a predetermined length (e.g., greater than 10 seconds, greater than 30 seconds, greater than 60 seconds, greater than about 5 minutes, greater than about 10 minutes, etc.).

[0123] Sleep efficiency (SE) is determined as the ratio of total time in bed (TIB) to total sleep time (TST). For example, if the total time in bed is 8 hours and the total sleep time is 7.5 hours, the sleep efficiency of the sleep session is 93.75%. Sleep efficiency indicates the sleep hygiene of the user. For example, if the user goes to bed before going to bed and spends time engaged in other activities (e.g., watching TV), the sleep efficiency will be reduced (e.g., the user is punished). In some embodiments, the sleep efficiency (SE) can be calculated based on the total time in bed (TIB) and the total time the user attempts to sleep. In such embodiments, the total time the user attempts to sleep is defined as the duration between the time to go to sleep (GTS) and the time to get up described herein. For example, if the total sleep time is 8 hours (e.g., between 11PM and 7AM), the time to go to sleep is 10:45PM, and the time to get up is 7:15AM, then in such embodiments, the sleep efficiency parameter is calculated to be approximately 94%.

[0124] The segment index is determined based at least in part on the number of awakenings during the sleep session. For example, if a user has two micro-awakenings (e.g., Figure 7 The micro wake-up MA shown in 1 and micro wakeup MA 2 ), then the segment index can be expressed as 2. In some embodiments, the segment index is scaled between a predetermined range of integers (eg, between 0 and 10).

[0125] A sleep block is associated with a transition between any sleep stage (eg, first non-REM stage, second non-REM stage, third non-REM stage, and / or REM) and a wakeful stage. A sleep block may be calculated at a resolution of, for example, 30 seconds.

[0126] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may include generating or analyzing a hypnogram including a sleep-wake signal to determine or identify a bed entry time (t 床 ), sleep time (t GTS )、initial sleep time (t 睡眠 ), one or more first micro wake-ups (eg, MA 1 and MA 2 )、Wake-up time(t 唤醒 ), wake-up time (t 起身 ) or any combination thereof.

[0127] In other embodiments, one or more of the sensors 210 may be used to determine or identify a bed entry time (t 床 ), sleep time (t GTS )、initial sleep time (t睡眠 ), one or more first micro wake-ups (e.g., MA 1 and MA 2 ), wake-up time (t 唤醒 ), getting up time (t 起身 ) or any combination thereof. For example, the bed entry time t may be determined based on data generated, for example, by the motion sensor 218, the microphone 220, the camera 232, or any combination thereof. 床 The time to go to sleep may be determined based on, for example, data from motion sensor 218 (e.g., data indicating that the user is not moving), data from camera 232 (e.g., data indicating that the user is not moving and / or the user has turned off the lights), data from microphone 220 (e.g., data indicating that the user has turned off the TV), data from user device 260 (e.g., data indicating that the user is no longer using user device 260), data from pressure sensor 212 and / or flow sensor 214 (e.g., data indicating that the user has turned on respiratory therapy device 110, data indicating that the user has put on user interface 120, etc.), or any combination thereof.

[0128] Although Figures 1 to 8 The discussion of sleep scoring and respiratory therapy devices provides details, but Figures 9 to Fig.14 The discussion of provides additional details regarding systems and methods for matching users with user groups based on the users' sleep information and / or personal information.

[0129] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B A user device 902 is depicted presenting a personal homepage of a user 906 of a sleep community application according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The user device 902 presents the personal homepage of the user 906 via a graphical user interface 904 of the user device 902. The user device 902 may be of any suitable type, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a respiratory therapy device, a sleep enhancement or therapy device, and the like.

[0130] exist Fig. 9A , the user device 902 presents a personal homepage of the sleep community application. On the homepage, the first user 906 is able to view, for example, the first user 906's own personal information 908 and sleep information 910. According to some embodiments, the homepage may also include access to a list of user groups 912 of which the first user 906 is a member, customized recommendations 914 based on the first user 906's sleep / personal information, and challenges 916 that can help improve the first user's sleep habits and sleep health. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10BAs described in more detail, the expansion of the group list tab 912 allows the user to view the groups of which the user is a member. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C As described in more detail, the expansion of the recommendations tab 914 allows the user to view a list of recommended groups, challenges, other users, and appropriate media content (e.g., videos, podcasts, articles, etc.) based on the first user's sleep information and / or personal information. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12C Described in more detail, the expansion of the Challenges tab 916 allows the user to select various engaging challenges related to sleep therapy or breathing therapy.

[0131] exist Fig. 9B , the tabs including personal information 908 and sleep information 910 of the first user are expanded to show examples of some personal information and sleep information that can be collected. The sleep community application typically matches the first user 906 to a user group based on the sleep information 910. For example, the sleep information may include a sleep diagnosis (e.g., insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnia, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, sleep apnea, etc.), a sleep schedule, sleep duration, restlessness, severity of sleep disorders, user device use, use of a type of sleep enhancement device (e.g., a sleep enhancement headgear), etc. In some embodiments, the sleep information may also include respiratory information. The respiratory information may include any suitable category. For example, the respiratory information may include the use of a respiratory therapy system, the type of respiratory therapy device, the duration of respiratory therapy use (e.g., how many hours a user uses their respiratory therapy system per night), the length of time of respiratory therapy use (e.g., the time period for which the user has used their respiratory therapy system, such as days, months, and / or years), a sleep schedule, sleep duration, a medical condition, an apnea-hypopnea index, a sleep score, etc. The respiratory therapy device can be of any suitable type, such as a positive airway pressure (PAP) device or a non-PAP alternative therapy device (e.g., a mandibular advancement appliance, a positional therapy device, an oral muscle training tool, etc.). According to some embodiments, the application is able to match the first user 906 to a user group based on the personal information 908 of the first user 906. According to some other embodiments, the user group or user group search based on the sleep information 910 of the first user 906 can be further refined and / or customized based on one or more features of the personal information 908 from the first user 906. The personal information 908 can include any suitable categories. For example, the personal information can include age, gender identity, gender, sexual orientation, location, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, preferences, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoker, alcohol use, diet), etc.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first user 906 is able to input, remove and / or modify personal information 906 and sleep information 908 associated with the first user 906 via the application (e.g., via one or more views of the graphical user interface 904). In addition to the first user 906 providing information (e.g., sleep information, respiratory information, and personal information), in some embodiments, some or all of the information may be provided to the first user 906 automatically and possibly after approval by the first user. For example, an external device may provide the information to the application. The external device may be any device that includes information about the user (by user input or inference). For example, the external device may include a user device 902, a sleep enhancement device, a respiratory therapy device (e.g., a positive air pressure machine), an accessible device, a wearable monitoring device, an audible device, a calendar, etc.

[0133] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A user device 1002 is depicted presenting a list of user groups of which a first user 1006 is a member and a login page for one of the user groups, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 10A A home page of a first user 1006 centered on a list of user groups 1012 is shown, wherein the first user is a member of the user group. According to some embodiments, the first user 1006 may be automatically assigned to some or all of the user groups 1012 based on the sleep information and / or personal information entered by the first user 1006. Additionally or alternatively, the application may recommend a user group and present the first user 1006 with a choice of whether to join the recommended user group. For example, the application may display a toggle button 1014 next to the user group 1012. The first user 1006 may select the toggle button 1014 to join the user group 1012, or deselect the toggle button 1014 to disassociate from the user group. According to some embodiments, the application may also have the option of creating a new user group based on features present in the sleep information or personal information of the first user 1006. For example, in response to the application determining that the sleep information or personal information of the first user 1006 does not match any previously existing user group, the application may automatically define and generate a new user group based on features found in the sleep information or personal information of the first user 1006. Alternatively, the application may simultaneously identify one or more features from the sleep information or personal information of the first user 1006, and automatically generate one or more new user groups based on the one or more features. Additionally or alternatively, the application may display an option button 1016 in the graphical user interface 1004 for the first user 1006 to freely create a new group. When the option button 1016 is selected, the application may prompt the first user 1006 to identify one or more features from his / her sleep information or personal information to establish a new group.

[0134] Next, in response to identifying one or more features found in the sleep information or personal information of the first user 1006, the application can automatically guide the first user 1006 to one or more newly created user groups, or prompt the first user 1006 to join any new user groups. The application can also perform a database search for other users with the same features in their personal information or sleep information. According to some embodiments, the application can automatically guide other users with the same features to one or more new user groups. Alternatively, the application can cause a notification to be sent to other users to prompt them to join one or more new user groups.

[0135] Fig. 10BA user interface presenting a login page for a user group of which a first user 1006 is a member is depicted. For example, a user group may focus on users with insomnia based on the user's sleep information (e.g., inferred based on their sleep information, self-identified by the user, etc.). The sleep information may be obtained by voluntary identification of the user or by automatic identification via an external device or monitoring device, such as a sleep enhancement system or a respiratory therapy system, which detects the user as someone who sleeps chronically for a specific amount of time each night. A key function of the group login page is to provide a place for users who are coping with or interested in specific sleep-related issues to find support and social networks among other similarly positioned users. Through group discussions and / or other participatory activities (e.g., group challenges), users are encouraged to adopt or continue sleep therapies that can improve their sleep health over time. According to some embodiments, the login page may include a user group name 1018. The login page may also include a list 1020 of users who are members of the user group based on the fact that they have characteristics associated with the user group (e.g., having insomnia). The login page may also include a compilation of useful information 1022, which is organized for the user group based on the common characteristics of the group (e.g., insomnia). For example, the compilation of useful information 1022 for the user group related to insomnia may include a list of suitable media content about medical knowledge about insomnia (e.g., a list of articles, podcasts, or videos, etc.), a website of an insomnia support group, sleep therapy products for treating insomnia, etc. In addition, the login page may include a group chat room 1024. For example, the group chat 1024 feature may include an option to allow the first user 1006 to enter a one-to-one chat room with another user or a one-to-many discussion board with multiple other users of the user group. In addition, the login page may include a list of group challenges 1026 in which users can participate with each other. For example, the group challenge 1026 feature may include a list of recommended games (i.e., challenges) related to the common characteristics of the user group. With respect to the user group related to insomnia, the recommended challenge list may include challenges for the first user 1006 to follow a set sleep schedule, maintain a minimum daily exercise regimen, limit caffeinated beverage intake for a certain number of days, etc. Reference FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C The challenging features of the present disclosure are described in further detail.

[0136] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C A user device is depicted that presents recommendations to a first user 1106 based on sleep information and / or personal information of the first user 1106 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to some examples, the recommendation list 1114 may include sub-lists of recommendations for groups, suitable media content (e.g., articles, podcasts, videos, etc.), challenges, and connections with other users (e.g., recommended friends). Fig.11A The home page of the first user 1106 is shown. More specifically, Fig.11AA sub-list of recommended user groups 1116 based on the sleep information and / or personal information of the first user 1106 is highlighted. According to some embodiments, the recommendations may also be based on other sources, such as the first user 1106's performance in a challenge or a recommendation from a second user (e.g., a member of the same user group, a friend user, etc.). According to some embodiments, the recommendation list 1114 also includes one or more buttons 1118 that enable the first user 1106 to join one or more recommended user groups.

[0137] Fig. 11B 1106 based on the sleep information and / or personal information of the first user 1106. For example, the recommended media content may include links to in-application or external items, podcasts, or videos related to medical and therapeutic sleep conditions that the first user 1106 has based on his / her sleep information. Fig. 11B In the example of , if the first user 1106 enters sleep apnea into his / her sleep information, the list of recommended media content may show one or more articles, podcasts, or videos related to sleep apnea. According to some embodiments, a piece of media content may be identified as being related to one or more sleep organizations based on tags that may be solidified by a person (e.g., a user or system administrator) or by an algorithm (e.g., a keyword search algorithm).

[0138] Fig. 11C A further continuation of the recommendation list 1114 is described. According to some embodiments, the recommendation list 1114 may also include a sub-list of one or more recommended connections with other users based on the commonalities between the first user 1106 and the other users. For example, the application may determine that users 1106 and 1128 have one or more commonalities with each other based on the sleep information and / or personal information of the first user 1106 and the second user 1128. According to some embodiments, the application may recommend that the first user 1106 connect with the second user 1128 (e.g., add the second user 1128 as a friend). According to some embodiments, the application may include a commonality indicator next to each recommended user. For example, the commonality indicator 1130 may be expressed as a percentage of information (e.g., sleep information, search criteria, breathing information, personal information, etc.) that is common between the first user 1106 and the second user 1128.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the recommendation list 1114 may also include a sublist having one or more recommended engaging challenges 1124 that are recommended to the first user 1106 based on his / her sleep information and / or personal information. For example, the engaging challenges 1124 may include gamification of activities that encourage the first user 1106 to participate in sleep therapy, which helps with sleep issues experienced by the first user 1106. For example, the engaging challenges 1124 may include activities that help the first user 1106 adhere to a respiratory therapy. FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C The challenging features of the present disclosure are described in further detail.

[0140] According to some embodiments, the recommendation list 1114 may also include a sub-list that recommends one or more forums 1132 (e.g., chat rooms or links to messaging websites) 1106 based on the first user's sleep information and / or personal information. The recommended forums 1132 provide the first user 1106 with a place to discuss his / her sleep therapy and sleep-related issues with other users experiencing similar issues. According to some embodiments, the recommended forums include an in-app chat room for a user community of the application (as previously described with respect to Fig. 10B Additionally or alternatively, the recommended forum 1132 may also include links to third-party discussion boards that have been marked (by a user, system administrator, or keyword search algorithm) as relevant to the issues that the first user 1106 has identified in his / her sleep information or breathing information.

[0141] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C A user device 1202 is depicted presenting an engaging challenge in which a first user 1206 can participate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Typically, the challenge is an engaging activity related to sleep therapy (e.g., sleeping a certain length of time per day, going to bed a certain time per day, a number of consecutive days that the user uses a respiratory therapy system, etc.). By converting sleep therapy into an entertaining game and involving participation by other similarly situated peers, users receiving sleep therapy are motivated to continue their sleep therapy sessions.

[0142] Fig. 12AA challenge page 1216 is shown, where the first user 1206 has the option to participate in one or more challenges. According to some embodiments, the challenge page 1216 may include a selection of different types of challenges. According to some embodiments, the application may include one or more personal challenges 1218 undertaken solely by the first user 1206. For example, the goal of the first challenge may be that the first user 1206 must increase the use of a respiratory therapy system (e.g., a positive airway pressure system) by a threshold number of hours. As another example, the goal of the second challenge may be that the first user must adopt a certain habit or behavior change that improves sleep health (e.g., go to bed at a certain time, maintain a daily exercise regimen, limit the number of caffeinated beverages per day, or avoid food intake after a certain time). According to some embodiments, the change in the behavior of the first user 1206 may be measured by comparing an initial user score calculated at the beginning of the challenge with a final user score calculated at the end of the challenge. The performance of the first user 1206 may be compared to a static threshold (e.g., a fixed score or achievement, the duration of respiratory therapy use over a period of time, etc.) or a dynamic threshold (e.g., the past performance of the first user 1206, the average performance of the user community, etc.).

[0143] The application may also include a group challenge 1220 undertaken by the first user 1206 and at least one other user (e.g., a friend user of which the first user 1206 is a member or a second user from a user group). When the challenge is a collaborative type, the score of the first user 1206 may be aggregated with the scores of the other participating users to determine whether the aggregate score exceeds a certain threshold. For example, a goal of a collaborative group challenge involving the first user 1206 and the second user may be that both users must wear a respiratory therapy system for at least 7 hours per night on average for 14 consecutive days.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the application may also include a competitive challenge 1222. The competitive challenge 1222 may involve the first user 1206 competing with one or more other individual users. For example, the competitive challenge may be between the first user 1206 and a second user, where the users compete with each other for the highest sleep score over the course of a week. Alternatively, the competitive challenge may also be of a group-to-group type, where the first user 1206 collaborates with one or more users of the same user group to compete with users of another user group. For example, a user group of which the first user 1206 is a member may compete with another user group for the highest total or average number of hours of sleep per night. According to some embodiments, the challenge page 1216 may also include one or more buttons 1206 for accessing the first user's score 1224 and the reward 1226 received by the first user. The score feature 1224 and the reward feature 1226 are relative to Fig. 12B is described in more detail.

[0145] Fig. 12BA user device 1202 is depicted presenting a rating / ranking page, wherein a rating 1230 of a first user 1206 is compared to ratings of one or more other users (e.g., a second user, a second group of users, etc.). According to some embodiments, the rating 1230 may be an index calculated from sleep information associated with the first user 1206 according to a metric. For example, the user rating may be based on one or more measured or tracked parameters derived from sleep information or respiratory information collected by one or more of an external device, a sleep enhancement system, and a respiratory therapy system, such as an abstract index calculated based on a metric (e.g., sleep rating), a counter (e.g., number of challenges completed, number of times the first user 1206 performs an application-recommended task, frequency of use of the respiratory therapy system by the first user 1206), or a timer / timestamp (e.g., duration of use of respiratory therapy on a CPAP system or time the first user performs physical activity), etc. According to some embodiments, the ratings of the users may be sorted and displayed in a ranking format. According to some embodiments, the rating / ranking page may also include a button 1232 that allows the rating 1230 and / or ranking of the first user 1206 to be shared with one or more user devices of one or more second users 1228 (e.g., friend users, users belonging to the same user group, etc.).

[0146] Fig. 12C A graphical user interface 1204 presenting a rewards page is depicted, wherein rewards received by a first user 1206 and the first user's achievements are presented. According to some embodiments, when the first user 1206 completes a challenge or wins a challenge for one or more other users, the application presents the reward to the first user 1206 via the user device 1202. For example, the reward may include one or more digital icons (e.g., digital badges 1236) indicating the first user's achievements (e.g., continuous use of the respiratory therapy system for two months, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, if the first user 1206 reaches the goal, the first user may receive a certain number of points from the redeemable rewards list 1234 that can be used to redeem a gift. For example, the redeemable rewards may include monetary rewards, consumer items, respiratory therapy supplies, memberships, services, or charitable donations from third parties to a designated account. According to some embodiments, if the first user 1206 does not successfully achieve the challenge (e.g., the first user 1206's score is below a threshold score for achieving the challenge), the application may present recommendations to the user via the user device 1202 to help the first user 1206 improve future performance. For example, the application may recommend one or more pieces of sleep health media content (eg, articles, podcasts, videos, etc.) that are relevant to the type of sleep therapy challenge that the first user 1206 has failed to achieve.

[0147] Fig.13 1 is a block diagram of a system 1300 for assigning users to groups based on sleep information and / or personal information of the users according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. System 1300 includes a control system 1302, a network 1308, and a user device 1310. In one embodiment, user device 1310 is communicatively coupled to control system 1302 via network 1308. Network 1308 can be of any suitable type (e.g., a local area network and / or a wide area network, such as the Internet). Thus, network 1308 can include wired links and / or wireless links. Although control system 1302 is depicted as a separate device, in some embodiments, the control system can reside on user device 1310. In such embodiments, user device 1310 may not need to be connected to network 1308 or send data via the network.

[0148] The control system 1302 may include a fixed-purpose hardwired hardware platform (including, but not limited to, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (which is a custom integrated circuit designed for a specific purpose rather than intended for general use), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.), or may include a partially or fully programmable hardware platform (including, but not limited to, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, etc.). These architectural choices for such structures are well known and understood in the art and do not require further description here. The control system 1302 is configured to perform one or more of the steps, actions, and / or functions described herein (e.g., by using corresponding programming well known to those skilled in the art).

[0149] By one optional approach, the control system 1302 is operably coupled to a memory. The memory may be integrated into the control system 1302, or may be physically separate (in whole or in part) from the control system 1302 as desired. The memory may also be local to the control system 1302 (where, for example, the two share a common circuit board, chassis, power supply, and / or housing), or may be partially or fully remote to the control system 1302 (where, for example, the memory is physically located in another facility, metropolitan area, or even country compared to the control system 1302).

[0150] The memory may be used, for example, to non-transitory store computer instructions that, when executed by the control system 1302, cause the control system 1302 to operate as described herein. As used herein, such references to "non-transitory" will be understood to refer to the non-transitory state of the stored contents (and thus excluding the case where the stored contents merely constitute a signal or wave), rather than the volatility of the storage medium itself, and thus include non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM)) as well as volatile memory (such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)).

[0151] The control system 1302 generally determines matches for users based on sleep information. For example, the control system 1302 may receive sleep information for users and determine matches based on the sleep information. The control system 1302 determines matches between users based on the sleep information and sends notifications based on the matches.

[0152] The user device 1310 generally provides sleep information and presents the user interface of the application to the user. Therefore, the user device 1310 can be of any suitable type. For example, the user device can be a smart phone, a smart watch, a laptop or desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a car infotainment system, a smart mirror, a television, a respiratory therapy device, a sleep enhancement or treatment device, etc. In some embodiments, the user device 1310 includes an image capture device 1312, a display device 1314, a user input device 1316, and a communication radio device 1318. The image capture device 1312 can be of any suitable type (e.g., a digital camera) and is configured to capture still images and / or video images. The display device 1314 can be of any suitable type (e.g., an LED display, an LCD, etc.) and is configured to present information (e.g., instructions, a graphical user interface (GUI), images, etc.) to the user. The user input device 1316 can be of any suitable type (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch screen, a joystick, a touch pad, a microphone, etc.) and is configured to receive user input from the user. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the display device 1314 and the user input device 1316 may be combined into a single device, such as a touch screen. The communication radio 1318 may be of any suitable type (e.g., a near field communication (NFC) radio, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) radio, a Wi-Fi radio, etc.) and is configured to send data from and receive data for the user device 1310.

[0153] Fig.14 is a flow diagram depicting example operations for assigning users to groups based on their sleep information and / or personal information. The flow begins at block 1402 .

[0154] At box 1402, sleep information associated with multiple users is stored. For example, a database may store sleep information. In some embodiments, at least some of the multiple users share a first common feature with each other. For example, the first common feature may include any type of sleep information, which may include sleep diagnosis (e.g., insomnia, restless legs syndrome, parasomnia, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder, sleep apnea, etc.), sleep schedule, sleep duration, restlessness, severity of sleep disorder, user device use, use of a type of sleep enhancement device (e.g., sleep enhancement headband), etc. In some embodiments, the sleep information may also include respiratory information. The respiratory information may include any suitable category. For example, the respiratory information may include the use of a respiratory therapy system, the type of respiratory therapy device, the duration of respiratory therapy use (e.g., how many hours a user uses their respiratory therapy system each night), the length of time for respiratory therapy use (e.g., the time period for which the user has used their respiratory therapy system, such as days, months, and / or years), sleep schedule, sleep duration, medical conditions, apnea hypopnea index, sleep score, etc. According to some embodiments, the respiratory information includes data measured by a respiratory therapy system (e.g., a positive air pressure machine, a wearable monitoring device, an accessible device, a breathable device, or a combination thereof, etc.). According to some embodiments, the database also stores personal information of multiple users. The personal information may include any suitable category. For example, the personal information may include age, gender identity, gender, sexual orientation, location, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, preferences, lifestyle choices (e.g., smoker, alcohol use, diet), etc. The process continues at box 1404.

[0155] At box 1404, a first user group is defined based on a first common characteristic. For example, the control system may define a first user group based on the first common characteristic. The first user group may include, for example, a first user subset selected from a plurality of users. The first user subsets each have a first common characteristic. According to some embodiments, having the first common characteristic also includes users who have indicated an interest in the first common characteristic. For example, a user with the first common characteristic may be a person who is undergoing respiratory therapy or a person who has indicated an interest in learning more about respiratory therapy. The first common characteristic may be checked by the control system based on sleep information of a plurality of users already stored in a database. In some embodiments, some or all of the user subsets of the first user subset may be automatically assigned to the first user group by the control system. In some embodiments, some or all of the user subsets of the first user subset may be sent a notification to their respective user devices, inviting them to join the first user group. The process continues at box 1406.

[0156] At block 1406, sleep information is received from the first user. For example, the control circuitry may receive sleep information associated with the first user. The control circuitry may receive the sleep information from any suitable source (e.g., a user device, a database, etc.). In some embodiments, the control circuitry also receives personal information associated with the first user. The process continues at block 1408.

[0157] At box 1408, determine whether the first user has the first common characteristic. For example, the control system determines whether the first user has the first common characteristic. In one embodiment, the control system determines whether the first user has the first common characteristic by comparing the first user's sleep information and / or personal information to the first common characteristic to determine whether the first user has the first common characteristic. According to some embodiments, if the control system determines that the first user has the first common characteristic, the process continues to box 1410. Otherwise, the control system continues to box 1412. According to some other embodiments, if the control system determines that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, the process continues to box 1418 instead of box 1412, as shown in the third row from box 1408 to box 1418.

[0158] At block 1410, in response to the first user having the first common characteristic, the first user is added. For example, in response to the control system determining that the first user has the first common characteristic, the control system adds the first user to the first user group. According to some embodiments, if the control system determines that the first user has the first common characteristic, the control system may automatically add the first user to the first user group. In some other embodiments, the control system may send a notification to the user device of the first user to recommend the first user group. If the first user chooses to join the first user group, the control system will assign the first user as a member of the first user group.

[0159] If at block 1408, the control system determines that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, the control system will check whether the first user has a second common characteristic associated with a second user group. It should be noted that the second common characteristic is presented as an example only. The control system can check whether the first user has common characteristics with an undefined number of user groups in an attempt to place the first user in a user group.

[0160] At box 1412, define a second user group. For example, the control system defines the second user group based on the second common feature. According to some embodiments, the second user group may include a second user subset selected from a plurality of users. In one embodiment, the first user group and the second user group are not mutually exclusive. For example, a user may have membership in a plurality of user groups at the same time. Similar to the first common feature, according to some embodiments, the second user group may include users having the second common feature or indicating an interest in the second common feature. According to some embodiments, the control system may automatically assign some or all of the user subsets of the second user subset to the second user group. In some embodiments, some or all of the user subsets in the second user subset may be sent a notification to their respective user devices, wherein they are invited to join the second user group. The process continues at box 1414.

[0161] At block 1414, it is determined whether the first user has a second common characteristic. For example, in response to the control system determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, the control system determines whether the first user has the second common characteristic. According to some embodiments, the control system may compare the sleep information and / or personal information of the first user to the second common characteristic to determine whether the first user has the second common characteristic. If the control system determines that the first user has the second common characteristic, the process continues to block 1416. Otherwise, the control system may continue to block 1418.

[0162] At block 1416, in response to determining that the first user has the second common characteristic, the first user is added to the second user group. For example, in response to the control system determining that the first user has the second common characteristic, the control system adds the first user to the second user group. Similar to the first user group, the control system can automatically add the first user to the second user group, or send a notification to the user device of the first user to recommend the second user group.

[0163] At box 1418, a third user group is defined based on a third common characteristic that the first user has. For example, in response to the control system determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, the control system defines a third user group based on the third common characteristic. In some embodiments, if the control system cannot find a pre-existing user group that has a common characteristic with the first user, the control system defines a new user group (e.g., a third user group) based on a characteristic (e.g., the third common characteristic) selected from the sleep information and / or personal information of the first user. For example, the control system can automatically create a third user group based on the third common characteristic. For example, the third common characteristic can include a sleep-related device or a component thereof (e.g., a mask type or a type of sleep enhancement device). The process continues to box 1420.

[0164] At block 1420, a subset of users having a third common characteristic in their sleep information is identified. For example, the control system identifies a subset of users having a third common characteristic in their sleep information. According to some embodiments, the control system may query a database to return a list of users (e.g., a third subset of users) from a plurality of users having the third common characteristic in their sleep information and / or personal information. The process continues to block 1422.

[0165] At block 1422, the first user and the third subset of users are assigned to a third user group. For example, the control system assigns the first user and the third subset of users to the third user group. According to some embodiments, the control system may automatically add the third subset of users and the first user to the third user group. According to some other embodiments, the control system may prompt the first user and / or the third subset of users to join the newly defined group (i.e., the third user group). For example, the control system may cause a recommendation notification to be sent to a user device of the first user and / or the third subset of users that has an active invitation to join the third user group.

[0166] The matching application can be a standalone application of the user device. Alternatively, the matching application can be an "opt-in" addition to a pre-existing engagement application that accompanies the user device or an external device (e.g., a sleep enhancement device or respiratory therapy device, a sleep monitoring device, etc.).

[0167] One or more elements or aspects or steps from one or more of any one of the following claims 1 to 34, or any portion thereof, may be combined with one or more elements or aspects or steps from one or more of any one of the other claims 35 to 69, or any portion thereof, or a combination thereof to form one or more additional embodiments and / or claims of the present disclosure.

[0168] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more specific embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these embodiments and their obvious variations are contemplated to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that additional embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: storing sleep information associated with a plurality of users in a database, the plurality of users including a first subset of users having a first common characteristic in the sleep information; defining, by the control system, a first user group including the first subset of users based on the first common characteristic; receiving, via the control system, sleep information associated with a first user from a user device; determining, by the control system, whether the first user has the first common characteristic based on the sleep information associated with the first user; as well as In response to determining that the first user has the first common characteristic, the first user is assigned, by the control system, as a member of the first user group.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of users comprises a second subset of users having a second common characteristic in the sleep information, the method further comprising: defining, by the control system, a second user group including the second subset of users based on the second common characteristic; In response to determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, determining, by the control system, whether the first user has the second common characteristic based on the sleep information associated with the first user; as well as In response to determining that the first user has the second common characteristic, the first user is assigned, by the control system, as a member of the second group of users.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first user has a third common feature in the sleep information, the method further comprising: In response to determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, defining, by the control system, a third user group based on the third common characteristic; identifying, by the control system, the third subset of users based on the plurality of users, the third subset of users having the third common feature in the sleep information; as well as The first user and the third subset of users are assigned by the control system as components of the third user group.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sleep information associated with the plurality of users comprises one or more of: sleep diagnosis, sleep schedule, sleep duration, severity of sleep disorders, restlessness, and user device usage, and usage of sleep enhancement device types. 5 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the sleep information associated with the plurality of users comprises breathing information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the respiratory information comprises one or more of use of a respiratory therapy system, type of respiratory therapy device, duration of respiratory therapy use, length of respiratory therapy use, sleep schedule, sleep duration, medical condition, apnea-hypopnea index, and sleep score.

7. The method of claim 5 or 6, wherein the respiratory information associated with the first user comprises data measured by a respiratory therapy system.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the data measured by the respiratory therapy system comprises one or more of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, a sleep score, a flow signal, a breathing signal, a respiratory rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, a pattern of events, sleep stages, sleep stage durations, a pressure setting of the respiratory therapy system, heart rate, heart rate variability, user motion, temperature, EEG activity, EMG activity, arousals, snoring, choking, coughing, whistling, wheezing, sleep position, biomarkers, and blood oxygen saturation level.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the respiratory therapy system comprises one or more of a positive air pressure machine, a wearable monitoring device, an accessible device, and a breathable device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: storing in the database personal information associated with the plurality of users, the plurality of users including a fourth subset of users having a fourth common characteristic in the personal information; receiving, via the control system, personal information associated with the first user from the first user device; receiving, via the control system, from the first user device, an instruction to customize a user group based on the fourth common characteristic; as well as The first user group is updated, by the control system, to include a fourth subset of users of the plurality of users having the first common characteristic and the fourth common characteristic.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the personal information associated with the plurality of users includes one or more of age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, location, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, preferences, and lifestyle choices.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: A first user score is calculated, by the control system, from the sleep information associated with the first user based on a metric.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first user score comprises one or more of a sleep score, a duration of respiratory therapy use over a period of time, a number of challenges completed, a number of times the first user performs a task recommended by the application, a frequency of respiratory therapy use by the first user, and a time the first user performs physical activity.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: comparing, by the control system, the first user score to a threshold score; determining, by the control system, a result based on the comparison; as well as A first notification indicating the result is sent, by the control system, to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the threshold score corresponds to a duration of respiratory therapy use over a period of time.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A second notification indicating the result is sent by the control system to one or more user devices associated with a second user who is a member of the first user group.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the threshold score is based on a comparison between an initial calculation and a final calculation of the first user score.

18. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: calculating, by the control system, a second user score from the sleep information of a second user based on the metric, the second user being a member of the first user group; generating, by the control system, a ranking of the first user rating relative to the second user rating; as well as A notification indicating the ranking is sent, by the control system, to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a reward in response to the first user score being ranked higher than the second user score; as well as The reward is sent, by the control system, to the one or more user devices associated with the first user.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a reward in response to the first user score reaching the threshold score; as well as The reward is sent, by the control system, to the one or more user devices associated with the first user.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a recommendation notification in response to the first user score not reaching the threshold score; as well as The recommendation notification is sent, by the control system, to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

22. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: calculating, by the control system, a second user score from the sleep information of a second user based on the metric, the second user being a member of the first user group; aggregating, by the control system, the first user score and the second user score to determine an aggregate user score; comparing, by the control system, the aggregate user score to an aggregate threshold score; determining, by the control system, an aggregate result based on the comparison; A notification indicating the aggregated result is sent by the control system to one or more user devices associated with one or more of the first user and the second user.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a reward in response to the aggregate score reaching the threshold score; as well as The reward is sent, by the control system, to the one or more user devices associated with the one or more of the first user and the second user.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the reward comprises one or more of the rewards displayable in a user interface of the one or more user devices associated with one or more of the first user and the second user.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a user interface, wherein the user interface includes a group home page associated with the first user group; as well as The group home page associated with the first user group is presented, by the control system, on a user device associated with the first user.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the group homepage associated with the user group includes one or more of a list of users in the first user subset, information associated with the first common characteristic, challenges of users in the user subset, and a portal to a chat room.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a user interface, wherein the user interface includes a user homepage associated with the first user; as well as The user homepage associated with the first user is presented by the control system on a user device associated with the first user.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the homepage associated with the user group includes one or more of a list of users in the first user subset, information associated with the first common feature, a challenge to users in the user subset, a portal to a chat room, sleep information associated with the first user, and personal information associated with the first user.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, further comprising: generating, by the control system, a recommendation notification based on the sleep information associated with the first user; as well as The recommendation notification is sent, by the control system, to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the recommendation notification includes an identification of a second user, the second user being a member of the first group of users.

31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the recommendation notification includes identification of one or more media content related to the sleep information associated with the first user or the second user.

32. A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the recommendation notification comprises a link to a discussion board or chat room accessible to members of the first user group.

33. The method of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein at least some of the sleep information associated with the plurality of users is provided by an external device.

34. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the user device comprises one or more of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a game console, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, a respiratory therapy device, and a sleep enhancement or treatment device.

35. A system, comprising: a control system comprising one or more processors; as well as A memory having machine executable instructions stored therein; Wherein the control system is coupled to the memory, and when machine executable instructions in the memory are executed by at least one of the one or more processors of the control system, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24 is implemented.

36. A system, comprising: a database, wherein the database is configured to store sleep information associated with a plurality of users; as well as a control system communicatively coupled to the database, wherein the control system is configured to: defining a first user group including a first subset of users among the plurality of users based on a first common feature, the first subset of users having the first common feature in the sleep information; receiving, from a first user device, sleep information associated with a first user; determining whether the first user has the first common characteristic based on the sleep information associated with the first user; as well as In response to determining that the first user has the first common characteristic, the first user is assigned as a member of the first user group.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the plurality of users comprises a second subset of users having a second common characteristic in the sleep information, wherein the control system is further configured to: defining a second user group including the second subset of users based on the second common characteristic; In response to determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, determining whether the first user has the second common characteristic based on the sleep information associated with the first user; as well as In response to determining that the first user has the second common characteristic, the first user is assigned as a member of the second user group.

38. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the first user has a third common feature in the sleep information, wherein the control system is further configured to: In response to determining that the first user does not have the first common characteristic, defining a third user group based on the third common characteristic; identifying a third subset of users based on the plurality of users, the third subset of users having the third common feature in the sleep information; and The first user and the third subset of users are assigned as components of the third user group.

39. The method of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the sleep information associated with the plurality of users comprises one or more of: sleep diagnosis, sleep schedule, sleep duration, severity of sleep disorders, restlessness, user device usage, and usage of sleep enhancement device types.

40. The method of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the sleep information associated with the plurality of users includes breathing information.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the respiratory information comprises one or more of use of a respiratory therapy system, type of respiratory therapy device, duration of respiratory therapy use, length of respiratory therapy use, sleep schedule, sleep duration, medical condition, apnea-hypopnea index, and sleep score.

42. The system of claim 40 or 41, wherein the sleep information associated with the first user comprises data measured by a respiratory therapy system.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the data measured by the respiratory therapy system comprises one or more of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, a sleep score, a flow signal, a respiratory signal, a respiratory rate, an inspiratory amplitude, an expiratory amplitude, an inspiratory-expiratory ratio, a number of events per hour, a pattern of events, sleep stages, sleep stage durations, a pressure setting of the respiratory therapy system, heart rate, heart rate variability, user motion, temperature, EEG activity, EMG activity, arousals, snoring, choking, coughing, whistling, wheezing, sleep position, biomarkers, and blood oxygen saturation level.

44. The system of claim 42 or 43, wherein the respiratory therapy system comprises one or more of a positive air pressure machine, a wearable monitoring device, an accessible device, and a breathable device.

45. A system according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein: The database is further configured to store personal information associated with the plurality of users, the plurality of users including a fourth subset of users having a fourth common characteristic in the personal information; and The control system is also configured to: receiving personal information associated with the first user from the first user device; receiving, from the first user device, an instruction to customize a user group based on the fourth common characteristic; as well as The user group is updated to include a fourth subset of users of the plurality of users having the first common characteristic and the fourth common characteristic.

46. ​​The system of claim 45, wherein the personal information associated with the plurality of users includes one or more of age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, location, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, preferences, and lifestyle choices.

47. The system of any one of claims 36 to 46, wherein the control system is further configured to: A first user score is calculated from the sleep information associated with the first user based on a metric.

48. A system according to claim 47, wherein the first user score includes one or more of a sleep score, a duration of respiratory therapy use over a period of time, a number of challenges completed, a number of times the first user performed a task recommended by the application, a frequency of respiratory therapy use by the first user, and a time the first user performed physical activity.

49. The system of claim 47 or 48, wherein the control system is further configured to: comparing the first user score to a threshold score; determining a result based on the comparing; and A first notification indicating the result is sent to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the threshold score corresponds to a duration of respiratory therapy use over a period of time.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the control system is further configured to: A second notification indicating the result is sent to one or more user devices associated with a second user who is a member of the first group of users.

52. The system of claim 49, wherein the threshold score is based on a comparison between an initial calculation and a final calculation of the first user score.

53. The system of claim 47 or 48, wherein the control system is further configured to: calculating a second user score based on the sleep information of a second user based on the metric, the second user being a member of the user group; generating a ranking of the first user rating relative to the second user rating; and A notification indicating the ranking is sent to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

54. The system of claim 53, wherein the control system is further configured to: In response to the first user score being ranked higher than the second user score, generating a reward; and The reward is sent to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

55. The system of any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein the control system is further configured to: In response to the first user score reaching the threshold score, generating a reward; and The reward is sent to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

56. The system of any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein the control system is further configured to: generating, by the control system, a recommendation notification in response to the first user score not reaching the threshold score; and The recommendation notification is sent, by the control system, to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

57. The system of claim 47 or 48, wherein the control system is further configured to: calculating a second user score based on the sleep information of a second user based on the metric, the second user being a member of the first user group; aggregating the first user rating and the second user rating to determine an aggregate user rating; comparing the aggregate user score to an aggregate threshold score; determining an aggregate result based on the comparison; A notification indicating the aggregated result is sent to one or more user devices associated with one or more of the first user and the second user.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein the control system is further configured to: In response to the aggregate score reaching the threshold score, generating a reward; and The reward is sent to the one or more user devices associated with the one or more of the first user and the second user.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the reward comprises one or more of the rewards displayable in a user interface of the one or more user devices associated with one or more of the first user and the second user.

60. The system of any one of claims 36 to 59, wherein the control system is further configured to: generating a user interface, wherein the user interface includes a group homepage associated with the first user group; and The group home page associated with the first user group is presented on a user device associated with the first user.

61. A system according to claim 60, wherein the group homepage associated with the user group includes one or more of a list of users in the first user subset, information associated with the first common characteristic, challenges of users in the user subset, and a portal to a chat room.

62. The system of any one of claims 36 to 61, wherein the control system is further configured to: generating a user interface, the user interface comprising a user homepage associated with the first user; and The user homepage associated with the first user is presented on a user device associated with the first user.

63. A system according to claim 62, wherein the home page associated with the user group includes one or more of a list of users in the first user subset, information associated with the first common feature, a challenge to users in the user subset, a portal to a chat room, sleep information associated with the first user, and personal information associated with the first user.

64. The system of any one of claims 36 to 63, wherein the control system is further configured to: generating a recommendation notification based on the sleep information associated with the first user; and The recommendation notification is sent to one or more user devices associated with the first user.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein the recommendation notification includes an identification of a second user, the second user being a member of the first group of users.

66. The system of claim 64 or 65, wherein the recommendation notification includes identification of one or more media content related to the sleep information associated with the first user or the second user.

67. A system according to any one of claims 64 to 66, wherein the recommendation notification includes a link to a discussion board or chat room accessible to members of the first user group.

68. The method of any one of claims 36 to 67, wherein at least some of the sleep information associated with the plurality of users is provided by an external device.

69. A method according to any one of claims 36 to 68, wherein the user device comprises one or more of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a game console, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, a respiratory therapy device, and a sleep enhancement or treatment device.

Images