User device integrated with a positive airway pressure device

Abstract

A user device monitors sensor data such as sound and / or sleep-related biometrics from a user while the user is utilizing a positive airway pressure (PAP) device. A pattern of the sensor data is detected via the user device. A signal is sent from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the pattern. In response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, an operation of the PAP device is adjusted via the controller.

Description

USER DEVICE INTEGRATED WITH A POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE DEVICE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 649,992, filed 21 May 2024. Each of the documents listed in this paragraph is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to positive airway pressure devices and, more specifically, to a user device for use with the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies are frequently used in the treatment of, among other ailments, obstructive sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), snoring, and congestive heart failure. These therapies typically provide a flow of pressurized gas (e.g., typically air, but may be most any gas or gas-vapor mixture including, for example, oxygen and medicinal vapors) to pressurize the airway of a user to a pressure in the range of 4-30 centimeters (cm) of water (H2O) (e.g., often about 4-20 cm H2O) or more. Depending upon the particular therapy, a variable or a constant pressure therapy may be administered to the user to reduce or eliminate airway occlusions (or to otherwise treat acute or chronic respiratory failure) that necessitated the use of the therapy.

[0004] Regardless of the particular therapy, positive airway pressure apparatus typically includes at least a blower unit and a user interface. A delivery tube or hose may also be included to connect the blower unit to the user interface, wherein the hose and interface may together define a delivery conduit. The blower unit may rest on a bedside table or floor adjacent to the bed (or in the bed), or alternatively, may attach to the user. The blower may typically include a fan or impeller connected to an output shaft of a motor. A controller regulates the motor to control fan speed and thus therapy pressure. The user interface is configured to be secured relative to the user's head in such a way as to form a generally air-tight seal with the user's airway. As a result, the fan may generate a flow of pressurized gas that is delivered to the airway via the delivery conduit.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to a user device that is integrated with a PAP device. In one embodiment, a method involves monitoring sound emitted from a user via a user device while the user is utilizing a PAP device. A target pattern of the sound is detected via the user device. A signal is sent from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the target pattern. In response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, an operation of the PAP device is adjusted via the controller.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method involves monitoring sleep-related biometrics data of a user via a user device while the user is utilizing a PAP device. A sleep pattern is detected from the sleep-related biometrics data. A signal is sent from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the sleep pattern. In response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, an operation of the PAP device is adjusted via the controller.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0007] The discussion below makes reference to the following figures, wherein the same reference number may be used to identify the similar / same component in multiple figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0008] FIG. l is a perspective view of an apparatus and system according to various example embodiments;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment;

[0010] FIGS. 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing interaction between system components according to example embodiments; and

[0011] FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts of methods according to example embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that may be practiced.

[0013] Embodiments described herein are directed generally to positive airway pressure apparatus, systems, and methods and, more particularly, to a control interface between a PAP machine and an external computing device. While described herein primarily in the context of treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, those of skill in the art will realize that the same or similar embodiments are applicable to most any assisted respiration or ventilation system, and in fact to most any positive airway pressure apparatus / system. Variations, combinations, and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

[0014] With reference to the views of the drawing, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several views, FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary, non-invasive, positive airway pressure (PAP) system 100. The PAP system 100 may include a flow generator or blower 101 that generates or otherwise provides a flow of pressurized gas. The blower 101 may include an outlet 102 that is operatively coupled to and in fluid communication with a first or proximal end of an elongate gas delivery hose or tube 106. A second or distal end of the tube 106 may be connected to an inlet 105 of a respiratory interface 108 (e.g., a mask). The respiratory interface 108 may include a frame adapted to support a flexible seal. The respiratory interface 108 may include most any structure that seals effectively to a user (e.g., to the user's face) in such a way that pressurized gas delivered to the user interface may be communicated to an airway of the user without excessive unintentional gas leakage. For example, the respiratory interface could be a face mask that covers one or both of the user's mouth and nose; a nares pillow seal; an intubation tube; or any similar device. For simplicity, the user interface may be referred to herein simply as a “mask” 108 without limitation.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “air,” “gas,” and “fluid” are understood to include most any gas or gas-vapor combination. For example, the gas provided by the blower may include ambient air, oxygen, water vapor, medicinal vapor, and combinationsthereof. For simplicity, the terms air, fluid, and gas may, unless otherwise indicated, be used interchangeably herein without limitation.

[0016] The tube 106 and respiratory interface 108 may together define a portion of a gas delivery path or delivery conduit to provide pressurized gas from the blower 101 to the airway of the user. To produce the desired flow of pressurized gas within the delivery conduit 109, the blower 101 may include a blower housing forming a volute containing an impeller or fan. An electric motor, such as a brushless DC motor, may couple to and rotate the fan. As the fan rotates, it draws gas (e.g., ambient air) in via an air inlet 104 of the blower housing where it is then compressed by the fan and expelled through the outlet 102 as a flow of pressurized gas. By controlling the rotational speed of the fan, the pressure of the gas within the delivery conduit may be controlled to provide the desired treatment pressure to the user.

[0017] The system 100 (e.g., the blower 101) may further include an electronic (e.g., microprocessor-based) controller 110 that may, among other tasks, modulate or otherwise control a speed of the motor (and, accordingly, a speed of the fan), thereby regulating the treatment pressure and flow rate of the flow of pressurized gas. The controller 110 (also referred to herein as a PAP controller) and other components of the apparatus 100 may be powered by either an onboard power supply (e.g., a battery) or a remote power supply (e.g., AC or DC source).

[0018] The controller 110 includes a data interface that is operable to communicate with a user device 112. The user device 112 may be any user provided device with computing capability. In FIG. 1, the user device 112 is shown as a smart phone, but may alternately include a mobile and / or wearable device (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet computer, smart watch), media device (e.g., smart speaker, smart camera, smart display) or other electronic device (e.g., clock radio, home automation device, electronic picture frame, smart thermostat, etc.).

[0019] The controller 110 and user device 112 communicate via a data channel 114 that may be a wired or wireless data interface. For example, the data channel 114 may be established via wireless protocols and signals defined in such standards as Bluetooth, WiFi, Near-Field Communications (NFC), etc. Other wireless communications such as infrared and audio frequencies may also be used for some aspects of communications. Optical wavelength communications may also be established via fiberoptics or other optical waveguides. The data channel 114 may be established via wired protocols and media defined in such standards as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Thunderbolt, Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), Controller Area Network (CAN), etc.

[0020] Generally, the user device 112 is extensible such that a PAP interface program 116 can be installed and run on the user device 112. This PAP interface program 116 includes, among other things, an interface for communicating with the controller 110, e.g., using a proprietary or open source protocol (e.g., HTTP). The controller 110 will have a compatible control program or subroutines for participating in these communications. The PAP interface program 116 may also include user interface elements that the user can interact with to configure and control the controller 110, e.g., via a touchscreen, buttons, biometrics, speech recognition, etc. The PAP interface program 116 also includes facilities to interact with hardware of the user device 112, such as operating system Application Program Interfaces (APIs), hardware abstraction layer (HAL), etc.

[0021] In FIG. 2, a block diagram shows high-level functional modules that may be executed on processors within the user device 112 and PAP controller 110. The user device 112 includes computing hardware (“CPU / Memory / IO”) 200 that typically includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The CPU is also coupled to input / output (VO) circuitry operable to communicate with memory and peripherals. The user device 112 includes a user interface (“UI”) 202 that may include a combination of hardware and software. The user interface 202 may include any combination of user input devices (e.g., switch, microphone, camera, touchscreen, etc.) and user output devices (e.g., light, display, speaker, haptic device, etc.) as well as the associated drivers and APIs used to access the hardware.

[0022] The functionality of the user device 112 can be extended via user installed software, as indicated by controller application (“Controller App”) 204. While one function of the controller application 204 may be to control the operation of the PAP controller 110, such an application may have instead or in addition non-control functions such as gathering and storing data from the PAP controller 110, causing a notification at the user interface 202 in response to an event detected by the PAP controller 110, etc. Thecontroller application 204 may utilize various hardware devices of the user device 112 as described herein.

[0023] The user device 112 includes one or more sensors 206, including those described above as part of the user interface 202. Other sensors 206 may include a light intensity detector, accelerometers, biometrics (e.g., fingerprint reader, pulse / heart rate detector, pulse oximeter sensor, pressure sensor), position / geolocation sensors (e.g., GPS), temperature sensers, radio antenna, etc. The use of specific sensors 206 in coordination with the controller application 204 and the PAP controller 110 are described in greater detail below.

[0024] The user device 112 also includes one or more data interfaces 208 that facilitate device-to-device connection 209 with a corresponding data interface 218 of the PAP controller 110. Examples of data interfaces 208, 218 include wireless interfaces such as Bluetooth, WiFi, optical / infrared, NFC, etc. The data interfaces 208, 218 may also include wired interfaces such as USB, Thunderbolt, etc. Multiple data interfaces may be used to establish a connection. For example, the user device 112 could read an NFC signal and / or scan a printed code from the PAP controller 110 that provides connection parameters that facilitates setting up the connection 209.

[0025] The PAP controller 110 also includes computing hardware (“CPU / Memory / IO”) 210 that may include a combination of CPU, memory, and VO circuits. The computing hardware 210 may be considered an embedded system, in which case may be embodied as a system on a chip (SoC) or the like. The PAP controller 110 may include or be coupled to user interface (“U ’) components 212 such as switches, indicator lights, display screens, etc. The PAP controller 110 is also shown with a controller application (“Controller App”) 214, which may include at least instructions to interact with the corresponding controller application 204 on the user device 112 as described herein.

[0026] The PAP controller 110 is also coupled to or includes special-purpose hardware (“Pump / Sensors”) 216 such as a pump for providing air pressure and sensors to measure the air pressure. Other hardware 216 may include relays, valves, temperature sensors, current / voltage sensors, etc. Generally, the PAP controller 110 may be able to operate independently of the user device 112, such that coupling with the user device 112 can be optional to provide extended functionality.

[0027] While the interactions described herein may occur between two devices 110, 112, modern home and work environments may have multiple devices, e.g., Internet of things (loT) devices. Therefore, another device (“Other Device”) 220 is shown in FIG. 2. While this other device 220 is shown communicating with the user device 112, it may also communicate with the PAP controller 110. Generally, the other device 220 may be part of a local device ecosystem, in which a device such as the user device 112 acts as a hub or main control center. As such, both the PAP controller 110 and the other device 220 may be considered peripherals to the user device 112. In such a scenario, the controller application 204 of the user device 112 may include logic that allows directly or indirectly communicating data between peripheral devices 110, 220.

[0028] The other device 220 has a data interface 222 as described for the devices 110, 112. The other device 220 also has an embedded function 224 specific to the device’s core functionality. For example, the other device 220 may include a controller such as a home thermostat or an appliance control interface. In such a case, the user device 112 may read data from the PAP controller 110 (e.g., whether or not the device is in use) and send a control input to the other device 220 (e.g., adjust a thermostat temperature if the user is using the PAP device and assumed sleeping). The other device 220 may include a sensor or other data generator, and this data may be used to detect a different sensor pattern that triggers a change in the PAP controller 110. For example, a security camera may monitor the user while sleeping, and make an adjustment if a condition is met (e.g., initiate an alarm if the mask has slipped from the user’s face).

[0029] Generally, the user device 112 and the other device 220 may be considered as a suite of available devices that can extend the functionality of a PAP device without having to incorporate such hardware into the PAP device. An example of extended functionality for a PAP device is shown in the block diagram of FIG. 3. The user device 112 is configured via the controller application 204 to monitor a microphone 300 of the user device 112. The microphone 300 detects sound 302 from a user 301. In response to the sound 302, the microphone 300 provides a signal 304 representative of the sound 302 to the controller application 204, which detects a pattern in the signal 304. In one embodiment, the signal 304 is monitored to detect snoring of the user 301. The controller application 204 may use a sound classifier to detect the snoring, e.g., a machine learning model such as a recurrent neural network (RNN) that is trained to detect snoring.

[0030] If snoring is detected, the controller application, via the data interface 208, sends a signal 306 to the data interface 218 of the PAP controller 110, where it is processed by the corresponding controller application 214. In this example, the signal 306 may be used to change an output 308 of the pump 216, such as by raising air pressure by a predetermined amount in order to reduce or eliminate the snoring. The amount of additional pressure may be preselected by the user 301, for example. The pressure may be set back to the original setting after some period of time if no further snoring is detected. The controller application 204 of the user device 112 may log these events and may also receive information (not shown) from the PAP controller 110 about changes applied in response.

[0031] The configuration shown in FIG. 3 could be used for other functionality. For example, settings used by the PAP controller 110 could be controlled by voice commands, in which case the controller application 204 uses a speech detection implementation that can detect and parse verbal commands, e.g., to set a pressure, to set on and off times, etc. In addition, the microphone 300 may not be integrated or otherwise included within the user device 112, but may be part of a separate device (e.g., device 220 shown in FIG. 2) that includes a microphone, and may be better situated to detect sound from the user and may have other features to be more sensitive to sound, e.g., array of microphones used in a smart speaker.

[0032] Another example of extended functionality for a PAP device is shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, which includes similar components as FIG. 3. In this example, the user device 112 includes a sensor 400 that can measure one or more of an acceleration, vibration, and heart rate of the user 301. These measurements are generally referred to as sleep-related biometrics. The sensor 400 may be worn by the patient to detect these signals, as indicated by dashed line 402. The sensor 400 can work in concert with the microphone 300 shown in FIG. 3, which is itself a type of vibration sensor. The microphone 300 and sensor 400 could be in different devices, e.g., a mobile phone and wearable device that are coupled together via Bluetooth. The sensor 400 (and optionally the microphone 300) can be used to detect sleep patterns of the user 301 and send signal(s) 304 to the controller application 204. Sleep pattern detection can be used to actively adjust the operation of the PAP controller 110 as well as provide feedback to the user, as indicated by data transfer 404.

[0033] In one embodiment, the sleep-related biometrics measured via sensor 400 (and optionally microphone 300) can be used to determine when a patient has fallen asleep. For comfort, many patients use a ramp feature to keep the pressure low initially. It gradually increases to their therapy pressure as they fall asleep. Keeping the pressure low while the user 301 is awake can be more comfortable, helping the user 301 to fall asleep more easily. Thus when the controller application 204 determines when the user 301 falls asleep (e.g., lowered heart rate, lowered respiration, decrease in movement), a signal 406 can be sent (e.g., via the data interfaces 208, 218) to begin the ramp period. This sleep related data gathered via sensor 400 may also be useful in assessing sleep quality, and can be stored in a local or remote memory 408 for later review. Information regarding the PAP therapy (e.g., pump pressure and other operational data) over the same time period can be received via data transfer 404 and stored together with the sensor data in memory 408.

[0034] An apnea can sometimes be severe enough to wake a patient. Therefore, in another embodiment, the sensor 400 can be used to detect patient arousals from sleep. For example, when the controller application 204 determines the user 301 has awakened (e.g., increased heart rate, increased respiration, increase in movement) the signal 406 can make changes to the therapy pressure (e.g., via the controller 110 / controller application 214, pump / sensors 216, and output 308) to try to eliminate the apnea condition and / or to ramp the therapy pressure to help the user back to sleep. Arousals from sleep could also be used as a metric in assessing the quality of the night’s sleep, and stored together with PAP data in memory 408. Generally, the triggering of the signal 406 in response to the user awakening could be due to a sudden change and / or based on time of the awakening, e.g., in the middle of the night.

[0035] As noted above, the sleep-related biometrics data from sensors 300, 400 and PAP controller 110 operational data can be stored in memory 408 and later reviewed by the user 301 and / or a healthcare provider. This can be used for long-term evaluation of the PAP therapy, and may suggest ways of adjusting the PAP therapy to enhance deep sleep, prevent sudden awakening, etc. A number of sensor measurements could be used to evaluate sleep quality, such as stages of sleep (length of time in each), O2 saturation, general body movement, amount and severity of snoring. All of the scenarios described inrelation to FIG. 5 below can be implemented in combination with the PAP controllers 110 and user devices 112 described above.

[0036] In FIG. 5, a flowchart shows a method according to an example embodiment. The method involves monitoring at 500 sound emitted from a user via a user device while the user is utilizing a PAP device. Via the user device, a target pattern of the sound is detected at 501. A signal is sent at 502 from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the target pattern. In response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, an operation of the PAP device is adjusted at 503 via the controller.

[0037] In FIG. 6, a flowchart shows a method according to another example embodiment. The method involves monitoring at 600 sleep-related biometrics data via a user device while a user is utilizing a PAP device. A sleep pattern is detected at 601 via the sleep-related biometrics data. A signal is sent at 602 from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the sleep pattern. In response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, an operation of the PAP device is adjusted via the controller (e.g., controller 110) at 603.

[0038] Note that in the above embodiments, the patterns (e.g., sleep pattern, target pattern) within sensor signals are described as being detected via the user device. This may be desirable in some cases due to the significant processing power available in mobile devices such as smartphones, for example. However, in other embodiments, the sensor data can be processed (e.g., normalized, filtered, digitized, compressed) and sent directly to the PAP device. In such an embodiment, the PAP device can detect the patterns and provide its own triggers. In these and other embodiments, the memory that is described as optionally storing the sensor and PAP device operational data may be contained within the PAP device instead of or in addition to the user device. This may be desirable in cases where the user device has minimal processing capabilities (e.g., a wearable device) and / or for data privacy reasons.

[0039] Aspects of the invention are enumerated in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0040] Example Exl : A method comprising: via a user device, monitoring sound emitted from a user while the user is utilizing a positive airway pressure (PAP) device; detecting a target pattern of the sound via the user device; sending a signal from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the target pattern; and in response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, adjusting an operation of the PAP device via the controller.

[0041] Example Ex2: The method of example Exl, wherein the user device comprises a mobile device that is wirelessly coupled to the PAP device, the signal sent to the PAP device comprising a wireless signal.

[0042] Example Ex3 : The method of example Ex2, wherein the mobile device comprises a wearable device.

[0043] Example Ex4: The method of any one of examples Exl-Ex3, wherein the target pattern comprises snoring, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises changing an air pressure generated by the PAP device to reduce or stop the snoring.

[0044] Example Ex5: The method of any one of examples Exl-Ex4, further comprising sending the signal to another device that indicates the detection of the target pattern, the other device making a change to mitigate a source of the target pattern.

[0045] Example Ex6: The method of example Ex5, wherein the other device comprises a thermostat, and wherein making the change comprises adjusting a thermostat temperature.

[0046] Example Ex7: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device, comprising: a data interface operable to communicate with a user device that monitors sound emitted from a user while the user is utilizing the PAP device; and a controller coupled to the data interface and operable to: receive a signal from the user device via the data interface that indicates the detection of a target pattern from the sound; and in response to receiving the signal, adjusting an operation of the PAP device.

[0047] Example Ex8: The PAP device of example Ex7, wherein the target pattern comprises snoring, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises changing an air pressure generated by the PAP device to reduce or stop the snoring.

[0048] Example Ex9: A method comprising: via a user device, monitoring sleep- related biometrics data of a user while the user is utilizing a positive airway pressure(PAP) device; detecting a sleep pattern from the sleep-related biometrics data; sending a signal from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the sleep pattern; and in response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, adjusting an operation of the PAP device via the controller.

[0049] Example ExlO: The method of example Ex9, wherein the monitoring of the sleep-related biometrics data comprises monitoring one or more of respiration, heart rate, and body movement of the user.

[0050] Example Exl 1 : The method of either one of Examples Ex9 or ExlO, wherein the user device monitors the sleep-related biometrics data via one or more of an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a pulse oximeter sensor.

[0051] Example Exl2: The method of any one of examples Ex9-Exl 1, wherein the sleep pattern comprises the user falling asleep, and wherein the adjusting of the operation of the PAP device comprises ramping up a pressure of the PAP device after detecting the user falling asleep.

[0052] Example Exl3: The method of any one of examples Ex9-Exl2, wherein the sleep pattern comprises the user awaking, and wherein the adjusting of the operation of the PAP device comprises one or more of: adjusting a therapy pressure to try to eliminate an apnea condition of the user; and ramping the therapy pressure to help the user back to sleep.

[0053] Example Exl4: The method of any one of examples Ex9-Exl3, wherein the sleep-related biometrics data and operational data of the PAP device are stored in a memory and used to subsequently evaluate sleep quality and adjust a PAP therapy in response thereto.

[0054] Example Exl 5: A positive airway pressure (PAP) device, comprising: a data interface operable to communicate with a user device that monitors sleep-related biometrics data of a user while the user is utilizing the PAP device; and a controller coupled to the data interface and operable to: receive a signal from the user device via the data interface that indicates detection of a sleep pattern from the sleep-related biometrics data; and in response to receiving the signal, adjusting an operation of the PAP device.

[0055] Example Exl6: The PAP device of example Exl5, wherein the sleep pattern comprises the user falling asleep, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAPdevice comprises ramping up a pressure of the PAP device after detecting the user falling asleep.

[0056] Example Exl7: The PAP device of either one of examples Ex 15 or Ex 16, wherein the sleep pattern comprises user awaking, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises one or more of: adjusting a therapy pressure to try to eliminate an apnea condition; and ramping the therapy pressure to help the user back to sleep.

[0057] Example Exl8: The PAP device of any one of examples Exl5-Exl7, wherein the sleep-related biometrics data and operational data of the PAP device are stored in a memory and used to subsequently evaluate sleep quality and adjust a PAP therapy in response thereto.

[0058] All headings provided are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified. Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, and all terms expressing direction / orientation (e.g., vertical, horizontal, parallel, perpendicular, etc.) in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about.” The term “and / or” (if used) means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0059] It is noted that the terms “have,” “include,” “comprise,” and variations thereof, do not have a limiting meaning, and are used in their open-ended sense to generally mean “including, but not limited to,” where the terms appear in the accompanying description and claims. Further, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably herein. Moreover, relative terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” “aft,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and the like may be used herein and, if so, are from the perspective shown in the particular figure. These terms are used only to simplify the description, however, and not to limit the interpretation of any embodiment described.

[0060] Illustrative embodiments are described and reference has been made to possible variations of the same. These and other variations, combinations, and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: via a user device, monitoring sound emitted from a user while the user is utilizing a positive airway pressure (PAP) device; detecting a target pattern of the sound via the user device; sending a signal from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the target pattern; and in response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, adjusting an operation of the PAP device via the controller.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user device comprises a mobile device that is wirelessly coupled to the PAP device, the signal sent to the PAP device comprising a wireless signal.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mobile device comprises a wearable device.

4. The method of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the target pattern comprises snoring, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises changing an air pressure generated by the PAP device to reduce or stop the snoring.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising sending the signal to another device that indicates the detection of the target pattern, the other device making a change to mitigate a source of the target pattern.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the other device comprises a thermostat, and wherein making the change comprises adjusting a thermostat temperature.

7. A positive airway pressure (PAP) device, comprising: a data interface operable to communicate with a user device that monitors sound emitted from a user while the user is utilizing the PAP device; and a controller coupled to the data interface and operable to:receive a signal from the user device via the data interface that indicates detection of a target pattern from the sound; and in response to receiving the signal, adjusting an operation of the PAP device.

8. The PAP device of claim 7, wherein the target pattern comprises snoring, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises changing an air pressure generated by the PAP device to reduce or stop the snoring.

9. A method comprising: via a user device, monitoring sleep-related biometrics data of a user while the user is utilizing a positive airway pressure (PAP) device; detecting a sleep pattern from the sleep-related biometrics data; sending a signal from the user device to the PAP device that indicates the detection of the sleep pattern; and in response to receiving the signal at a controller of the PAP device, adjusting an operation of the PAP device via the controller.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the monitoring of the sleep-related biometrics data comprises monitoring one or more of respiration, heart rate, and body movement of the user.

11. The method of either one of claim 9 or 10, wherein the user device monitors the sleep-related biometrics data via one or more of an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a pulse oximeter sensor.

12. The method of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the sleep pattern comprises the user falling asleep, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises ramping up a pressure of the PAP device after detecting the user falling asleep.

13. The method of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the sleep pattern comprises user awaking, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises one or moreof: adjusting a therapy pressure to try to eliminate an apnea condition of the user; and ramping the therapy pressure to help the user back to sleep.

14. The method of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the sleep-related biometrics data and operational data of the PAP device are stored in a memory and used to subsequently evaluate sleep quality and adjust a PAP therapy in response thereto.

15. A positive airway pressure (PAP) device, comprising: a data interface operable to communicate with a user device that monitors sleep- related biometrics data of a user while the user is utilizing the PAP device; and a controller coupled to the data interface and operable to: receive a signal from the user device via the data interface that indicates detection of a sleep pattern from the sleep-related biometrics data; and in response to receiving the signal, adjusting an operation of the PAP device.

16. The PAP device of claim 15, wherein the sleep pattern comprises the user falling asleep, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises ramping up a pressure of the PAP device after detecting the user falling asleep.

17. The PAP device of either one of claim 15 or 16, wherein the sleep pattern comprises user awaking, and wherein adjusting the operation of the PAP device comprises one or more of: adjusting a therapy pressure to try to eliminate an apnea condition; and ramping the therapy pressure to help the user back to sleep.

18. The PAP device of any one of claims 15-17, wherein the sleep-related biometrics data and operational data of the PAP device are stored in a memory and used to subsequently evaluate sleep quality and adjust a PAP therapy in response thereto.

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