CPAP Ozone Sanitization With Residual Ozone Breakdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CPAP devices face challenges with user compliance due to discomfort and difficulty in maintaining them, leading to bacterial and mold buildup, for which there is a lack of automated disinfecting systems.

Innovation Solution

An ozone-based disinfecting system that automatically sanitizes CPAP devices, including the water reservoir, hose, and mask, using an ozone generator and distribution system, with safety measures to ensure complete ozone breakdown before use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning methods are used for CPAP devices, then users can maintain the device, but the process is time-consuming and difficult, leading to poor compliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidtime for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary disinfection action by injecting ozone into the water reservoir before the user needs to use the CPAP device. The ozone automatically disinfects the water and surrounding components during storage periods, eliminating the need for manual cleaning immediately before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The CPAP device performs self-disinfection through automated ozone generation and distribution. The system uses its own water reservoir and distribution lines to deliver ozone throughout the device, enabling self-maintenance without external intervention or manual cleaning by the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If automated disinfecting systems are implemented, then maintenance becomes easier, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of disinfectionVSAvoidcomplexity of disinfection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water reservoir serves multiple functions: it stores water for humidification during CPAP operation and simultaneously acts as a reaction chamber for ozone generation during disinfection cycles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disinfection chambers or additional reservoirs, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines the ozone generation function with the existing water distribution infrastructure. Ozone is generated and distributed through the same lines used for water delivery, merging two functions (disinfection and water delivery) into a unified system that uses shared components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If ozone is used for disinfection, then bacterial growth is reduced, but safety concerns arise from residual ozone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of disinfectionVSAvoidresidual ozone exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic disinfection cycles where ozone is injected into the water reservoir at scheduled intervals (e.g., daily or weekly). After each ozone injection, a sufficient time period elapses to allow complete decomposition of ozone into oxygen before the device is used, ensuring no harmful residues remain while maintaining effective disinfection frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Water acts as an intermediary medium that absorbs and facilitates the decomposition of ozone. The ozone is injected into the water reservoir where it reacts with and decomposes in the water, preventing direct contact with user-breathable air paths while still achieving disinfection of the water and surrounding components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides an easy and safe disinfection process, reducing bacterial growth and improving user compliance by ensuring the CPAP device is ready for use with minimal manual maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

An ozone-based disinfecting system that automatically sanitizes CPAP devices, including the water reservoir, hose, and mask, using an ozone generator and distribution system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone generation: Ozone

Implementation Method 2

The ozone will oxidize organic material in the water, thereby disinfecting water in the water reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

delaying the start of a CPAP treatment for a fixed period of time from the last ozone disinfecting process for the safety of consumers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOzone decomposition: Ozone

Data Source

PatentUS12472278B2Systems, methods, and devices for ozone sanitization of continuous positive airway pressure devices

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SOCLEAN INC

AI summary

The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.