Integrated Sensor Mask Assembly for CPAP
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of electrodes for CPAP devices is cumbersome, prone to errors, and uncomfortable, leading to difficulties in monitoring physiological information effectively, especially in non-clinical settings, which affects the accuracy of sleep studies and treatment efficacy for obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
A mask assembly with integrated sensors, including electrodes and a remote processing unit, that is designed to be worn by patients for treating obstructive sleep apnea, featuring a nasal interface, harness assembly, and sensors for monitoring EEG, EMG, EOG, blood oxygen levels, and position, allowing for automatic adjustment of CPAP device settings based on physiological data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate electrodes are applied to the patient for CPAP monitoring, then physiological information can be monitored, but the application process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate electrodes into an integrated array that is pre-mounted on the CPAP mask assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrode application by the patient, as the electrodes are already positioned and wired when the mask is donned. The integration maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes and their wiring are pre-configured on the mask assembly before use. This preliminary action of pre-positioning and pre-wiring the electrodes eliminates the time-consuming and error-prone process of individual electrode application during actual use, allowing patients to simply wear the mask without preparing multiple separate components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors and wires are used, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is achieved, but discomfort and interference with natural movements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (EEG, EOG, EMG electrodes) and their wiring are merged into a single integrated mask assembly that fits over the nose and eyes. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that could interfere with natural movements or cause discomfort, while maintaining comprehensive physiological monitoring capabilities through the integrated sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers CPAP gas flow and houses an integrated array of sensors for EEG, EOG, and EMG monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor components that would otherwise interfere with natural movements or cause discomfort, as all monitoring functions are combined within the single mask structure.
3Loss of information
If electrodes are individually wired to the monitoring unit, then physiological data can be transmitted, but the complexity and number of wires increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring for all electrodes is merged into a single cable that is integrated with the mask assembly. Instead of multiple separate wires connecting individual electrodes to the monitoring unit, all electrode signals are combined and transmitted through one unified cable, dramatically reducing wiring complexity while maintaining complete physiological data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask assembly acts as an intermediary that consolidates multiple electrode connections into a single integrated interface with the monitoring unit. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection architecture by serving as a central hub that receives signals from all sensors and transmits them through a single cable, reducing the complexity of individual wire routing.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to a mask assembly for use in treatment systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). The mask assembly comprises a mask or nasal interface for supplying gas to the nose of a wearer of the mask assembly. The mask assembly also comprises a strap or harness attached to the mask for securing the mask assembly to the wearer and sensors located on the mask assembly for measuring physiological signals of the wearer. These physiological signals are communicated to a monitoring unit which, in association with a CPAP device, serves to determine the efficacy of the CPAP treatment and to vary operational parameters of the treatment.