Modular turn assist apparatus and method therefor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adverse event mitigation devices and systems for sleep apnea and snoring are inadequate in effectively preventing and treating these conditions, particularly in reducing the occurrence and duration of obstructive sleep apnea events.
Innovation Solution
A therapeutic support apparatus with a user support surface that includes a head section and torso section, both operable to angle relative to a longitudinal axis, equipped with an elevation unit using inflatable bladders to adjust positions and an alarm system that activates based on monitored data to control oxygen desaturation and alter sleep stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CPAP therapy is used to treat sleep apnea, then oxygen desaturation is controlled, but user comfort and adherence to treatment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is divided into multiple independently controllable sections (head section, torso section, foot section) that can be adjusted to different angles. This segmentation allows the apparatus to provide targeted positional therapy without requiring the user to wear a CPAP mask, thereby maintaining treatment efficacy while improving comfort and adherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical CPAP system (requiring mask, airflow generation, and pressure regulation) with a purely mechanical positional therapy system using adjustable support surfaces. This substitution eliminates the discomfort associated with CPAP equipment while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through gravitational positioning.
2Measurement precision
If current adverse event mitigation devices are used, then sleep apnea events are monitored, but the occurrence and duration of obstructive sleep apnea events are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface sections are dynamically adjustable during sleep, allowing real-time modification of head and torso angles in response to monitored apnea events. This dynamic adjustment enables active intervention to reduce apnea occurrence and duration, moving beyond static monitoring to active therapeutic management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitor-alarm functionality that provides feedback on sleep quality and apnea events. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect apnea occurrences and trigger appropriate responses (such as adjusting support surface angles or alerting the user), thereby actively reducing apnea occurrence and duration based on real-time monitoring data.
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
The apparatus effectively reduces the occurrence and duration of sleep apnea events and snoring, demonstrating improved efficacy over current therapies like CPAP, while enhancing user comfort and adherence to treatment.
Implementation Method 1
At least one inflatable bladder may be positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The at least one inflatable bladder may be operable to inflate and deflate to move the second plate to an angle relative to the first plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic support apparatus includes a user support surface extending along a longitudinal axis. The user support surface has a head section and a torso section. Each of the head section and the torso section are operable to angle relative to the longitudinal axis. An elevation unit is operable to position at least one of the head section and torso section at angles relative to the longitudinal axis. A monitor acquires data related to a user while sleeping on the user support surface. An alarm is operable to activate based on the data acquired by the monitor.