Wearable PAP Mask Integrating Optical and Impedance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PAP devices lack sensors to measure vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen saturation, as well as hemodynamic parameters like stroke volume and cardiac output, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive physiological monitoring during sleep apnea therapy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of embedded electronic sensors within a PAP mask to measure vital signs and hemodynamic parameters, including optical sensors for SpO2 and pulse rate, impedance sensors for stroke volume and cardiac output, and other sensors for breathing rate and muscle activity, with a control system to process and transmit this data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If PAP devices provide only basic airway pressure therapy, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the capability to measure vital signs and hemodynamic parameters is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (optical sensor for SpO2 and pulse rate, impedance sensor for stroke volume and cardiac output, breathing rate sensor, and muscle activity sensor) into a single integrated mask device that also delivers PAP therapy. This merging approach enables comprehensive physiological monitoring without requiring separate monitoring equipment, thus improving measurement capability while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: delivering positive airway pressure therapy, monitoring oxygen saturation, measuring pulse rate, assessing stroke volume, evaluating cardiac output, tracking breathing rate, and detecting muscle activity. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both therapeutic and comprehensive monitoring needs, resolving the contradiction between basic therapy simplicity and advanced measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated into the PAP mask, then comprehensive physiological monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all sensing components and data processing functions into a single integrated control system within the mask. By combining multiple sensors (optical, impedance, breathing rate, muscle activity) and their corresponding processing units into one unified system, the patent minimizes the loss of physiological information while managing complexity through centralized integration rather than distributed separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically processes data from all integrated sensors and performs self-calibration and self-monitoring functions. This self-service capability reduces the need for external processing equipment and manual intervention, thereby minimizing information loss while keeping the device complexity manageable through automated operations.
3Loss of information
If real-time data processing and transmission are implemented, then remote patient monitoring capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements periodic data sampling and transmission rather than continuous real-time streaming. By collecting physiological data at intervals and transmitting batches of information, the system maintains adequate monitoring capability while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between real-time data availability and power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs local data processing, filtering, and prioritization before transmission, automatically managing which data points require immediate transmission versus those that can be batched. This self-service data management optimizes energy usage by transmitting only essential information in real-time while deferring less critical data, thereby balancing real-time monitoring needs with energy conservation.
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 solution enables simultaneous delivery of PAP therapy while monitoring vital and hemodynamic parameters, improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy by providing real-time data for remote patient monitoring and clinical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to measure a time-dependent optical waveform (e.g., photoplethysmogram) from a first region underneath a first portion of the wearable mask
Implementation Method 2
an impedance sensor that measures a time-dependent impedance waveform (e.g., impedance cardiogram) from a second region proximal to the wearable mask
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a wearable mask for monitoring a blood pressure value and providing a flow of gas at a positive pressure to the patient. The mask includes a first sensor, configured to measure a time-dependent optical waveform from a first region underneath a first portion of the wearable mask, with the time-dependent optical waveform including a first pulse. A second sensor measures a time-dependent impedance waveform from a second region proximal to the mask, with the time-dependent impedance waveform including a second pulse. A microprocessor attaches to the wearable mask and is configured to: 1) receive digital representations of both the first and second pulses; 2) process the digital representations to determine a time difference between the first and second pulses, or a parameter calculated therefrom; and 3) process the time difference between the first and second pulses, or the parameter calculated therefrom, to determine the blood pressure value.