Sensor-Integrated PAP Mask for Wireless Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PAP systems for treating sleep apnea are cumbersome due to the use of wires connecting sensors to a processor, which can lead to disconnection and discomfort, and they often require infrequent sleep studies that may not capture changing sleeping behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A PAP system with integrated sensors such as a heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, microphone, gyroscope, pressure sensor, and ECG sensor, which can be wirelessly connected to a processor for continuous monitoring, allowing real-time diagnosis and treatment suggestions based on various measurements, including snoring detection and positional OSA analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wires are used to connect sensors to processor, then measurement reliability is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and risk of disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire connection system with a wireless communication system. Sensors transmit data wirelessly to the processor, eliminating the physical wires that cause discomfort and disconnection risks for patients during sleep.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between sensors and processor. This intermediary enables data transmission without direct physical connection, resolving the contradiction between reliability and comfort.
2Measurement precision
If traditional polysomnography with multiple sensors is used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to cumbersome wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical wire connection system with wireless communication technology. Multiple sensors can be used to maintain diagnostic accuracy while wireless transmission eliminates the complexity of managing multiple physical connections.
3Device complexity
If infrequent sleep studies are performed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs as changing sleeping behaviors are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of sleeping behaviors through wireless sensors and processors that operate throughout the sleep period. This continuous data collection captures changing behaviors over time without requiring frequent separate sleep studies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-analysis of sleeping behaviors automatically. The processor continuously analyzes sensor data to detect changes in sleeping patterns, eliminating the need for external intervention through frequent sleep studies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a PAP system that uses a mask with a PAP unit and air passage to provide positive air pressure to a patient. The PAP system may have a plurality of sensors, such as but not limited to a heart rate monitor, a pulse oximeter, a microphone, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, and an ammeter. The PAP system may further have at least one ECG sensor. The plurality of sensors may obtain a plurality of measurements, which may be analyzed by a processor. The plurality of measurements may be stored in a memory of the PAP system. The present invention further relates to a method of providing a diagnosis and/or suggesting treatment using the PAP system, as well as a method of performing a polysomnography using the PAP system.