Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for the treatment of sleep apnea through the application of real-time, interactive positive airway pressure within the airway of a patient attached to the system. A single sensor is arranged in fluid communication with the airway of the air delivery conduit, and is designed to detect abnormal inspiratory flow to the patient's airway on a single breath basis. Output air pressure from the air source to the airway of the patient is continuously increased, instantaneously stopped, and slowly decreased in response to real-time changes in the patient's inspiratory flow curve detected and interpreted by this apparatus, thus providing the optimal pressure required to restore airway patency on each breath.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 27, 1994
Date of Patent:
July 8, 1997
Assignee:
SleepNet Corp.
Inventors:
Ronald L. Cotner, Gerald J. Parise, Thomas E. Asacker, Bijan Sadrnoori, Robert A. Muller