Abstract: A system/method for reducing or eliminating application of continuous, repeated, and/or excessive pressure at the contact footprints of a patient interface device and headgear assembly. For example, a patient interface with a plurality of cushions, each producing a different contact footprint when worn by the patient is employed. As another example, a plurality of patient interface devices, each having a cushion that produces a different contact footprint when worn by the patient, are employed. As another example, a patient interface device having a cushion, the configuration/shape of which can be altered such that the contact footprint which it produces is also changed, is employed. The contact footprint to which the patient is exposed is altered after a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A medical device, such as pressure support system, and a method of communicating with such a device using an information storage device. The information storage device, in one embodiment, is adapted to be provided in a slot in the medical device so that information for controlling the operating of the pressure support device can be read from the information storage device, information regarding the usage and/or operation of the pressure support device can be written to the information storage device, or both operations can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A method of employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device. In a further embodiment, the operation of the pressure generating system is controlled based on the second information provided by the patient.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system includes a gas flow generator and a patient interface. The system delivers a flow of gas to the patient using the gas flow generator and the patient interface. The system determines that the patient is experiencing an apnea and, in response, performs a pressure change maneuver. This maneuver includes increasing a pressure of the flow of gas for a period of time, and decreasing the pressure of the flow of gas after the pressure increase. The system then monitors the change in flow rate for the flow of gas resulting from the pressure change maneuver, if any, and determines whether the airway of the patient is open or closed based on the monitored change in the flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: An intraoral electromuscular stimulation device and method to treat a breathing disorder. The stimulation device includes a first electrode, a first support member that maintains the first electrode in a sublingual location posterior to a frenulum and proximate to one of a first molar, a second molar and a third molar of a patient. A second electrode is maintained in a sublingual position posterior relative to the first electrode by a second support member. A further embodiment of the stimulation device includes a sensor that detects a respiratory parameter of a patient and outputs a signal indicative thereof. A control unit receives the signal from the sensor, distinguishes between inspiration and expiration, and initiates an electrical stimulation at a stimulation time prior to onset of inspiration and continues stimulation through a portion of inspiration at a level sufficient to induce muscle contraction without pain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A system/method for reducing or eliminating application of continuous, repeated, and/or excessive pressure at the contact footprints of a patient interface device and headgear assembly. For example, a patient interface with a plurality of cushions, each producing a different contact footprint when worn by the patient is employed. As another example, a plurality of patient interface devices, each having a cushion that produces a different contact footprint when worn by the patient, are employed. As another example, a patient interface device having a cushion, the configuration/shape of which can be altered such that the contact footprint which it produces is also changed, is employed. The contact footprint to which the patient is exposed is altered after a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. A passive probed is provided in the patient to focus the magnetic field produced by the coil.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: A medical device, such as pressure support system, and a method of communicating with such a device using an information storage device. The information storage device, in one embodiment, is adapted to be provided in a slot in the medical device so that information for controlling the operating of the pressure support device can be read from the information storage device, information regarding the usage and/or operation of the pressure support device can be written to the information storage device, or both operations can be performed.

Abstract: An interactive pressure support system and method employing a pressure generating system that provides a pressure therapy to the pulmonary system of a patient and an interactive system associated with the pressure generating system to enable the patient to interact with the pressure support system, for example, to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment provided by the pressure support system. The interactive system includes an output device that provides first information to the patient, an input device that allows the patient to provide second information that is based on the first information and a control unit that controls the operation of the output device to present the first information and collection of the second information via the input device. In a further embodiment, the operation of the pressure generating system is controlled based on the second information provided by the patient.

Abstract: A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying a gain to flow rate of pressurized gas delivered to a patient during inspiratory and/or expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and/or expiration. A base pressure may be applied in addition to the gain-modified pressures and an elevated pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure treatments, such as CPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. A passive probed is provided in the patient to focus the magnetic field produced by the coil.