Abstract: A method and an apparatus for verifying compliance with a dental appliance therapy for a human patient is described. At least one parameter of a dental appliance worn by the human patient is periodically measured and compliance with the dental appliance therapy is determined by performing a spectral analysis of the measured parameter.

Abstract: The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At least two sensors are used to respectively detect the primary vibration signal and to generate respective intermediate signals. The sensors are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the patient's neck. The respective intermediate signals are processed to generate an output signal. The output signal is indicative of the location of origin.

Abstract: An airflow sensor (thermal sensor assembly) that is designed to adhesively attach to different styles of a cannula and that can detect the movement of respiratory air through the nasal and/or oral cavities. When secured to the cannula, the airflow sensor has its nasal and oral sensing elements in positions that will maximize signal accuracy, minimize airflow signal artifacts, and minimize occurrences of signal loss due to direct patient skin contact. The airflow sensor does not disturb the flow of air from the patient or add any discomfort to the patient. The airflow sensor can be attached to most nasal or nasal/oral cannulae used in sleep disorder diagnostics.

Abstract: A patient interface support that supports a patient interface of a PAP device and generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between the patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when the interface support is in use while alleviating the strain on the patient's head. The patient interface support includes a base for attachment to a support surface; and, a support extension having a joint; a patient interface mount; and, biasing means. The joint movably connects the support extension to the base, the patient interface mount supports the patient interface, and the biasing means generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between said patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when said interface support is in use.

Abstract: A portable or wearable system for monitoring and diagnosing sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, and an associated method of monitoring and diagnosis. The device which can be used for the detection, assessment, diagnosis and pre-diagnosis (screening) of sleep apnea, as well as other sleep-related disorders associated with sleep apnea, such as hypopnea, snoring and abnormal cardiac rhythms. The device preferably samples, stores and records sound at a frequency of 1000 Hz and higher to allow for an accurate analysis of the subject's condition to be carried out. Memory is provided in the device to store at least six hours of continuous data. Data collected by the device can be downloaded to an external computing device for later use and analysis by a medical professional.

Abstract: The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At least two sensors are used to respectively detect the primary vibration signal and to generate respective intermediate signals. The sensors are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the patient's neck. The respective intermediate signals are processed to generate an output signal. The output signal is indicative of the location of origin.

Abstract: A patient interface support that supports a patient interface of a PAP device and generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between the patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when the interface support is in use while alleviating the strain on the patient's head. The patient interface support comprises a base for attachment to a support surface; and, a support extension having a joint; a patient interface mount; and, biasing means. The joint movably connects the support extension to the base, the patient interface mount supports the patient interface, and the biasing means generates a pre-selected engagement pressure at the patient interface to create a seal between said patient interface and the patient's airflow passages when said interface support is in use.

Abstract: A method for increasing output pressure of a blower unit in a Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) device, the blower unit having a blower rotatable about an axis of rotation. The method includes the steps of ingesting air into the blower unit, successively accelerating the ingested air in a direction substantially radial to the axis of rotation and a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation for generating a flow of compressed air; and exhausting the accelerated air from the blower unit. A PAP device with the improved blower generates increased air pressure compared to prior art devices or produces at least the same air pressure at a reduced size.