Abstract: An example method for detecting a sleep apnea event can include: capturing a plurality of infrared images of an individual breathing; developing a spatial template based upon the infrared images, the spatial template defining at least a normal breathing pattern; using the spatial template to analyze further infrared images of the individual during sleep; and detecting a sleep apnea event using the spatial template and the further infrared images.

Abstract: A respiratory device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable through a first angular displacement in a first direction from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position. The valve member is rotatably oscillated back and forth when the valve member is in the first position and when the valve member is in the second position so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, are provided to the patient's airway.

Abstract: Selectable control valves and mattress systems incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable mattress system includes a pump, a selectable control valve in fluid communication with the pump, and a mattress pad having a plurality of inflatable chambers that are in fluid communication with the selectable control valve. The selectable control valve includes a valve case having an inlet port and a plurality of supply ports, a stepper motor having a motor body that is coupled to the valve case, a rotating plate having a passage and coupled to the stepper motor, and a plurality of seal cartridges positioned within the valve case. The seal cartridges each include an engagement spring and a compliant seal, where the engagement spring maintains a load on the compliant seal such that the compliant seal forms a fluid tight seal with the rotating plate.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a mattress positioned on the frame. A respiratory therapy device is coupled to the frame. The respiratory therapy device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable through a first angular displacement in a first direction from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position.

Abstract: A mattress overlay apparatus is provided for use with a mattress. The mattress overlay apparatus includes an overlay configured for placement atop the mattress and having a plurality of inflatable bladders, a blower, and first and second rotary plate valves pneumatically coupled to the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves are arranged in series between the plurality of bladders and the blower. The first and second rotary plate valves and the blower are operated to provide the overlay with percussion and vibration (P&V), left and right turn assist, and microclimate management (MCM) functionality.

Abstract: A nebulizer assembly for a respiratory device is provided having a housing defining a chamber. The housing also has a nebulizer port configured to receive a nebulizer to discharge atomized medication into the chamber. An outlet of a handle is coupled to the inlet of the housing. A hose is coupled to an inlet of the handle. A patient interface is coupled to the outlet of the housing. Air flows from the hose to the patient interface via the handle and the housing. The air mixes with the atomized medication within the chamber.

Abstract: An example method for assisting a patient to conduct a physical therapy session can include: presenting information about the physical therapy session on a display, the information including one or more actions to be performed by the patient; capturing one or more images of the patient as the patient performs the one or more actions; detecting, by a computing device, a safety risk related to one or more medical devices associated with the patient during the physical therapy session; and providing feedback regarding the safety risk. Other methods can include: detecting, by a computing device, using the one or more images, a level of effort from the patient during the physical therapy session; and modifying a future physical therapy session for the patient based upon the level of effort; or allowing the patient to compete with other patients during the physical therapy session based upon the level of effort.

Abstract: An example method for detecting a sleep apnea event can include: capturing a plurality of infrared images of an individual breathing; developing a spatial template based upon the infrared images, the spatial template defining at least a normal breathing pattern; using the spatial template to analyze further infrared images of the individual during sleep; and detecting a sleep apnea event using the spatial template and the further infrared images.

Abstract: A respiratory acoustic analysis system for sensing and analyzing respiratory sounds of a patient may include a High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation (HFCWO) vest, at least one sensor coupled with the HFCWO vest, and an algorithm stored in a processor for processing sensed data from the at least one acoustic sensor to provide processed data describing the respiratory sounds of the patient, in a form that can be used by a physician or other user.

Abstract: A respiratory device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable through a first angular displacement in a first direction from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position. The valve member is rotatably oscillated back and forth when the valve member is in the first position and when the valve member is in the second position so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, are provided to the patient's airway.

Abstract: An example method for estimating a disease state for a patient can include: capturing physiological data including images from the patient over time; processing the physiological data to detect a variability; comparing the variability to a baseline or a range; and estimating the disease state for the patient based upon the comparing of the variability to the baseline or the limit.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a patient on an air support system. The system comprises a capacitive sensor system having a capacitive sensor positioned at the underside of an air filled mattress, and a respiration signal processing module that receives the output of the capacitive sensor system and is configured to monitor patient respiration. Respiration is monitored by: periodically sampling the capacitive sensor system output to obtain measurements of incremental body displacement; analyzing a plurality of the samples to determine one or more values for parameters of patient respiratory rate; and determining when one or more of the parameter values indicate abnormal respiration. A corresponding method and computer program are also provided.