Abstract: Mouth-breathing can be detected in early phase expiration during respiratory treatments involving a pressure support device. In accordance with some embodiments, an output signal is received from a sensor that conveys information relating to one or more parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas as it is delivered to an air-way of a subject. Transitions are estimated between inspiratory phases and expiratory phases of respiration by the subject based on the one or more determined parameters. A local extreme is identified in a level of a first parameter during a given expiratory phase of respiration by the subject. The level of the first parameter is analyzed as a function of time within a sampling window to determine whether the subject is breathing by mouth during the given expiratory phase. The sampling window begins at or proximate to the identified local extreme in the level of the first parameter.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, user therapy adherence may be facilitated via virtual environment group interactions that are based on similar therapeutic device usage. In some embodiments, a virtual world may be provided to enable users to interact with one another in the virtual world. Usage information associated with the users may be obtained from physical therapeutic devices (e.g., in an autonomous and/or periodic manner), where the usage information associated with a given user includes information indicating how a respective physical therapeutic device is used by the given user. A virtual world group for the virtual world may be generated based on the usage information associated with the users. In some embodiments, a physical therapeutics device of at least one of the group users may present an indication of the placement in the virtual world group to facilitate interaction of the group users in the virtual world.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for determining and displaying a sleep restoration level of a subject for a target sleep session. In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a sensor, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components. As the subject sleeps, the system is configured to determine a metric indicating sleep need for the subject and then graphically display a sleep restoration level (a visual representation of the metric indicating sleep need) based on the determined sleep need metric. Instead of assuming common parameters for multiple users, the system is configured to determine the sleep need metric based on obtained baseline sleep parameters that have been determined individually for the subject based on one or more previous sleep sessions, a determined amount of slow wave activity in the subject during the target sleep session, and/or other information.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system that facilitates transitions between sleep states and/or stages during a sleep session of a subject. The system facilitates transitions between sleep states and/or stages by monitoring the brain activity of a subject and providing sensory stimulation to guide brain activity parameters into target ranges. The system includes one or more of a sensory stimulator, a sensor, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components.

Abstract: Methods and systems to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) and/or central sleep apnea (CSA) include monitoring retrograde breathing and detecting respiratory events. Based on the occurrences of certain respiratory events, a target volume of rebreathing is adjusted to reduce arousals as well as CSR/CSA.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to determining a melatonin level in a biological sample of a subject with a determination system. The determination system comprises a melatonin analyzer, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The method comprises providing a first biological sample from the subject to the melatonin analyzer; generating one or more output signals conveying information related to a temperature of the analyzer; controlling the temperature of the analyzer based on the output signals to be within a pre-determined temperature range, such that responsive to the temperature of the analyzer being outside the pre-determined temperature range, the controlling comprises cooling and/or heating the analyzer to bring and maintain the temperature within the pre-determined temperature range; and responsive to the temperature of the analyzer being within the pre-determined temperature range, facilitating determination of a melatonin level of the first biological sample with the analyzer.

Abstract: A pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject is described. The system is configured to treat obstructive sleep apnea, other sleep disordered breathing, and/or other respiratory issues with limited flow respiration therapy, and/or other therapies. Limited flow respiration therapy may be an alternative to CPAP, for example. The system is configured to limit flow rate compensation, pressure compensation, and/generator or compensation of other parameters during inspiration to values proportional to the current leak to achieve limited flow respiration therapy. In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, a processor, a user interface, electronic storage, and/or other components.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an exhalation valve system (10) configured to control gas flow during exhalation of a subject (12). In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator (14), a subject interface (16), one or more sensors (18), one or more processors (20), electronic storage (22), user interface (23), and/or other components. The system is configured to adjust a rebreathing level of the subject based on detected occurrences of disordered breathing events. By rebreathing exhaled air (and/or other breathable gas) a subject may minimize and/or prevent central sleep apneas. The system monitors the breathing of the subject to detect occurrences of respiratory events related to central sleep apnea. The system monitors accumulated retrograde breathing and adjusts the volume of exhaled rebreathing and/or other system settings affecting the subject's breathing. Through these adjustments, the system may prevent and/or reduce respiratory events related to central sleep apnea.

Abstract: Methods and system to diagnose central sleep apnea of a patient employ a relatively short test, combining few breathing parameters. The test is short in comparison to commonly used time-consuming and complex multi-parameter sleep studies. The patient uses a positive airway pressure device, and follows breathing cues. The occurrence of a central apnea during the delivery of breathing cues may support a diagnosis of central sleep apnea.

Abstract: A subject is prompted to consciously alter one or more breathing parameters of respiration. To prompt the subject to alter one or more breathing parameters, a pressurized flow of breathable gas is provided to the airway of the subject. One or more gas parameters of the gas in the pressurized flow of breathable gas are adjusted to provide breathing cues to the subject that encourage the subject to consciously adjust respiration such that the one or more breathing parameters are altered. Information is also conveyed to the subject through a user interface that dynamically provides information to the subject about the breathing cues.

Abstract: A wake-to-sleep transition for a subject is detected based on responsiveness to breathing cues provided to the subject. A pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of subject having one or more gas parameters that are adjusted to provide breathing cues to the subject. Based on a detected conformance of the respiration of the subject to the breathing cues, a determination is made as to whether the subject is awake or asleep.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for determining and displaying a sleep restoration level of a subject for a target sleep session. In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a sensor, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components. As the subject sleeps, the system is configured to determine a metric indicating sleep need for the subject and then graphically display a sleep restoration level (a visual representation of the metric indicating sleep need) based on the determined sleep need metric. Instead of assuming common parameters for multiple users, the system is configured to determine the sleep need metric based on obtained baseline sleep parameters that have been determined individually for the subject based on one or more previous sleep sessions, a determined amount of slow wave activity in the subject during the target sleep session, and/or other information.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to facilitate transitions between sleep states and/or stages during a sleep session of a subject. The system is configured to facilitate transitions between sleep states and/or stages by monitoring the brain activity of a subject and providing sensory stimulation to guide brain activity parameters into target ranges. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more of a sensory stimulator, a sensor, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components.

Abstract: Feedback information is provided to a subject regarding reception of pressure support therapy, and/or other respiratory support therapy. The feedback information may indicate compliance to a respiratory therapy regimen. The feedback information is provided to the subject by transmitting the feedback information through a communication network to a client device associated with the subject. The feedback information may include a characterization of the therapy received by the subject with respect to a usage goal.

Abstract: Respiratory assistance is provided to a subject in the form of a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The pressure of the gas is eased during expiration and increased during inspiration. Changes in pressure are triggered and/or cycled based on the monitoring of tidal volume. Volume thresholds that cause triggering and/or cycling are adjusted based on an observed or measured breath rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a pressure support system (10) configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject (12). The system (10) is configured to treat obstructive sleep apnea, other sleep disordered breathing, and/or other respiratory issues with limited flow respiration therapy, and/or other therapies. Limited flow respiration therapy may be an alternative to CPAP, for example. The system (10) is configured to limit (216) flow rate compensation, pressure compensation, and/generator or compensation of other parameters during inspiration to values proportional to the current leak to achieve limited flow respiration therapy. In some embodiments, the system (10) comprises one or more of a pressure generator (14), a subject interface (16), one or more sensors (18), a processor (20), a user interface (22), electronic storage (24), and/or other components.

Abstract: A pressure generation system for a pressure support system (10), the pressure generation system comprising: a pressure generator (14) for delivery of breathable gas to the airway of a subject (12); one or more sensors (18) sensing one or more parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas; and one or more processors (20) comprising: a respiratory event detection module (54) configured to detect airway obstruction, a pulse parameter module (56), the pulse configured to open the airway of the subject; and a control module (58) configured to control the pressure generator to generate, responsive to detection of airway obstruction, the pulse of breathable gas for delivery to the airway of the subject in accordance with the obtained pulse parameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an exhalation valve system (10) configured to control gas flow during exhalation of a subject (12). In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator (14), a subject interface (16), one or more sensors (18), one or more processors (20), electronic storage (22), user interface (23), and/or other components. The system is configured to adjust a rebreathing level of the subject based on detected occurrences of disordered breathing events. By rebreathing exhaled air (and/or other breathable gas) a subject may minimize and/or prevent central sleep apneas. The system monitors the breathing of the subject to detect occurrences of respiratory events related to central sleep apnea. The system monitors accumulated retrograde breathing and adjusts the volume of exhaled rebreathing and/or other system settings affecting the subject's breathing. Through these adjustments, the system may prevent and/or reduce respiratory events related to central sleep apnea.

Abstract: Mouth-breathing can be detected in early phase expiration during respiratory treatments involving a pressure support device. In accordance with some embodiments, an output signal is received from a sensor that conveys information relating to one or more parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas as it is delivered to an air-way of a subject. Transitions are estimated between inspiratory phases and expiratory phases of respiration by the subject based on the one or more determined parameters. A local extreme is identified in a level of a first parameter during a given expiratory phase of respiration by the subject. The level of the first parameter is analyzed as a function of time within a sampling window to determine whether the subject is breathing by mouth during the given expiratory phase. The sampling window begins at or proximate to the identified local extreme in the level of the first parameter.

Abstract: A pressure support system (10) including a pressure generator that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a subject and a processor (22) configured to execute computer program modules. The modules include a first mode module (32) controls the pressure generator according to a first mode of therapy wherein breathing cues are provided to the subject (12) according to a breathing regime. The breathing cues prompt the subject to consciously alter breathing parameters. The modules also include a second mode module (34) controls the pressure generator according to a second mode of therapy wherein the flow of breathable gas is provided to the subject (12) at a selected pressure or selectively variable pressures. The modules further include a transition module (36) that transitions between the first mode of therapy and a second mode of therapy wherein parameters of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is adjusted in response to a trigger event.