Abstract: A device to enable user inhalation and exhalation of air. The air delivered by the device may or may not be aromatically conditioned with user-selected aroma. Further, the air may or may not be thermally conditioned by the device to deliver air that is chilled, warmed, or ambient. The device can include a mask subassembly; an aroma subassembly; a neck portion; a base subassembly with thermal mass; and a soft, insulated cover assembly. Methods of using the device i) teach breathing techniques for relaxation using sensory feedback from the device; ii) educate, establish and heighten awareness of positive sleep routines that are considered important in healthy sleep hygiene; iii) aid in identifying behaviors that are not conducive to good sleep hygiene; iv) assist the user in identifying dysfunctional rumination and belief systems about sleep and relaxation; and v) educate the user about breathing techniques and relaxation.

Abstract: A cardiorespiratory alert system is described which comprises a patient unit which communicates with a caregiver unit, via an optional central base station in a Hospital Configuration, or via a base station in an Alternate Site/Home Configuration. A number of techniques are employed to provide a system which provides alerts to the caregiver unit when life-threatening conditions are detected in the patient, yet is tolerant to the presence of artifact so that false positives are reduced. The present invention utilizes patient cooperation as well as a number of artifact reducing mechanisms to provide increased immunity to artifact.

Abstract: A stretchable harness-like apparatus enables physiological parameters of a patient to be measured while he or she is ambulatory or stationary. The invention has a chest band, an optional shoulder band(s), and an optional abdominal band that can house respiration, pulse and ECG sensors. The shoulder band(s) are attached to the chest band and all of the bands are worn on the body under a low tension. The apparatus is typically used in conjunction with on-body monitoring electronics and radio-linked to remote alerting modules or it can be hard-wired to on-body or remote monitoring and alerting equipment. The compliant nature of the device allows for accurate monitoring without sacrificing patient mobility or comfort.

Abstract: A cardiorespiratory alert system is described which comprises a patient unit which communicates with a caregiver unit, via an optional central base station in a Hospital Configuration, or via a base station in an Alternate Site/Home Configuration. A number of techniques are employed, including 1) withholding an alert in the presence of an apparent alert condition on some channels when a satisfactory signal condition exists on a different channel, and 2) correlating the conditions found in the signals for one parameter with those found for other parameters to confirm or discount the significance of the signals, so as to result in a system which provides alerts to the caregiver unit when life-threatening conditions are detected in the patient, yet is tolerant to the presence of artifact so that false positives are reduced. The present invention utilizes patient cooperation as well as a number of artifact reducing mechanisms to provide increased immunity to artifact.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides a link between the caregiver and the subject being monitored which utilizes an intermediate base station and redundant signal paths between the base station and the caregiver. The caregiver wears a unit which receives signals from the base station. Signals from the base station provide information about the subject being monitored and provide signals for use in determining whether the caregiver remains within the range of the base station. The unit worn by the subject being monitored can include diagnostic circuitry for evaluating signals received from sensors to transmit an alarm signal to the base station when the subject being monitored is in need of assistance. A range monitoring system is provided which will alert the subject being monitored as well as the caregiver whenever the subject being monitored moves outside the range of the base station.

Abstract: A data monitoring system which simultaneously monitors, transmits by radio an records data relating to a plurality of physiological parameters comprises a portable sensor unit which is worn by the patient and includes a plurality of sensors attached to the patient's body each of which monitors a physiological parameter and generates a corresponding electrical signal, a circuit pack which converts the signals into a series stream of digital data and a transmitter which periodically transmits the data. A base station includes both a receiver which receives the transmitted data and reconverts it to a digital signal and a data processing unit which records the data.