CPAP Safety System

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a first ring and a second ring. The second ring may be a clamp. The first ring may have a diameter and a cutout portion. The clamp may have a plurality of movable jaws and a plurality of teeth. The apparatus may further comprise a first sensor and a second sensor, each of which may include an alarm. A tubular connector may couple the ring, the clamp, and the sensor. The sensors may include a wireless transmitter that transmits to a portable or nonportable electronic device.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/654,967, filed Oct. 16, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/746,067, filed Oct. 16, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy refers to a particular type of air pressure ventilator that assists in keeping a user's airway open. A CPAP setup often includes a mask worn by a user, a hose, and a machine. One end of the hose is coupled to the machine and the other end is coupled to the mask to deliver a particular, consistent air pressure to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example apparatus for a CPAP tether for use as part of a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an example system for a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is another view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a view of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is another view of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4D is another view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an alarm system circuit board for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another view of the alarm system circuit board of FIG. 5 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the circuits shown in FIG. 6 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is another view of the alarm system circuit board of FIG. 6 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses air pressure to aid in keeping the airway of a user open, particularly during sleep. A CPAP setup includes a flow generator machine (also called a CPAP machine) to provide the pressure and a mask worn by a user over the mouth and nose. A flexible hose connects the CPAP machine with the CPAP mask, allowing the user to be provided with the particular air pressure they need.

Both a CPAP mask and the hose are designed to be cleaned by a user. Therefore, a hose connects to a CPAP mask using a friction fit. This allows the hose and the mask to be disconnected with ease for cleaning and reconnected when cleaning is complete. However, because the CPAP mask and the hose are connected using only a friction fit, the hose may become disconnected from the mask during use of the CPAP setup. When this happens, the mask, and thus the user, is not receiving the positive air pressure from the CPAP machine. This can be dangerous for the user, as CPAP therapy is often used to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, where a person stops breathing during sleep.

One way to combat hose disconnection is through application of an adhesive, such as a caulk or an epoxy. A silicone caulk or epoxy, or similar, may be applied to the hose and/or mask connector to provide additional bulk and/or tackiness to the connector. As a result, the strength of the friction fit between the CPAP mask and hose may be increased. However, the adhesive may not maintain its integrity permanently; that is, with repeated use over time, the adhesive may wear and lose its tackiness, necessitating reapplication.

Another way to combat hose disconnection is through extra cleaning to rid the hose and/or mask connection points of any residue or buildup. Removal of the built-up residue may return the hose to a state more comparable to when it was new. This solution is cost effective because it requires nothing beyond soap and water; however, much like the adhesive, extra cleaning is not a permanent solution. Residue and buildup may reform on the hose and/or mask, resulting in the need for extra cleaning once again. Additionally, such extra cleaning takes time beyond the time already used to wash the hose and mask for cleaning.

Another option is to simply replace the CPAP hose when the hose currently being used has begun to disconnect from the CPAP mask. A new CPAP hose is tackier and lacks residue or stress caused by repeated use of the CPAP system. Although a CPAP hose is relatively inexpensive, continuing to replace the hose every time disconnection becomes an issue does begin to add up. In addition, the only area that is an issue may be the connection point between the CPAP hose and mask, meaning that a hose that is otherwise still able to be used is being discarded.

Another potential issue that can arise with a CPAP system relates to the pressure. More particularly, CPAP relies on a constant, positive air pressure flowing between the CPAP machine, through the CPAP hose, to the CPAP mask for the user's comfort and safety. If the pressure is disrupted, whether through an issue with the machine itself or through disconnect of the CPAP hose, the user is not getting the necessary air from the CPAP. And, if the pressure is disrupted during the night (or whenever the user is using the CPAP system), the user may be unaware of the disruption when it occurs and not discover it until they wake up.

A CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure captures the hose if it becomes disconnected from the mask and sounds an alarm when the hose becomes disconnected from the mask. This safety system also incorporates wireless technology to provide connectivity in several ways. In this regard, the present continuation application incorporates by reference here, and in its entirety, the disclosure made in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/654,967 (the “967 application”), which application was published as U.S Pub. No. 2020/0114108 A1. In addition, and in the event of a disconnect, the hose may be retained close to the user. A ring couples to the CPAP mask around the connection point between the mask and the hose, while a clamp couples to the hose. A suitable “clamp” could also be the first ring disclosed in the '967 application. A tube disposed between the first ring and the second ring, or a ring and a clamp, couples the rings, and thus the CPAP mask and hose, together. The CPAP safety system may be removable for cleaning, but may otherwise remain on the CPAP system, i.e., may not need installation every time the CPAP system is used.

Additionally, a first sensor may be coupled to the CPAP safety system, and more particularly be disposed between the ring and the clamp, or between two rings if a two-ring construct is used as per the '967 application. The first sensor may include an alarm to alert in the event of a disconnect between the CPAP mask and the CPAP hose, or in the event of any other disruption to air pressure. An air pressure detector may be coupled to the CPAP system as well. The air pressure detector may include a second sensor in wireless communication with the first sensor such that when the air pressure detector detects a change or interruption in air pressure, the second sensor sends an electronic communication to the first sensor to activate the alarm and alert the user, or someone caring for the user, of the disruption. The first and second sensors may both be in wireless communication with an alert via a preprogrammed application. This can be done with just the first sensor, just the second sensor, or both, as will be apparent later in this detailed description.

FIG. 1 is an example apparatus for a CPAP tether 100 for use as part of a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus 100 includes a clamp 102. Clamp 102 may further comprise a pair of opposing and movable jaws 103 and a plurality of teeth 105 disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws 103. Clamp 102 is selectively openable (i.e., the teeth 105 are configured to mesh and are separable to allow insertion of something to be held) when pressure is applied to the pair of opposing and movable jaws 103. Then, when the pressure is released, the teeth 105 may close around whatever is being held. In the present case, clamp 102 is able to open to receive a portion of CPAP hose, such that the plurality of teeth 105 grasp and hold the CPAP hose when the clamp is closed. See FIG. 2. Clamp 102 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material and is preferably spring-loaded.

Apparatus 100 further includes a ring 108. Ring 108 may have a diameter 110. Diameter 110 may be sized to couple to a CPAP mask. Diameter 110 may further have a cutout portion 112. As shown in FIG. 1, cutout portion 112 may comprise a portion of ring 108 such that ring 108 is substantially C-shaped for capturing purposes.

A pair of apertures 114-1, 114-2 (collectively, apertures 114) may be disposed within ring 108. Apertures 114 may be disposed on the sides of ring 108 and may extend entirely through or only partially through the width of ring 108. In some examples, apertures 114 may be disposed opposite the cutout portion 112.

Apparatus 100 may include a sensor 129. Although sensor 129 is shown in exploded view (i.e., with a cover 149 removed from a housing 139 to expose a circuit board 140 that resides therein), when in use, the cover 149 is fastened to the sensor 129 such that a circuit board 140 is covered and protected. The sensor 129 may include a battery, an alarm, a snooze button, and a plurality of circuits.

In some examples, sensor 129 (and later, sensor 259 relative to FIG. 2 and sensor 329 relative to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A-4D and the air pressure detectors 354, 454) may include a transmitter (not shown) operable over, for example, IEEE 802.15.15 (Bluetooth®) or over IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) to transmit a notice that the alarm is engaged, that the alarm is active (i.e., emitting an alert), or any other notification relative to the alarm and sensors 129, 329. In some examples, the notice may be transmitted to a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet or other device known in the art. The portable electronic device may include an application (or “app”, mobile or otherwise, the application or app inherently comprising a programmable logic controller, or “PLC”) to wirelessly couple to the sensors 129, 329 and more particularly to the transmitter contained within the sensors 129, 329, 429 to allow for remote transmission of such notices. That is, the PLC may control remote actuation of the alert or alarm. For instance, an application may allow a user to be alerted on his or her portable electronic device (not shown) when the alarm is activated. This alert and/or alarm could be activated on the user's cell phone, which would be synced with any of the sensors via the mobile application. The application could also include wireless connectivity that allows the transmission of the alert and/or alarm to the electronic device (also not shown) of a third party electronic device, which could be a computer at a nursing station, a cell phone or tablet of another member of the user's household, or even to that of a neighbor.

Apparatus 100 may further include a tubular connector 116-1, 116-2 (tubular connector 116). Tubular connector 116 may be used to couple the clamp 102, the ring 108, and the sensor 129, the sensor 129 being disposed between the clamp 102 and the ring 108. In some examples, clamp 102 and sensor 129 may be coupled to one another by tubular connector 116-1 at an aperture to one side of the housing 139. Within the housing 139, sensor connectors 134-1, 134-2 are used much the same way as described in the '967 application. The sensor connector 134-1 may be in fixed position within the housing 139 and the sensor connector 134-2 may be movable within the housing 139. The sensor connector 134-2 may be affixed to the end of the connector 116-1 such that the sensor connector 134-2 can be pulled away, or disconnected, from the sensor connector 134-1 which creates a gap between the sensor connectors and triggers a response in the form of an alarm or alert, all in accordance with an app as described above. Following this separation or disconnection, the sensor connectors can reestablish the connection to effectively “reset” the sensor 129 and return it to normal operational mode, the connectors being in a “normally closed” position via magnetic or other mechanical or electromagnetic force such as by the use of springs, solenoids, or similarly functioning elements. The sensor 129 can also be reset with a “snooze” button, as will be apparent later in this disclosure. Further, an end of a first portion of tubular connector 116-2 may be inserted into one aperture of the pair of apertures 114 that are part of ring 108. A second end of the first portion of tubular connector 116 may be inserted into the second apertures of the pair of apertures 114. The first portion of tubular connector 116 may then connect to sensor 129, such that ring 108 is fixedly coupled to sensor 129. Of course, examples are not so limited and other configurations may be used to couple clamp 102 and second ring 108 with tubular connector 116. Tubular connector 116 may be a rubber, plastic, or similarly flexible tube, and may have a diameter that is sized to be received by the apertures, but such is not a limitation of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an example of a CPAP safety system 218 consistent with the present disclosure. System 218 may include a CPAP hose 220 and a CPAP mask 224. One end of CPAP hose 220 may be connected to a CPAP machine 222; the other end may be coupled to the CPAP mask 224 such that the CPAP hose 220 provides air to the CPAP mask 224. The CPAP mask 224 may be fastened to the head and face of a user by straps or another securement mechanism.

System 218 may further include a clamp 202. Clamp 202 may be akin to clamp 102, discussed with respect to FIG. 1. Clamp 202 may comprise a plurality of movable jaws 203 and a plurality of teeth 205 disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws 203. The plurality of movable jaws 203 may be akin to movable jaws 103, and the plurality of teeth 205 may be akin to the plurality of teeth 105, discussed with respect to FIG. 1. As described with respect to FIG. 1, the clamp 202 may be selectively openable and closable such that clamp 202 is able to couple to CPAP hose 220. The clamp 202 may further comprise a ring akin to ring 302 as disclosed in the '967 application.

System 218 may further include a ring 208. Ring 208 may be akin to ring 108, discussed with respect to FIG. 1, and comprise a substantially circular disk or ring. Ring 208 may further include a diameter. The diameter may be akin to diameter 110, discussed with respect to FIG. 1, and may be sized to receive a CPAP mask such as CPAP mask 224. In some examples, ring 208 may couple to the CPAP mask 224 at a location of a connection between the CPAP mask 224 and the CPAP hose 220, such that CPAP hose 220 is retained in its location with respect to CPAP mask 224.

A cutout may be disposed in second ring 208. The cutout may be akin to cutout 112, discussed with respect to FIG. 1, and may be sized such that ring 208 is able to couple to CPAP mask 224 as shown in FIG. 2.

Within the ring 208 may be a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may be akin to apertures 114, discussed with respect to FIG. 1. As discussed with respect to FIG. 1, the apertures may be sized to receive a tubular connector, discussed further herein.

System 218 may further include a first sensor 229. First sensor 229 may be akin to sensor 129, discussed with respect to FIG. 1. As discussed with respect to FIG. 1, first sensor may include internal circuitry, a battery, a snooze button, and an audible alarm. Further, first sensor 229 may include a flashing light that may activate upon activation of the alarm. The snooze button may serve to temporarily turn off an active alarm of first sensor 229. Via the application used with the circuitry, the active alarm can reside in the app that collectively resides in different electronic devices as previously described.

System 218 may include a tubular connector 216-1, 216-2 (collectively, tubular connector 216). Tubular connector 216 may be akin to tubular connector 116, discussed with respect to FIG. 1, and may couple the clamp 202, the ring 208, and the sensor 229. In some examples, a first portion of tubular connector 216 may couple the ring 208 to the sensor 229. The first portion of tubular connector 216 may couple to the ring 208 at the plurality of apertures. For example, a first end of tubular connector 216 may couple with a first aperture of the plurality of apertures on the ring 208. The first end of tubular connector 216 may have a knot or stop to prevent being pulled through the aperture. A middle portion of the tubular connector 216 may couple with the sensor 229. A second end of the tubular connector 216 may then be coupled to a second aperture of the plurality of apertures on the ring 208. As with the first end, the second end of tubular connector 216 may have a knot or stop to prevent being pulled through the aperture. The ring 208 may thus be coupled to the sensor 229.

A second portion of the tubular connector 216 may couple the sensor 229 to the clamp 202 and is akin to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. A first end of the second portion of tubular connector 216 may connect with the sensor 229 at a lower portion thereof. The second portion of tubular connector 216 may then extend until it couples with the clamp 202 and may couple with the clamp 202 in such a way that the selective openability of the clamp 202 is not affected. Of course, other methods of connection using the tubular connector 216 may be used, and the method provided is not so limited.

System 218 may further include an air pressure detector 254. As used herein, an air pressure detector refers to a device which serves to monitor air pressure and, more particularly, air pressure being provided by a CPAP machine such as CPAP machine 222. The air pressure detector 254 is discussed further herein with respect to FIG. 3. Housed within the air pressure detector 254 is a second sensor 259.

FIG. 3A is a view of an air pressure detector 354 for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Air pressure detector 354 may be akin to air pressure detector 254, discussed with respect to FIG. 2. Air pressure detector 354 includes a first coupler housing 356 and a second coupler housing 362. First coupler housing 356 may have a first outer diameter 360 that is sized to couple to a first end of a CPAP system, such as system 218 discussed with respect to FIG. 2. First coupler housing 356 may further have an inner diameter 358-1.

Second coupler housing 362 may have a second outer diameter 364. Second outer diameter 364 may be the same as first outer diameter 360 or may be different from first outer diameter 360. Second outer diameter 364 may be sized to couple to a second end of a CPAP system, such as system 218, discussed with respect to FIG. 2. Second coupler housing 362 may further have an inner diameter 358-2. Inner diameter 358-2 may be the same as inner diameter 358-1 such that first coupler housing 356 and second coupler housing 362 may be joined, as is shown in FIG. 3B.

A second sensor 329 may be disposed within the air pressure detector 354. The second sensor 329 may be structurally and functionally similar to the first sensor 229, discussed with respect to FIG. 2, in that the second sensor may include a variety of circuitry and a battery. In addition, the second sensor may include the same wireless communication capabilities of the first sensor (as previously described) such that the second sensor 329, and thus the air pressure detector 354, is coupled to, and in wireless communication with, the first sensor directly or via an app.

In use, air pressure detector 354 monitors air pressure within a CPAP system. As described previous, CPAP relies on delivering continuous, positive air pressure to the user of the CPAP system. When the pressure is disrupted by, for example, the CPAP hose disconnecting from the CPAP mask, the user is not receiving the air. Air pressure detector 354, and more particularly the second sensor contained therein, monitors this pressure to alert a user or a user's caregiver to any disruptions so that the connection and the associated air flow can be reestablished.

When the air pressure detector 354 detects a change in air pressure, whether that be from the CPAP hose disconnecting or for another reason, the second sensor may first allow a time delay period to elapse. This time delay can be preprogrammed into the PLC of the system application. This time delay period is to ensure that the change in air pressure was not done purposefully by, for example, the user removing their mask and hose in preparation to turn the CPAP machine off. If the time delay period elapses and the CPAP machine has not been turned off or another action signaling the disruption in air pressure was intentional, the second sensor may send a signal to the first sensor. As discussed previously, second sensor may be in wireless communication with the first sensor, such that the second sensor, and thus the air pressure detector 354, is able to utilize the alarm contained within the first sensor to generate an alert. More particularly, when air pressure detector 354 determines that a disruption in air pressure has occurred and the time delay period has elapsed, the second sensor may transmit a signal to the first sensor. This signal may include instructions to sound an alarm to alert the user that pressure has been disrupted. In addition, the signal may include instructions to activate a flashing light contained within the first sensor.

FIGS. 4A-4D demonstrate that the pressure detector 454 can be placed in multiple locations within the CPAP safety system. FIG. 4A is a view 419 of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, a traditional CPAP mask 424 may be coupled to a CPAP hose 420 at an air pressure detector 454. The first outer diameter 460 of the air pressure detector 454 may be sized to couple to the CPAP mask 424, while the second outer diameter 464 of the air pressure detector 454 may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose 420. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, other elements of the CPAP safety system, such as the ring 408, clamp 402, and tubular connector 416 are still present. That is, the air pressure detector 454 and the sensor 429 can function independently or in tandem, while still offering the alarm/alert functionality together with the retention of the disconnected portion of the CPAP hose 420 in close proximity to the CPAP user.

FIG. 4B is another view 419 of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 4B shows a CPAP nasal pillow 466 coupled to a CPAP hose 420 via an air pressure detector 454. The first outer diameter 460 of the air pressure detector 454 may be sized to couple to the CPAP nasal pillow 466, while the second outer diameter 464 of the air pressure detector 454 may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose 420. As shown in FIG. 4B, other elements of the CPAP safety system are still present and in use.

FIG. 4C is a view 421 of an air pressure detector 454 and its associated second sensor (not shown) for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Unlike FIGS. 4A and 4B, the air pressure detector 454 of FIG. 4C is coupled to that part of the CPAP system that resides within the CPAP machine 422. CPAP machine 422 may be akin to CPAP machine 222, discussed with respect to FIG. 2. The air pressure detector 454 may be coupled to the CPAP system at the source of the hose, i.e., may be disposed between an internal hose of the CPAP machine 422 and the external CPAP hose 420. In such an example, first outer diameter 460 may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose 420 and second outer diameter 464 may be sized to couple to the internal hose.

FIG. 4D is yet another view 421 of an air pressure detector 454 for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Unlike in FIG. 4C, the air pressure detector 454 of FIG. 4D is located external to the CPAP machine 422, but still at a beginning portion of the CPAP system (as opposed to being located near the user end of the hose 420). In this example, the first outer diameter 460 may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose 420 and the second outer diameter may be sized to couple to the hose extending from the CPAP machine 422.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an alarm system circuit board 540 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Circuit board 540 may be disposed within the CPAP safety system itself in, for example, any system sensor, such as sensor 229, as shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 2, or the second sensor 329, as shown and discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. This will be true of each circuit board discussed below. The circuit board 540 is that part of the system that is used to enable and run the app thereby controlling the application and the alarm, as discussed above. Circuit board 540 includes a base 542. Base 542 may be a regular printed circuit board (PCB), having a base, often made of fiberglass, a conductive layer, often made of copper, and a soldermask disposed atop the conductive layer. Base 542 may also be a flexible PCB. In such examples, base 542 may be manufactured of a flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. A flexible PCB may further include a layer of conductive material, such as copper, and a layer of dielectric material, such as a polyimide. When base 542 is a flexible PCB, the circuit board 540 is able to be deformed, bent, or otherwise manipulated within integration of the circuit board 540 into the CPAP safety system.

Base 542 may include a printed circuit element 543. As used herein, a printed circuit element refers to a portion of a circuit included on a circuit board, such as is included on base 542, that is shown and used as a reference point for building of a circuit with additional elements. Printed circuit element 543 may be printed directly on base 542, and may be printed with conductive material, such that additional components can be directly added to printed circuit element 543, or may be printed with non-conductive material, such that printed circuit element 543 serves more as a visual guide for placement of additional components.

Additional placement guides 544, 546, and 548 may be included on base 542. Although three placement guides are shown in FIG. 5, examples are not so limited, and more or fewer placement guides may be included. As with printed circuit element 543, placement guides 544, 546, and 548 may be printed with conductive material, allowing direct integration of additional elements onto the placement guides 544, 546, and 548, or may be printed with non-conductive material to serve as a visual guide. In some examples, placement guide 544 may correspond to a battery placement, placement guide 546 may correspond to a snooze button placement, and placement guide 548 may correspond to a connector placement. These elements are discussed further herein with respect to FIGS. 6 and 8.

Base 542 may further include wiring connections 550. Wiring connections 550 may be disposed between placement guide 544 (which may correspond to a battery) and additional sections of base 542, such that the element corresponding to placement guide 544 may be wired to or connected with additional elements disposed on base 542. The wiring connections 550 are discussed further herein with respect to FIGS. 6-8.

FIG. 6 is another view of the alarm system circuit board 640 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As can be seen in FIG. 6, circuit board 640 shows additional elements that would be placed atop the circuit board 540 of FIG. 5. Circuit board 640 includes a base 642, which may be akin to base 542 discussed with respect to FIG. 5, and which may have a printed circuit element 643 disposed thereon (printed circuit element 643 is akin to printed circuit element 543, also discussed with respect to FIG. 5).

Circuit board 640 may further include a battery 644. Battery 644 may be placed in accordance with the location placement guide 544 shown in FIG. 5. Battery 644 may be a lithium-ion battery, an alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery. In some examples, battery 644 may be a watch battery, a hearing aid battery, or another type of small battery, such that battery 644 may fit within the circuit board 640 and, further, within the larger CPAP safety system.

A snooze button 646 may be included as part of circuit board 640. As used herein, a snooze button refers to a button or switch that, when activated, may be used to temporarily stop an alarm or other type of notification. Snooze button 646 may be a capacitative or other push button, switch, or any other type of selectively activated device. As shown in FIG. 6, snooze button 646 may be placed at the location of placement guide 546, shown in FIG. 5, and may be connected via a wired connection to battery 644. As a result, snooze button 646 may be powered by battery 644. That is, when activated, snooze button 646 may draw power from battery 644. In such examples, activating snooze button 646 by, for example, depressing a push-button, may complete or disrupt a circuit, depending on the setup of circuit board 640, for a selected period of time. For example, snooze button 646 may be depressed upon activation of an alarm, such as the alarm discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. As discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the alarm may be activated when the sensor 329 within the air pressure detector 354 determines that a change in air pressure has occurred, resulting in, e.g., an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a vibration, or a combination thereof. Activating snooze button 646 may temporarily stop the alarm from alerting, allowing a user to address the disruption. The snooze button 646 may only stop the alarm for a pre-programmed period of time (e.g., one minute) after which the alarm may begin alerting again. This allows a user and adjust the CPAP mask and CPAP hose without the additional distraction of an alarm. In such examples, upon restoration of the air pressure, snooze button 646 may be returned to its non-activated position (e.g., a non-depressed push button or a switch in the ‘off’ position).

As shown in FIG. 6, snooze button 646 may also be connected to a connector 648, discussed further herein, such that snooze button 646 is integrated with each of the other components of circuit board 640.

A first set of wiring connections 650 may be disposed on circuit board 640, and may be akin to wiring connections 550, discussed with respect to FIG. 5. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the first set of wiring connections 650 may be used to connect battery 644 to other components, such as snooze button 646 and/or connector 648. A second set of wiring connections 652 may also be disposed on circuit board 640, and may connect connector 648 to snooze button 646. The particular setup of the wiring connections 650 and 652 are discussed further herein with respect to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of the circuits 750, 752 shown in FIG. 6 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. In addition, circuit 749, depicting a battery disposed between a ground and a Voltage In (Vin) is shown.

Circuit 750 corresponds to wiring connections 550 and 650, discussed with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. As shown in circuit 750, an integrated circuit is disposed between two capacitors, with each element going to a ground. The Vin of circuit 750 may correspond to the Vin of circuit 749.

Circuit 752 corresponds to wiring connection 652, discussed with respect to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, circuit 752 includes a microprocessor (or the PLC as previously discussed) and a plurality of other components, including capacitors, resistors, and inductors. It is important to note that the particular layout of circuit 752 shown is not meant to be limiting, and that some components may be added and others removed or relocated.

Circuit 752 includes a connector 748, which may be akin to connector 548 and 648, discussed with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively. Although connector 748 is depicted as a micro USB in FIG. 7, examples are not so limited, and any type of suitable connector may be used. Connector 748 may be connected to a switch 754. As used herein, a switch refers to a device or component that is used to selectively disrupt the flow of current in a circuit. When the switch is open, or “off”, the circuit is incomplete, and current cannot flow. By contrast, when the switch is closed, or “on”, the circuit is complete, and current is able to flow.

FIG. 8 is another view of the alarm system circuit board 840 of FIG. 6 for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As with the circuit board of FIG. 6, circuit board 840 includes a base 842 onto which a printed circuit element 843 may be disposed. Circuit board 840 may further include a battery 844, a snooze button 846, and/or a connector 848. In addition, circuit board 840 may include a first set of wiring connections 850, disposed between the battery 844, connector 848, and/or snooze button 846, and a second set of wiring connections 852, disposed between the connector 848 and the snooze button 846.

In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a ring, wherein: the ring has a diameter; and the ring has a cutout portion;

a clamp, wherein the clamp further comprises: a plurality of movable jaws; and a plurality of teeth disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws and movable by the jaws;

a sensor, the sensor further comprising: a housing; a printed circuit board; a first circuit disposed on the printed circuit board; a second circuit disposed on the printed circuit board; a battery; a snooze button; and an alarm; and

a tubular connector, wherein: a first portion of the tubular connector couples the ring to the sensor; and a second portion of the tubular connector couples the sensor to the clamp.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ring further comprises a plurality of apertures disposed opposite the cutout portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diameter is sized to couple to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp is selectively openable and closable when pressure is applied to the plurality of movable jaws.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the clamp is able to open to receive a CPAP hose; and

the plurality of teeth grasp and hold the CPAP hose when the clamp is closed.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the circuits enable wireless transmission of information from the sensor.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the wireless transmission is an alert from the sensor that the CPAP hose is disconnected.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein housing comprises a first sensor connector disposed within the housing and a second sensor connector portion disposed within the housing and of the tubular connector that couples the sensor to the clamp is secured to the second sensor connector portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first sensor connector and the second sensor connector are normally connected and movement of the second sensor connector away from the first sensor connector effects wireless transmission of an alert from the sensor.

10. A system, comprising:

a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) hose;

a CPAP mask coupled to the CPAP hose, wherein the CPAP hose provides air to the CPAP mask;

a ring to couple to the CPAP mask at a cutout portion, wherein the ring has a diameter;

a clamp to couple to the CPAP hose, wherein the clamp couples to the CPAP hose at a plurality of teeth;

a first sensor;

a tubular connector, wherein: a first portion of the tubular connector couples the ring to the sensor; and a second portion of the tubular connector couples the sensor to the clamp; and

an air pressure detector, wherein the air pressure detector further comprises a second sensor.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the second sensor of the air pressure detector monitors air pressure and wherein the second sensor comprises an alarm on the second sensor that sounds when there is a disruption at the air pressure detector.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the second sensor of the air pressure detector is wirelessly coupled to the first sensor such that an alarm on the first sensor sounds when there is a disruption at the air pressure detector.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the air pressure detector sends a signal to the first sensor to sound an alarm upon detection of a change in air pressure and the passage of a time delay period.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the air pressure detector couples to the CPAP system at the CPAP mask and the CPAP hose.

15. The system of claim 8, wherein the air pressure detector couples to the CPAP system at a CPAP machine and the CPAP hose.

16. An apparatus, comprising:

a ring, wherein: the ring has a diameter; and the ring has a cutout portion;

a clamp, wherein the clamp further comprises: a plurality of movable jaws; and a plurality of teeth disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws and movable by the jaws;

a first sensor, the first sensor further comprising: a housing; a printed circuit board; a first circuit disposed on the printed circuit board; a second circuit disposed on the printed circuit board; a battery; a snooze button; and an alarm;

an air pressure detector, wherein the air pressure detector further comprises: a first coupler housing to couple to a first end of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system; a second coupler housing to couple to a second end of the CPAP system; and a second sensor; and

a tubular connector, wherein: a first portion of the tubular connector couples the ring to the first sensor; and a second portion of the tubular connector couples the first sensor to the clamp.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein:

the second sensor monitors air pressure within the CPAP system; and

the second sensor sounds an alarm upon detection of a change in air pressure and the passage of a time delay period.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first sensor further includes a flashing light activated when the alarm sounds.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the snooze button temporarily turns off an active alarm.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, the second sensor sends a wireless signal to another electronic device.