Parameter Optimization in Sleep Apnea Treatment Apparatus

Abstract

The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the optimized treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The present invention includes a pressure source configured to provide positive airway pressure to a patient who is resting at home. The pressure source receives control signals from control electronics that define a pressure profile to be delivered to the patient. The control electronics select parameters to define the pressure profile based on factors such as a user selection, information received from a sensor, and/or a prescription.

1 . An apparatus for treating sleep apnea of a patient comprising:
 an apparatus including a pressure source configured to be coupled to the airway of a patient during a treatment cycle;   an information storage device configured to store information defining a plurality of different operating modes including a selected operating mode defining a selected pressure profile;   a user interface configured to receive an input from a patient that activates the selected operating mode; and   a controller configured to operate the pressure source using the selected pressure profile.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the controller is configured to receive prescription operating parameter information and wherein the prescription operating parameter information defines the selected pressure profile. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the selected operating mode defines an initial pressure profile and an incident pressure profile and wherein the controller is configured to operate the pressure source using the initial pressure profile before an obstructive event and to operate the pressure source using the incident pressure profile in response to an obstructive event. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the user interface is configured to receive a selection from the patient modifying the initial pressure profile to provide a new initial pressure profile and wherein the controller is configured to operate the pressure source according to the new initial pressure profile during the treatment cycle before an obstructive event occurs. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a sensor apparatus configured to generate a signal during the treatment cycle and wherein the controller is configured to identify obstructive events based upon the signal and to store additional information based upon identifying the obstructive events. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the controller is configured to define a new custom operating mode based upon the additional information. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for treating sleep apnea of a patient comprising:
 an apparatus including a pressure source configured to be coupled to the airway of a patient during a treatment cycle;   an information storage device storing information defining an operating mode;   a user interface configured to receive an input from the patient that defines a variable operating mode parameter; and   a controller configured to:
 (1) read the selection from the patient that defines the variable operating mode parameter; and 
 (2) operate the pressure source using the operating mode and according to variable operating mode parameter. 
   
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the variable operating mode parameter defines an initial applied pressure versus time profile that is applied during the treatment cycle before an obstructive event occurs. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the controller is configured to receive prescription operating parameter information and to store the prescription operating parameter information on the information storage device and wherein the prescription operating parameter information defines the operating mode. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a sensor apparatus configured to generate a signal during the treatment cycle and wherein the controller is further configured to:
 (1) analyze the signal to determine if the operating mode is sufficient to treat obstructive events; and   (2) store information on the information storage device defining a new operating mode to replace the operating mode if the operating mode is not sufficient to treat obstructive events.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a sensor apparatus configured to generate a signal during the treatment cycle and wherein the controller is further configured to:
 (1) analyze the signal;   (2) determine if there is sufficient operating margin provided by the operating mode based upon analyzing the signal; and   (3) generate a warning if there is not sufficient operating margin provided by the pressure profile.   
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 7  further comprising a sensor apparatus configured to generate a signal in response to obstructive events during the treatment cycle and wherein the controller is further configured to store a record indicative of obstructive events during the treatment cycle. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for treating sleep apnea of a patient comprising:
 an apparatus including a pressure source configured to be coupled to the airway of a patient during a treatment cycle;   a sensor apparatus configured to generate a signal during the treatment cycle;   an information storage device storing first information defining an operating mode that defines an initial pressure profile and an incident pressure profile; and   a controller configured to:
 (1) read the first information defining the operating mode; 
 (2) operate the pressure source to provide the initial pressure profile; 
 (3) analyze the signal from the sensor apparatus during the treatment cycle; 
 (4) identify an obstructive event based upon analyzing the signal; 
 (5) operate the pressure source to provide the incident pressure profile in response to identifying the obstructive event; and 
 (6) store second information on the information storage device as a result of analyzing the signal wherein the second information is indicative of whether a new operating mode is required. 
   
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the second information defines new operating mode parameters defining a new pressure profile. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the controller is configured to automatically operate the pressure source according to the new operating mode parameters. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the controller is configured to automatically modify the incident pressure profile based upon the new operating mode parameters. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the controller is configured generate a warning if the new operating mode is required. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the controller is configured to receive prescription information that defines the first information. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising a user interface configured to receive a selection from the patient that defines a modification to the initial pressure profile defining a new initial pressure profile and wherein the controller is configured to apply the new initial pressure according to step (2) of  claim 13 . 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the second information includes a record of obstructive events that occur during the treatment cycle.