Electrically stimulated respiratory assistance components

Abstract

A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A respiratory assistance component comprising:
 at least one portion formed at least in part out of an electro active polymer that changes shape and/or size between a first non-energized state when no electrical current is applied to electro active polymer and a second energized state when current is applied to the electro active polymer,   wherein a change between the first state and the second state, or vice versa, changes in shape or in size in at least one dimension associated with the at least one portion so as to modify an aspect or provide information of the respiratory assistance provided to a patient.   
     
     
         2 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 1 , wherein the respiratory assistance component comprises an anti-asphyxia valve comprising a flap formed, at least partially, of an electro active polymer layer. 
     
     
         3 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 2 , wherein the flap is arranged to change between a first straight configuration, in which the anti-asphyxia valve is open, and a second bent configuration, in which the anti-asphyxia valve is closed. 
     
     
         4 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 2 , wherein the flap comprises a constraining layer attached to a polymer layer so that, when the polymer layer is energized, at least one dimension at one side of the polymer layer is constrained, causing the flap to bend in a direction of the constrained side. 
     
     
         5 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 2 , wherein the flap is arranged for sensing at least one parameter associated with providing of respiratory assistance to the patient, wherein a measured change of at least one electrical characteristic of the polymer of the flap indicates an associated change in the at least one parameter. 
     
     
         6 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one parameter associated with providing the respiratory assistance to the patient comprises pressure applied by at least one of a provided airflow and the patient's breathing. 
     
     
         7 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 1 , wherein the electro active polymer is a dielectric electro active polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The respiratory assistance component of  claim 1 , wherein the component comprises a valve.