Mask assembly with integrated sensors
Inventors
Mumford, John Robert • Kurtz, Ronald Leon • Wu, Jianping
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7575005-B2
Publication Date
2009-08-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to a mask assembly for use in treatment systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). The mask assembly comprises a mask or nasal interface for supplying gas to the nose of a wearer of the mask assembly. The mask assembly also comprises a strap or harness attached to the mask for securing the mask assembly to the wearer and sensors located on the mask assembly for measuring physiological signals of the wearer. These physiological signals are communicated to a monitoring unit which, in association with a CPAP device, serves to determine the efficacy of the CPAP treatment and to vary operational parameters of the treatment.
Core Innovation
A mask assembly is adapted to be worn by a wearer for treatment of a medical condition. The mask is shaped to fit over at least the nose and includes a gas inlet for providing pressurized gas to the wearer. A harness assembly is attached to the mask and includes a plurality of straps for securing the mask assembly to the head of the wearer.
Sensors are located on at least one of the mask and the harness assembly for providing physiological information about the person for determining efficacy of treatment and/or for varying operational parameters of the treatment. The sensors include a first electrode positioned adjacent a nasion area, a second electrode positioned at a first forehead area, and a third electrode positioned at a second forehead area laterally separated from the first forehead area, with the sensors including physiological information such as at least one of EEG, EMG and EOG.
The physiological information is used to monitor the efficacy of treatment or to vary operational parameters, including processing by a remote processing unit connected to the sensors. A sleep efficacy algorithm processes physiological information to generate a sleep information profile, and the remote processing unit communicates sleep information or processed physiological information.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover wearable mask assemblies and an electrode placement assembly that integrate electrodes positioned at a nasion area and two laterally separated forehead areas, with physiological sensing including EEG, EMG and EOG used to monitor treatment efficacy and/or vary operational parameters. The independent claims contain a total of 4 independent inventive claim groupings.
Mask assembly with pressurized gas and nasion/forehead electrode placement
A mask assembly shaped to fit over at least the nose and include a gas inlet providing pressurized gas to the wearer, a harness assembly with straps securing the mask to the head, and sensors including a first electrode adjacent a nasion area, a second electrode at a first forehead area, and a third electrode at a second forehead area laterally separated from the first forehead area, with physiological information used for determining efficacy of treatment and/or varying operational parameters.
Mask assembly with electrodes for EEG, EMG and EOG and treatment efficacy monitoring
A mask assembly with a gas inlet for pressurized gas, a harness assembly including straps securing the mask to the head, and a plurality of electrodes located on an inside of at least one of the mask and the harness assembly and spaced for sensing physiological information including at least one of EEG, EMG and EOG, whereby the physiological information is used to monitor efficacy of treatment or vary operational parameters, wherein sensors include a first electrode adjacent a nasion area, a second electrode at a first forehead area, and a third electrode at a second laterally separated forehead area.
Mask assembly with remote processing unit connected to sensors
A mask assembly including sensors located on the mask assembly for sensing physiological information from the wearer and a remote processing unit located on the mask assembly and connected to the sensors for processing the physiological information, wherein the sensors include a first electrode adjacent a nasion area, a second electrode at a first forehead area, and a third electrode at a second forehead area laterally separated from the first forehead area.
Forehead electrode placement assembly spanning the nasion area
An electrode placement assembly including a forehead placement assembly dimensioned to extend laterally across the forehead and having a lower portion for at least partly overlying a nasion area, at least one strap connected to the forehead placement assembly for securing the electrode placement assembly to the wearer, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on at least one of the forehead placement assembly and the strap so that the plurality of electrodes contact the skin, wherein the sensors include a first electrode adjacent a nasion area, a second electrode at a first forehead area, and a third electrode at a second forehead area laterally separated from the first forehead area.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage centers on wearable mask assemblies and an electrode placement assembly that deliver pressurized gas and integrate electrodes positioned at the nasion and two laterally separated forehead areas to sense physiological information used to monitor treatment efficacy and/or vary operational parameters.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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