Patent ID: 6752150
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for treating central sleep apnea comprising:a gas supplying means; and a mask adapted to be fit on a patient's face, the mask operably connected using a tube to the gas supplying means, the mask having an exit, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that during periods of increased breathing associated with central sleep apnea, some exhaled gasses from the patient flow retrograde into the tube towards the gas supplying means and away from the exit; wherein the apparatus is adapted such that during an initial exhale portion of increased breathing associated with central sleep apnea, some exhaled gasses from the patient flow retrograde into the tube towards the gas supplying means and away from the exit and wash flow out of the tube such that during a next inhale portion a sufficient amount of rebreathing occurs to control central sleep apnea.