Patent ID: 8360060
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for treating an airway disorder of a patient using a CPAP apparatus comprising: delivering an airflow directed toward the patient's airway; determining whether air is flowing in the patient's airway by generating a signal representing patient breathing; if air is flowing in the patient's airway, determining whether the patient's airway has a flow restriction; if air is not flowing in the patient's airway, initiating an oscillating pressure waveform for a time period to determine whether conditions point to the presence of an obstructive apnea or a central apnea; increasing the pressure of the delivered airflow in the same manner if (1) there is an airway flow restriction or (2) conditions are indicative of the presence of an obstructive apnea; and not increasing the pressure of the delivered airflow if (1) air is flowing in the patient's airway and the airway is not determined to be flow restricted or (2) conditions point to the presence of a central apnea wherein a flow restriction or a type of apnea is detected based upon a function of said signal representing patient breathing.