Rechargeable Hoseless CPAP System

A hoseless CPAP system having a hoseless CPAP mask including a housing, a sealing portion extending from a back of the housing and configured to fit over a nose and mouth of a user, a fan unit provided in the housing to force air through the sealing portion to be breathed by the user, a battery provided in the housing and configured to power the fan unit, and one or more electrical contacts provided on the housing to provide charging power to the battery; and a charging base including a receiving portion configured to hold the CPAP mask therein, and one or more electrical contacts provided in the receiving portion and configured to contact the one or more electrical contacts on the CPAP mask housing to provide charging power to the battery.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present general inventive concept relates to a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, and, more particularly, to an easily portable, rechargeable, and AC/DC hoseless CPAP system.

BACKGROUND

As several millions of Americans have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and with more and more being diagnosed every year, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are becoming more and more commonplace in people's homes and lives. There were approximately 8.1 million users in the United States in one recent year, and it is believed that about 4-6 million others are in need but go undiagnosed. OSA causes sufferers to have repeated and intermittent interruptions in breathing, due to the airway at the back of the throat becoming blocked during sleep. This has detrimental long-term health effects, aside from the simple lack of quality sleep that occurs at night. The conventional CPAP machine works by delivering pressurized air through a hose and mask into the wearer's airway during sleep. Due to the steady flow of the pressurized air, the airway is kept open, thereby improving respiration and sleep quality.

However, while these respiratory benefits are important in helping a wearer achieve better sleep through better breathing, the conventional CPAP machine is a terribly unwieldy and obtrusive system. Such a CPAP machine, an example of which is illustrated inFIG. 1, includes a rather large base unit100that requires a stable and flat surface to rest upon, has an AC power source110which must be plugged into a wall socket, and a large hose120that connects the base unit100to a mask worn130by the user. Such a configuration results in a significant physical intrusion to the user's comfort in bed, at least due to the hose120being very restrictive to the positions and movement of the wearer. Further, the number of components and general bulkiness of the conventional CPAP system makes it incredibly inconvenient to carry with the user to operate at remote locations during travel.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a CPAP system that allows a user to enjoy the benefit of improved breathing during sleep without the constraints of being tethered by a large hose to a base unit, and of being conveniently portable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a hoseless CPAP system is provided to allow a user to comfortably and conveniently wear a battery powered CPAP mask with no external hose forcing air therethrough, and having a charging base in which to house the hoseless CPAP mask and charge the mask battery. In some embodiments CPAP mask use and/or operational data may be accessed through electrical contacts provided in the charging base.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a hoseless CPAP system including a hoseless CPAP mask having a housing, a sealing portion extending from a back of the housing and configured to fit over a nose and mouth of a user, a fan unit provided in the housing to force air through the sealing portion to be breathed by the user, a battery provided in the housing and configured to power the fan unit, and one or more electrical contacts provided on the housing to provide charging power to the battery; and a charging base having a receiving portion configured to hold the CPAP mask therein, and one or more electrical contacts provided in the receiving portion and configured to contact the one or more electrical contacts on the CPAP mask housing to provide charging power to the battery.

The foregoing and/or other aspects and advantages of the present general inventive concept may also be achieved by providing a hoseless CPAP mask including a housing, a sealing portion extending from a back of the housing and configured to fit over a nose and mouth of a user, a fan unit provided in the housing to force air through the sealing portion to be breathed by the user, a battery provided in the housing and configured to power the fan unit, and one or more electrical contacts provided on the housing to provide charging power to the battery

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. The example embodiments are described herein in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures.

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modification, and equivalents of the structures and fabrication techniques described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of fabrication operations described are merely examples, however, and the sequence type of operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order.

Also, description of well-known functions and constructions may be simplified and/or omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

Note that spatially relative terms, such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over or rotated, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.

Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

According to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a hoseless CPAP system is provided that increases the convenience of application and operation for the user, and that is readily portable so that the user can conveniently carry and use the system during travel. In various example embodiments the CPAP system includes a CPAP mask that does not require a hose or air circulating base connected thereto, but rather includes a fan unit in the mask to provide the forced air to the user. Various example embodiments may also include a charger that serves as a docking station for the mask when not in use. Various example embodiments are provided with a rechargeable power pack that allows a user to enjoy the benefit of improved breathing during sleep, for example, for 3-5 nights without charging when no traditional power source is available, and without the constraints of being tethered by a large hose to a base unit, all while being conveniently portable.

FIG. 2illustrates a hoseless CPAP system according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the CPAP system150according to this example embodiment of the present general inventive concept includes a hoseless CPAP mask200, which may be referred to generally herein simply as the mask200, configured to fit into a charging station300that also operates as a docking station and data transfer base, referred to generally herein as the charger300. The charger300has an enclosure302with a lid304that is able to enclose the mask200and sanitize the mask200with, for example, UV light (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C, and so on) and/or other sanitizers, during a charging operation. In various example embodiments, a UV-C LED is provided in the enclosure302to provide UV-C light for sanitizing the mask200. In various example embodiments a UV-C LED may be provided in the overall housing of the mask200. The enclosure302protects the mask200from dust or other contaminants during charging and/or storage. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, a gap306is formed in the enclosure302to allow the protruding front portion202of the mask200to fit therein. Various other example embodiments may have various different configurations of the mask and/or charger encasement without departing from the scope of the present general inventive concept. The electrical contacts308are arranged inside the enclosure302to connect with corresponding contacts on the bottom of the mask200to allow charging of the mask's battery, as well as facilitating data transfer about the user's sleep from the mask200to the charger300in some example embodiments. The gap306of this example embodiment is formed so as to correspond to the protruding front portion202of the mask200such that the front portion202extends therethrough and can function as a de facto handle to lower the mask200into charger300, as well as to lift the mask200out of the charger300. The fitting of the front portion202in the gap306also aids in the alignment of the electrical contacts of the charger300and the mask200. Such a configuration and fitting may also conserve space and allow the interaction of the protruding front portion202and the gap306to stabilize the mask200inside the charger300.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the charger300includes an interactive display310to allow a user to choose various operations and see information assorted therewith. A plurality of indicators312may also be provided on the face of the charger to indicate various operations/states such as, for example, “CHARGED”, “CHARGING”, and “UV SANITIZER”. A USB port314is provided on the charger300to allow data transfer to and from the mask200from another device such as a computer, cell phone, etc., and which may also be used as a charger for other USB connected devices such as a cell phone. The charger300includes a switch316that can be switched between power and data operations for the USB port314. Sleep data associated with the user, and recorded by the mask200, can be downloaded to, for example, a zip drive through the USB port314. In various example embodiments the charger300may include a transmitter to send such data through a wireless connection, such as, for example, Bluetooth, to the user's sleep physician. The sanitizing feature of the system150utilizes LED UV-C light located in both the charger300and the mask200in various example embodiments, so that the system150may be cleaned while not in use and while in operation, the air being cleaned/sanitized in real time during use of the mask.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the mask200is selectively removable from the charger300to be worn by the user during sleep. Along with the perspective view of the mask200illustrated inFIG. 2,FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of the mask200ofFIG. 2with phantom lines illustrating the inner componentry, according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept, andFIGS. 4A-Drespectively illustrate front, back, top, and bottom views of the mask200. The mask200includes retractable straps204that may have a pull tab to allow easy fitting of the mask200on the head of the user. The mask200includes a removable and washable air filter206for incoming air, and an HME (Humidity Moisture Exchange) filter, to filter the forced air before being expelled through the exhaust220. The washable air filter206may be provided adjacent to an air intake port226, formed here as perforations, provided on a front of the mask200. A fan240in the mask draws air in through the air intake port226and through the air filter206to be delivered to the user through the mouth/nosepiece. The HME filter may be arranged in the protruding front portion202of the mask200proximate the exhaust220, and captures heat and moisture as the user exhales and returns it back during breathing, thus eliminating the need for an external HME filter such as used in conventional systems. The protruding front portion202, or “beak” of the mask, may be formed to be removable, such as with a sliding connection, for removal and to create access to the inner chamber holding the HME filter (not illustrated, for sake of clarity of other componentry inFIG. 3). Various example embodiments may include hygienic and cleanable synthetic foam mesh pads in the mask as an HME filter, while other example embodiments may include a disposable cartridge or similar material as the HME filter. Such a disposable cartridge may have a life span of 30-40 days. The HME filter eliminates the need for a tank as in the conventional system. The HME filter is in line with the forced air in the mask200, and is able to capture humidity to keep moisture in the system and prevent the drying of the user's breath pathway. In various example embodiments the filter can be used for as long as two weeks without needing to be washed. The mask200includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery208that may be charged when the mask200is stored in the charger300and a plurality of electrical contacts210of the mask200are in contact with the corresponding electrical contacts308of the charger300. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the battery208may be arranged so as to be adjacent to a perforated port228that allows the escape of heat that may build up from the battery208during operation. The mask200may be equipped with a low battery alarm to indicate, through visual and/or audible cues, that the battery has been depleted to a predetermined level. As illustrated inFIG. 4B, the sealing portion212of the mask200fits over the nose and mouth of the user to allow air forced by the fan240provided in the mask200to force air through the air opening248to the user's breath pathway. In various example embodiments the mask200may be constructed of a lightweight material such as an ABS plastic or polycarbonate plastic, making the mask200comfortable to wear after installing the compressor/pump, air filter, battery, retractable straps, etc. The retractable straps204may be anchored to the mask by strap connections242as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4B-C, and may be designed to be removable for servicing/replacing, and may be adjustable to accommodate different levels of fit for different users. In various example embodiments the mask200may include an optional AC adaptor for use with a different power source. In the example embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4B, an auxiliary power jack222is formed on a top portion of the mask to receive optional power through a connecting line with the charger300, or from an adapter plugged into a wall outlet, etc. The mask200has an on/off button224that may be integrated with the beak202of the mask200, or may in various example embodiments may be formed on different portions of the mask200.FIG. 3illustrates a power wire244that provides electrical communication between the auxiliary power jack222and an electronic control unit (ECU)246of the electric fan240, a power wire250that provides electrical communication between the battery208and the ECU246, a wire252that provides electrical communication between the on/off button224and the ECU246, and a wire254that provides electrical communication between the electrical contacts210and the rechargeable battery208. The mask200may be programmable for a single pressure of air, for variable pressure, an optimal ramp-up time, and so on.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the mask200may be configured such that the air filter206and battery208are removable, in a modular fashion, from the mask200by being inserted and removed from corresponding slots configured to hold the air filter206and battery208securely therein. In various example embodiments selectively openable tabs or lids232may be provided at the tops of those slots to hold the respective air filter206and battery208therein.FIGS. 5A-Billustrate the placement of the mask ofFIG. 3on the head of a user according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated, elastic straps204may be provided with a tab234or other such easily gripped portion that a user can grab, place a finger inside, etc., to stretch the straps204over and around the user's head. The user can grip the protruding front portion202with the other hand to conveniently place the mask200over the nose and mouth, where it is held in place by the straps204extending around and over the user's head.

FIGS. 6A-Billustrate various views of the charger of the hoseless CPAP system ofFIG. 2according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Along with the features already discussed in regard toFIG. 2, the charger300may also include an AC power jack322to provide AC power to the charger300, and a removable battery320to power the charger when AC power may not be available. The display/UI310may be an LED screen. The charger300may provide automatic start and turn off for sanitizing and charging operations.

The battery320may be a 50K mAh power pack which may allow the recharging of the mask226-8 times during power outages, camping, etc., when AC power is not available to the charger300. The receiving portion for the battery320may be of the spring-loaded type which allows the user to push the battery320to click into place, and to have the battery320ejected. The lid304may be hinged so as to be easily opened and closed to place the mask200inside the charger300, or to remove the mask200from the charger300, and may contain most of the sanitizing UV light therein.

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic view of various components of the mask ofFIG. 3according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the mask200includes power and control circuitry which drive and/or control the UV-C LED in the mask200, the electrical contacts210of the mask200, and the fan unit provided in the mask200. Data lines are shown as solid lines inFIG. 7, and power lines are shown as broken lines. As illustrated, the power circuitry is connected to a power switch located on the mask200, which allows the use, and charging of, the battery. Additionally, auxiliary DC power may be drawn from the base, through the USB connections, to power the mask200if the battery is not able to do so. The control circuitry may comprise all necessary passive devices, MCU's, and FPGA's to effectively control the onboard components. The power circuitry may contain all necessary passive devices, PMIC's, and regulators to provide required voltages and current for the onboard components.

FIG. 8illustrates a schematic view of various components of the charger ofFIGS. 6A-Baccording to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the charger300or base includes power and control circuitry which drive and/or control the UV-C LED in the charger300, the status indicators312, the screen and UI controls310, the electrical contacts308of the charger300, and a data transmitter. Power may be provided to the power circuitry and other various components by the DC input, and may also pass the power through to an auxiliary power jack provided on the mask in the event that the onboard battery of the mask is not sufficiently charged. The user selection serves to provide control input to the screen/UI controls310and the USB port314. Data lines are shown as solid lines in theFIG. 6, and power lines are shown as broken lines. The control circuitry may comprise all necessary passive devices, MCU's, and FPGA's to effectively control the onboard components. The power circuitry may contain all necessary passive devices, PMIC's, and regulators to provide required voltages and current for the onboard components. The control circuitry in the charger300and the mask200that may include the necessary memory for any programming or storage function being initiated at the charger300through the user interface screen310. Sending any necessary updates, changes, etc., to the control circuitry in the mask can be transmitted from the control circuitry in the charger via the data/electrical contacts provided to the charger and mask. This data path may be reversed when sending sleep data from the mask back to the charger for memory storage. Such information may be sent in some example embodiments via WiFi of Bluetooth via the transmitter located in the base unit to the user's sleep doctor monthly. In various example embodiments the same data can also be downloaded onto a thumb drive via the USB port located on the charger.

Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may provide a hoseless CPAP system including a mask configured to provide a sealed fit over a user's nose and mouth, a fan unit provided in the mask to force air through the mask to be breathed by the user, and a charging base configured to electrically charge a battery in the mask when the mask is in electrical contact with the charging base. The charging base may include an enclosure configured to at least partially enclose the mask when the mask is in electrical contact with the charging base, the enclosure include a UV light source to sanitize the mask. The charging base may include a USB port configured to selectively provide power to a connected component and to provide data transfer from the mask to a connected component. The system may further include an HME filter proximate an exhaust of the mask to capture heat and moisture form exhaled breath and return it to an air intake port of the mask. The system may further include a UV light source on the mask to provide sanitizing of the mask during use of the mask.

Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may provide a hoseless CPAP system including a hoseless CPAP mask having a housing, a sealing portion extending from a back of the housing and configured to fit over a nose and mouth of a user, a fan unit provided in the housing to force air through the sealing portion to be breathed by the user, a battery provided in the housing and configured to power the fan unit, and one or more electrical contacts provided on the housing to provide charging power to the battery; and a charging base having a receiving portion configured to hold the CPAP mask therein, and one or more electrical contacts provided in the receiving portion and configured to contact the one or more electrical contacts on the CPAP mask housing to provide charging power to the battery. The CPAP mask may further include an air intake portion formed on the housing to pass air from outside the housing to the fan unit, and an air filter provided between the air intake portion and the fan unit, wherein the air filter is configured to be selectively removable from the housing. The CPAP mask may further include one or more straps coupled to the housing and configured to provide a secure fit to a head of the user, wherein the one or more straps are formed with elastic properties. The CPAP mask may further include an air output portion formed on the housing to pass exhaled air from the sealing portion outside the housing. The system may further include a filter provided in the housing between the sealing portion and the air output portion. The CPAP mask may further include one or more vent openings formed in the housing proximate the battery to dissipate heat to outside the housing. The charging base may further include a UV-light source to sanitize the CPAP mask when the CPAP mask is received in the charging base. The charging base may further include a USB port in electrical communication with the electrical contacts of the charging base to send and receive data signals between the CPAP mask and an external processing device. The charging base may include at least a partial enclosure to receive the CPAP mask therein. The partial enclosure may be formed with a slot in a front portion thereof, and the housing of the CPAP mask may be formed with a protruding front portion that is configured to slide through the slot of the partial enclosure and extend out of the partial enclosure when the CPAP mask is received therein. The charging base may be configured to receive AC power to operate the charging base and to charge the battery of the CPAP mask. The charging base may further include a removable battery to provide power to operate the charging base and to charge the battery of the CPAP mask in lieu of AC power. The charging base may further include an electronic display to indicate various operating states of the system. The CPAP mask may further include an auxiliary power jack to receive AC power to operate the CPAP mask in lieu of battery power.

Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may provide a hoseless CPAP mask including a housing, a sealing portion extending from a back of the housing and configured to fit over a nose and mouth of a user, a fan unit provided in the housing to force air through the sealing portion to be breathed by the user, a battery provided in the housing and configured to power the fan unit, and one or more electrical contacts provided on the housing to provide charging power to the battery. The hoseless CPAP mask may further include an air intake portion formed on the housing to pass air from outside the housing to the fan unit, and an air filter provided between the air intake portion and the fan unit, wherein the air filter is configured to be selectively removable from the housing. The hoseless CPAP mask may further include one or more straps coupled to the housing and configured to provide a secure fit to a head of the user, wherein the one or more straps are formed with elastic properties. The hoseless CPAP mask may further include an air output portion formed on the housing to pass exhaled air from the sealing portion outside the housing. The hoseless CPAP mask may further include a filter provided in the housing between the sealing portion and the air output portion. The hoseless CPAP mask may further include one or more vent openings formed in the housing proximate the battery to dissipate heat to outside the housing.

Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated.

It is noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings included in the present application do not illustrate all the various connections and assemblies of the various components, however, those skilled in the art will understand how to implement such connections and assemblies, based on the illustrated components, figures, and descriptions provided herein, using sound engineering judgment.

Numerous variations, modification, and additional embodiments are possible, and, accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept.

While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of several example embodiments, and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the general inventive concept to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the descriptions, drawings, and claims herein are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and additional embodiments will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings. Additional modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.