Abstract:
The present invention is a method and apparatus for delivering an additive with a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. The invention includes mixing an additive with humidifier water and providing the additive to the patient with the CPAP machine. According to certain embodiments, the additive can be an aromatic additive or a therapeutic additive.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/532,926, filed on Dec. 29, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]    The present invention relates to treatments for Sleep Apnea. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved CPAP machine and methods of using a CPAP machine to provide an aromatic or therapeutic additive in the air flow provided to the patient. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    Approximately twenty million people in the United States have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea is an over-relaxation of the soft tissue in the back of the throat that causes a cessation of breathing during sleep states. The breathing cessation can cause a lack of oxygen that results in drowsiness and sleep disorders during waking hours. 
         [0004]    One treatment for Sleep Apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine, which provides a continuous flow of air through the nostrils via a mask. The flow of air works to maintain an open airway. Sleep Apnea sufferers must wear the mask for the entire night. One common component of a CPAP machine is a humidifier. Prior to applying the flow of air to the patient, the air is passed through the humidifier to add moisture to the air, thus helping to prevent the patient&#39;s nasal passages from drying out. 
         [0005]    One disadvantage of existing CPAP machines is that the moist air that is provided to the patient is often stale or even has an unpleasant smell or taste. A further disadvantage is that the existing machines provide nothing more than moist air to the patient. 
         [0006]    There is a need in the art for a CPAP machine that provides a pleasant tasting or smelling flow of air to the patient. There is a further need for a CPAP machine that is capable of providing more than just moist air. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]    The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method of delivering additive with a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. The method includes mixing an additive with humidifier water and providing the additive to the patient with the CPAP machine. According to an alternative embodiment, the additive can be an aromatic additive or a therapeutic additive. 
         [0008]    The present invention, in another embodiment, is an apparatus for delivering an additive to a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. The apparatus includes an additive delivery device associated with a reservoir of the CPAP machine. According to one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a flow control device associated with the delivery device and configured to control delivery of the additive to the CPAP machine. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment, the present invention is a packaged formulation for delivering an additive in a continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine. The formulation includes an additive and instructions for use of the additive with the CPAP machine. According to one embodiment, the additive is an aromatic additive or a therapeutic additive. 
         [0010]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a CPAP machine, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a CPAP machine, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]    The present invention relates to an improved CPAP machine and a method of providing air flow to a patient having an aromatic or therapeutic additive. The aromatic additive provides a pleasant aroma to the air flow delivered to the patient, thus eliminating any unpleasant smell or taste associated with the air delivered by the CPAP machine. Further, the therapeutic additive allows the patient to receive treatment not only for Sleep Apnea, but also for any other illness that can be treated by inhalation of an appropriate substance. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a CPAP machine  50  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The machine  50  has a flow generator  52 , a reservoir  56 , and a mask  18 . The delivery component  14  has an inlet port  26  and a metering component  62 . A tube  54  connects the flow generator  52  to the reservoir  56 , and a tube  60  connects the reservoir  56  to the mask  62 . 
         [0015]    According to one embodiment, the flow generator  52  is configured to create an air flow that is provided to the reservoir  56  and then the mask  62  via the tubes  54 ,  60 . The flow generator  52  can be any known flow generator for a CPAP machine. 
         [0016]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the additive is added to the reservoir  56  through the inlet port  58 . According to one embodiment, a metering component  64  is configured to deliver the additive over time to the reservoir  56  at a metered or regulated rate. That is, the metering component  64  is configured to regulate or control over time the amount of additive that is delivered to the reservoir  56 . In one aspect of the invention, the metering component  64  is a metering dial similar to the device used to control intravenous injection flow rates. That is, the additive is placed into a flow line that passes through the dial and is regulated by turning the dial to pinch or open the line, thereby regulating the amount of additive that can pass through. 
         [0017]    Alternatively, the metering component  64  is a ball-valve system, in which a canal that allows flow of the additive can be blocked by a ball in the canal. The ball is configured to have at least one hole in it, and the ball can be turned by use of a handle connected to the ball. When the ball is turned so that the hole creates a passage in the canal, flow of the additive through the canal occurs. When the ball is turned so that the canal is completely blocked, flow of the additive is blocked. Further, the amount of flow can be regulated by regulating the size of the passage by controlling how much the ball is turned in the canal. Further, this device can be turned to provide various sized holes, thus allowing the additive to flow through to the reservoir  56  at a controlled rate. In a further alternative, any known system for timed metering or regulation of the flow of a fluid can be used with the present invention. In yet another alternative, the additive is delivered directly to the reservoir  56  without any metering or flow regulation. 
         [0018]    The reservoir  56 , in accordance with one embodiment, is configured to hold water and receive into the water the additive delivered through the inlet port  58 . Thus, the reservoir  56  is configured to allow the mixing of the additive into the water. Air flow passes through the reservoir  56  from the flow generator  52  to the mask  62 . The reservoir  56  is configured to allow the air flow to take up moisture in the form of the water and additive (be “humidified” with the water and additive) and further allow that air flow to pass out of the reservoir  56  and to the mask  62 . The reservoir  56  can be any known reservoir used with CPAP machines to humidify air flow. 
         [0019]    The mask  62  is configured to be placed on the patient&#39;s face and deliver the humidified air flow with the additive to the patient in such a fashion as to prevent Sleep Apnea. The mask  62  can be any known mask for use with CPAP machines to deliver the air flow to the patient. 
         [0020]    In use, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an aromatic additive is added to the inlet port  58 . The additive is in concentrate form. Alternatively, the additive is in pre-mixed form. In a further alternative, the additive is in any form capable of being added to the CPAP machine. 
         [0021]    The aromatic additive, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, is a fragrance. The additive can be chosen from, but is not limited to, any of the following aromatic additives, including lilac, evergreen, menthol, jasmine, eucalyptus, floral, lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, peppermint, strawberry, cherry, anise, honey, mint, vanilla, mocha. Alternatively, the aromatic additive is any known pleasant fragrance that can make the air flow more pleasant for the patient. 
         [0022]    The air flow is generated by the flow generator  52  and provided to the reservoir  56 . The aromatic additive is added to the reservoir  56 . The additive is delivered in a timed metering fashion or by any other method of flow regulation. Alternatively, the additive is delivered without flow regulation. The rate of delivery or the amount of the additive will vary depending on the additive and the size of the reservoir. As the air flow passes through the reservoir  56 , the air is “humidified.” That is, a portion of the water and aromatic additive is taken up by the air and is delivered as a humidified air flow to the mask  62 . 
         [0023]    According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a therapeutic additive is added to the reservoir  56 . The additive is in concentrate form. Alternatively, the additive is in pre-mixed form. In a further alternative, the additive is in any form capable of being added to the CPAP machine. 
         [0024]    The therapeutic additive, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, is any substance with therapeutic effect that can be administered by inhalation. The additive can be chosen from, but is not limited to, any substance that treats any of the following ailments or illnesses, including sinus ailments, throat ailments, chest ailments, headaches, allergies, flu, cold, menstrual cramps, and insomnia. Further, the additive can be chosen from, but is not limited to, any of the following therapeutic substances, including antihistamines, decongestants, anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants, vitamins, glucose, and chloraseptics. Alternatively, the therapeutic additive is any known substance having therapeutic effects that can be administered to the patient by inhalation. 
         [0025]    Several exemplary therapeutic additives, which shall not be considered limiting, include such respiratory-related, flu-related, and cold-related medications as products sold under brand names such as Robitussin®, Vicks®, TheraFlu®, Sudafed®, Contact®, Comtrex®, ZICAM®, Alka Seltzer®, Advil®, and Aleve®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for allergy relief, including some prescription medications, include certain products sold under brand names such as Chlor-Trimetor®, Advil®, Benadryl®, Claritin-D®, Claritin®, Allegra®, Nasacort®, Nasanex®, and Zyrtec®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for pain relief, including some prescription medications, include certain products sold under brand names such as Tylenol®, Motrin®, Advil®, Excedrin®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Vioxx®, Flextra-DS®, Fioricet®, and Tramadol®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for menstrual relief include certain products sold under the brand name Pamprin®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for women&#39;s health, including some prescription medications, include certain products sold under such brand names as Ortho Tri-Cyclen®, Nordette 28®, Triphasil®, Diflucan®, and Estradiol®. Non-limiting exemplary sleep aid additives, including some prescription medications, include certain products sold under such brand names as Unisom®, Ambier®, and Sonata®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for arthritic relief include certain products sold under the brand name Tylenol®. Non-limiting exemplary vitamin additives include all known vitamins such as A, B-12, C, E, etc. Non-limiting exemplary vitamin additives include certain products sold under such brand names as Centrum®, Rexall®, Sundown®, Nature Made®, Natures Valley®, and Swanson Health®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for relief from viruses and/or infections, including some prescription medications, include such products as penicillin and amoxicillin. Non-limiting exemplary muscle-relaxant additives, including some prescription medications, include products sold under such brand names as Skelaxin®, Soma®, Flexeril®, and Zanflex®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for anxiety or depression, including some prescription medications, include products under such brand names as Buspar®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Zoloft®, Wellbutrin®, and Celexa®. Non-limiting exemplary skin care additives, including some prescription medications, include products such as retin A and products under such brand names as Renova®. Non-limiting exemplary additives for sexual or genital health, including some prescription medications, include products under such brand names as Acyclovir® and Valtrex®. Non-limiting exemplary smoke-cessation additives, including some prescription medications, include products under the brand name Zyban®. 
         [0026]    The air flow is generated by the flow generator  52  and provided to the reservoir  56 . The therapeutic additive is added to the reservoir  56 . The additive is delivered in a timed metering fashion or by any other method of flow regulation. Alternatively, the additive is delivered without flow regulation. The rate of delivery or the amount of the additive will vary depending on the prescribed application of the additive and the size of the reservoir. As the air flow passes through the reservoir  56 , the air is “humidified.” That is, a portion of the water and therapeutic additive is taken up by the air and is delivered as a humidified air flow to the mask  62 . 
         [0027]    In accordance with one alternative aspect of the invention, any aromatic or therapeutic additive disclosed herein can be added to the reservoir of any existing CPAP machine. The additive is provided in pre-mixed form. Alternatively, the additive is provided in concentrate form. In a further alternative, the additive is in any form capable of being added to the reservoir of any existing CPAP machine. 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  depicts a CPAP machine  10  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The machine  10  has a flow generator  12 , a delivery component  14 , a reservoir  16 , and a mask  18 . The delivery component  14  has an inlet port  26  and a metering component  28 . A tube  20  connects the flow generator  12  to the delivery component  14 , while a tube  22  connects the delivery component  14  to the reservoir  16 , and a tube  24  connects the reservoir  16  to the mask  18 . 
         [0029]    According to one embodiment, the flow generator  12  is configured to create an air flow that is provided through the delivery component  14  to the reservoir  16  and then the mask  18  via the tubes  20 ,  22 ,  24 . 
         [0030]    The delivery component  14 , according to one embodiment, is configured to receive an additive and deliver the additive to the reservoir  16 . The delivery component  14  is connected to the flow generator  12  by the tube  20  and receives air flow from the generator  12  through the tube. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the additive is added to the delivery component  14  through the inlet port  26 . The additive is then mixed with the air flow and delivered to the reservoir  16  through the tube  22 . Alternatively, the additive is delivered through the tube  22  to the reservoir  16  separately from the air flow. 
         [0031]    The delivery component  14 , according to one embodiment, is configured to deliver the additive over time to the reservoir  16  at a metered or regulated rate using the metering component  28 . That is, the metering component  28  is configured to regulate or control over time the amount of additive that is delivered to the reservoir  16 . In one aspect of the invention, the metering component  28  is a metering dial similar to the device used to control intravenous injection flow rates, as discussed above. Alternatively, the metering component  28  is a ball-valve system, as discussed above. In a further alternative, any known system for timed metering or regulation of the flow of a fluid can be used with the present invention. In yet another alternative, the additive is delivered directly to the reservoir  16  without any metering or flow regulation. 
         [0032]    The reservoir  16 , in accordance with one embodiment, is configured as disclosed above. The reservoir  16  can be any known reservoir used with CPAP machines to humidify air flow. 
         [0033]    The mask  18 , according to one aspect of the invention, is configured as described above. The mask  18  can be any known mask for use with CPAP machines to deliver the air flow to the patient. 
         [0034]    In use, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an aromatic additive as described above is added to the delivery component  14 . The air flow is generated by the generator  12  and provided to the delivery component  14  and then to the reservoir  16 . The aromatic additive is added to the delivery component  14  and then delivered to the reservoir  16 . The additive is delivered in a timed metering fashion or without flow regulation. The rate of delivery or the amount of the additive will vary depending on the additive and the size of the reservoir. As the air flow passes through the reservoir  16 , the air is “humidified.” That is, a portion of the water and aromatic additive is taken up by the air and is delivered as a humidified air flow to the mask  18 . 
         [0035]    According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a therapeutic additive as described above is added to the delivery component  14 . The air flow is generated by the generator  12  and provided to the delivery component  14  and then to the reservoir  16 . The therapeutic additive is added to the delivery component  14  and then delivered to the reservoir  16 . The additive is delivered in a timed metering fashion or by any other method of flow regulation. Alternatively, the additive is delivered without flow regulation. The rate of delivery or the amount of the additive will vary depending on the prescribed application of the additive and the size of the reservoir. As the air flow passes through the reservoir  16 , the air is “humidified.” That is, a portion of the water and therapeutic additive is taken up by the air and is delivered as a humidified air flow to the mask  18 . 
         [0036]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.