Patent Publication Number: US-2022218933-A1

Title: CPAP Safety System

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/654,967, filed Oct. 16, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/746,067, filed Oct. 16, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy refers to a particular type of air pressure ventilator that assists in keeping a user&#39;s airway open. A CPAP setup often includes a mask worn by a user, a hose, and a machine. One end of the hose is coupled to the machine and the other end is coupled to the mask to deliver a particular, consistent air pressure to the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an example apparatus for a CPAP tether for use as part of a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an example system for a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is another view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a view of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is another view of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4D  is another view of an air pressure detector for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an alarm system circuit board for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is another view of the alarm system circuit board of  FIG. 5  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of the circuits shown in  FIG. 6  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is another view of the alarm system circuit board of  FIG. 6  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uses air pressure to aid in keeping the airway of a user open, particularly during sleep. A CPAP setup includes a flow generator machine (also called a CPAP machine) to provide the pressure and a mask worn by a user over the mouth and nose. A flexible hose connects the CPAP machine with the CPAP mask, allowing the user to be provided with the particular air pressure they need. 
     Both a CPAP mask and the hose are designed to be cleaned by a user. Therefore, a hose connects to a CPAP mask using a friction fit. This allows the hose and the mask to be disconnected with ease for cleaning and reconnected when cleaning is complete. However, because the CPAP mask and the hose are connected using only a friction fit, the hose may become disconnected from the mask during use of the CPAP setup. When this happens, the mask, and thus the user, is not receiving the positive air pressure from the CPAP machine. This can be dangerous for the user, as CPAP therapy is often used to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, where a person stops breathing during sleep. 
     One way to combat hose disconnection is through application of an adhesive, such as a caulk or an epoxy. A silicone caulk or epoxy, or similar, may be applied to the hose and/or mask connector to provide additional bulk and/or tackiness to the connector. As a result, the strength of the friction fit between the CPAP mask and hose may be increased. However, the adhesive may not maintain its integrity permanently; that is, with repeated use over time, the adhesive may wear and lose its tackiness, necessitating reapplication. 
     Another way to combat hose disconnection is through extra cleaning to rid the hose and/or mask connection points of any residue or buildup. Removal of the built-up residue may return the hose to a state more comparable to when it was new. This solution is cost effective because it requires nothing beyond soap and water; however, much like the adhesive, extra cleaning is not a permanent solution. Residue and buildup may reform on the hose and/or mask, resulting in the need for extra cleaning once again. Additionally, such extra cleaning takes time beyond the time already used to wash the hose and mask for cleaning. 
     Another option is to simply replace the CPAP hose when the hose currently being used has begun to disconnect from the CPAP mask. A new CPAP hose is tackier and lacks residue or stress caused by repeated use of the CPAP system. Although a CPAP hose is relatively inexpensive, continuing to replace the hose every time disconnection becomes an issue does begin to add up. In addition, the only area that is an issue may be the connection point between the CPAP hose and mask, meaning that a hose that is otherwise still able to be used is being discarded. 
     Another potential issue that can arise with a CPAP system relates to the pressure. More particularly, CPAP relies on a constant, positive air pressure flowing between the CPAP machine, through the CPAP hose, to the CPAP mask for the user&#39;s comfort and safety. If the pressure is disrupted, whether through an issue with the machine itself or through disconnect of the CPAP hose, the user is not getting the necessary air from the CPAP. And, if the pressure is disrupted during the night (or whenever the user is using the CPAP system), the user may be unaware of the disruption when it occurs and not discover it until they wake up. 
     A CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure captures the hose if it becomes disconnected from the mask and sounds an alarm when the hose becomes disconnected from the mask. This safety system also incorporates wireless technology to provide connectivity in several ways. In this regard, the present continuation application incorporates by reference here, and in its entirety, the disclosure made in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/654,967 (the “967 application”), which application was published as U.S Pub. No. 2020/0114108 A1. In addition, and in the event of a disconnect, the hose may be retained close to the user. A ring couples to the CPAP mask around the connection point between the mask and the hose, while a clamp couples to the hose. A suitable “clamp” could also be the first ring disclosed in the &#39;967 application. A tube disposed between the first ring and the second ring, or a ring and a clamp, couples the rings, and thus the CPAP mask and hose, together. The CPAP safety system may be removable for cleaning, but may otherwise remain on the CPAP system, i.e., may not need installation every time the CPAP system is used. 
     Additionally, a first sensor may be coupled to the CPAP safety system, and more particularly be disposed between the ring and the clamp, or between two rings if a two-ring construct is used as per the &#39;967 application. The first sensor may include an alarm to alert in the event of a disconnect between the CPAP mask and the CPAP hose, or in the event of any other disruption to air pressure. An air pressure detector may be coupled to the CPAP system as well. The air pressure detector may include a second sensor in wireless communication with the first sensor such that when the air pressure detector detects a change or interruption in air pressure, the second sensor sends an electronic communication to the first sensor to activate the alarm and alert the user, or someone caring for the user, of the disruption. The first and second sensors may both be in wireless communication with an alert via a preprogrammed application. This can be done with just the first sensor, just the second sensor, or both, as will be apparent later in this detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  is an example apparatus for a CPAP tether  100  for use as part of a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Apparatus  100  includes a clamp  102 . Clamp  102  may further comprise a pair of opposing and movable jaws  103  and a plurality of teeth  105  disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws  103 . Clamp  102  is selectively openable (i.e., the teeth  105  are configured to mesh and are separable to allow insertion of something to be held) when pressure is applied to the pair of opposing and movable jaws  103 . Then, when the pressure is released, the teeth  105  may close around whatever is being held. In the present case, clamp  102  is able to open to receive a portion of CPAP hose, such that the plurality of teeth  105  grasp and hold the CPAP hose when the clamp is closed. See  FIG. 2 . Clamp  102  may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitable material and is preferably spring-loaded. 
     Apparatus  100  further includes a ring  108 . Ring  108  may have a diameter  110 . Diameter  110  may be sized to couple to a CPAP mask. Diameter  110  may further have a cutout portion  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , cutout portion  112  may comprise a portion of ring  108  such that ring  108  is substantially C-shaped for capturing purposes. 
     A pair of apertures  114 - 1 ,  114 - 2  (collectively, apertures  114 ) may be disposed within ring  108 . Apertures  114  may be disposed on the sides of ring  108  and may extend entirely through or only partially through the width of ring  108 . In some examples, apertures  114  may be disposed opposite the cutout portion  112 . 
     Apparatus  100  may include a sensor  129 . Although sensor  129  is shown in exploded view (i.e., with a cover  149  removed from a housing  139  to expose a circuit board  140  that resides therein), when in use, the cover  149  is fastened to the sensor  129  such that a circuit board  140  is covered and protected. The sensor  129  may include a battery, an alarm, a snooze button, and a plurality of circuits. 
     In some examples, sensor  129  (and later, sensor  259  relative to  FIG. 2  and sensor  329  relative to  FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4A-4D  and the air pressure detectors  354 ,  454 ) may include a transmitter (not shown) operable over, for example, IEEE 802.15.15 (Bluetooth®) or over IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”) to transmit a notice that the alarm is engaged, that the alarm is active (i.e., emitting an alert), or any other notification relative to the alarm and sensors  129 ,  329 . In some examples, the notice may be transmitted to a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet or other device known in the art. The portable electronic device may include an application (or “app”, mobile or otherwise, the application or app inherently comprising a programmable logic controller, or “PLC”) to wirelessly couple to the sensors  129 ,  329  and more particularly to the transmitter contained within the sensors  129 ,  329 ,  429  to allow for remote transmission of such notices. That is, the PLC may control remote actuation of the alert or alarm. For instance, an application may allow a user to be alerted on his or her portable electronic device (not shown) when the alarm is activated. This alert and/or alarm could be activated on the user&#39;s cell phone, which would be synced with any of the sensors via the mobile application. The application could also include wireless connectivity that allows the transmission of the alert and/or alarm to the electronic device (also not shown) of a third party electronic device, which could be a computer at a nursing station, a cell phone or tablet of another member of the user&#39;s household, or even to that of a neighbor. 
     Apparatus  100  may further include a tubular connector  116 - 1 ,  116 - 2  (tubular connector  116 ). Tubular connector  116  may be used to couple the clamp  102 , the ring  108 , and the sensor  129 , the sensor  129  being disposed between the clamp  102  and the ring  108 . In some examples, clamp  102  and sensor  129  may be coupled to one another by tubular connector  116 - 1  at an aperture to one side of the housing  139 . Within the housing  139 , sensor connectors  134 - 1 ,  134 - 2  are used much the same way as described in the &#39;967 application. The sensor connector  134 - 1  may be in fixed position within the housing  139  and the sensor connector  134 - 2  may be movable within the housing  139 . The sensor connector  134 - 2  may be affixed to the end of the connector  116 - 1  such that the sensor connector  134 - 2  can be pulled away, or disconnected, from the sensor connector  134 - 1  which creates a gap between the sensor connectors and triggers a response in the form of an alarm or alert, all in accordance with an app as described above. Following this separation or disconnection, the sensor connectors can reestablish the connection to effectively “reset” the sensor  129  and return it to normal operational mode, the connectors being in a “normally closed” position via magnetic or other mechanical or electromagnetic force such as by the use of springs, solenoids, or similarly functioning elements. The sensor  129  can also be reset with a “snooze” button, as will be apparent later in this disclosure. Further, an end of a first portion of tubular connector  116 - 2  may be inserted into one aperture of the pair of apertures  114  that are part of ring  108 . A second end of the first portion of tubular connector  116  may be inserted into the second apertures of the pair of apertures  114 . The first portion of tubular connector  116  may then connect to sensor  129 , such that ring  108  is fixedly coupled to sensor  129 . Of course, examples are not so limited and other configurations may be used to couple clamp  102  and second ring  108  with tubular connector  116 . Tubular connector  116  may be a rubber, plastic, or similarly flexible tube, and may have a diameter that is sized to be received by the apertures, but such is not a limitation of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an example of a CPAP safety system  218  consistent with the present disclosure. System  218  may include a CPAP hose  220  and a CPAP mask  224 . One end of CPAP hose  220  may be connected to a CPAP machine  222 ; the other end may be coupled to the CPAP mask  224  such that the CPAP hose  220  provides air to the CPAP mask  224 . The CPAP mask  224  may be fastened to the head and face of a user by straps or another securement mechanism. 
     System  218  may further include a clamp  202 . Clamp  202  may be akin to clamp  102 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . Clamp  202  may comprise a plurality of movable jaws  203  and a plurality of teeth  205  disposed opposite the plurality of movable jaws  203 . The plurality of movable jaws  203  may be akin to movable jaws  103 , and the plurality of teeth  205  may be akin to the plurality of teeth  105 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . As described with respect to  FIG. 1 , the clamp  202  may be selectively openable and closable such that clamp  202  is able to couple to CPAP hose  220 . The clamp  202  may further comprise a ring akin to ring  302  as disclosed in the &#39;967 application. 
     System  218  may further include a ring  208 . Ring  208  may be akin to ring  108 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , and comprise a substantially circular disk or ring. Ring  208  may further include a diameter. The diameter may be akin to diameter  110 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , and may be sized to receive a CPAP mask such as CPAP mask  224 . In some examples, ring  208  may couple to the CPAP mask  224  at a location of a connection between the CPAP mask  224  and the CPAP hose  220 , such that CPAP hose  220  is retained in its location with respect to CPAP mask  224 . 
     A cutout may be disposed in second ring  208 . The cutout may be akin to cutout  112 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , and may be sized such that ring  208  is able to couple to CPAP mask  224  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Within the ring  208  may be a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may be akin to apertures  114 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , the apertures may be sized to receive a tubular connector, discussed further herein. 
     System  218  may further include a first sensor  229 . First sensor  229  may be akin to sensor  129 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . As discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , first sensor may include internal circuitry, a battery, a snooze button, and an audible alarm. Further, first sensor  229  may include a flashing light that may activate upon activation of the alarm. The snooze button may serve to temporarily turn off an active alarm of first sensor  229 . Via the application used with the circuitry, the active alarm can reside in the app that collectively resides in different electronic devices as previously described. 
     System  218  may include a tubular connector  216 - 1 ,  216 - 2  (collectively, tubular connector  216 ). Tubular connector  216  may be akin to tubular connector  116 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , and may couple the clamp  202 , the ring  208 , and the sensor  229 . In some examples, a first portion of tubular connector  216  may couple the ring  208  to the sensor  229 . The first portion of tubular connector  216  may couple to the ring  208  at the plurality of apertures. For example, a first end of tubular connector  216  may couple with a first aperture of the plurality of apertures on the ring  208 . The first end of tubular connector  216  may have a knot or stop to prevent being pulled through the aperture. A middle portion of the tubular connector  216  may couple with the sensor  229 . A second end of the tubular connector  216  may then be coupled to a second aperture of the plurality of apertures on the ring  208 . As with the first end, the second end of tubular connector  216  may have a knot or stop to prevent being pulled through the aperture. The ring  208  may thus be coupled to the sensor  229 . 
     A second portion of the tubular connector  216  may couple the sensor  229  to the clamp  202  and is akin to the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . A first end of the second portion of tubular connector  216  may connect with the sensor  229  at a lower portion thereof. The second portion of tubular connector  216  may then extend until it couples with the clamp  202  and may couple with the clamp  202  in such a way that the selective openability of the clamp  202  is not affected. Of course, other methods of connection using the tubular connector  216  may be used, and the method provided is not so limited. 
     System  218  may further include an air pressure detector  254 . As used herein, an air pressure detector refers to a device which serves to monitor air pressure and, more particularly, air pressure being provided by a CPAP machine such as CPAP machine  222 . The air pressure detector  254  is discussed further herein with respect to  FIG. 3 . Housed within the air pressure detector  254  is a second sensor  259 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a view of an air pressure detector  354  for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Air pressure detector  354  may be akin to air pressure detector  254 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 . Air pressure detector  354  includes a first coupler housing  356  and a second coupler housing  362 . First coupler housing  356  may have a first outer diameter  360  that is sized to couple to a first end of a CPAP system, such as system  218  discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 . First coupler housing  356  may further have an inner diameter  358 - 1 . 
     Second coupler housing  362  may have a second outer diameter  364 . Second outer diameter  364  may be the same as first outer diameter  360  or may be different from first outer diameter  360 . Second outer diameter  364  may be sized to couple to a second end of a CPAP system, such as system  218 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 . Second coupler housing  362  may further have an inner diameter  358 - 2 . Inner diameter  358 - 2  may be the same as inner diameter  358 - 1  such that first coupler housing  356  and second coupler housing  362  may be joined, as is shown in  FIG. 3B . 
     A second sensor  329  may be disposed within the air pressure detector  354 . The second sensor  329  may be structurally and functionally similar to the first sensor  229 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 , in that the second sensor may include a variety of circuitry and a battery. In addition, the second sensor may include the same wireless communication capabilities of the first sensor (as previously described) such that the second sensor  329 , and thus the air pressure detector  354 , is coupled to, and in wireless communication with, the first sensor directly or via an app. 
     In use, air pressure detector  354  monitors air pressure within a CPAP system. As described previous, CPAP relies on delivering continuous, positive air pressure to the user of the CPAP system. When the pressure is disrupted by, for example, the CPAP hose disconnecting from the CPAP mask, the user is not receiving the air. Air pressure detector  354 , and more particularly the second sensor contained therein, monitors this pressure to alert a user or a user&#39;s caregiver to any disruptions so that the connection and the associated air flow can be reestablished. 
     When the air pressure detector  354  detects a change in air pressure, whether that be from the CPAP hose disconnecting or for another reason, the second sensor may first allow a time delay period to elapse. This time delay can be preprogrammed into the PLC of the system application. This time delay period is to ensure that the change in air pressure was not done purposefully by, for example, the user removing their mask and hose in preparation to turn the CPAP machine off. If the time delay period elapses and the CPAP machine has not been turned off or another action signaling the disruption in air pressure was intentional, the second sensor may send a signal to the first sensor. As discussed previously, second sensor may be in wireless communication with the first sensor, such that the second sensor, and thus the air pressure detector  354 , is able to utilize the alarm contained within the first sensor to generate an alert. More particularly, when air pressure detector  354  determines that a disruption in air pressure has occurred and the time delay period has elapsed, the second sensor may transmit a signal to the first sensor. This signal may include instructions to sound an alarm to alert the user that pressure has been disrupted. In addition, the signal may include instructions to activate a flashing light contained within the first sensor. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  demonstrate that the pressure detector  454  can be placed in multiple locations within the CPAP safety system.  FIG. 4A  is a view  419  of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 4A , a traditional CPAP mask  424  may be coupled to a CPAP hose  420  at an air pressure detector  454 . The first outer diameter  460  of the air pressure detector  454  may be sized to couple to the CPAP mask  424 , while the second outer diameter  464  of the air pressure detector  454  may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose  420 . As can be seen in  FIG. 4A , other elements of the CPAP safety system, such as the ring  408 , clamp  402 , and tubular connector  416  are still present. That is, the air pressure detector  454  and the sensor  429  can function independently or in tandem, while still offering the alarm/alert functionality together with the retention of the disconnected portion of the CPAP hose  420  in close proximity to the CPAP user. 
       FIG. 4B  is another view  419  of the CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. More particularly,  FIG. 4B  shows a CPAP nasal pillow  466  coupled to a CPAP hose  420  via an air pressure detector  454 . The first outer diameter  460  of the air pressure detector  454  may be sized to couple to the CPAP nasal pillow  466 , while the second outer diameter  464  of the air pressure detector  454  may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose  420 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , other elements of the CPAP safety system are still present and in use. 
       FIG. 4C  is a view  421  of an air pressure detector  454  and its associated second sensor (not shown) for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Unlike  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the air pressure detector  454  of  FIG. 4C  is coupled to that part of the CPAP system that resides within the CPAP machine  422 . CPAP machine  422  may be akin to CPAP machine  222 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 . The air pressure detector  454  may be coupled to the CPAP system at the source of the hose, i.e., may be disposed between an internal hose of the CPAP machine  422  and the external CPAP hose  420 . In such an example, first outer diameter  460  may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose  420  and second outer diameter  464  may be sized to couple to the internal hose. 
       FIG. 4D  is yet another view  421  of an air pressure detector  454  for use in a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Unlike in  FIG. 4C , the air pressure detector  454  of  FIG. 4D  is located external to the CPAP machine  422 , but still at a beginning portion of the CPAP system (as opposed to being located near the user end of the hose  420 ). In this example, the first outer diameter  460  may be sized to couple to the CPAP hose  420  and the second outer diameter may be sized to couple to the hose extending from the CPAP machine  422 . 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of an alarm system circuit board  540  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. Circuit board  540  may be disposed within the CPAP safety system itself in, for example, any system sensor, such as sensor  229 , as shown and discussed with respect to  FIG. 2 , or the second sensor  329 , as shown and discussed with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . This will be true of each circuit board discussed below. The circuit board  540  is that part of the system that is used to enable and run the app thereby controlling the application and the alarm, as discussed above. Circuit board  540  includes a base  542 . Base  542  may be a regular printed circuit board (PCB), having a base, often made of fiberglass, a conductive layer, often made of copper, and a soldermask disposed atop the conductive layer. Base  542  may also be a flexible PCB. In such examples, base  542  may be manufactured of a flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. A flexible PCB may further include a layer of conductive material, such as copper, and a layer of dielectric material, such as a polyimide. When base  542  is a flexible PCB, the circuit board  540  is able to be deformed, bent, or otherwise manipulated within integration of the circuit board  540  into the CPAP safety system. 
     Base  542  may include a printed circuit element  543 . As used herein, a printed circuit element refers to a portion of a circuit included on a circuit board, such as is included on base  542 , that is shown and used as a reference point for building of a circuit with additional elements. Printed circuit element  543  may be printed directly on base  542 , and may be printed with conductive material, such that additional components can be directly added to printed circuit element  543 , or may be printed with non-conductive material, such that printed circuit element  543  serves more as a visual guide for placement of additional components. 
     Additional placement guides  544 ,  546 , and  548  may be included on base  542 . Although three placement guides are shown in  FIG. 5 , examples are not so limited, and more or fewer placement guides may be included. As with printed circuit element  543 , placement guides  544 ,  546 , and  548  may be printed with conductive material, allowing direct integration of additional elements onto the placement guides  544 ,  546 , and  548 , or may be printed with non-conductive material to serve as a visual guide. In some examples, placement guide  544  may correspond to a battery placement, placement guide  546  may correspond to a snooze button placement, and placement guide  548  may correspond to a connector placement. These elements are discussed further herein with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
     Base  542  may further include wiring connections  550 . Wiring connections  550  may be disposed between placement guide  544  (which may correspond to a battery) and additional sections of base  542 , such that the element corresponding to placement guide  544  may be wired to or connected with additional elements disposed on base  542 . The wiring connections  550  are discussed further herein with respect to  FIGS. 6-8 . 
       FIG. 6  is another view of the alarm system circuit board  640  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , circuit board  640  shows additional elements that would be placed atop the circuit board  540  of  FIG. 5 . Circuit board  640  includes a base  642 , which may be akin to base  542  discussed with respect to  FIG. 5 , and which may have a printed circuit element  643  disposed thereon (printed circuit element  643  is akin to printed circuit element  543 , also discussed with respect to  FIG. 5 ). 
     Circuit board  640  may further include a battery  644 . Battery  644  may be placed in accordance with the location placement guide  544  shown in  FIG. 5 . Battery  644  may be a lithium-ion battery, an alkaline battery, or any other suitable type of battery. In some examples, battery  644  may be a watch battery, a hearing aid battery, or another type of small battery, such that battery  644  may fit within the circuit board  640  and, further, within the larger CPAP safety system. 
     A snooze button  646  may be included as part of circuit board  640 . As used herein, a snooze button refers to a button or switch that, when activated, may be used to temporarily stop an alarm or other type of notification. Snooze button  646  may be a capacitative or other push button, switch, or any other type of selectively activated device. As shown in  FIG. 6 , snooze button  646  may be placed at the location of placement guide  546 , shown in  FIG. 5 , and may be connected via a wired connection to battery  644 . As a result, snooze button  646  may be powered by battery  644 . That is, when activated, snooze button  646  may draw power from battery  644 . In such examples, activating snooze button  646  by, for example, depressing a push-button, may complete or disrupt a circuit, depending on the setup of circuit board  640 , for a selected period of time. For example, snooze button  646  may be depressed upon activation of an alarm, such as the alarm discussed with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As discussed with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the alarm may be activated when the sensor  329  within the air pressure detector  354  determines that a change in air pressure has occurred, resulting in, e.g., an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a vibration, or a combination thereof. Activating snooze button  646  may temporarily stop the alarm from alerting, allowing a user to address the disruption. The snooze button  646  may only stop the alarm for a pre-programmed period of time (e.g., one minute) after which the alarm may begin alerting again. This allows a user and adjust the CPAP mask and CPAP hose without the additional distraction of an alarm. In such examples, upon restoration of the air pressure, snooze button  646  may be returned to its non-activated position (e.g., a non-depressed push button or a switch in the ‘off’ position). 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , snooze button  646  may also be connected to a connector  648 , discussed further herein, such that snooze button  646  is integrated with each of the other components of circuit board  640 . 
     A first set of wiring connections  650  may be disposed on circuit board  640 , and may be akin to wiring connections  550 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 5 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the first set of wiring connections  650  may be used to connect battery  644  to other components, such as snooze button  646  and/or connector  648 . A second set of wiring connections  652  may also be disposed on circuit board  640 , and may connect connector  648  to snooze button  646 . The particular setup of the wiring connections  650  and  652  are discussed further herein with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of the circuits  750 ,  752  shown in  FIG. 6  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. In addition, circuit  749 , depicting a battery disposed between a ground and a Voltage In (Vin) is shown. 
     Circuit  750  corresponds to wiring connections  550  and  650 , discussed with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively. As shown in circuit  750 , an integrated circuit is disposed between two capacitors, with each element going to a ground. The Vin of circuit  750  may correspond to the Vin of circuit  749 . 
     Circuit  752  corresponds to wiring connection  652 , discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , circuit  752  includes a microprocessor (or the PLC as previously discussed) and a plurality of other components, including capacitors, resistors, and inductors. It is important to note that the particular layout of circuit  752  shown is not meant to be limiting, and that some components may be added and others removed or relocated. 
     Circuit  752  includes a connector  748 , which may be akin to connector  548  and  648 , discussed with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  respectively. Although connector  748  is depicted as a micro USB in  FIG. 7 , examples are not so limited, and any type of suitable connector may be used. Connector  748  may be connected to a switch  754 . As used herein, a switch refers to a device or component that is used to selectively disrupt the flow of current in a circuit. When the switch is open, or “off”, the circuit is incomplete, and current cannot flow. By contrast, when the switch is closed, or “on”, the circuit is complete, and current is able to flow. 
       FIG. 8  is another view of the alarm system circuit board  840  of  FIG. 6  for use with a CPAP safety system consistent with the present disclosure. As with the circuit board of  FIG. 6 , circuit board  840  includes a base  842  onto which a printed circuit element  843  may be disposed. Circuit board  840  may further include a battery  844 , a snooze button  846 , and/or a connector  848 . In addition, circuit board  840  may include a first set of wiring connections  850 , disposed between the battery  844 , connector  848 , and/or snooze button  846 , and a second set of wiring connections  852 , disposed between the connector  848  and the snooze button  846 . 
     In the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.