Method and system of individually controlling airway pressure of a patient's nares

Abstract

A method and system of individually controlling positive airway pressure of a patient's nares. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising applying therapeutic gas pressure within a first naris of a patient during respiration, and applying therapeutic gas pressure within a second naris of the patient during the respiration. The therapeutic gas pressures applied to each naris are different.

Description

technical field [0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to positive airway pressure devices and methods, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to positive airway pressure devices and methods by which flow and / or pressure through each nostril and mouth of a patient can be individually controlled. Background technique [0002] Sleep-disordered breathing is a common phenomenon in humans. Some breathing disturbances may be due to airway disturbances. Sleep apnea can be a disorder in which a person temporarily stops breathing during sleep. Hypopnea may be a period of time when a person's breathing becomes unusually slow or shallow. In some instances, hypopnea precedes the apneic event. [0003] Although hypopneas and apneas may have a variety of causes, one trigger for such events may be total or partial blockage of the airways. In particular, in some patients, the larynx may collapse due to ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Forcing or allowing all the air to flow through a single nostril can be uncomfortable for the patient due to the flow of air and the dry feeling of the air passing through the nostrils

The problem of getting gas to flow through the nostrils is exacerbated if the patient attempts to breathe through the mouth when using a CPAP machine

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