Apnea detector and system

Abstract

An apnea detector is disclosed. In some embodiments, a detector unit in communication with a capacitive type sensor is adapted to receive an electrical signal which is indicative of variable capacitance resulting from movement of a subject and to emit an alert signal when the received electrical signal is indicative of symptoms of apnea. In one embodiment, a detector unit is in communication with a curvature sensor adapted to detect a variable curvature of a subject body surface resulting from breathing patterns of a subject. The detector unit is attached to an article of clothing of the subject. A monitoring system comprises a detector unit for detecting one or more subject related parameters of interest and for emitting acoustical information after determining that a subject related parameter of interest has a predetermined status, and a stationary unit disposed within an audible range of the detector unit for receiving the emitted acoustical information.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a continuation-in-part of PCT / IL2008 / 001349 filed on Oct. 12, 2008 and published as WO 2009 / 050702, and claims priority to Israel Patent Application 186768 filed on Oct. 18, 2007, which are all hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of monitoring systems. More particularly, the invention relates to an apnea detector that is embedded in a diaper or otherwise attached to an article of clothing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A constant concern of parents of a sleeping infant, generally less than one year old, is the onset of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Parents usually inspect the breathing patterns of their infant several times during a nighttime period to determine whether there are signs of the onset of SIDS.[0004]It would be desirable to provide a reliable and inexpensive detector for infant apnea, which is one of the m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Problems solved by technology

Some adults are also prone to sleep apnea due to various medical causes.

It is needless to say that this type of detector is unable to detect apnea when the infant is not sleeping, such as when playing, or when not sleeping on his mattress.

This type of detector is also relatively expensive to manufacture.

Another disadvantage of this type of apnea detector is that the mattress is interposed between the infant and the detector that senses the breathing pattern of the infant.

The received signal is therefore attenuated by the mattress material, and its transmission is also delayed due to the gradual relaxation of the spongy mattress material, causing a life threatening delay during an apnea event.2) One type of apnea detector, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,376 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,300, involves a wearing apparel having an elastic belt that extends about the chest or abdomen of the infant.

Such a detector is uncomfortable or even dangerous to the wearer, particularly during the nighttime hours, due to the pressure exerted by the elastic belt, and therefore cannot be used during an entire 24-hour period.

Additional disadvantages of this type of detector are that the detector is not suitable for different sized infants and that it is not capable for detecting moisture in a diaper.U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,490, U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,307, U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,612, U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,855, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,012 disclose a variation of this type of apnea detector in which belt means encircling a portion of the body of a patient expands and contracts in response to respiration of the patient.

A piezoelectric element is relatively expensive, and therefore is not disposable.

Also, a piezoelectric element is fragile, and may be easily broken by the infant or by his parents, therefore constituting an unreliable detector.

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