NZ765654A - Flow Generator Message System - Google Patents

Abstract

A processor (118) for use with a CPAP apparatus, the processor configured to determine the type of patient interface (114) used, select a breathable gas supply pressure based on the determined type of patient interface, generate a message based on the patient interface, and send the message to a recipient remote from the flow generator (110).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION FLOW GENERATOR MESSAGE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to flow generators for ventilatory assistance and, more particularly, to a flow generator that includes a message system for communicating messages relating to flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatments, general reminders, and the like. Messages may be delivered to an onboard display or externally to a service provider, the patient, a physician, or the like.

Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is a form of treatment for breathing disorders which can involve providing a relatively higher pressure of air or other breathable gas to the entrance of a patient's airways via a patient interface (e.g., a mask) during the inspiratory phase of respiration, and providing a relatively lower pressure or atmospheric pressure in the patient mask during the expiratory phase of respiration. In other NIPPV modes the pressure can be made to vary in a complex manner throughout the respiratory cycle. For example, the pressure at the mask during inspiration or expiration can be varied through the period of treatment.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment is commonly used to treat breathing disorders including Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). CPAP treatment continuously provides pressurized air or other breathable gas to the entrance of a patient's airways via a patient interface (e.g., a mask) at a pressure elevated above atmospheric pressure, typically in the range 3-20 cm H O. CPAP treatment can act as a pneumatic splint of a patient's upper airway.

CPAP treatment can be in a number of forms, including the maintenance of a constant treatment pressure level, alternating between two different constant levels in synchronism with the inspiratory and expiratory phases of respiration ("bi-level CPAP"), and having an automatically adjustable and/or a computer controlled level in accordance with a patient's therapeutic needs.

Breathable gas supply apparatus used in CPAP and NIPPV treatments broadly comprise a flow generator constituted by a continuous source of air or other breathable gas generally in the form of a blower driven by an electric motor. A pressurized supply of air or other breathable gas can also be used. The gas supply is connected to a conduit or tube, which is in turn connected to a patient interface (mask or nasal prong) which incorporates, or has in close proximity, a vent to atmosphere for exhausting exhaled gases, such as carbon dioxide.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Patients using flow generators necessarily integrate the devices into their sleeping routine. The devices are used on a daily basis and greatly enhance the quality of life for patients requiring them. It would thus be desirable if the flow generators themselves could communicate with the users to maximize system effectiveness and therapy and facilitate use of the device in the patients’ daily lives.

In this context, it is important that the device function and be operated properly, and it is desirable to enable the device to introspectively determine operating concerns or malfunctions. The present invention provides a flow generator that generates messages to facilitate use of the device. The messages may relate to aspects of the flow generator itself or to integrating the system into a patient’s daily routine. The messages can be delivered over any suitable medium in any suitable manner, such as for example by written, graphical or audible messages. A related flow generator with a patient reminder system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/533,940, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/533,940 was published as US 2008/0072900 on March 27, 2008.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate one of time- based messages, event-based messages, or both time- and event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and general reminders. The time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

The processor is preferably programmed to receive a reminder request input, wherein the time-based messages include reminders generated at a time specified in the reminder request input. The user interface may include a wireless communication system that communicates with at least one of a preset telephone number, a cellular phone, a pager, and a call center.

In one embodiment, the user interface is a network interface that delivers the messages via a global network such as the internet. In this context, the event-based messages may comprise messages relating to flow generator parts requiring replacement or repair. Moreover, the system may automatically order at least one of the parts requiring replacement or service for the repair. The network interface is preferably also configured to receive message content via the global network. The message content may comprise information relating to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the flow generator.

The flow generator may additionally include a memory that stores software executed by the processor and data relating to flow generator use and operation. The processor executes the software to generate the messages. In one embodiment, the memory is a data card.

The flow generator may still additionally include peripheral devices providing enhanced functionality. The peripheral devices communicate with the processor, wherein the time-based and event-based messages relate to use and operation of the peripheral devices.

The time-based messages may be customizable, for example, providing a personal reminder for the patient, a wake-up alarm or the like. The wake-up alarm may be an audio message or may be effected via the delivery of breathable gas to the patient. The messages may include advertisements generated at predetermined time intervals and/or upon the occurrence of at least one event relating to flow generator use and operation. The messages may relate to helpful user tips and may be interactive with the patient.

The event-based messages may be structured as notice levels relating to flow generator operation, where the notice levels are changed based on a use condition duration detected by the sensors. In one embodiment, the use condition is a leak, wherein a first notice level provides an indication that the leak has been detected, a second notice level provides another indication that the leak has been detected along with user tips to correct the leak, and a third notice level provides a communication notifying a service provider or physician of the leak.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a CPAP apparatus includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet; a patient interface engageable with a patient's face to provide a seal; and an air delivery conduit coupled between the flow generator and the patient interface to deliver the supply of pressurized air from the flow generator to the patient interface.

The flow generator preferably includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user or communication interface.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an identifier is provided for use with a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet to a patient for treatment. The flow generator includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface, wherein the processor is programmed to generate time-based and/or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and general reminders, wherein the time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The identifier includes an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator. The processor discerns the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature. In this context, the time-based and event-based messages are generated based on use and operation of the specific peripheral component.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for operating a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized air to be provided at an outlet to a patient for treatment, the flow generator including a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The method includes the steps of generating either time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and general reminders, the time-based messages being generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time, and the event-based messages being generated based on signals from the operation sensors; and delivering the messages via the user interface to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus that delivers breathable gas to a patient, the apparatus including a recognition system constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating a flow generator incorporating the recognition system shown in Fig. 1, and one of the indicator lights being activated;.

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view similar to Fig. 2 with another of the indicator lights being activated; Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the flow generator shown in Fig. 2 with an adapter of the recognition system removed; Fig. 5 is an enlarged front perspective view of the flow generator shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the flow generator and recognition system shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an adapter of the recognition system shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a perspective view, from a different angle, of the adapter shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a top view of the adapter shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 10 is a chart illustrating various magnitudes of resistance detected by the recognition system shown in Fig. 2 for embodiments of adapters associated with known masks sold by ResMed Ltd.; Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating stacked adapters of the recognition system; Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate schematic side views of adapters/connectors according to further embodiments of the present invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary flow generator; and Fig. 15 is a schematic block diagram of the flow generator operating system and message/alarm functionality DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Flow Generator The concepts of the present invention are suitable for any flow generator providing NIPPV and/or CPAP treatment, including but not limited to flow generators having motor controlled pressure regulation or valve pressure regulation.

An exemplary flow generator structure will be described with reference to for purposes of explanation.

A flow generator 110 includes a motor 112 that provides a supply of pressurized air for the administration of NIPPV and/or CPAP treatment. The pressurized air is delivered to a patient via a patient interface 114. An air delivery conduit 116 is coupled between the flow generator 110 and the patient interface 114.

The patient interface 114 may have any suitable configuration as is known in the art, e.g., full-face mask, nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc.

Furthermore, the patient interface 114 also encompasses both vented and non-vented masks and dual limb mask systems. A processor 118 controls the operations of the flow generator. The flow generator is provided with a user interface unit or “communication system” 120 (which is generically intended to encompass both input and output systems of any suitable structure) to allow information input and a display unit 122 to display output information.

Communication System With reference to , the processor is coupled with the operation sensors (shown schematically at 134) and communication system 120. The processor is programmed to generate time-based or event-based messages relating to one or more of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and general reminders or the like. The user interface or communications system 120 includes structure that effects delivery of the messages. Delivery of messages may be via the display unit 122 or via an external communication device such as a modem or wireless technology such as cellular telephony or via the internet through a network interface. With a remote communication system, the flow generator can also deliver messages to a physician, a flow generator service provider, the patient, or the like.

Time-Based Messages The messages generated by the processor 118 may be time-based or event-based or both. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. Examples of time-based messages include general reminders, where the processor is programmed to receive a reminder request input, and the messages comprise reminders generated at a time specified in the reminder request input. Examples of other time-based messages may include a notice that one or more parts should be replaced (after a certain period of use), a reminder concerning timing for a patient to schedule an appointment with their physician, a wake-up alarm, which may be an audible alarm or may be effected via the delivery of breathable gas to the patient such as via pulses of air or by pressure variations, and the like. The time-based messages may be customizable by the patient for use as a personal reminder. For example, the flow generator may be programmed to remind the patient to take their pills. Advertisements may also be generated at predetermined time intervals, possibly in relation to a time interval when a part such as the mask or filter should be replaced.

The time-based messages may also include helpful user tips to assist the user in maximizing flow generator functionality. A calendar and clock function enables use of the system to generate wake-up alarms as well as provide time-based messages based on either time of use or elapsed time. An example of a flow generator including a built in alarm clock is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/703,432 which was made available on or about 1 February 2007 on the USPTO PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) website and the related non- provisional US Patent Application No. 11/491,016, which claims priority from U.S.

Patent Application No. 60/703,432 and which was published as US2007/0023044 on 1 February 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Helpful tips and other use information can thus be provided to the patient based on the time of year. For example, the processor may be programmed such that it knows winter months are approaching (i.e., from the calendar) and can remind the patient to utilize their humidifier. In addition, the calendar and clock function can monitor user sleep cycle and awaken the user at non-REM sleep.

Event-Based Messages Event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors 134 and are correlated to particular events or triggers detected by the processor 118 via the sensors 134. For example, the event-based messages may relate to flow generator parts requiring replacement or repair. The processor 118 can determine via the sensors 134 whether a particular part needs replacement or repair.

For example, if a leak is detected in the mask, it may be that the mask needs to be replaced. The system may effect automatic ordering of one or more of the parts requiring replacement or generate a request for service or repair, which may be part of a user subscription. In concert with such a determination, the processor 118 may generate helpful tips to assist the user in properly positioning/wearing the mask. The processor 118 may generate advertisements as event-based messages, for example when parts need replacement or as new parts/products become available. In this context, the communication system 120 may be capable of receiving data as message content for example via the global network through the network interface. In this manner, the message content may include information relating to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the flow generator.

Peripheral Devices The flow generator may additionally include peripheral devices providing enhanced functionality. In this context, the peripheral devices may be detected via an identifier including an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator.

The processor 118 discerns the specific peripheral component via the identifying feature. This concept is described in detail in commonly-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/656,880, which was published on 8 September 2006 on the WIPO website in connection with PCT Application No. and the related non-provisional US Patent Application No. 11/794,150, which claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/656,880 and which was published as US 2010/0147301 on June 17, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference and reproduced below. In this manner, the messages generated by the processor 118 may relate to use and operation of the peripheral devices.

Notice Levels In one embodiment, the event-based messages include notice levels relating to flow generator operation. The notice levels are changed based on a use condition duration detected by the sensors 134. For example, a use condition may be a leak at the mask. In this context, a first notice level may include an indication that the leak has been detected, a second notice level may include another indication that the leak has been detected along with user tips to correct the leak, and a third notice level may include a communication notifying a service provider or physician of the leak.

AHI Threshold A patient’s specific AHI (apnea-hyponea index) threshold may be entered into the device and monitored as an indicator of the effectiveness of the therapy. AHI is a measure of the number of apnea or hypopnea events that occur per hour of sleep, which is used to assess the severity of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Commonly, an AHI of 5 or greater is considered to indicate mild OSA. Thus the AHI will vary amongst different patients, and consequently an AHI threshold will also vary between patients. The AHI threshold may be determined and entered by a clinician for an individual patient. The AHI or AHI threshold is an example of an event that may be monitored and reported on using the messaging system of the present invention. A change in the AHI index may be considered an indicator of how effective the therapy has been. For example a decrease in the AHI would indicate that the therapy was having a positive effect.

Monitoring System A remote monitoring system is described in the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/934540, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/934,540 was published as US 2005/0114182 on May 26, 2005. This system is not present in the flow generator but is a patient server comprising a database of rules governing payment of home care devices and the details for patients and devices. The system monitors when a patient is eligible to receive payment for further home care devices and may generate a reminder letter to send to the patient; thus reminding and encouraging patients to update their devices. The system may also be used to monitor drug prescription requirements. This type of reminder may also be included in the present application such that the reimbursement or payment details for a patient are entered into the device or may be selected from a list, and then in a similar manner the device will remind the patient when they are eligible to purchase further equipment.

Description of the invention of US 60/656,880 Figs. 1-9 illustrate a recognition system 10 constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. The recognition system 10 is structured for use with an apparatus 12 that delivers a supply of pressurized breathable air to a patient for treatment, e.g., of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) with CPAP or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV). As best shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus 12 generally includes a flow generator 14, an air delivery conduit 16, and a patient interface 18. As discussed in greater detail below, the recognition system 10 allows the flow generator 14 to automatically recognize or identify one or more of the peripheral components selected by the patient so that appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator 14 may be automatically selected by the flow generator 14 to coordinate with the selected peripheral components.

The flow generator 14 is structured to generate a supply of pressurized air to be provided to a patient for treatment. The flow generator 14 includes a housing and a blower 22 supported within the housing 20. As is known in the art, the blower 22 is operable to draw a supply of air into the housing 20 through one or more intake openings and provide a pressurized flow of air at an outlet 24 (see Figs. 1, 4, and 5).

The supply of pressurized air is delivered to the patient via the air delivery conduit 16 that includes one end 26 coupled to the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14 and an opposite end 28 coupled to the patient interface 18, as shown in Fig. 1.

The patient interface 18 comfortably engages the patient's face and provides a seal. The patient interface 18 may have any suitable configuration as is known in the art, e.g., full-face mask, nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc. Also, any suitable headgear arrangement 30 may be utilized to comfortably support the patient interface 18 in a desired position on the patient's face.

As best shown in Figs. 2-4, the housing 20 of the flow generator 14 includes an upper wall 32, a lower wall 34, and side walls 36 that interconnect the upper and lower walls 32, 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 24 is provided in one of the side walls 36. Also, the upper wall 32 incorporates a manual control unit 38 for adjusting one or more parameters of the flow generator 14, e.g., treatment pressure. However, the outlet 24 and/or control unit 38 may be incorporated into any of the walls of the housing 20. Also, it should be understood that the flow generator 14 may include additional features incorporated into the housing 20, e.g., power supply.

As shown in Fig. 6, the flow generator 14 includes a controller 40 operable to receive input signals and to control operation of the blower 22 based on input signals. Input signals may be provided by the control unit 38 which has a plurality of control features that can be manually selected by the patient to adjust various parameters of the flow generator 14. For example, the patient may select the type of patient interface 18 being used, e.g., via a menu system of the control unit 38, so that the controller 40 can adjust the blower outlet pressure so that it coordinates with the selected patient interface 18. The controller 40 may include a memory 42 that stores preferred operating parameters for a variety of patient interfaces, e.g., by brand or method of delivery. When the controller 40 receives the input signal regarding the selected patient interface 18 from the control unit 38, the controller 40 can operate the blower 22 based on the stored operating parameters in the memory 42 for the selected patient interface 18. Alternatively, the preferred operating parameters for a selected patient interface 18 may be entered manually through the control unit Connector Recognition The recognition system 10 is provided to allow the controller 40 of the flow generator 14 to automatically recognize one or more peripheral components, e.g., the patient interface 18, so that the patient does not have to utilize the control unit 38. Moreover, the recognition system 10 may allow the apparatus 12 to operate more efficiently as the recognition system 10 enables the flow generator 14 to select operating parameters that are specifically optimized for the selected peripheral components.

In the illustrated embodiment, the recognition system 10 includes a first connector portion 44 provided by the flow generator 14 (e.g., see Figs. 4, 5, and 6), and a second connector portion 46 adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion 44 (e.g., see Figs. 2, 3, and 6-9). The second connector portion 46 is associated with a specific peripheral component, e.g., patient interface 18, and includes an identifying feature unique to the specific peripheral component. The first connector portion 44 includes structure to communicate the identifying feature of the second connector portion 46 to the controller 40 so that the controller 40 can recognize the identifying feature and hence the associated peripheral component. The controller 40 can then select appropriate operating parameters of the blower 22, e.g., via memory 42, to coordinate with the associated peripheral component. For example, the blower 22 may be controlled so that the blower outlet pressure is relatively lower for one group of patient interfaces, e.g., nasal, and relatively higher for another group of patient interfaces, e.g., nasal and mouth.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 7-9, the second connector portion 46 is provided on an adapter 48 that is adapted to interconnect the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14 and the end 26 of the air delivery conduit 16. Specifically, the adapter 48 is in the form of a conduit including a first end portion 50 attachable to the outlet 24 and a second end portion 52 attachable to the air delivery conduit 16. As illustrated, first end portion 50 has a greater diameter than the second end portion 52.

However, the end portions 50, 52 may have any suitable arrangement, e.g., similar diameters. Also, a gripping portion 54, in the form of spaced contoured ribs, is provided between the first and second end portions 50, 52 to facilitate connection.

As illustrated, the second connector portion 46 is mounted to the first end portion 50. As a result, the second connector portion 46 is able to removably couple with the first connector portion 44 on the flow generator 14 when the adapter 48 is coupled to the outlet 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector portion 44 is in the form of a first conductor and the second connector portion 46 is in the form of a second conductor. Also, the second conductor 46 is bridged with an identifying element, in the form of a resistor, that provides the identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component.

In use, the adapter 48 is attached to the outlet 24 so that the second conductor 46 is electrically coupled to the first conductor 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the second conductor includes a metallic pin 56 with an axially extending opening 58 and the first conductor includes a metallic pin 60. The axially extending opening 58 of the metallic pin 56 receives the metallic pin 60 therein to electrically couple the first and second conductors 44, 46. However, the first and second conductors 44, 46 may be electrically coupled in any other suitable manner.

Once coupled, the controller 40 can detect the resistance provided by the resistor bridged with the second conductor 46. The resistance is unique to a particular peripheral component so the controller 40 can recognize the specific peripheral component by the resistance. Once recognized, the appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator 14 can be automatically selected by the controller 40 to coordinate with the specified peripheral component.

For example, Fig. 10 lists three known patient interfaces sold by ResMed Ltd. Each of the patient interfaces is supplied with an adapter 48 having a second connector portion 46 with a unique resistance value. In the illustrated embodiment, the Activa® has a resistor that provides resistance of about 1 ohm, the Mirage® has a resistor that provides resistance of about 2 ohm, and the UltraMirage® has a resistor that provides resistance of about 3 ohm. Accordingly, if the controller 40 detects a 2 ohm resistance when the adapter 48 and second connector portion 46 thereof is engaged with the flow generator 14, the controller 40 will recognize that the Mirage® is coupled to the flow generator 14 and select blower operating parameters that are optimized for the Mirage®.

Thus, the recognition system 10 provides a "plug and play" arrangement wherein the patient can simply couple the adapter 48 and second connector portion thereof 46 to the flow generator 14 to automatically configure the flow generator 10 for a particular peripheral component, e.g., patient interface 18.

It should be understood that more than one peripheral component of the apparatus 12 may be provided with a unique adaptor 48 that automatically configures the flow generator 14 for the associated peripheral component. For example, an adapter 48 may be provided with each of the patient interface 18, air delivery conduit 16, and humidifier (not shown) coupled to the flow generator 14.

Each adapter 48 would have a unique identifying feature, as described above, so that the controller 40 can recognize which components are coupled to the flow generator 14. Moreover, the controller 40 can optimize operation of the flow generator 14 to take into account the features of each of the patient interface 18, air delivery conduit 16, humidifier.

In one embodiment, the adapters 48 may be color coded to correspond with particular peripheral components. Moreover, the peripheral component may have a colored element that matches the color of the corresponding adapter 48. This allows the adapters 48 to be easily recognized and associated with the respective component. For example, a patient interface 18 may have a purple colored swivel connector that is accompanied by a purple colored adapter 48. When the purple colored adapter 48 is coupled to the flow generator 14, the controller 40 will optimize the flow generator 14 to correspond with the features of the purple colored patient interface 18. In addition, or in the alternative, the connector and/or peripheral component may have a tactile indicator such as shape, e.g., a polygon, hexagon, etc.

When multiple peripheral components are coupled to the flow generator 14, e.g., patient interface and humidifier, multiple adapters 48 may be stacked to the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14. For example, a purple adapter 48 associated with a patient interface 18 piggybacked to a yellow adapter 48 associated with a humidifier would signal the controller 40 that both a patient interface 18 and humidifier are attached to the flow generator 14. When piggybacked, one of the adapters 48A is coupled to the flow generator 14 as discussed above and the second adapter 48B is coupled to the first adapter 48A such that the first end portion 50 of the second adapter 48B is attachable to the second end portion 52 of the first adapter 48A and the second end portion 52 of the second adapter 48B is attachable to the air delivery conduit 16 as shown in Fig. 11. Moreover, the conductor 46 of the second adapter 48B is electrically coupled to a rear portion of the conductor 46 of the first adapter 48A. In one embodiment, the adapter 48B may be structured such that it cannot receive a plug from a downstream connector, rather it can only plug into the adapter 48A closer to the flow generator, so as to impose a limitation on the order of attachment. However, it is preferred that the adapters can be attached in random order, to facilitate the connector assembly operation.

The piggyback value of two resistor values wired in parallel could be recognized via simple electronics (e.g., 1/R Total = 1/R + 1/R , where R is the 1 2 1 resistor value associated with the patient interface and R is the resistor value associated with the humidifier). The value of (1/R Total) would relate to a blower setting that adjusts the operating parameters to function optimally with the specific features of both the selected patient interface and humidifier. This arrangement eliminates user intervention to match peripheral components for optimal performance of the connected system.

It should be understood that the recognition system 10 may have any suitable structure to enable the controller 40 to automatically recognize selected peripheral components. In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter 48 incorporating an identifiable resistor is utilized to identify the peripheral component. However, the identifying element may have any suitable identifiable structure, e.g., impedance (e.g., using holes of various sizes), microswitches, infrared detectors, variable length pins, variable number of pins, variable pin mountings, spring loads, etc. For example, one embodiment may incorporate one or more variable length pins 46.1 on the end of the connector that can either incorporate a microswitch (or series of switches depending on length) or operate a variable resistor whose value is determined by the length of the pin, e.g., how far the pin pushes a lever operating variable resistor. A series of microswitches, e.g., 6 switches, located around the connector could be operated by pins 46.2 to either the on or off position, similar to a remote control. See, e.g., Figs. 13 and 14.

Alternatively, the adaptor and/or a component thereof such as a pin may include a coded portion that encodes the flow generator with the peripheral component. This is similar to how a camera film housing encodes the camera with the camera film, upon loading of the housing into the camera.

In another embodiment, the second connector portion 46 may be provided as a separate key, separate from the adapter 48, that is engagable with the first connector portion 44 provided on the flow generator 14. Thus, the adapter 48 may be eliminated and the air delivery conduit 16 may connect directly to the outlet 24 of the flow generator 14.

Also, the controller 40 may identify the peripheral component in any suitable manner. That is, an identifying feature associated with the peripheral component may be communicated to the controller 40 in any suitable manner. For example, the identifying feature may be incorporated into the peripheral component, e.g., patient interface, itself and be communicated to the controller 40 via a wire extending from the peripheral component to the flow generator 14. Alternatively, the identifying feature may be communicated to the controller 40 wirelessly, e.g., RFID, IR, prismatic, smart card (computer chip). In "wireless" embodiments, the controller 40 would be coupled to a receiver adapted to receive signals transmitted by the identifying component associated with the peripheral component.

In another embodiment, the peripheral component may include a bar code with identifying information so that the peripheral component may be moved past a bar code reader provided on the flow generator 14 that will allow the controller 40 to identify the specific peripheral component being utilized.

Also, other information may be provided by the identifying component, e.g., a log of the patient's use, components used during each use, end of life service indication, etc.

The flow generator 14 may include one or more indicator lights to indicate that the peripheral components have been recognized and/or identified. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the flow generator 14 includes a red light 62 that indicates that the component has not yet been recognized (Fig. 2), and a green light 64 that indicates that the adapter 48 is connected and the associated component has been recognized. Thus, the indicator lights may provide positive feedback regarding connection and blower set-up status. The different lights may also indicate different peripherals and confirm correct alignment, e.g., one light for an Activa® mask, another light for an UltraMirage® Full Face Mask, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adapter 48 must be properly aligned with the outlet 24 and the first connector portion 44 to enable the second connector portion 46 to couple with the first connector portion 44. However, the first and second connector portions 44, 46 may be configured and arranged so orientation of the adapter 48 with respect to the outlet 24 does not matter. Moreover, the flow generator will continue to operate even if one or more components of the recognition system are not employed, although the operating characteristics may not be optimized for the particular component in use.

The recognition system 10 is advantageous in that it allows the flow generator 14 to be optimized to function with the connected peripheral components.

This minimizes patient intervention to setup the flow generator 14, and therefore improves ease of use.

Conclusion The flow generator of the invention includes a message generating capability and communication structure that facilitate and enhance its use. The ability to communicate information to the user will reduce users’ needs to contact the physician or product supplier with questions. The system can record events thereby reducing the burden and therefore labor and costs for processing insurance coverage.

A calendar and clock function enables use of the system to generate wake-up alarms as well as provide time-based messages based on either time of use or elapsed time.

Sensors enable the system to generate event-based messages. Of course, the examples described herein are exemplary, and those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations of messages may be generated by the flow generator of the invention, and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the described examples.

While the invention has been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this specification, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise," "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

Claims (27)

1. A flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to treat sleep disordered breathing in a patient, wherein the supply of breathable gas is delivered to a patient via a patient interface coupled to the flow generator, a type of the patient interface being one of a plurality of patient interface types able to be coupled to the flow generator, the flow generator comprising: a motor configured to generate the supply of breathable gas to the patient; and a processor to control operation of the flow generator, the processor configured to: determine the type of patient interface from the plurality of patient interface types; select the pressure of the supply of breathable gas based on the determined type of patient interface; generate a message based on the patient interface; and send the message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

2. The flow generator of claim 1, wherein the message is one of a time- based or event-based message.

3. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the message includes a plurality of messages, where each one of the messages is different depending on an elapsed time of a use condition.

4. The flow generator of claim 3, wherein at least two of the plurality of messages are delivered to different intended recipients.

5. The flow generator of claim 4, wherein at least one of the intended recipients is a service provider or a physician.

6. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor is further configured to control a visual indicator that corresponds to which one of the plurality of patient interface types that the patient interface is determined to be.

7. The flow generator of claim 6, wherein the flow generator comprises the visual indicator.

8. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the message includes tips to assist the user in positioning and/or wearing the patient interface.

9. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system that is configured to provide a flow of breathable gas to a patient at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the CPAP system comprising: a flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 8; a patient interface for delivering the flow of breathable gas to the patient; and an air delivery conduit coupled between the flow generator and the patient interface.

10. A processor for use with or in a system for treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient, the system comprising a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to treat sleep disordered breathing in a patient and a patient interface coupled to the flow generator for delivering the supply of breathable gas to a patient, wherein a type of the patient interface is one of a plurality of patient interface types able to be coupled to the flow generator, the processor is configured to: determine the type of patient interface from the plurality of patient interface types; select the pressure of the supply of breathable gas based on the determined type of patient interface; generate a message based on the patient interface; and send the message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

11. The processor of claim 10, wherein the message is one of a time-based or event-based message.

12. The processor of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the message includes a plurality of messages, where each one of the messages is different depending on an elapsed time of a use condition.

13. The processor of claim 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of messages are delivered to different intended recipients.

14. The processor of claim 13, wherein at least one of the intended recipients is a service provider or a physician.

15. The processor of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the processor is further configured to control a visual indicator that corresponds to which one of the plurality of patient interface types that the patient interface is determined to be.

16. The processor of claim 15, wherein the flow generator comprises the visual indicator.

17. The processor of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the message includes tips to assist the user in positioning and/or wearing the patient interface.

18. The processor according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the processor is configured for use with or in a CPAP system.

19. A processor-implemented method for use with or in a system for treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient, the system comprising a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric to treat sleep disordered breathing in a patient and a patient interface coupled to the flow generator for delivering the supply of breathable gas to a patient, wherein a type of the patient interface is one of a plurality of patient interface types able to be coupled to the flow generator, the method comprising the steps of: determining the type of patient interface from the plurality of patient interface types; selecting the pressure of the supply of breathable gas based on the determined type of patient interface; generating a message based on the patient interface; and sending the message to a recipient that is remote from the flow generator.

20. The processor-implemented method of claim 19, wherein the message is one of a time-based or event-based message.

21. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the message includes a plurality of messages, where each one of the messages is different depending on an elapsed time of a use condition.

22. The processor-implemented method of claim 21, wherein at least two of the plurality of messages are delivered to different intended recipients.

23. The processor-implemented method of claim 22, wherein at least one of the intended recipients is a service provider or a physician.

24. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the processor-implemented method further comprises the step of controlling a visual indicator that corresponds to which one of the plurality of patient interface types that the patient interface is determined to be.

25. The processor-implemented method of claim 24, wherein the flow generator comprises the visual indicator.

26. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the message includes tips to assist the user in positioning and/or wearing the patient interface.

27. The processor-implemented method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the processor is configured for use with or in a CPAP system.