NZ765702B2

NZ765702B2 - Flow Generator Message System

Info

Publication number: NZ765702B2
Application number: NZ765702A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Mark Alexander Abourizk; Mark Bertinetti; Mark David Buckley; Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana; Simone Marie Jeha; Philip Rodney Kwok; Thomas Evan Miller; John David Oates; Mark John Payne; Richard Ron
Original assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-10-14
Filing date: 2006-10-13
Publication date: 2021-06-29

Abstract

flow generator for generating a supply of pressurised breathable gas to treat sleep disordered breathing in a patient, comprising: a motor configured to generate the supply of breathable gas to a patient: at least one operation sensor to generate signals; and a processor to control operation of the flow generator. The processor is configured to: a) determine, based on the signals of the at least one operation sensor, the presence of a leak while the supply of breathable gas is delivered to the patient; b) in response to the determination in step a), determine that a part of the flow generator, the air conduit or the patient interface needs replacement, repair or service; and c) in response to the determination in step b), generate a message notifying a recipient that the part needs replacement, repair or service in accordance with the determination in step b). e flow generator. The processor is configured to: a) determine, based on the signals of the at least one operation sensor, the presence of a leak while the supply of breathable gas is delivered to the patient; b) in response to the determination in step a), determine that a part of the flow generator, the air conduit or the patient interface needs replacement, repair or service; and c) in response to the determination in step b), generate a message notifying a recipient that the part needs replacement, repair or service in accordance with the determination in step b).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION FLOW GENERATOR MESSAGE SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the beneﬁt ofUS. Provisional Application No. 60/726,178, ﬁled October 14, 2005, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 10002] (NOT APPLICABLE) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates lly to ﬂow generators for ventilatory assistance and, more particularly, to a ﬂow generator thatincludes a message system for communicating messages relating to ﬂow generator operation, ﬂow generator e, 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 extemally to a service provider, the patient, a physician, or the like.

Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation ) is a form of ent for breathing ers which can e providing a relatively higher re of air or other breathable gas to the entrance of a t'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 t's airways via a patient interface (e. g., a mask) at a pressure elevated above atmospheric pressure, typically in the range 3-20 cm H20. CPAP treatment can act as a tic splint of a patient's upper airway.

CPAP treatment can be in a number of forms, including the nance of a constant ent pressure level, alternating between two different constant levels in onism with the atory and expiratory phases of ation ("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 uous source of air or other breathable gas generally in the form of a blower driven by an electric motor. A rized 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 ble 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 iinportant that the device function and be operated properly, and it is desirable to enable the device to introspectively ine operating concerns or malfunctions. The present invention provides a ﬂow generator that generates messages .to facilitate use of the device. The es 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 , 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 ts of which are hereby incorporated by nce.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a ﬂow generator for ring breathable gas to a patient es 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 es are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time ofuse 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 ers generated at a time speciﬁed in the reminder request input. The user interface may include a wireless ication system that communicates with at least one of a preset one number, a cellular phone, a pager, and a call center.

In one embodiment, theuser interface is a netWork interface that. delivers the messages via a global network such as the t. In this context, the event-based messages may cemprise messages relating to ﬂow generator parts requiring ement 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 ably also conﬁgured to receive message content Viathe global network. The e content may » comprise ation 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 ion.

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 eral devices communicate with the processor, wherein the ased and event-based messages relate to use and operation of the eral devices.

The time-based messages may be customizable, for example, providing a personal reminder for the t, 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 ion on detected by the sensors. In one embodiment, the use condition is a leak, n 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 t interface engageable with a patient's face to provide a seal; and an air delivery conduit d between the ﬂow generator and the patient interface to deliver the supply ofpressurized 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 ment of the invention, an identiﬁer is provided for use with a ﬂow generator that tes 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, n 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 s and services, patient treatment, and general reminders, wherein the time-based messages are ted at predetermined time intervals based on either time ofuse or elapsed time, and wherein the event-based messages are ted based on s from the ion sensors. The identiﬁer includes an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a speciﬁc peripheral component attachable to the ﬂow generator. The processor discems 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 c peripheral component.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the ion, a method is provided for operating a ﬂow generator that generates a supply ofpressurized air to be provided at an outlet toaa t 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 ion, ﬂow generator service, ﬂow generator use, patient health, peripheral s and services, patient treatment, and general reminders, the time-based messages being generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time ofuse or elapsed 1 time, and the event-based messages being generated based on signals from the ion sensors; and delivering the messages via the user interface to at least one of a display, a ﬂow tor 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: WO 41797 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ﬂow generator; and FIGURE 2 is a schematic block diagram ofthe 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 ure will be described with reference to for purposes of explanation.

A ﬂow tor 10 includes a motor 12 that provides a supply of pressurized air for the administration ofNIPPV and/or CPAP treatment. The pressurized air is delivered to a t via a patient interface 14. An air delivery conduit 16 is d between the ﬂow generator 10 and the patient interface 14. The patient interface 14 may have any suitable conﬁguration as is known in the art, e.g., full—face nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc. Furthermore, the patient interface 14 also asses both vented and non-vented masks and dual limb mask s. A processor 18 controls the operations of the ﬂow generator. The ﬂow generator is provided with a user interface unit or “comniunication system” 20 (which is generically intended to encompass both input and output systems of any suitable structure) to allow information input and a display unit 22 to display output information.

Communication System With reference to the processor is coupled with the operation sensors (shown schematically at 34) and communication system 20. The processor is mmed to generate time-based or event-based messages ng to one or more of ﬂow generator operation, ﬂow generator service, ﬂow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and es, patient treatment, and general reminders or the like. The user interface or ications system 20 es structure that effects delivery of the messages. Delivery of messages may be via the display unit 22 or via an al communication device such as a modem or ss 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 18 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. es oftime-based messages e l reminders, where the processor is programmed to receive a er 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 paits should be replaced (after a certain period of use), a reminder concerning timing for apatient 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 t such as via pulses of air or by pressure ions, and the like. The time-based es 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 l user tips to assist the user in maximizing ﬂow generator functionality. A calendar and clock ﬁlnction enables use of the system to generate wake-up alarms as well as provide time-based messages based on either time ofuse or elapsed time. An e of a ﬂow generator including a built in alarm clock is disclosed in US. Patent Application Serial No. 60/703,432, ﬁled July 29, 2005, the contents ofwhich 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 34 and are correlated to particular events or triggers detected by the processor 18 via the s 34. For example, the based messages may relate to ﬂow generator parts'requiring replacement br repair. The processor 18 can determine via the sensors 34 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 t with such a determination, the processor 18 may te helpful tips to assist the user in properly positioning/wearing the mask. The processor 18 may generate advertisements as based messages, for example when parts need replacement or as new parts/products become available. In this context, the communication system 20 may be capable ofreceiving data as message content for example via the global network through the network interface. In this manner, the message content may include information ng to new products and peripherals cooperatively usable with the ﬂow generator.

Peripheral Devices The ﬂow generator may additionally include peripheral devices ing enhanced functionality. In this context, the peripheral devices may be detected Via an identiﬁer ing an identifying element providing an identifying feature unique to a speciﬁc eral ent attachable to the ﬂow tor. The proceSsor 18 discems the speciﬁc peripheral component via the identifying feature. This concept is described in detail in commonly-owned US. Patent Application Serial No. ,880, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In this manner, the messages generated by the processor 18 may relate to use and operation of the peripheral devices.

In one embodiment, the event-based messages include notice levels relating to ﬂow generator operation. The notice levels are d based on a use condition duration detected by the s 34. 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 ing 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 r is considered to te mild OSA. Thus the AHI will vary amongst different patients, and uently an AHI old 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 ofthe present invention. A change in the AHI index may be considered an indicator of how effective the y has been. For example a decrease in the AHI would indicate that the therapy was having a positive effect. ring 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. This ‘ system is not present in the ﬂow generator but is a patient server sing a database of rules governing payment ofhome 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 er may also be included in the present application such that the reimbursement orpayment details for a t 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“ Conclusion The ﬂow generator of the invention includes a message ting 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 ased messages based on either time ofuse er elapsed time. Sensors enable the system to generate event—based messages. Of course, the es 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 bed es.

. While the invention has been described in tion 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 ations and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flow generator for generating a supply of rised breathable gas to treat sleep disordered breathing in a patient, wherein the flow generator is configured to deliver the supply of pressurised breathable gas via an air conduit and a patient interface each fluidly coupled to the flow generator, the flow generator comprising: a motor configured to generate the supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient; at least one operation sensor to generate signals; and a processor to control flow generator operations, the processor configured to: a) determine, based on the s of the at least one operation sensor, the presence of a leak while the supply of breathable gas is delivered to the patient; b) in response to the determination in step a), determine that a part of the flow generator, the air conduit or the patient interface needs ement, repair or service; and c) in response to the determination in step b), generate a message notifying a recipient that the part needs replacement, repair or service in accordance with the determination in step b).

2. The flow generator ing to claim 1, n the message effects ordering of a replacement for the part.

3. The flow generator according to claim 2, n the ng is part of a user subscription.

4. The flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor is configured to generate an advertisement.

5. The flow tor according to claim 4, wherein the advertisement is generated in response to the determination in step b).

6. The flow generator according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the advertisement is generated when a new part becomes available.

7. The flow tor according to claim 1, wherein the message effects generation of a request for service.

8. The flow generator according to claim 1, wherein the message effects generation of a request for repair.

9. The flow generator according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the request is part of a user subscription.

10. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the message is delivered to the recipient via a display unit ed to the flow generator.

11. The flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the recipient is remote from the flow generator.

12. The flow generator according to claim 11, wherein the message is sent to the recipient via a modem or wireless technology.

13. The flow tor according to claim 12 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via cellular telephony.

14. The flow generator according to claim 12 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via the et.

15. The flow generator according to any one of clams 1 to 14, wherein the recipient is one or more of: a physician; a flow generator service provider; and the patient.

16. The flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the leak is a leak in the t interface.

17. The flow generator according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, in response to the ination in step b), the sor generates tips to assist in positioning the patient interface.

18. A respiratory system that is ured to provide a flow of pressurised breathable gas to a patient, the respiratory system sing: a flow generator of any one of claims 1 to 17; a t interface for delivering the flow of pressurised breathable gas to the t; and an air delivery conduit coupled between the flow generator and the patient interface.

19. The respiratory system according to claim 18, wherein the patient interface is one of: a full-face mask; a nasal mask; an oro-nasal mask; a mouth mask; and a nasal prongs mask.

20. The respiratory system of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the respiratory system is configured to provide Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment.

21. The respiratory system of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the respiratory system is configured to provide Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) treatment.

22. A processor for use with or in a system for treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient, the system configured to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to the patient, wherein the processor is configured to: a) receive signals from at least one operation sensor of the b) determine, based on the signals, the ce of a leak while the supply of breathable gas is delivered to the patient; c) in response to the determination in step a), determine that a part of the system needs replacement, repair or service; and d) in response to the ination in step b), generate a message notifying a recipient that the part needs replacement, repair or service in accordance with the determination in step b).

23. The processor according to claim 22, wherein the part of the system is a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient.

24. The processor according to claim 22, wherein the part of the system is a patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurised breathable gas to the patient.

25. The processor according to claim 22, wherein the part of the system is an air delivery conduit d between a flow generator and a patient interface.

26. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the message effects ordering of a ement for the part.

27. The processor according to claim 26, wherein the ng is part of a user subscription.

28. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the processor is configured to generate an advertisement.

29. The processor according to claim 28, wherein the advertisement is generated in response to the determination in step b).

30. The sor according to any one of claims 28 or 29, wherein the advertisement is generated when a new part becomes ble.

31. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the message effects generation of a request for service.

32. The sor according to any one of claims 22 to 25, n the message effects generation of a request for repair.

33. The processor according to one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the request is part of a user subscription.

34. The sor of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the message is delivered to the recipient via a display unit provided to a, or the when dependent on claim 23 or 25, flow generator.

35. The processor of any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the recipient is remote from a, or the when dependent on claim 23 or 25, flow tor.

36. The processor according to claim 35, wherein the message is sent to the recipient via a modem or wireless technology.

37. The sor according to claim 36 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via cellular telephony.

38. The sor according to claim 36 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via the internet.

39. The processor according to any one of clams 22 to 38, wherein the recipient is one or more of: a physician; a flow generator service provider; and the t.

40. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 39, wherein the leak is a leak in the t interface.

41. The sor according to any one of claims 22 to 40, wherein, in response to the ination in step b), the processor generates tips to assist in positioning a, or the when dependent on claim 24, patient interface.

42. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 41, wherein the processor is configured for use with or in a CPAP system.

43. The processor according to any one of claims 22 to 41, wherein the processor is configured for use with or in a NIPPV system.

44. A processor-implemented method for use with or in a system for treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient, the system configured to provide a supply of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric pressure to a patient, the method comprising the steps of: a) receiving signals from at least one operation sensor of the system; b) determining, based on the signals, the presence of a leak while the supply of breathable gas is delivered to the patient; c) in response to the determination in step a), determining that a part of the system needs ement, repair or service; and d) in response to the determination in step b), generating a message notifying a recipient that the part needs replacement, repair or service in accordance with the determination in step b).

45. The processor-implemented method according to claim 44, wherein the part of the system is a flow generator for generating a supply of breathable gas for delivery to the patient.

46. The processor-implemented method according to claim 44, wherein the part of the system is a patient interface for delivering the flow of pressurised breathable gas to the patient.

47. The processor-implemented method according to claim 44, wherein the part of the system is an air delivery conduit coupled between a flow generator and a patient interface.

48. The processor-implemented method ing to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the e s ordering of a replacement for the part.

49. The processor-implemented method according to claim 48, wherein the ng is part of a user iption.

50. The processor-implemented method ing to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the method further comprises generating an advertisement.

51. The processor-implemented method according to claim 50, wherein the step of generating the advertisement is in response to the determination in step b).

52. The processor-implemented method according to any one of claims 50 or 51, n the step of generating the advertisement occurs when a new part becomes available.

53. The sor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the message s generation of a request for service.

54. The processor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the e effects generation of a request for repair.

55. The processor-implemented method according to one of claims 53 or 54, wherein the request is part of a user subscription.

56. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein the message is delivered to the ent via a display unit provided to a, or the when dependent on claim 45 or 47, flow generator.

57. The processor-implemented method of any one of claims 44 to 55, wherein the recipient is remote from a, or the when dependent on claim 45 or 47, the flow generator.

58. The processor-implemented method according to claim 57, wherein the e is sent to the recipient via a modem or wireless technology.

59. The processor-implemented method according to claim 58 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via cellular telephony.

60. The processor-implemented method according to claim 58 wherein the message is sent to the recipient via the internet.

61. The processor-implemented method ing to any one of clams 44 to 60, wherein the recipient is one or more of: a physician; a flow generator service provider; and the patient.

62. The processor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 61, wherein the leak is a leak in the patient interface.

63. The sor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 62, wherein, in response to the determination in step b), the processor generates tips to assist in positioning a, or the when ent on claim 46, patient interface.

64. The processor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 63, wherein the processor-implemented method is configured for use with or in a CPAP system.

65. The sor-implemented method according to any one of claims 44 to 63, wherein the processor-implemented method is configured for use with or in a NIPPV system.