U.S. patent application number 17/002856 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for humidifier for a respiratory therapy device.
The applicant listed for this patent is ResMed Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to David CREUSOT, Dmitri Anatolievich DOUDKINE, Michael Rolf HARRINGTON, Andrew SIMS, Luke Andrew STANISLAS, Nan Hai WU, Arthur Kin-Wai YEE.
Application Number | 20200384236 17/002856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005050215 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200384236 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARRINGTON; Michael Rolf ;
et al. |
December 10, 2020 |
HUMIDIFIER FOR A RESPIRATORY THERAPY DEVICE
Abstract
A medical humidifier for humidification of air to be delivered
to a patient's airways may include a humidification chamber, a
reservoir and a water delivery mechanism. The humidification
chamber may include a water retention feature such as a wick, a
heating element for heating the humidification chamber, and an air
flow baffle configured to promote humidification. The humidifier
may be further configured to execute one or more algorithms, for
example to determine a condition of the humidifier and/or to
mitigate any detected faults. In some forms, the humidifier may
also comprise algorithms for controlling one or more components of
the humidifier.
Inventors: |
HARRINGTON; Michael Rolf;
(Gosford, AU) ; CREUSOT; David; (Sydney, AU)
; DOUDKINE; Dmitri Anatolievich; (Sydney, AU) ;
SIMS; Andrew; (Sydney, AU) ; STANISLAS; Luke
Andrew; (Sydney, AU) ; WU; Nan Hai; (Sydney,
AU) ; YEE; Arthur Kin-Wai; (Sydney, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ResMed Pty Ltd |
Bella Vista |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005050215 |
Appl. No.: |
17/002856 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15555712 |
Sep 5, 2017 |
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PCT/IB2016/051262 |
Mar 7, 2016 |
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17002856 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2205/3334 20130101;
A61M 2206/14 20130101; A61M 16/109 20140204; A61M 16/0066 20130101;
A61M 16/16 20130101; A61M 2230/42 20130101; A61M 16/1095 20140204;
A61M 2205/3368 20130101; A61M 2205/15 20130101; A61M 2205/3344
20130101; A61M 16/0051 20130101; A61M 2205/42 20130101; A61M 16/145
20140204; A61M 16/162 20130101; A61M 16/026 20170801; A61M 16/161
20140204 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/16 20060101
A61M016/16; A61M 16/10 20060101 A61M016/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 5, 2015 |
AU |
2015900785 |
Claims
1. A humidifier for increasing an absolute humidity of a flow of
air to be delivered to a patient's airways, the humidifier
comprising: a reservoir configured to retain a first volume of
water; a humidifier chamber comprising: an air inlet for receiving
the flow of air; a humidifier wick configured to retain a second
volume of water and substantially enclosing a path therethrough for
the flow of air; a heating element; and an air outlet for
delivering the flow of air; an air flow baffle configured to
lengthen a path of the flow of air through the humidifier chamber;
and a delivery mechanism configured to deliver a flow of water from
the reservoir to the humidifier wick, wherein the heating element
is configured to heat the humidifier wick to vaporise the second
volume of water to add absolute humidity to the flow of air and the
humidifier wick is removable from the humidifier chamber.
2. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick is anisotropically configured.
3. The humidifier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the humidifier
wick is further configured so that a rate of wicking is greater in
a first direction than in a second direction.
4. The humidifier as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second
direction is a direction of the flow of air.
5. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the path enclosed
by the humidifier wick is substantially cylindrical.
6. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick comprises one or more of: a corrugated, a dimpled, a
perforated, a porous, a woven, a knitted, a textured and sintered
surfaces.
7. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick comprises one or more of: paper, hydrophilic fibres and
cellulose fibres.
8. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick comprises a substrate for the heating element.
9. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick is configured to retain between 2-30 g of water.
10. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick comprises a heated region and an unheated region.
11. The humidifier as claimed in claim 10, wherein the unheated
region comprises an upstream unheated region located upstream of
the heated region.
12. The humidifier as claimed in claim 11, wherein the upstream
unheated region comprises a faster wicking rate than the heated
region.
13. The humidifier as claimed in claim 11, wherein a length of the
upstream unheated region is approximately between 5%-20% of the
heated region.
14. The humidifier as claimed in claim 10, wherein the unheated
region comprises a downstream unheated region located downstream of
the heated region.
15. The humidifier as claimed in claim 14, wherein a length of the
downstream unheated region is approximately between 20%-40% of the
heated region.
16. The humidifier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the humidifier
wick is coupled to a frame.
17. The humidifier as claimed in claim 16, wherein the frame is
configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier chamber.
18. The humidifier as claimed in claim 17, wherein the frame is
configured to be removed from an exterior of the humidifier.
19. The humidifier as claimed in claim 16, wherein the frame
comprises a grip surface.
20. The humidifier as claimed in claim 16, wherein the frame is
configured to promote thermal contact between the humidifier wick
and the heating element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/555,712, filed Sep. 5, 2017, now allowed, which is the U.S.
national phase of International Application No. PCT/IB2016/051262,
filed 7 Mar. 2016, which designated the U.S. and claims priority to
Australian Provisional Patent Application No. AU2015900785, filed 5
Mar. 2015, the entire contents of each of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY
2.1 Field of the Technology
[0002] The present technology relates to one or more of the
detection, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and amelioration of
respiratory-related disorders. In particular, the present
technology relates to medical devices or apparatus, and their
use.
2.2 Description of the Related Art
2.2.1 Human Respiratory System
[0003] The respiratory system of the body facilitates gas exchange.
The nose and mouth form the entrance to the airways of a
patient.
[0004] The airways include a series of branching tubes, which
become narrower, shorter and more numerous as they penetrate deeper
into the lung. The prime function of the lung is gas exchange,
allowing oxygen to move from the air into the venous blood and
carbon dioxide to move out. The trachea divides into right and left
main bronchi, which further divide eventually into terminal
bronchioles. The bronchi make up the conducting airways, and do not
take part in gas exchange. Further divisions of the airways lead to
the respiratory bronchioles, and eventually to the alveoli. The
alveolated region of the lung is where the gas exchange takes
place, and is referred to as the respiratory zone. See "Respiratory
Physiology", by John B. West, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,
9th edition published 2011.
[0005] A range of respiratory disorders exist.
[0006] Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a form of Sleep Disordered
Breathing (SDB), is characterized by occlusion or obstruction of
the upper air passage during sleep. It results from a combination
of an abnormally small upper airway and the normal loss of muscle
tone in the region of the tongue, soft palate and posterior
oropharyngeal wall during sleep. The condition causes the affected
patient to stop breathing for periods typically of 30 to 120
seconds duration, sometimes 200 to 300 times per night. It often
causes excessive daytime somnolence, and it may cause
cardiovascular disease and brain damage. The syndrome is a common
disorder, particularly in middle aged overweight males, although a
person affected may have no awareness of the problem. See U.S. Pat.
No. 4,944,310 (Sullivan).
[0007] Cheyne-Stokes Respiration (CSR) is a disorder of a patient's
respiratory controller in which there are rhythmic alternating
periods of waxing and waning ventilation, causing repetitive
de-oxygenation and re-oxygenation of the arterial blood. It is
possible that CSR is harmful because of the repetitive hypoxia. In
some patients CSR is associated with repetitive arousal from sleep,
which causes severe sleep disruption, increased sympathetic
activity, and increased afterload. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,959
(Berthon-Jones).
[0008] Obesity Hyperventilation Syndrome (OHS) is defined as the
combination of severe obesity and awake chronic hypercapnia, in the
absence of other known causes for hypoventilation. Symptoms include
dyspnea, morning headache and excessive daytime sleepiness.
[0009] Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses any
of a group of lower airway diseases that have certain
characteristics in common. These include increased resistance to
air movement, extended expiratory phase of respiration, and loss of
the normal elasticity of the lung. Examples of COPD are emphysema
and chronic bronchitis. COPD is caused by chronic tobacco smoking
(primary risk factor), occupational exposures, air pollution and
genetic factors. Symptoms include: dyspnea on exertion, chronic
cough and sputum production.
[0010] Neuromuscular Disease (NMD) is a broad term that encompasses
many diseases and ailments that impair the functioning of the
muscles either directly via intrinsic muscle pathology, or
indirectly via nerve pathology. Some NMD patients are characterised
by progressive muscular impairment leading to loss of ambulation,
being wheelchair-bound, swallowing difficulties, respiratory muscle
weakness and, eventually, death from respiratory failure.
Neuromuscular disorders can be divided into rapidly progressive and
slowly progressive: (i) Rapidly progressive disorders:
Characterised by muscle impairment that worsens over months and
results in death within a few years (e.g. Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in
teenagers); (ii) Variable or slowly progressive disorders:
Characterised by muscle impairment that worsens over years and only
mildly reduces life expectancy (e.g. Limb girdle,
Facioscapulohumeral and Myotonic muscular dystrophy). Symptoms of
respiratory failure in NMD include: increasing generalised
weakness, dysphagia, dyspnea on exertion and at rest, fatigue,
sleepiness, morning headache, and difficulties with concentration
and mood changes.
[0011] Chest wall disorders are a group of thoracic deformities
that result in inefficient coupling between the respiratory muscles
and the thoracic cage. The disorders are usually characterised by a
restrictive defect and share the potential of long term hypercapnic
respiratory failure. Scoliosis and/or kyphoscoliosis may cause
severe respiratory failure. Symptoms of respiratory failure
include: dyspnea on exertion, peripheral oedema, orthopnea,
repeated chest infections, morning headaches, fatigue, poor sleep
quality and loss of appetite.
[0012] Otherwise healthy individuals may take advantage of systems
and devices to prevent respiratory disorders from arising.
2.2.2 Therapy
[0013] Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has
been used to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The hypothesis is
that continuous positive airway pressure acts as a pneumatic splint
and may prevent upper airway occlusion by pushing the soft palate
and tongue forward and away from the posterior oropharyngeal
wall.
[0014] Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) provides ventilatory support
to a patient through the upper airways to assist the patient in
taking a full breath and/or maintain adequate oxygen levels in the
body by doing some or all of the work of breathing. The ventilatory
support is provided via a patient interface. NIV has been used to
treat CSR, OHS, COPD, MD and Chest Wall disorders.
[0015] Invasive ventilation (IV) provides ventilatory support to
patients that are no longer able to effectively breathe themselves
and is provided using a tracheostomy tube.
[0016] Ventilators may control the timing and pressure of breaths
pumped into the patient and monitor the breaths taken by the
patient. The methods of control and monitoring patients typically
include volume-cycled and pressure-cycled methods. The
volume-cycled methods may include among others, Pressure-Regulated
Volume Control (PRVC), Volume Ventilation (VV), and Volume
Controlled Continuous Mandatory Ventilation (VC-CMV) techniques.
The pressure-cycled methods may involve, among others, Assist
Control (AC), Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
(SIMV), Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV), Pressure Support
Ventilation (PSV), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), or
Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) techniques.
2.2.3 Systems
[0017] A system may comprise a Respiratory Therapy Device (RPT)
device, an air circuit, a humidifier, a patient interface, and data
management.
2.2.4 Patient Interface
[0018] A patient interface may be used to interface respiratory
equipment to its user, for example by providing a flow of air. The
flow of air may be provided via a mask to the nose and/or mouth, a
tube to the mouth or a tracheostomy tube to the trachea of the
user. Depending upon the therapy to be applied, the patient
interface may form a seal, e.g. with a face region of the patient,
to facilitate the delivery of gas at a pressure at sufficient
variance with ambient pressure to effect therapy, e.g. a positive
pressure of about 10 cmH2O. For other forms of therapy, such as the
delivery of oxygen, the patient interface may not include a seal
sufficient to facilitate delivery to the airways of a supply of gas
at a positive pressure of about 10 cmH2O.
[0019] The design of a patient interface presents a number of
challenges. The face has a complex three-dimensional shape. The
size and shape of noses varies considerably between individuals.
Since the head includes bone, cartilage and soft tissue, different
regions of the face respond differently to mechanical forces. The
jaw or mandible may move relative to other bones of the skull. The
whole head may move during the course of a period of respiratory
therapy.
[0020] As a consequence of these challenges, some masks suffer from
being one or more of obtrusive, aesthetically undesirable, costly,
poorly fitting, difficult to use, and uncomfortable especially when
worn for long periods of time or when a patient is unfamiliar with
a system. For example, masks designed solely for aviators, mask
designed as part of personal protection equipment (e.g. filter
masks), SCUBA masks, or for the administration of anaesthetics may
be tolerable for their original application, but nevertheless be
undesirably uncomfortable to be worn for extended periods of time,
e.g. several hours. This is even more so if the mask is to be worn
during sleep.
[0021] Nasal CPAP therapy is highly effective to treat certain
respiratory disorders, provided patients comply with therapy. If a
mask is uncomfortable, or difficult to use a patient may not comply
with therapy. Since it is often recommended that a patient
regularly wash their mask, if a mask is difficult to clean (e.g.
difficult to assemble or disassemble), patients may not clean their
mask and this may impact on patient compliance.
[0022] While a mask for other applications (e.g. aviators) may not
be suitable for use in treating sleep disordered breathing, a mask
designed for use in treating sleep disordered breathing may be
suitable for other applications.
[0023] For these reasons, masks for delivery of nasal CPAP during
sleep form a distinct field.
2.2.5 Respiratory Pressure Therapy (RPT) Device
[0024] Examples of RPT devices include ResMed' s S9 AutoSet.TM. PAP
device and ResMed's Stellar.TM. 150 ventilator. RPT devices may
comprise a pressure generator, such as a motor-driven blower or a
compressed gas reservoir, and may be configured to supply a flow of
air to the airway of a patient. In some cases, the flow of air may
be supplied to the airway of the patient at positive pressure. The
outlet of the RPT device is connected via an air circuit to a
patient interface such as those described above. In some cases, RPT
devices have been known to be referred to as flow generators.
[0025] RPT devices may include a pressure generator, an inlet
filter, various sensors and a microprocessor-based controller. The
pressure generator may include a servo-controlled motor, volute and
an impeller. In some cases a brake for the motor may be implemented
to more rapidly reduce the speed of the blower so as to overcome
the inertia of the motor and impeller. The braking can permit the
blower to more rapidly achieve a lower pressure condition in time
for synchronization with exhalation despite the inertia. In some
cases the pressure generator may also include a valve capable of
discharging generated air to atmosphere as a means for altering the
pressure delivered to the patient as an alternative to motor speed
control. The sensors may measure, amongst other things, motor
speed, air flow rate and outlet pressure, such as with a pressure
transducer or the like. The controller may include data storage
capacity with or without integrated data retrieval and display
functions.
[0026] Table of noise output levels of prior devices (one specimen
only, measured using test method specified in ISO3744 in CPAP mode
at 10 cmH2O).
TABLE-US-00001 A-weighted sound Year Device name power level dB(A)
(approx.) C-Series Tango 31.9 2007 C-Series Tango with Humidifier
33.1 2007 S8 Escape II 30.5 2005 S8 Escape II with H4i Humidifier
31.1 2005 S9 AutoSet 26.5 2010 S9 AutoSet with H5i Humidifier 28.6
2010
2.2.6 Humidifier
[0027] Delivery of a flow of air without humidification may cause
drying of airways. Medical humidifiers, or humidifiers for
respiratory therapy devices, may be used to increase absolute
humidity and/or temperature of the flow of air in relation to
ambient air when required, for example, where the patient may be
asleep or resting (e.g. at a hospital). As a result, a medical
humidifier may be small for bedside placement, and it may be
configured to only humidify and/or heat the flow of air delivered
to the patient without humidifying and/or heating the patient's
surroundings. Room-based systems (e.g. a sauna, an air conditioner,
an evaporative cooler), for example, may also humidify air that is
breathed in by the patient, however they would also humidify and/or
heat the entire room, which may cause discomfort to the
occupants.
[0028] The use of a humidifier with a pressure generator or RPT
device and the patient interface produces humidified gas that
minimizes drying of the nasal mucosa and increases patient airway
comfort. In addition in cooler climates, warm air applied generally
to the face area in and about the patient interface is more
comfortable than cold air.
[0029] Respiratory humidifiers are available in many forms and may
be a standalone device that is coupled to an RPT device via an air
conduit, may be integrated with the RPT device, or may be
configured to be directly coupled to the relevant RPT device. While
known passive humidifiers can provide some relief, generally a
heated humidifier may be used to provide sufficient humidity and
temperature to the air so that the patient will be comfortable.
Humidifiers may comprise a water reservoir or tub having a capacity
of several hundred milliliters (ml), a heating element for heating
the water in the reservoir, a control to enable the level of
humidification to be varied, a gas inlet to receive gas from the
RPT device, and a gas outlet adapted to be connected to an air
circuit that delivers the humidified gas to the patient
interface.
[0030] Heated passover humidification is one exemplary form of
humidification used with an RPT device. In such humidifiers the
heating element may be incorporated in a heater plate which sits
under, and is in thermal contact with, the water tub. Thus, heat is
transferred from the heater plate to the water reservoir primarily
by conduction. The air flow from the RPT device passes over the
heated water in the water tub resulting in water vapour being taken
up by the air flow. The ResMed H4i.TM. and H5i.TM. Humidifiers are
examples of such heated passover humidifiers that are used in
combination with ResMed S8 and S9 RPT devices respectively.
[0031] Other humidifiers may also be used such as a bubble or
diffuser humidifier or a jet humidifier. In a bubble or diffuser
humidifier the air is conducted below the surface of the water and
allowed to bubble back to the top. A jet humidifier produces an
aerosol of water and baffles or filters may be used so that the
particles are either removed or evaporated before leaving the
humidifier.
[0032] An alternative form of humidification is provided by the
ResMed HumiCare.TM. D900 humidifier that uses a CounterStream.TM.
technology that directs the air flow over a large surface area in a
first direction whilst supplying heated water to the large surface
area in a second opposite direction. The ResMed HumiCare.TM. D900
humidifier may be used with a range of invasive and non-invasive
ventilators.
[0033] One example of a prior art humidifier 5000 is shown in FIGS.
6A and 6B, and comprises a reservoir 5110 to retain a volume of
liquid (e.g. water), a humidifier inlet 5002 to receive a flow of
air, and a humidifier outlet 5004 to deliver a humidified flow of
air. In some forms, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, an inlet and
an outlet of the reservoir 5110 may be the humidifier inlet 5002
and the humidifier outlet 5004 respectively. The reservoir 5110 may
be a removable component of the humidifier 5000. The humidifier
5000 may further comprise a humidifier dock 5130, which may be
adapted to receive the reservoir 5110 and comprise a heating
element 5220. The reservoir 5110 may comprise a conductive plate
5120 configured to allow efficient transfer of heat from the
heating element 5220 to the volume of liquid in the reservoir
5110.
[0034] Thus, in such a form, the reservoir 5110 contains the entire
volume of water to be used to humidify the flow of air, and
receives the flow of air to pass over the water and delivers the
humidified flow of air. Accordingly, such a humidifier
configuration presents a number of challenges, including: risk of
spillage of the volume of water (e.g. into the RPT device or to the
patient), achieving adequate humidification output, high thermal
mass of the volume of water and changes to thermal mass according
to changes in water volume present in the reservoir 5110. Due to
these challenges, many prior art humidifiers may suffer from one or
more of: long warm-up time and cool-down time, slow response time
(e.g. to a change in desired humidification output), change to
response time throughout a therapy session and large size. The
large size may manifest itself in terms of volume and/or footprint
(i.e. surface area covered by the humidifier, or effectively
covered by the humidifier as to become inaccessible), which may
make the humidifier less suited for placement on a bedside table
for example. A humidifier 5000 according to the present technology
seeks to improve upon, or ameliorate, one or more of the above
characteristics.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0035] The present technology is directed towards providing medical
devices used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment, or
prevention of respiratory disorders having one or more of improved
comfort, cost, efficacy, ease of use and manufacturability.
[0036] A first aspect of the present technology relates to an
apparatus used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or
prevention of a respiratory disorder.
[0037] Another aspect of the present technology relates to methods
used in the diagnosis, amelioration, treatment or prevention of a
respiratory disorder.
[0038] One aspect of the present technology relates to a humidifier
for increasing an absolute humidity of a flow of air to be
delivered to a patient's airways. The humidifier may comprise a
reservoir configured to retain a first volume of water, a
humidifier chamber comprising an air inlet for receiving the flow
of air, a humidifier wick configured to retain a second volume of
water and substantially enclosing a path therethrough for the flow
of air, a heating element, and an air outlet for delivering the
flow of air, an air flow baffle configured to lengthen a path of
the flow of air through the humidifier chamber, and a delivery
mechanism configured to deliver a flow of water from the reservoir
to the humidifier wick, wherein the heating element is configured
to heat the humidifier wick to vaporise the second volume of water
to add absolute humidity to the flow of air and the humidifier wick
is removable from the humidifier chamber.
[0039] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may be anisotropically configured.
[0040] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may be further configured so that a rate of wicking
is greater in a first direction than in a second direction.
[0041] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
second direction may be a direction of the flow of air.
[0042] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
path enclosed by the humidifier wick may be substantially
cylindrical.
[0043] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may comprise one or more of: a corrugated, a
dimpled, a perforated, a porous, a woven, a knitted, a textured,
and a sintered surface.
[0044] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may comprise one or more of: paper, hydrophilic
fibres, and cellulose fibres.
[0045] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may comprise a substrate for the heating
element.
[0046] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may be configured to retain between 2-30 g of
water.
[0047] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may comprise a heated region and an unheated
region.
[0048] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
unheated region may comprise an upstream unheated region located
upstream of the heated region.
[0049] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
upstream unheated region may comprise a faster wicking rate than
the heated region.
[0050] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
length of the upstream unheated region may be approximately between
5%-20% of the heated region.
[0051] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
unheated region may comprise a downstream unheated region located
downstream of the heated region.
[0052] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
length of the downstream unheated region may be approximately
between 20%-40% of the heated region.
[0053] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick may be coupled to a frame.
[0054] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
frame may be configured to be removably coupled to the humidifier
chamber.
[0055] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
frame may be configured to be removed from an exterior of the
humidifier.
[0056] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
frame may comprise a grip surface.
[0057] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
frame may be configured to promote thermal contact between the
humidifier wick and the heating element.
[0058] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
frame may further comprise the air flow baffle.
[0059] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
lengthened path may be helical.
[0060] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
air flow baffle may comprise a plurality of blades.
[0061] According to another aspect of the present technology, at
least one of the blades may be curved.
[0062] According to another aspect of the present technology, at
least one of the blades may comprise a cross section profile
varying in one or more directions.
[0063] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
at least one of the blades may comprise a cross section profile
varying in an axial direction.
[0064] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
cross-section of at least one of the blades may taper.
[0065] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the
frame may further comprise a wick remover.
[0066] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be disposed towards a periphery of the frame.
[0067] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be disposed towards an inner surface of the
humidification chamber.
[0068] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be configured to engage the humidifier wick.
[0069] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be in a form of a ring.
[0070] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be configured to scrape the interior of the
humidification chamber to remove the humidifier wick.
[0071] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick remover may be a separable component to the frame.
[0072] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick frame may comprise at least one wick locator.
[0073] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick locator may comprise a shoulder configured to retain the
humidifier wick within a predetermined location on the wick
frame.
[0074] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick frame may be axially tapered.
[0075] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick frame may comprise one or more seals configured to engage a
complementary interior surface of the humidifier chamber.
[0076] According to another aspect of the present technology the
seal and the complimentary interior surface may be configured to
gradually engage during insertion of the wick frame.
[0077] According to another aspect of the present technology the
wick frame may further comprise one or more air filters.
[0078] According to another aspect of the present technology the
air filter may comprise anti-bacterial properties in order to
prevent propagation of bacteria from a first side of the air filter
to a second side of the filter through the air flow.
[0079] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
heating element may comprise a resistive electrical track.
[0080] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
resistive electrical track may be disposed on a circuit board.
[0081] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
circuit board may be a flexible circuit board.
[0082] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
resistive electrical track may comprise one or more strands of
resistive wire.
[0083] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
one or more strands of resistive wire may form a plurality of loops
around a surface of the humidifier chamber.
[0084] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
heating element may further comprise an adhesive for securing the
plurality of loops.
[0085] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
heating element may be removable from the humidifier chamber.
[0086] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
heating element may have a structure biased towards a position in
which the heating element is held relative to the humidification
chamber.
[0087] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
heating element may comprise a hollow cylinder having a
longitudinal slot extending between its ends.
[0088] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
delivery mechanism may be configured deliver the flow of water to
the humidifier wick through a plurality of fluid connections.
[0089] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
delivery mechanism may be fluidly connected to the humidifier wick
via a pre-delivery chamber.
[0090] According to another aspect of the present technology, at
least one of the fluid connections may be a valve.
[0091] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
delivery mechanism may comprise a pump.
[0092] Another aspect of the present technology may further
comprise one or more temperature sensors configured to measure one
or more temperatures at the humidifier wick.
[0093] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
plurality of temperature sensors may be located along a direction
of the flow of air.
[0094] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
plurality of temperature sensors may be located along a transverse
direction to the direction of the flow of air.
[0095] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier may further comprise at least one sensor configured to
indicate a condition of the humidifier wick.
[0096] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
first temperature sensor may be located at a periphery of the
humidifier wick proximate to a water feed inlet, and a second
temperature sensor may be located at a periphery of the humidifier
wick towards a trailing edge of the humidifier wick.
[0097] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier may comprise a controller configured to determine the
condition of the wick based at least in part on a temperature
differential between the first temperature sensor and the second
temperature sensor.
[0098] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
controller may be configured to determine that the wick is in a
first condition or a second condition based on whether the
temperature differential is above or below a predetermined
threshold.
[0099] Another aspect of the present technology may further
comprise a sensor configured to indicate a saturation condition of
the humidifier wick.
[0100] According to another aspect of the present technology, a
temperature sensor may be located at a periphery of the humidifier
wick furthest from a water feed inlet to indicate the saturation
condition.
[0101] Another aspect of the present technology may further
comprise a controller configured to stop or slow delivery by the
delivery mechanism upon indication of the saturation condition.
[0102] One aspect of the present technology relates to a humidifier
chamber for use with a humidifier for increasing an absolute
humidity of a flow of air to be delivered to a patient's airways.
The humidifier may comprise a reservoir configured to retain a
first volume of water and a delivery mechanism configured to
deliver a flow of water from the reservoir to the humidifier
chamber. The humidifier chamber may comprise an air inlet for
receiving the flow of air. The humidifier chamber may comprise a
humidifier wick configured to retain a second volume of water and
substantially enclosing a path therethrough for the flow of air.
The humidifier chamber may comprise an air outlet for delivering
the flow of air. The humidifier chamber may comprise an air flow
baffle configured to lengthen a path of the flow of air through the
humidifier chamber, he humidifier chamber may be configured to be
secured to a heating element configured to heat the humidifier wick
to vaporise the second volume of water to add absolute humidity to
the flow of air . The humidifier chamber may be removable from the
humidifier.
[0103] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method of
determining suitability of a humidifier wick for use in a medical
humidifier. The method may comprise determining a set of input
values with a controller, wherein the set of input values are
indicative of a condition of a humidifier wick and the set of input
values are provided to the controller by at least one of user
input, at least one sensor, and a memory device, determining, based
on the set of input values and a set of reference values, a
condition set of the humidifier wick with the controller, and
generating a signal with the controller based on the determined
condition set to indicate a suitability of the humidifier wick for
use in the medical humidifier.
[0104] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
set of input values may comprise one or more of: wick type data,
wick usage data, and measured wick condition data.
[0105] According to another aspect of the present technology, when
the set of input values comprises the wick type data, the wick type
data may comprise one or more of: wick model, date of manufacture,
wick material, wick construction, wick dimensions, and initial
water capacity.
[0106] According to another aspect of the present technology, when
the set of input values comprises the wick usage data, the wick
usage data may comprise one or more of: date of last replacement,
time of use, quantity of water evaporated using the humidifier
wick, and number of times that the humidifier wick has been
washed.
[0107] According to another aspect of the present technology, when
the set of input values comprises the measured wick condition data,
the measured wick condition data may comprise one or more of: a
measured temperature, a water capacity, and a water content.
[0108] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
condition set may comprise one or more of: a water capacity, a
water content, and a remaining useful life.
[0109] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
set of reference values may comprise a temperature.
[0110] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
set of reference values may comprise a temperature gradient.
[0111] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
set of reference values may comprise a look-up table.
[0112] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
method may further comprise communicating to a user the suitability
of the humidifier wick with a visual and/or audible communication
device in response to the signal generated by the controller.
[0113] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method of
determining a water content of a humidifier wick for use in a
medical humidifier. The method may comprise providing a first
temperature sensor in thermal contact with a first region of the
humidifier wick and a second temperature sensor in thermal contact
with a second region of the humidifier wick, applying a heat input
to the humidifier wick, e.g., with a heating element, measuring a
measured temperature set with the first temperature sensor and the
second temperature sensor, determining a predicted temperature set
at the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor,
e.g., with a controller, and determining a water content of the
humidifier wick based on a comparison of the measured temperature
set received from the first temperature sensor and the second
temperature sensor and the predicted temperature set.
[0114] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
predicted temperature set may be determined based on one or more of
a water flow rate to the humidifier wick and a rate of the heat
input.
[0115] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
first temperature sensor may be located at or near a periphery of
the humidifier wick.
[0116] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
first temperature may be located at a periphery of the humidifier
wick furthest from a water feed inlet to the humidifier wick.
[0117] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
comparison may determine whether a temperature of the measured
temperature set is outside of a threshold range of a corresponding
temperature of the predicted temperature set.
[0118] One aspect of the present technology relates to a method of
detecting occurrence of condensation in a flow path for a flow of
air delivered by a medical humidifier. The method may comprise
determining a first measure of a first property of the flow of air
with a first sensor located in the flow path, determining a
reference value of the first property of the flow of air with a
second sensor located in the flow path, comparing the first measure
with the reference value with a controller in communication with
the first sensor and the second sensor, determining whether
condensation has occurred in the flow path based on the comparison
with the controller, and generating a signal with the controller
indicating whether condensation has occurred in the flow path.
[0119] According to another aspect of the present technology, an
occurrence of condensation may be determined with the controller
upon a decrease in the first property from the reference value to
the first measure.
[0120] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
decrease in the first property from the reference value to the
first measure may be above a predetermined threshold.
[0121] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
reference value may be a second measure of the first property.
[0122] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
second measure may be determined upstream of the first measure.
[0123] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
reference value may be a prediction of the first property of the
flow of air.
[0124] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
prediction may be determined based on a steady-state condition.
[0125] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
prediction may be determined based on one or more of: a pressure of
the flow of air, a flow rate of the flow of air, an ambient
temperature, an ambient humidity, an ambient pressure, a rate of
heat transfer to the flow of air, and a rate of heat transfer
between the flow of air and the ambient.
[0126] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
first property of the flow of air is humidity, temperature, or rate
of change of the temperature.
[0127] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
prediction may be determined based on a steady-state condition.
[0128] Of course, portions of the aspects may form sub-aspects of
the present technology. Also, various ones of the sub-aspects
and/or aspects may be combined in various manners and also
constitute additional aspects or sub-aspects of the present
technology.
[0129] Other features of the technology will be apparent from
consideration of the information contained in the following
detailed description, abstract, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0130] The present technology is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements including:
4.1 Treatment Systems
[0131] FIG. 1A shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a
patient interface 3000, in the form of a nasal pillows, receiving a
supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air
from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes
along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000, a bed partner 1100
is also shown.
[0132] FIG. 1B shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a
patient interface 3000, in the form of a nasal mask, receiving a
supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air
from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes
along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000.
[0133] FIG. 1C shows a system including a patient 1000 wearing a
patient interface 3000, in the form of a full-face mask, receiving
a supply of air at positive pressure from an RPT device 4000. Air
from the RPT device is humidified in a humidifier 5000, and passes
along an air circuit 4170 to the patient 1000.
4.2 Therapy
4.2.1 Respiratory System
[0134] FIG. 2A shows an overview of a human respiratory system
including the nasal and oral cavities, the larynx, vocal folds,
oesophagus, trachea, bronchus, lung, alveolar sacs, heart, and
diaphragm.
[0135] FIG. 2B shows a view of a human upper airway including the
nasal cavity, nasal bone, lateral nasal cartilage, greater alar
cartilage, nostril, lip superior, lip inferior, larynx, hard
palate, soft palate, oropharynx, tongue, epiglottis, vocal folds,
oesophagus, and trachea.
4.3 Patient Interface
[0136] FIG. 3 shows a patient interface 3000 in the form of a nasal
mask in accordance with one form of the present technology.
4.4 RPT Device
[0137] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of an RPT device 4000 in
accordance with one form of the present technology.
[0138] FIG. 4B shows a schematic diagram of the pneumatic circuit
of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one form of the present
technology. The directions of upstream and downstream are
indicated.
[0139] FIG. 4C shows a schematic diagram of the electrical
components of an RPT device 4000 in accordance with one aspect of
the present technology.
4.5 Breathing Waveforms
[0140] FIG. 5 shows a model typical breath waveform of a person
while sleeping. The horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis
is respiratory flow. While the values may vary, a typical breath
may have the following approximate values: tidal volume, Vt, 0.5 L,
inhalation time, Ti, 1.6 s, peak inspiratory flow, Qpeak, 0.4 L/s,
exhalation time, Te, 2.4 s, peak expiratory flow, Qpeak, -0.5 L/s.
The total duration of the breath, Ttot, is about 4 s. The person
typically breathes at a rate of about 15 breaths per minute (BPM),
with Ventilation, Vent, about 7.5 L/minute. A typical duty cycle,
the ratio of Ti to Ttot is about 40%.
4.6 Humidifier
[0141] FIG. 6A shows one form of a prior art humidifier.
[0142] FIG. 6B shows the prior art humidifier of FIG. 6A, showing a
reservoir 5110 removed from a humidifier dock 5130.
[0143] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a humidifier 5000
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0144] FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the humidifier of FIG. 7
further comprising a water delivery mechanism 5150 and a reservoir
5110.
[0145] FIG. 9A shows a cross-section view in elevation of the
humidifier of FIG. 7.
[0146] FIG. 9B shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 according to an aspect of the present
technology.
[0147] FIG. 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of
the humidifier 5000 of FIG. 7 showing a humidifier wick 5230 and a
wick frame 5232.
[0148] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of one form of a heating
element 5220 for a humidifier according to the present technology,
the heating element comprising multiple heating zones.
[0149] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier comprising a multiple layered wick 5230 according to an
aspect of the present technology.
[0150] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a humidifier wick 5230
according to an aspect of the present technology, the humidifier
wick comprising a corrugated inner surface.
[0151] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 showing a dry region 5230_D and a wet region 5230_W
of the humidifier wick 5230 according to an aspect of the present
technology.
[0152] FIG. 14A shows another cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 showing a dry region 5230_D and a wet region 5230_W
of the humidifier wick 5230 according to an aspect of the present
technology.
[0153] FIG. 14B shows another cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 showing a dry region 5230_D and a wet region 5230_W
of the humidifier wick 5230 according to an aspect of the present
technology.
[0154] FIG. 15 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including an arrangement of multiple humidifier
transducers according to an aspect of the present technology.
[0155] FIG. 15A shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including an arrangement of multiple humidifier
transducers according to an aspect of the present technology.
[0156] FIG. 15B shows another cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including an arrangement of multiple humidifier
transducers according to an aspect of the present technology.
[0157] FIG. 15C shows a further cross-section view in elevation of
a humidifier 5000 including an arrangement of multiple humidifier
transducers according to an aspect of the present technology.
[0158] FIG. 16 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier including a temperature sensor 5514_5 according to a
further aspect of the present technology.
[0159] FIG. 17 shows an example of a relationship between a power
output of a heating element and the humidity added to the flow of
air by the humidifier.
[0160] FIG. 18 shows an example of a relationship between a
temperature of a heating element and the humidity added to the flow
of air by the humidifier.
[0161] FIG. 19 shows an example of a relationship between a power
output of a heating element and the humidity added to the flow of
air by the humidifier at various air flow rates.
[0162] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a humidifier 5000
according to one aspect of the present technology, wherein the
heating element 5220 comprises resistive wires.
[0163] FIG. 21 shows a representation of example humidifier
algorithms 5600 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0164] FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of an example algorithm 5610A of a
wick condition determination algorithm according to one aspect of
the present technology.
[0165] FIG. 23 shows a flowchart of another example algorithm 5610B
of a wick condition determination algorithm according to one aspect
of the present technology.
[0166] FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of another example algorithm 5610C
of a wick condition determination algorithm according to one aspect
of the present technology.
[0167] FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of an example algorithm 5620A of a
plausibility check algorithm according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0168] FIG. 26 shows a representation of an example respiratory
treatment system comprising an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000
and a patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0169] FIG. 27 shows a representation of an example respiratory
treatment system comprising an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000
and a patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0170] FIG. 28 shows a representation of an example respiratory
treatment system comprising an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000
and a patient interface 3000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0171] FIG. 29 shows an exemplary graph correlating a temperature
change with a power output of a heating element.
[0172] FIG. 30A shows an exemplary graph correlating a power
applied by a heating element correlated with time.
[0173] FIG. 30B shows another exemplary graph correlating a power
applied by a heating element correlated with time.
[0174] FIG. 31 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including pre-delivery chamber according to an
aspect of the present technology.
[0175] FIG. 32 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including a humidifier wick located towards a
centre of the humidifier according to an aspect of the present
technology.
[0176] FIG. 33 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including air flow trip elements according to an
aspect of the present technology.
[0177] FIG. 34 shows a cross-section view in elevation of a
humidifier 5000 including an upstream unheated region of the wick,
a heated region of the wick and a downstream unheated region of the
wick according to an aspect of the present technology.
[0178] FIG. 35A shows a perspective view of a humidifier 5000
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0179] FIG. 35B shows another perspective view of a humidifier 5000
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0180] FIG. 35C shows a cross-section perspective view of a
humidifier 5000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0181] FIG. 35D shows a cross-section elevation view of a
humidifier 5000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0182] FIG. 35E shows a cross-section elevation view of a
humidifier 5000 according to one aspect of the present
technology.
[0183] FIG. 35F shows a perspective view of a humidifier 5000
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0184] FIG. 36A shows a perspective view of a wick frame 5232
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0185] FIG. 36B shows another perspective view of a wick frame 5232
according to one aspect of the present technology.
[0186] FIG. 36C shows a side elevation view of a wick frame 5232
according to one aspect of the present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF THE TECHNOLOGY
[0187] Before the present technology is described in further
detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited
to the particular examples described herein, which may vary. It is
also to be understood that the terminology used in this disclosure
is for the purpose of describing only the particular examples
discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting.
[0188] The following description is provided in relation to various
examples which may share one or more common characteristics and/or
features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any
one example may be combinable with one or more features of another
example or other examples. In addition, any single feature or
combination of features in any of the examples may constitute a
further example.
5.1 Treatment Systems
[0189] In one form, the present technology comprises a system for
treating a respiratory disorder. For example, a system may comprise
an RPT device 4000, a humidifier 5000, an air circuit 4170 and a
patient interface 3000.
5.2 Therapy
[0190] In one form, the present technology comprises a method for
treating a respiratory disorder comprising the step of applying
positive pressure to the entrance of the airways of a patient
1000.
5.2.1 Nasal CPAP for OSA
[0191] In one form, the present technology comprises a method of
treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a patient by applying nasal
continuous positive airway pressure to the patient.
[0192] In certain examples of the present technology, a supply of
air at positive pressure is provided to the nasal passages of the
patient via one or both nares.
5.3 Patient Interface 3000
[0193] A non-invasive patient interface 3000 in accordance with one
aspect of the present technology comprises the following functional
aspects (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3): a seal-forming structure 3100, a
plenum chamber 3200, a positioning and stabilising structure 3300,
and a connection port 3600 for connection to air circuit 4170. The
patient interface 3000 may further comprise a forehead support 3700
in some forms, such as that shown in FIG. 3. In some forms, a
functional aspect may be provided by one or more physical
components. In some forms, one physical component may provide one
or more functional aspects. In use the seal-forming structure 3100
is arranged to surround an entrance to the airways of the patient
so as to facilitate the supply of air at positive pressure to the
airways.
[0194] In one form, the patient interface 3000 includes a vent 3400
constructed and arranged to allow for the washout of exhaled carbon
dioxide.
[0195] One form of vent 3400 in accordance with the present
technology comprises a plurality of holes, for example, about 20 to
about 80 holes, or about 40 to about 60 holes, or about 45 to about
55 holes.
[0196] The vent 3400 may be located in the plenum chamber 3200.
Alternatively, the vent 3400 is located in a decoupling structure,
e.g., a swivel.
5.4 RPT device 4000
[0197] A RPT device 4000 in accordance with one aspect of the
present technology comprises mechanical and pneumatic components
4100, electrical components 4200 and is programmed to execute one
or more algorithms The RPT device (e.g. as shown in FIG. 4A) has an
external housing 4010, for example formed in two parts, an upper
portion 4012 and a lower portion 4014. Furthermore the external
housing 4010 may include one or more panel(s) 4015. The RPT device
4000 may comprise a chassis 4016 that supports one or more internal
components of the RPT device 4000. In one form a pneumatic block
4020 is supported by, or formed as part of the chassis 4016. The
RPT device 4000 may include a handle 4018.
[0198] The pneumatic path of the RPT device 4000 (e.g. as shown in
FIG. 4B) may comprise an inlet air filter 4112, an inlet muffler
4122, a pressure device 4140 capable of supplying air at positive
pressure (e.g., a blower 4142), and an outlet muffler 4124. One or
more transducers 4270, such as pressure sensors 4272 and flow
sensors 4274, may be included in, or coupled with, the pneumatic
path.
[0199] The pneumatic block 4020 may comprise a portion of the
pneumatic path that is located within the RPT device 4000.
[0200] The RPT device 4000 may comprise electrical components 4200
such as an electrical power supply 4210, one or more input devices
4220, a central controller 4230, a therapy device controller 4240,
a pressure device 4140, one or more protection circuits 4250,
memory 4260, transducers 4270 (for example one or more of a flow
sensor 4274, a pressure sensor 4272 and a speed sensor 4276), data
communication interface 4280 and one or more output devices 4290
(for example a display 4294 and display driver 4292). Electrical
components 4200 may be mounted on a single Printed Circuit Board
Assembly (PCBA) 4202. In an alternative form, the RPT device 4000
may include more than one PCBA 4202.
[0201] The central controller 4230 of the RPT device 4000 may be
programmed to execute one or more algorithm modules, such as a
pre-processing module, a therapy engine module, a pressure control
module, and a fault condition module.
5.4.1 RPT Device Mechanical & Pneumatic Components 4100
5.4.1.1 Air Filter(s) 4110
[0202] An RPT device in accordance with one form of the present
technology may include an air filter 4110, or a plurality of air
filters 4110.
[0203] For example, the air filter 4110 may be located at the
beginning of the pneumatic path upstream of a blower 4142 as an
inlet air filter 4112, or at the outlet of the RPT device 4000 as
an outlet air filter 4114. See FIG. 4B.
5.4.1.2 Muffler(s) 4120
[0204] In one form of the present technology, an inlet muffler 4122
is located in the pneumatic path, such as upstream of a pressure
device 4140 or downstream of the pressure device 4140. See FIG.
4B.
5.4.1.3 Pressure device 4140
[0205] In a form of the present technology, a pressure device 4140
for producing a flow of air at positive pressure is a controllable
blower 4142. For example the blower may include a brushless DC
motor 4144 with one or more impellers housed in a volute. The
blower may be capable of delivering a supply of air, for example
about 120 litres/minute, at a positive pressure in a range from
about 4 cmH.sub.2O to about 20 cmH.sub.2O, or in other forms up to
about 30 cmH2O. The blower may include a blower as described in any
one of the following patents or patent applications the contents of
which are incorporated herein in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,866,944; 8,638,014; 8,636,479; and PCT patent application
publication number WO 2013/020167.
5.4.1.4 Anti-Spill Back Valve 4160
[0206] In one form of the present technology, an anti-spill back
valve is located between the humidifier 5000 and the pneumatic
block 4020. The anti-spill back valve is constructed and arranged
to reduce the risk that water will flow upstream from the
humidifier 5000, for example to the motor 4144.
5.4.1.5 Air Circuit 4170
[0207] An air circuit 4170 in accordance with an aspect of the
present technology is constructed and arranged to allow a flow of
air between the pneumatic block 4020 and the patient interface
3000. In some forms, the air circuit 4170 may comprise a heating
element configured to heat the flow of air travelling through the
air circuit 4170. One example of an air circuit 4170 comprising a
heating element is disclosed in US Patent Number 8,733,349, the
entire contents of which is incorporate herewithin by
reference.
[0208] In one form, the air circuit 4170 may comprise a plurality
of zones, each comprising a heating element 4171 that may be
controlled independently of each other.
5.4.1.6 Oxygen delivery 4180
[0209] In one form of the present technology, supplemental oxygen
4180 is delivered to one or more points in the pneumatic path, such
as upstream of the pneumatic block 4020, to the air circuit 4170 or
to the patient interface 3000.
5.4.2 RPT Device Electrical Components 4200
5.4.2.1 Power Supply 4210
[0210] In one form of the present technology power supply 4210 is
internal of the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000. In
another form of the present technology, power supply 4210 is
external of the external housing 4010 of the RPT device 4000.
[0211] In one form of the present technology power supply 4210
provides electrical power to the RPT device 4000 only. In another
form of the present technology, power supply 4210 provides
electrical power to both RPT device 4000 and humidifier 5000.
5.4.2.2 Input Devices 4220
[0212] In one form of the present technology, an RPT device 4000
includes one or more input devices 4220 in the form of buttons,
switches or dials to allow a person to interact with the device.
The buttons, switches or dials may be physical devices, or software
devices accessible via a touch screen. The buttons, switches or
dials may, in one form, be physically connected to the external
housing 4010, or may, in another form, be in wireless communication
with a receiver that is in electrical connection to the central
controller 4230.
[0213] In one form the input device 4220 may be constructed and
arranged to allow a person to select a value and/or a menu
option.
5.4.2.3 Central Controller 4230
[0214] In one form of the present technology, the central
controller 4230 is a dedicated electronic circuit configured to
receive input signal(s) from the input device 4220, and to provide
output signal(s) to the output device 4290 and/or the therapy
device controller 4240.
[0215] In one form, the central controller 4230 is an
application-specific integrated circuit. The central controller
4230 may comprise discrete electronic components.
[0216] In another form of the present technology, the central
controller 4230 is a processor suitable to control an RPT device
4000 such as an x86INTEL processor.
[0217] A processor suitable to control an RPT device 4000 in
accordance with another form of the present technology includes a
processor based on ARM Cortex-M processor from ARM Holdings. For
example, an STM32 series microcontroller from ST MICROELECTRONICS
may be used.
[0218] Another processor suitable to control an RPT device 4000 in
accordance with a further alternative form of the present
technology includes a member selected from the family ARM9-based
32-bit RISC CPUs. For example, an STR9 series microcontroller from
ST MICROELECTRONICS may be used.
[0219] In certain alternative forms of the present technology, a
16-bit RISC CPU may be used as the processor for the RPT device
4000. For example, a processor from the MSP430 family of
microcontrollers, manufactured by TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, may be
used.
[0220] The central controller 4230 may be configured to receive
input signal(s), such as input signals from one or more transducers
4270, one or more humidifier transducers and one or more input
devices 4220.
[0221] The central controller 4230 may be configured to provide
output signal(s) such as to one or more of an output device 4290, a
therapy device controller 4240, a data communication interface 4280
and humidifier controller 5550.
[0222] In some forms of the present technology, the central
controller 4230, or multiple such central controllers, may be
configured to implement the one or more methodologies described
herein such as the one or more algorithms expressed as computer
programs stored in a non-transitory computer readable storage
medium, such as memory 4260. In some cases, as previously
discussed, such processor(s) may be integrated with an RPT device
4000. However, in some forms of the present technology the
processor(s) may be implemented discretely from the pressure
generation components of the RPT device 4000, such as for purpose
of performing any of the methodologies described herein without
directly controlling delivery of a respiratory treatment. For
example, such a processor may perform any of the methodologies
described herein for purposes of determining control settings for
an RPT device by analysis of stored data such as from any of the
sensors described herein.
5.4.2.4 Clock 4232
[0223] The RPT device 4000 may include a clock 4232 that is
connected to a central controller 4230. The clock is configured to
at least one of monitor, count or record time.
5.4.2.5 Therapy device controller 4240
[0224] In one form of the present technology, therapy device
controller 4240 is a pressure control module that forms part of the
algorithms executed by the central controller 4230.
[0225] In one form of the present technology, therapy device
controller 4240 is a dedicated motor control integrated circuit.
For example, in one form a MC33035 brushless DC motor controller,
manufactured by ONSEMI is used.
5.4.2.6 Protection circuits 4250
[0226] An RPT device 4000 in accordance with the present technology
comprises one or more protection circuits 4250.
[0227] One form of protection circuit 4250 in accordance with the
present technology is an electrical protection circuit.
[0228] One form of protection circuit 4250 in accordance with the
present technology is a temperature and/or pressure safety
circuit.
5.4.2.7 Memory 4260
[0229] In accordance with one form of the present technology the
RPT device 4000 includes memory 4260, e.g., non-volatile memory. In
some forms, memory 4260 may include battery powered static RAM. In
some forms, memory 4260 may include volatile RAM.
[0230] The memory 4260 may be located on PCBA 4202. Memory 4260 may
be in the form of EEPROM, or NAND flash.
[0231] Additionally or alternatively, the RPT device 4000 may
include removable form of memory 4260, for example a memory card
made in accordance with the Secure Digital (SD) standard.
[0232] In one form of the present technology, the memory 4260 acts
as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium on which is
stored computer program instructions expressing the one or more
methodologies described herein, such as the one or more
algorithms
5.4.2.8 Transducers 4270
[0233] Transducers may be internal or external of the RPT device
4000. External transducers may be located for example on or form
part of the air circuit 4170 humidifier 5000 and/or the patient
interface 3000. External transducers 4270 may be in the form of
non-contact sensors such as a Doppler radar movement sensor that
transmit or transfer data to the RPT device.
[0234] In one form of the present technology, one or more
transducers 4270 may be constructed and arranged to measure
properties of the air, such as at one or more points in the
pneumatic path or of ambient air. In another form, one or more
transducers 4270 may be configured to measure properties of the RPT
device 4000 such as motor speed and/or motor current.
5.4.2.8.1 Flow 4274
[0235] A flow transducer 4274 in accordance with the present
technology may be based on a differential pressure transducer, for
example, an SDP600 Series differential pressure transducer from
SENSIRION. The differential pressure transducer is in fluid
communication with the pneumatic circuit, with one of each of the
pressure transducers connected to respective first and second
points in a flow restricting element.
[0236] In use, a signal representing total flow Qt from the flow
transducer 4274 is received by the central controller 4230.
5.4.2.8.2 Pressure 4272
[0237] A pressure transducer 4272 in accordance with the present
technology is located in fluid communication with the pneumatic
circuit. An example of a suitable pressure transducer is a sensor
from the HONEYWELL ASDX series. An alternative suitable pressure
transducer is a sensor from the NPA Series from GENERAL
ELECTRIC.
[0238] In use, a signal from the pressure transducer 4272 is
received by the central controller 4230. In one form, the signal
from the pressure transducer 4272 may be filtered prior to being
received by the central controller 4230.
5.4.2.8.3 Motor speed 4276
[0239] In one form of the present technology a motor speed signal
is generated. A motor speed signal may be provided by therapy
device controller 4240. Motor speed may, for example, be generated
by a speed sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
5.4.2.9 Data Communication Interface 4280
[0240] In one form of the present technology, a data communication
interface 4280 may be provided, and may be connected to central
controller 4230. Data communication interface 4280 may be
connectable to remote external communication network 4282. Data
communication interface 4280 may be connectable to local external
communication network 4284. Preferably remote external
communication network 4282 is connectable to remote external device
4286. Preferably local external communication network 4284 may be
connectable to local external device 4288.
[0241] In one form, data communication interface 4280 may be part
of central controller 4230. In another form, data communication
interface 4280 may be an integrated circuit that is separate from
central controller 4230.
[0242] In one form, remote external communication network 4282 may
be the Internet. The data communication interface 4280 may use
wired communication (e.g. via Ethernet, or optical fibre) or a
wireless protocol to connect to the Internet.
[0243] In one form, local external communication network 4284
utilises one or more communication standards, such as Bluetooth, or
a consumer infrared protocol.
[0244] In one form, remote external device 4286 may be one or more
computers, for example, a cluster of networked computers. In one
form, remote external device 4286 may be virtual computers, rather
than physical computers. In either case, such remote external
device 4286 may be accessible to an appropriately authorised person
such as a clinician.
[0245] The local external device 4288 may be a personal computer,
mobile phone, tablet or remote control.
5.4.2.10 Output Devices Including Optional Display, Alarms 4290
[0246] An output device 4290 in accordance with the present
technology may take the form of one or more of a visual, audio and
haptic unit. A visual display may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
or Light Emitting Diode (LED) display.
5.4.2.10.1 Display driver 4292
[0247] A display driver 4292 receives as an input the characters,
symbols, or images intended for display on the display 4294, and
converts them to commands that cause the display 4294 to display
those characters, symbols, or images.
5.4.2.10.2 Display 4294
[0248] A display 4294 is configured to visually display characters,
symbols, or images in response to commands received from the
display driver 4292. For example, the display 4294 may be an
eight-segment display, in which case the display driver 4292
converts each character or symbol, such as the figure "0", to eight
logical signals indicating whether the eight respective segments
are to be activated to display a particular character or
symbol.
5.5 Humidifier 5000
5.5.1 Humidifier Overview
[0249] In one form of the present technology as shown in FIG. 7,
there is provided a humidifier 5000 for increasing a moisture
content, or absolute humidity, of a flow of air in relation to the
ambient air (air surrounding the patient), before the flow of air
is delivered to the entrance of the patient's airways. The
humidifier 5000 is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly,
via an air circuit 4170, to an RPT device 4000 for receiving the
flow of air. The humidifier 5000 may be placed upstream or
downstream of the RPT device 4000. In one example, the humidifier
5000 may deliver a flow of humidified air at approximately 70%-90%
relative humidity such as 80% relative humidity and approximately
25.degree. C.-30.degree. C. such as 27.degree. C.
[0250] The humidifier 5000 may comprise an air inlet 5002 to
receive a flow of air, and an air outlet 5004 to deliver the flow
of air with added humidity.
5.5.2 Humidifier Components
5.5.2.1 Reservoir 5110
[0251] According to one aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise (or be coupled to) a reservoir 5110 as
shown in FIG. 8. The reservoir 5110 may be configured to hold a
predetermined, maximum volume of water (or other suitable liquids,
such as medications, scenting agents or a mixture containing such
additives), which may be used to increase absolute humidity of the
flow of air.
[0252] In one form, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to hold
several hundred millilitres of water, for use during at least the
length of the patient's sleep in a day. However, in other forms,
other sizes such as a smaller reservoir for a portable,
travel-friendly system or a larger reservoir for a hospital system
may be also suitable. Yet further, a reservoir 5110 may be replaced
by, or connected to, a water supply.
[0253] According to some arrangements, the reservoir 5110 may
comprise, or be coupled to, a water volume detector 5112 by which
the amount of water in the reservoir 5110 may be determined. The
water volume detector 5112 may determine the volume of water based
on one or more of a presence, weight, optical property, ultrasonic
property or a head (height) of the water of the reservoir 5110. Any
of the mechanisms or methods such as those described in the PCT
Patent Application Number PCT/AU2014/050286 may also be suitable
for use with the present technology, the entire contents of which
is incorporated herewithin by cross-reference.
[0254] In some forms, the reservoir 5110 may be configured to heat
the water prior to the water entering the humidification chamber
5200, for example by comprising, or being coupled to, a reservoir
heating element 5221 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0255] In one form, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a plurality of
liquid chambers, for example each containing a different fluid. In
one example, a first chamber may comprise a volume of water while a
second chamber may comprise medication (e.g. dissolved in liquid),
or scenting agent (e.g. tea tree oils). The liquids from the
plurality of liquid chambers may be mixed prior to or during
delivery to the humidifier or within the humidifier 5000.
Alternatively the humidifier may deliver one of the liquids from
the plurality of liquid chambers at any one time.
5.5.2.2 Water Delivery Mechanism 5150
[0256] According to one aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise a water delivery mechanism 5150
configured to deliver a flow of water from the reservoir 5110 to a
humidification chamber 5200 (see FIG. 8). The water delivery
mechanism 5150 may comprise a water pump 5152 and a water delivery
conduit 5154, and may be in fluid communication with a water feed
inlet 5206 to deliver the flow of water to the humidification
chamber 5200. The water delivery mechanism 5150 may additionally or
alternatively comprise one or more of hydraulic channels, capillary
channels or holes. The water delivery mechanism 5150 in some forms
may further comprise a valve (e.g. water check valve 5158) for
controlling delivery of water from the reservoir 5110 to the
humidification chamber 5200 but allowing and preventing delivery of
water through to the water feed inlet 5206. For example, the valve
may be configured to controllably allow a flow of water to travel
from the reservoir 5110 to the humidification chamber 5200, such as
only when the humidifier 5000 is in operation.
[0257] The humidification chamber 5200 may comprise a water
retention feature such as a humidifier wick 5230, which receives
the flow of water from the water delivery mechanism 5150. In some
forms, the humidifier 5000 may comprise a plurality of water
delivery mechanisms 5150 and/or a plurality of water feed inlets
5206 in order to better control a distribution of water in the
humidifier wick 5230 (e.g. more uniformly). In this disclosure, a
water flow rate will be taken to mean a rate of flow of water from
the reservoir 5110 to a humidification chamber 5200 unless
explicitly stated otherwise.
[0258] The water flow rate(s) that the humidifier 5000 is
configured to provide may vary according to factors such as the
configuration of the humidifier 5000 and a range of expected
operating conditions such as ambient conditions (e.g. ambient
temperature/humidity), humidifier operating parameters (e.g.
maximum heat output of the heating element 5220, maximum water
capacity of the humidifier wick 5230) and/or therapy conditions
(e.g. therapy pressure, air flow rate, patient comfort/preference).
For example, a change in therapy pressure only may cause a change
in the water flow rate, such as due to a response by the humidifier
controller 5550, or due to a property of the water delivery
mechanism 5150.
[0259] In one form, the range of water flow rates able to be
provided by the humidifier 5000 may be between 0 ml/min and 2
ml/min, for example between 0 ml/min and 1 ml/min, or between 0
ml/min and 0.5 ml/min. In one form, the humidifier 5000 may be
configured to provide one of a number of discrete water flow rates,
for example 0.0 ml/min, 0.2 ml/min, 0.4 ml/min, 0.6 ml/min or 0.8
ml/min where the limits of water flow rates able to be provided are
0.0 ml/min and 0.8 ml/min In other forms, the humidifier 5000 may
be configured to provide any water flow rate between an upper limit
and a lower limit by providing an analogue control of the flow
rate. The upper limit and lower limit of water flow rates may vary
according to aspects of a humidifier, such as one or more of:
maximum humidity output, maximum flow rate of air through the
humidifier, a size of the humidifier and properties of the wick
(e.g. exposed surface area and/or water capacity). In cases where
at least one liquid other than (or additional to) water is used,
the flow rates for each liquid may vary accordingly. The flow rate
at a particular time during operation of the humidifier 5000 may
also depend on the set of operating conditions at the particular
time. For example, a typical value with an air flow rate of 35
l/min and desired added humidity of 15 mg/l requires a water flow
of 0.5 ml/min.
[0260] It is noted that air flow rates in respiratory therapy may
vary over a short term, for example, due to a breath cycle of a
patient. However, in some examples, such as determining an
appropriate water flow rate based on an air flow rate, a humidifier
algorithm may utilise an air flow rate where effects of such
variation is removed, or reduced. Thus the air flow rate may be
low-pass filtered, or be based on a continuous average, wherein the
time constant (e.g. in filtering, or an average time) would be
sufficiently long to reduce or remove the effects of in-breath
variations.
[0261] A pressure of the flow of air (also known as air pressure)
in an RPT device and its pneumatic path downstream thereof may vary
during therapy, for example between 4 and 30cmH.sub.2O. Thus, the
water pump 5152 may be configured to deliver a consistent water
flow rate across various air pressures in the humidifier 5000. The
water flow rate provided by the water pump 5152 may be independent
from (i.e. not be affected by) the air pressure in the humidifier
5000. Such a water pump 5152 would be advantageous in that the air
pressure may be varied independently of the amount of
humidification provided thereto for improved controllability of the
therapy system.
[0262] In one form, the water pump 5152 may be a positive
displacement type pump. In another form, many other types of pumps
such as metered pumps, peristaltic pumps, gravity-fed pumps, or
pumps utilising blower pressure may be suitable to be used in the
water delivery mechanism 5150. An elevated reservoir (not shown)
such as a drip bag may also be suitable and act as a type of
gravity fed pump to deliver water.
[0263] In some forms, where a water flow rate through the water
pump 5152 may be affected by the air pressure, the flow rate
through the water pump 5152 may be compensated accordingly. For
instance as shown in FIG. 8, the water delivery mechanism 5150 may
additionally comprise one or more of a metering mechanism 5156 to
measure and/or a water check valve 5158 to control the water flow
rate through the water pump 5152. Alternatively, the humidifier
controller 5550 may be used to compensate for the effects of any
changes to the air pressure, by controlling the water pump 5152
according to the air pressure. A measure of the air pressure may be
received by the humidifier controller 5550 as an input to enable
such control. In some forms, the humidifier controller 5550 may be
used to compensate for the effects of any changes to the air flow
rate (e.g. due to a change in leak), by controlling the water flow
rate through the water delivery mechanism 5150.
[0264] In another arrangement (not shown), a water pump 5152 may be
configured to pump water by utilising a pressure such as that
generated by the RPT device 4000. The pressure may then be used to
draw water from the reservoir 5110 into the humidification chamber
5200. The water flow rate in such an arrangement may be a function
of the air flow rate, and thus the humidifier 5000 in this
arrangement may further comprise a control valve to regulate the
water flow rate.
[0265] The humidifier 5000 may in some forms comprise a fault
detection mechanism to detect conditions such as blockages in the
water delivery mechanism 5150 or a shortage of water in the
reservoir 5110, as will be described in further detail below. For
example, a blockage in a positive displacement pump may cause its
motor to stall, causing the pump to stop. Furthermore, the
humidifier 5000 may be configured to detect accumulation of
precipitates and/or contamination, such as in the wick 5230, as
precipitants or contaminants may adversely affect performance of
the humidifier 5000, such as the wick by reducing the ability of
the wick 5230 to absorb water.
5.5.2.3 Humidification Chamber 5200
[0266] According to one aspect, the humidifier 5000 may comprise a
humidification chamber 5200, in which moisture is added to the flow
of air, thus increasing the absolute humidity, prior to being
delivered to the patient 1000. In one form, a cross-section of
which is shown in FIG. 9A, the humidification chamber 5200 may
comprise a humidifier wick 5230, a water feed inlet 5206 and a
heating element 5220.
[0267] The humidification chamber 5200 may be in fluid
communication with, and receives water from, the reservoir 5110
through the water feed inlet 5206. The water feed inlet 5206 may
comprise an inner diameter of between about 0.5 mm to 3 mm in some
forms, such as 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm or 2.5 mm. The water feed inlet
5206 may be sufficiently large to reduce a risk of obstruction of
the water feed inlet 5206, for example due to a build-up of
contaminants.
[0268] In one form, the humidification chamber 5200 may comprise an
outer housing 5202 configured to provide thermal insulation to the
outside, as well as to protect an interior of the humidification
chamber 5200, such as any components therein. The outer housing
5202 may comprise a plurality of portions such as an inlet portion
5202a, heater cover portion 5202b and outlet portion 5202c that are
coupled together. The inlet portion 5202a may comprise the air
inlet 5002 and the outlet portion 5202c may comprise the air outlet
5004 as shown in FIG. 9A. The water feed inlet 5206 is shown
located in the inlet portion 5202a, but may be located in any one
of the portions 5202a, 5202b, 5202c. If multiple water feed inlets
5206 are present, the additional water feed inlets 5206 be located
in one or more of the portions 5202a, 5202b, 5202c of the outer
housing 5202. The heater cover portion 5202b may be configured to
locate and retain the heating element 5220. In some arrangements
the mheating element 5220 may be retained between an inner housing
5204 and the heater cover portion 5202b of the outer housing 5202
as shown in FIG. 9A. The heating element 5220 may be bonded to the
inner housing 5204 in some forms for improved heat conductivity
between the heating element 5220 and the humidification chamber
5200. The inner housing 5204 is configured to isolate the heating
element 5220 from exposure to moisture, yet allow heat transfer to
occur from the heating element 5220 to the humidifier wick
5230.
[0269] FIG. 9B shows a humidifier 5000 in another form according to
the present technology. In this form, the heater cover portion
5202b of the outer housing 5202 is set away from the heating
element 5220 so as to provide an air gap, for example for thermal
insulation. The heater cover portion 5202b may also enclose the
water feed inlet 5206 for protection as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0270] Suitable materials for the inner housing 5204 may include
thermally conductive materials, such as aluminium or its alloys, or
thermally conductive polymeric/thermoplastic materials such as
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS), Polyamide
(e.g. Nylon) or Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) that may comprise glass
or carbon fill for improved thermal conductivity. The inner housing
5204 may be a rigid material suitable to provide rigidity to the
humidifier 5000, although in some forms, a flexible structure may
be used where other components of the humidifier provide sufficient
structural rigidity. Suitable materials for the outer housing 5202
may include polymeric materials such as PC/ABS, and the outer
housing 5202 may include elastomeric portions such as thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE). The outer housing 5202 may comprise a diameter of
between about 10 mm and 50 mm, and be about 1-3 mm thick. The
thickness of the inner housing 5204 may be about 1-3 mm, and may
vary according to the material used, for example in order to
achieve sufficient heat conductivity. It is to be understood that
such dimensions and arrangements are exemplary and are not intended
to be limiting. It is to be understood that the inner housing 5204
and/or the outer housing 5202 may have a different shape to those
shown and/or be formed of a different number of portions, such as
one, two, four, five or more portions. It is to be understood that
portions of the outer housing 5202 may have properties described
herein with reference to the inner housing 5204. For example, at
least portion 5202b of the outer housing 5202 of the humidifier
5000 as shown in FIG. 35E may be thermally conductive. Further,
while reference may be made to an "inner" housing and an "outer"
housing, in some forms at least a portion of the "outer" housing
may function in the manner described with regard to the "inner"
housing in other forms. For example, portion 5202b of the
humidifier 5000 as shown in FIG. 35E may be coupled between inlet
portion 5202a and outlet portion 5202c, while also defining the
interior of the humidification chamber 5200. According to one
aspect, the water feed inlet 5206 may be in fluid communication
with the water delivery mechanism 5150 to deliver water to the
humidifier wick 5230 as shown in FIG. 8. In some cases, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise a water filter 5214 configured to
reduce ingress of foreign matter into the humidification chamber
5200 and/or the wick 5230 through the flow of water. The water
filter 5214 may be located at or near an outlet of the reservoir
5110 (as shown in FIG. 8) or upstream (prior to) the water feed
inlet 5206. The water filter 5214, or parts thereof, may be
configured to be replaceable or cleanable. In some forms (e.g.
where quality of the water in the reservoir 5110 is low and/or
where hardness of the water in the reservoir 5110 is high), the
water filter 5214 may comprise a deioniser (not shown).
[0271] In some arrangements (not shown), the water feed inlet 5206
may be located closer to the air outlet 5004 than the air inlet
5002. Such an arrangement may encourage at least some portion of
the flow of water in the wick 5230 to travel in an opposing
direction to the direction of the air flow in the humidification
chamber 5200. Thus, the temperature and humidification gradient
within the water in the wick 5230, as well as within the air flow
may be optimised to optimise the differential temperature and
humidification therebetween in order to improve humidification
performance.
[0272] According to another aspect, the humidification chamber 5200
may further comprise an air flow baffle 5208 (as shown in FIG. 9A,
9B and FIG. 10) configured to promote turbulence in the flow and/or
increase the evaporative surface area, such as by extending a
length and/or a residence time during which the flow of air is in
the humidification chamber 5200, for example to improve
humidification performance. In one form, the air flow baffle 5208
may force the flow of air to travel in a tortuous path, such as a
helical path as shown in FIG. 10 to lengthen a path for the air
travelling in the humidification chamber. Thus, the air flow baffle
5208 may comprise one or more baffle elements, each of which may be
one or more of helical, inclined, curved, or otherwise arranged to
increase turbulence and/or to lengthen an air flow path in the
humidification chamber 5200. For example, the air flow baffle 5208
may increase the length of the path for the air flow through the
humidification chamber 5200 by between 20% and 1000%, in comparison
to a length of the humidification chamber 5200. For example, the
length of the path may be lengthened by approximately between 50%
and 750%, such as between 100% and 300%, such as 200%. It will be
understood that in various examples of the present technology, the
amount of lengthening by the air flow baffle 5208 may vary
depending on particular arrangements and/or requirements of the
humidifier 5000.
[0273] The air baffle 5208 may also be configured to encourage
mixing of the air flow within the humidification chamber 5200. As
the humidifier wick 5230 and the heating element 5220 is disposed
towards a particular portion of the humidification chamber 5200, a
temperature and/or humidity distribution throughout the air flow
may be uneven within the humidification chamber 5200.
[0274] For example, in a humidification chamber 5200 as shown in
FIG. 14, a portion of the air flow towards an outer periphery of
the humidification chamber 5200 may comprise a higher temperature
and/or humidity than a portion of the air flow towards the centre
of the humidification chamber.
[0275] The air baffle 5208 may in one form comprise one or more
blades 5208_B as shown in FIG. 36A. The one or more blades 5208_B
may direct air flow from an outer periphery of the humidification
chamber 5200 towards a centre of the humidification chamber.
Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more blades 5208_B may
direct air flow from a centre of the humidification chamber 5200
towards an outer periphery of the humidification chamber.
[0276] At least some of the one or more blades 5208_B may be curved
(e.g. out-of-plane) as shown in FIG. 36A-FIG. 36B, and/or comprise
a varying cross section profile in one or more directions, such as
in the axial direction as shown in FIG. 36A-36C. The cross-section
of one or more blades 5208_B of the air baffle 5208 may taper as
shown in FIGS. 36A-36C, although other profiles may also be
suitable.
[0277] Inclusion of the air flow baffle 5208 in a humidification
chamber 5200 may help reduce a size, such as a length, of the
humidification chamber 5200, in comparison to a length of the path
for the air flow in the humidification chamber 5200 used without
such an air flow baffle 5208. Alternatively, or additionally, the
humidification chamber 5200 may further comprise one or more air
flow trip elements 5209 along an evaporation surface, the air flow
trip elements 5209 being configured to improve humidification
performance by increasing a turbulence of the air flow. An air flow
trip element 5209 (also referred to herein as a `trip element`) may
comprise an obstruction to air flow, for example, a raised step, or
surface. A trip element 5209 may increase an amount of turbulence
(e.g. as measured by a Reynolds number), whereby a thickness of a
boundary layer is reduced, encouraging moisture transfer from the
humidifier wick 5230 to the air flow. In some forms, the trip
element 5209 may present the obstruction to air flow in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air flow. One
example of a trip element 5209 is an annular prism structure
located on an inner periphery of the inner housing 5204 as shown in
FIG. 33.
[0278] In some forms of the present technology the air flow baffle
5208 may comprise a membrane. The air flow baffle 5208 may also
further comprise acoustic elements for noise reduction, such as a
tuned chamber (or resonator) configurations, or a number of narrow
flow paths configured to encourage development of laminar flow and
reduce noise. In one form, the flow paths formed by the air flow
baffle 5208 may be configured to provide a high inertance to assist
in reducing radiated noise. In some arrangements, the air flow
baffle 5208 may comprise variable damping properties for reducing
noise and/or vibrations.
[0279] In some arrangements, the humidification chamber 5200 may
comprise a bypass port for sensing one or more properties of the
flow of air as it passes through the humidification chamber
5200.
[0280] Additionally, or alternatively, the humidification chamber
5200 may be configured to only add humidity to the flow of air for
an inhalation phase of a patient's breath. In one form, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise a bypass path which may be used to
divert the air flow away from the humidification chamber 5200 for
at least a part of a breath cycle, for example using a valve. This
may allow for delivery of an air flow to the patient interface 3000
without humidification during some parts of a breath cycle, such as
during exhalation.
5.5.2.3.1 Heating Element 5220
[0281] The amount of moisture, or absolute humidity, that a flow of
air is able to retain in vapour form varies according to a
temperature of the flow of air.
[0282] In some cases, the flow of air received by the humidifier
5000 may be too cold to retain adequate absolute humidity for
delivery to the entrance to the airways of the patient 1000.
Furthermore, delivery of cold air may cause discomfort to the
patient 1000 as described above. Thus, a humidifier 5000 may
comprise a heating element 5220 configured to output heat, for
example to heat the flow of air. In one form, the heating element
5220 may be located in the humidification chamber 5200, such as on
the outer housing 5202 as shown in FIG. 35E, or between the inner
housing 5204 and the outer housing 5202 as shown in FIG. 9A.
Alternatively, or additionally, the reservoir 5110 may comprise a
reservoir heating element 5221 to heat water prior to it entering
the humidification chamber 5200 as shown in FIG. 8.
[0283] The heating element 5220 may heat the flow of air as it
passes through the humidifier 5000, as well as to assist
humidification in the humidification chamber 5200 such as by
heating the humidifier wick 5230. Accordingly, the heating element
5220 may be configured so that it provides sufficient thermal
energy for heating and vaporisation at the highest requirements
respectively, that is, where the ambient air is cold and dry.
[0284] The heating element 5220 may be configured in one of a
number of ways whilst meeting the above requirements. In one form,
a heating element 5220 may comprise an approximately 10 cm.sup.2
surface area that generates a maximum thermal output of 40 Watts.
In another form, a heating element 5220 may comprise an
approximately 40 cm.sup.2 surface area with the same maximum
thermal output value of 40 Watts. It should be understood that the
maximum thermal output value need not be limited to 40 Watts, and
the surface area of the heating element 5220 may be arranged
according to aspects of the humidifier 5000, such as its maximum
thermal output, size and/or shape. For example, the heating element
5220 may comprise a surface area sized between approximately 5 and
100 cm.sup.2, such as between approximately 10 and 60 cm.sup.2, or
between approximately 20 and 40 cm.sup.2. Examples of relationships
between a power output of a humidifier 5000 are shown in FIG. 17
and FIG. 19, and an example of a relationship between added
humidity and temperature of the heating element is shown in FIG.
18. It should be understood that a size and/or heat output of the
heating element 5220 may vary in particular examples of the present
technology. For example, a heating element 5220 may be larger in a
humidifier 5000 configured to deliver a higher humidification
and/or heat than in a humidifier 5000 configured to deliver a lower
humidification and/or heat. In some forms, a heating element 5220
for a humidification chamber 5200 comprising a larger surface area
than a heating element 5220 for a humidification chamber 5200
comprising a smaller surface area.
[0285] According to one aspect of the present technology, the
heating element 5220 may be zoned. That is, the heating element
5220 may comprise multiple sections, or zones, that may be
controlled discretely and/or have variable properties. In some
cases, variable properties of the zones may include shape, heat
output, insulation, proximity to the wick 5230 or proximity to
water feed inlet 5206. Yet further, each zone may be controlled
independently of each other by the humidifier controller 5550, and
in some cases controlled relative to each other. An example of a
heating element 5220, which may allow relative control of the
zones, is shown in FIG. 11. In this example, the heating element
5220 may comprise four zones 5220_1, 5220_2, 5220_3 and 5220_4,
wherein the heating output of each zones may be configured to be
varied between 0 to 100% of a total heat output of the heating
element 5220, for example 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of a total heat
output of the heating element 5220. There may be a different number
of heating zones, such as two, three, five or more zones and
properties of the zones such as their shape, size or maximum heat
output may vary. Each zone may be contiguous with another, although
they may be spaced apart in some forms. In some forms, each zone
may have varying density of electrically conductive circuits
therein to achieve varying heating outputs in each zone.
[0286] One suitable form of a heating element 5220 may comprise a
resistive electrical track on a circuit board. The circuit board
may comprise a substrate which could be used as a thermally
conductive, electrically resistive barrier between the resistive
electrical track and the wick 5230. In one form, the heating
element 5220 may comprise a flexible circuit board. In another
form, the heating element 5220 may comprise a metallic thermally
conductive substrate, which is separated by a dielectric laminate
layer from the heating track. Alternative forms of a heating
element 5220 may also be suitable such as an inductive heater, if
the heating element 5220 is configured to be able to provide a heat
output to the wick 5230 and/or the humidification chamber 5200.
[0287] A substrate of a heating element 5220 may comprise at least
a part of a humidifier wick 5230. Thus, the substrate may comprise
an absorptive material such as one or more of: paper, felt, woven
material, or any absorbent thin film. An electrical circuit may be
disposed onto the substrate to provide the resistive electrical
track, such as by printing, by chemical bonding, by an adhesive, or
by interweaving for example. In one form, a conductive ink
comprising an electrically conductive material may be printed onto
the absorptive substrate, whereby the conductive circuit may be
formed onto a surface of the absorptive substrate.
[0288] The conductive circuit may be connected to one or more
sensors such as those described elsewhere in the present document.
Additionally, or alternatively, the conductive circuit may comprise
a variable resistance portion where the electrical resistance may
vary according to a parameter. Examples of variable resistance
portions may include a positive temperature coefficient portion, or
a negative temperature coefficient portion. A variable resistance
portion may be used as a sensing element, for example to sense a
temperature at or near the variable-resistance portion according to
a change in its resistance. A positive temperature coefficient
(PTC) portion may be disposed onto an absorptive substrate by
printing PTC carbon ink onto a paper substrate.
[0289] In some forms, electrically insulating materials may be
disposed onto an absorptive substrate to insulate any conductive
portions disposed thereon. For example, an insulating layer
comprising dielectric ink may be printed to insulate a conductive
circuit comprising conductive inks printed onto a paper
substrate.
[0290] In another form, the resistive electrical track of the
heating element 5220 may comprise a resistive wire. The resistive
wire may wrap around an outer housing 5202 as shown in FIG. 20, for
example by forming a plurality of loops around the surface. In one
example, each strand of wire may be bonded to adjacent strand(s) of
wire, such as by an adhesive (e.g. epoxy). In another example, each
strand of wire may comprise an insulating layer, which may be
further configured to bond to adjacent strand(s) of wire when heat
is applied thereto. Thus the plurality of loops of the resistive
wire may be formed around the outer housing 5202, and heat may be
applied to the heating element 5220 (e.g. externally, or by
applying a current through the heating element 5220) to bond the
strands together.
[0291] As described above, the heating element 5220 may take one of
a number of possible forms in shape and/or construction. Thus, it
should be understood that although the heating element 5220 is
shown (e.g. in FIG. 9A and FIG. 11) to be a cylindrical shape, it
need not be limited to such a shape. For example, the heating
element 5220 may be constructed as a flat, rectangular sheet, as an
extruded arc shape, as a rectangular prism, or a plurality of
parallel sheets, among others.
[0292] The heating element 5220 may be disposable in some cases, or
at least removable from other components of the humidifier 5000.
For instance, the entire humidification chamber 5200 may be
disposable wherein the heating element 5220 is formed integrally
within the humidification chamber 5200 as a part of a disposable
component. Alternatively, the heating element 5220 may be
configured to be removable from the humidification chamber 5200,
for example by inserting, such as sliding, into or onto the
humidification chamber 5200 for installation. In one form, the
heating element 5220 may have a structure biased towards a position
in which the heating element 5220 is held relative to the
humidification chamber, for example a hollow cylinder having a
longitudinal slot extending between its ends (i.e. a "C spring") as
shown in FIG. 35F. Thus, the housing portion 5202b, containing wick
5230, may be inserted into the humidifier 5000 by expanding the
C-spring shaped heating element 5220, and heating element 5220 may
spring back to its biased configuration to compress and/or engage
with housing portion 5202b. Thus, the housing portion 5202b and
therefore wick 5230 may be removably retained in its operation
position with respect to the humidifier 5000.
5.5.2.3.2 Humidifier Wick 5230
[0293] In one aspect of the present technology, the humidifier 5000
may comprise a water retention feature such as a humidifier wick
5230. The water retention feature (e g humidifier wick 5230) may be
configured to retain a volume of water, which may be received from
the reservoir 5110 for evaporation to humidify the flow of air
before it is delivered to the patient 1000. The water retention
feature may be shaped so that it may substantially define a part of
an air path from the RPT device 4000 to the patient interface 3000.
The water retention feature may wholly define a part of the air
path by forming a substantially enclosed path, such as a
cylindrically shaped path. In order to achieve a target level of
humidification output whilst maintaining a small size for the
humidifier 5000, it may be beneficial for the water retention
feature to wholly define a part of the air path to maximise a
contact area with the air flow. Such an arrangement may allow the
water retention feature to be disposed entirely around a periphery
of the air path, such that for a given length of the water
retention feature the area of contact between the air path and the
water retention feature is maximised. For example, the humidifier
wick 5230 shown in FIG. 10 is shaped as a hollow cylinder to fit
within a cylindrically shaped humidification chamber 5200, and
define a cylindrically shaped, enclosed air path therethrough. It
will be understood that of course, other shapes may also be
suitable.
[0294] A maximum volume of water able to be retained by the
humidifier wick 5230, or a water capacity of the humidifier wick
5230, may be predetermined. In one aspect, the water capacity of
the humidifier wick 5230 may be small enough to ensure a short
response time of the humidifier 5000. That is, the humidifier 5000
may be able to effect a change to its output (e.g. humidity and/or
temperature output) in a relatively short period of time. It would
be understood by those skilled in the art that a response time of a
humidifier 5000 is a function of the volume of water that is
heated. Thus, a humidifier 5000 according to the present technology
may comprise a relatively short response time. In some forms of the
present technology, a humidifier 5000 may comprise a sufficiently
short response time that a heat and/or humidity output of the
humidifier 5000 may be varied within approximately a minute, such
as within 45 seconds, within 30 seconds or within 15 seconds.
[0295] According to another aspect, the water capacity of the
humidifier wick 5230 is sufficiently large to allow adequate
humidification at the highest flow rates and driest ambient
conditions. In one form, the humidifier wick 5230 may thus comprise
an adequately large surface area for the water contained therein to
come in contact with the air flow through the humidifier 5000. The
water capacity of the humidifier wick 5230 may be approximately 10
grams (g), however other values may also be appropriate such as
approximately 2 g, 6 g, 15 g, 20 g, 30 g, or any other values
therebetween. In other forms, a larger or a smaller water capacity
of the humidifier wick 5230 may be suitable depending upon the size
and application of the humidifier.
[0296] A condition wherein the water capacity of the humidifier
wick 5230 is met by the water content in the humidifier wick 5230
may be referred to as `saturation` or `flooding` of the wick 5230.
In some cases, the humidifier 5000 may be operated such that the
humidifier wick 5230 is not saturated during use. Disadvantages
caused by saturation of the humidifier wick 5230 may include
introduction of water droplets in the humidifier 5000 and/or the
air circuit 4170 due to transportation of unabsorbed water from the
humidifier wick 5230 (e.g. by entrainment into the air flow).
Detection of saturation of the humidifier wick 5230 may be thus
desirable, which will be described in further detail below. In some
cases, the air circuit 4170 may comprise a portion of the wick
5230, or a secondary wick (or water trap), to ameliorate any
potential problems related to such transportation, such as by
absorbing any transported water or condensation.
[0297] According to one aspect, the wick 5230 may be constructed
with non-homogenous geometry and/or construction (e.g.
anisotropically or in zones). Thus, one or more properties of the
wick 5230 such as the water capacity, surface area exposed to air,
or heat conductivity may be varied, such as for each area of the
wick 5230 or according to a direction. For instance, the wick 5230
may be non-homogenous along the direction of air flow, or along a
distance from the water feed inlet 5206, for example the thickness
of the wick 5230 may vary, such as the wick 5230 may become thinner
the further away from the water feed inlet 5206. In one form,
geometry of the wick 5230 may vary in one or more of the depth,
number of layers, the density and/or material of the wick 5230.
[0298] For example, the humidifier wick 5230 may comprise one or
more layers, such as a first layer 5230a and a second layer 5230b
as shown in FIG. 12. The one or more layers may vary in form and/or
functions. In one instance, the first layer 5230a may be a
transport layer in communication with the water feed inlet 5206,
and the second layer 5230b may be an evaporation layer laid over
the first layer 5230a and in contact with the flow of air. In this
construction, the first layer 5230a may be configured to optimise
storage of water per volume and/or fast transport of water, and the
second layer 5230b may be configured for improved evaporation
characteristics, for example, by increasing an exposed surface area
per volume. In some forms, the humidifier wick 5230 may be
configured so that one or more layers may be replaced independently
of each other, wherein the one or more layers may or may not be
identical in form and/or function.
[0299] In one form, a humidifier wick 5230 may be anisotropically
constructed so that a rate of wicking may be greater in a first
direction than in a second direction. Such a construction may allow
a distribution of water to be biased in a predetermined manner For
example, the humidifier wick 5230 may be configured so that the
rate of wicking in a direction perpendicular to the air flow may be
greater than the rate of wicking in a direction parallel to the air
flow. Such a configuration may be advantageous in maximising a rate
of humidification of the air flow, as more of different portions of
the air flow may come into contact with the humidifier wick 5230.
The humidifier wick 5230 may be anisotropically configured in one
or more directions, such as at 30 degrees, 60 degrees or 90 degrees
to the direction of the flow of air.
[0300] In some forms, the humidifier wick 5230 may comprise a
surface configured to increase a total surface area exposed to the
flow of air. This may increase the area over which the water
retained by the humidifier wick 5230 is in contact with the air
flow and improve humidification efficiency. For instance, the
humidifier wick 5230 may comprise a corrugated inner surface as
shown in FIG. 13. Other suitable surface types may include one or
more of: dimpled, perforated, porous, woven, knitted, textured and
sintered surfaces.
[0301] A humidifier wick 5230 according to the present technology
may comprise a single continuous component, multiple components
working as an assembly, or a discontinuous, discrete collection of
wicking materials and/or elements. In the present document all or
any of the above variations will be referred to as a `humidifier
wick` 5230. A person skilled in the art would understand that the
humidifier wick 5230 need not be constructed as a single piece of
wicking material.
[0302] A humidifier wick 5230 may be located towards an outer
periphery of the humidifier 5000, such as in the example shown in
FIG. 9A, where the humidifier wick 5230 is shown to at form at
least a part of the outer boundary of the air flow path through the
humidifier 5000. Additionally, or alternatively, a humidifier wick
5230 may be located towards a centre of the humidifier 5000, for
example as shown in FIG. 32, such that the humidifier wick 5230 is
located away from the outer boundaries of the air flow path through
the humidifier 5000. In the configuration shown in FIG. 32, the
humidifier 5000 may further comprise one or more wick struts 5231
to locate and/or secure the humidifier wick 5230 in its intended
location. In one form, the one or more wick struts 5231 may be
configured to removably engage the inner housing 5204 as shown in
FIG. 32 to locate and/or secure the humidifier wick 5230 in
relation to the inner housing 5204.
[0303] In some forms (e.g. where the humidifier wick 5230 is
located toward a centre of the humidifier 5000), the water feed
inlet 5206 may comprise a projection extending from an inner
surface of the humidifier 5000 towards the humidifier wick 5230, as
shown in FIG. 32, in order to deliver liquid from the reservoir
5110. The water feed inlet 5206 may additionally comprise a lead-in
5207, as shown in FIG. 32, in the direction of insertion of the
humidifier wick 5230 to allow self-alignment during insertion of
the humidifier wick 5230 into the humidifier 5000.
[0304] According to another aspect, the humidifier wick 5230 may be
heated, for example, by the heating element 5220. One advantage of
a heated wick 5230 may be that a rate of evaporation may be
controlled. In one form, the humidifier wick 5230 may be thermally
coupled to the heating element 5220, for example by contact as
shown in FIG. 12, which may advantageously reduce thermal impedance
between the humidifier wick 5230 and the heating element 5220.
[0305] A humidifier wick 5230 may in some cases be only partially
heated by the heating element 5220, for example by the heating
element 5220 being in partial thermal contact with of the
humidifier wick 5230. In one form, the humidifier wick 5230 may
comprise unheated regions upstream and/or downstream of a heating
element 5220, as well as a heated region which is in thermal
contact with the heating element 5220. A heated region 5230H of the
humidifier wick 5230 may overlap the heating element 5220, and an
upstream unheated region 5230U and a downstream unheated region
5230D may extend upstream and downstream of the heated region 5230H
respectively, where they may not overlap the heating element 5220.
The upstream unheated region 5230U and/or the downstream unheated
region 5230D may also substantially not overlap any conductive
portions of the humidifier 5000 which are in close thermal contact
with the heating element 5220, such as the inner housing 5204, as
shown in FIG. 34.
[0306] An upstream unheated region 5230U may be configured so that
water delivered by the water feed inlet 5206 would spread faster
within the upstream unheated region 5230U prior to spreading into
or through the heated region 5230H of the humidifier wick 5230. For
example, the upstream unheated region 5230U may comprise a higher
wicking rate than the heated region 5230H. In such an arrangement,
water in the upstream unheated region 5230U may be allowed to
spread therein prior to occurrence of evaporation in the heated
region 5230H. Thus, the humidifier wick 5230 may result with an
improved spatial distribution of water therein, where the water
boundary is substantially consistent in a direction perpendicular
to the air flow direction, such as in a radial direction of the
humidifier 5000.
[0307] A humidifier wick 5230 may comprise a downstream unheated
region 5230D (as shown in FIG. 34), which may be used to provide
additional water retention capacity to mitigate against risks of
transportation of unabsorbed water from the humidifier wick 5230,
for example. For example, a downstream unheated region 5230D may
allow the a heated region 5230H of the humidifier wick 5230 to be
saturated with water at all times while mitigating a risk of
overflowing by providing additional capacity. Additionally, a
downstream unheated region 5230D may capture unevaporated moisture
which may be entrained and/or transported downstream of the heated
region 5230H, such as by the air flow.
[0308] In one form, suitable lengths of the upstream unheated
region 5230U may be approximately between 5% and 20% of the length
of the heated region 5230H, approximately between 8% and 15%,
approximately between 8% and 12%, or approximately 10%. For a
humidifier 5000 comprising a heated region 5230H with a length of
50 mm, a suitable length of upstream unheated region 5230U may be
approximately between 2.5 mm and 10 mm, approximately between 4 mm
and 7.5 mm, approximately between 4 mm and 6 mm, or approximately 5
mm. In one form, suitable lengths of the downstream unheated region
5230D may be approximately between 10% and 50% of the length of the
heated region 5230H, approximately between 20% and 40%,
approximately between 25% and 35%, or approximately 30%. For a
humidifier 5000 comprising a heated region 5230H with a length of
50 mm, a suitable length of downstream unheated region 5230D may be
approximately between 5 mm and 25 mm, approximately between 10 mm
and 20 mm, approximately between 12.5 mm and 17.5 mm, or
approximately 15 mm.
[0309] Size of the upstream unheated region 5230U and/or the
downstream unheated region 5230D may be varied according to aspects
of the humidifier 5000, such as its size (e.g. length and/or
diameter), humidification output, size of the humidifier wick 5230,
water capacity of the humidifier wick 5230, water flow rate and/or
number of water feed inlets 5206.
[0310] A performance of the humidifier wick 5230 may degrade over
time and/or usage, and in some cases the humidifier wick 5230 may
no longer be suitable for use. For instance, foreign matter, such
as particulates from the water, may collect or build up on the
humidifier wick 5230 as it is evaporated. In some cases, collection
of foreign matter may reduce water capacity and/or heat
conductivity of the humidifier wick 5230. In some cases, the
humidifier wick 5230 may deteriorate over time, possibly even
without any use of the humidifier 5000. Still further, the foreign
matter collected on the humidifier wick 5230 may be removed from
the humidifier wick 5230 and be entrained onto the flow of air,
which may be undesirable.
[0311] Thus, in one aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier wick 5230 may be cleaned and/or replaced. Furthermore a
condition of the humidifier wick 5230 may be determined, such as
its water capacity and/or its remaining usable life, and provide an
indication or message when the humidifier wick 5230 needs replacing
or to an expected time to replacement.
[0312] According to another aspect, a pattern of distribution of
foreign matter on the humidifier wick 5230 may be determined and/or
controlled. For instance, the humidification chamber 5200 may be
configured to encourage collection of foreign matter on the
humidifier wick 5230 according to a predetermined pattern. Still
further, the predetermined pattern of foreign matter build-up on
the humidifier wick 5230 may be used as an indicator of a remaining
life of the humidifier wick 5230. For example, the humidifier wick
5230 may be configured so that foreign matter may begin to collect
from one predetermined region of the humidifier wick 5230, and for
the collection to grow in a predetermined direction. Then,
detection of a build-up of foreign matter, for example in a
predetermined life-indicator region may be used to indicate that
the humidifier wick 5230 may be no longer suitable for use. Thus,
determination of a remaining life of the humidifier wick 5230 may
be made while the humidifier wick 5230 remains in the humidifier
5000.
[0313] A cross-section of the humidifier 5000 (wick frame 5232 not
shown) showing an example arrangement of a humidifier wick 5230 in
use is shown in FIG. 14. In this example, the humidifier wick 5230
holds a volume of water, however the volume of water may be less
than the water capacity of the humidifier wick 5230. Accordingly,
the humidifier wick 5230 may be shown to comprise of two regions, a
wet region 5230_W and a dry region 5230_D, separated by a water
boundary, is shown as 5230_WB. Typically, formation or collection
of any foreign matter from water onto the humidifier wick 5230 may
predominantly occur at the boundary edge, as this is the point at
which particulates are dried. Accordingly, one of the aspects of
the present technology relates to a control of the water boundary
5230_WB, through construction of the wick 5230 and/or foreign
matter management algorithms, as described further below.
[0314] In one form, the wick 5230 may be configured to allow
washing, e.g. in a dishwasher, disinfection using another agent,
and/or using a microwave. Additionally, or alternatively, the
humidifier wick 5230 may comprise an antimicrobial or antibacterial
agent such as silver. Yet further, the humidifier 5000 may comprise
self-cleaning algorithms (such as a bio-burden reduction algorithm)
as will be described further below.
[0315] According to one aspect, the humidifier wick 5230 may
further comprise added matter such as a medication to be introduced
to the flow of air, or a life indicator. The life indicator may
comprise a coloured portion which changes colour to indicate to the
user or the patient 1000 that the humidifier wick 5230 should be
replaced. The humidifier wick 5230 may comprise a medication which
may be released by vaporisation to the flow of air to be delivered
to the patient 1000.
[0316] Suitable materials for the humidifier wick 5230 may include
(but not limited to): paper, bicomponent materials comprising
hydrophilic fibres, and cellulose fibres. A humidifier wick 5230
may comprise one or more of the above listed materials in one or
more arrangements (e.g. flat, corrugated, isotropic, anisotropic,
layered etc.) to achieve properties of the humidifier wick 5230
described within the present document.
[0317] The humidifier wick 5230 may comprise, or be combined with,
the heating element 5220 in some cases. As described elsewhere in
the present document, the wick 5230 may comprise a conductive
portion (e.g. a carbon ink) which may form resistive tracks for
heating, and an absorptive portion (e.g. paper) for water retention
and evaporation which also acts as the substrate for the conductive
portion. In one form, the heating element 5220 may be coupled (e.g.
printed) onto one or both sides of the wick 5230 so as to create an
integrated component. The integrated component may further comprise
one or more connectors which may be coupled (e.g. printed) onto one
or both sides of the wick 5230, for example for connection to the
controller 5550.
[0318] The humidifier wick 5230 may be constructed from a sheet in
some forms. For example, the humidifier wick 5230 may comprise a
paper sheet which has been formed into a tubular shape, such as to
conform to a shape to the humidifier chamber. The sheet may be
bonded by adhesives, one suitable example of which is a hot melt
open adhesive web. However, it will be readily understood that a
number of known alternatives may be also suitable.
[0319] The humidifier wick 5230 may comprise one or more humidifier
transducers. The humidifier transducers and humidifier algorithms
which may receive inputs from the humidifier transducers are
described in further detail below.
[0320] In another aspect, the humidifier wick 5230 may be
configured in a shape to facilitate easy insertion and/or removal
with respect to the humidification chamber 5200. In one form, a
portion of the humidifier wick 5230 such as a tab (not shown) may
be configured to be accessible for removal while the humidifier
wick 5230 is in its operating position. Yet further, the humidifier
5000 may be configured as shown in FIG. 14 such that a component
(such as an outer housing component 5202c) may be removed to allow
access to the humidifier wick 5230. Additionally, or alternatively,
the humidifier wick 5230 may be configured in a frustro-conical
shape complementarily to a similarly shaped humidification chamber
5200, so that it would self-locate during insertion into its
operating position.
5.5.2.3.3 Wick Frame 5232
[0321] In some forms of the present technology, the humidifier 5000
may comprise a wick frame 5232, such as an example shown in FIG.
9A, FIG. 9B and FIG. 10. The wick frame 5232 may be coupled to the
wick 5230 (e.g. chemically bonded and/or mechanically coupled), for
instance to locate and/or shape the wick 5230 (e.g. in a
predetermined location and/or shape), maintain the wick 5230 in
close proximity to the heating element 5220, and/or to prevent an
increase in flow impedance which may occur due to a deformation of
the wick 5230. The wick frame 5232 may promote, or maintain,
thermal contact between the wick 5230 and the heating element 5220
by assisting in locating and/or shaping the wick 5230 as designed
(e.g. by maintaining the wick 5230 in a cylindrical shape as shown
in FIG. 10). In a form shown in FIG. 10, the wick frame 5232 may
comprise a wick locator 5233 such as a shoulder as shown, to assist
in location of the wick 5230 in relation to the wick frame 5232 in
assembly.
[0322] The humidifier wick 5230, as described elsewhere in the
present document, may be a consumable component, which may be
replaced by a user of the humidifier 5000. Accordingly, an aspect
of the present technology relates to an improvement in extracting
the humidifier wick 5230 from the humidification chamber 5200.
[0323] In one form, the wick frame 5232 may comprise a wick remover
5232_R, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 36A-36C. The wick
remover 5232 may help with extract the humidifier wick 5230 from
the humidification chamber 5200 as the wick frame 5232 is being
removed.
[0324] The wick remover 5232_R may be disposed towards a periphery
of the wick frame 5232 and/or towards an inner surface of the
humidification chamber 5200. The wick remover 5232_R may be
configured to engage the humidifier wick 5230 to remove the
humidifier wick 5230, such as during removal of the wick frame
5232.
[0325] The wick remover 5232_R may be in a form of a ring as shown
in FIG. 36A. The wick remover 5232_R in a ring shape may be
substantially complementary to an inner surface to the
humidification chamber 5200, such that a gap between the two is
minimised. Accordingly, the wick remover 5232_R may be able to
remove the humidifier wick 5230 which may be dilapidated or moved
from its initial condition and/or position.
[0326] The wick remover 5232_R may in one form be configured to
scrape the interior of the humidification chamber 5200 to remove
the humidifier wick 5230. Such an arrangement may be suitable where
the humidifier wick 5230 comprises paper, which may lose its
structural integrity (e.g. rigidity) throughout its life.
[0327] The wick frame 5232 may comprise a wick locator 5233 that
may be in a form of a shoulder as described above. The wick locator
5233 may be a shoulder configured to retain the humidifier wick
5230 within a predetermined location on the wick frame 5232, such
as within a length of the wick frame. It will be understood that a
wick frame 5232 may comprise a plurality of wick locators 5233 to
locate the humidifier wick 5230 in one or more directions.
[0328] The wick remover 5232_R may form a part of the wick locator
5233 in some arrangements. For example, the wick remover 5232_R may
extend beyond an adjacent portion of the wick frame 5232, such as
the air flow baffle 5208, to form a shoulder as shown in FIG.
36A.
[0329] It should be noted that the wick remover 5232_R in some
forms may be a separable component to the wick frame 5232. For
example, the wick remover 5232_R may be a cap, or a threaded
component that is separable to the wick frame 5232, such that the
wick remover 5232_R may be removed to engage a humidifier wick 5230
to the wick frame 5232, after which the wick remover 5232_R may be
fastened or coupled to the wick frame 5232.
[0330] According to another aspect, the wick frame 5232 may be
tapered as shown in FIG. 35D and 36C. The wick frame 5232 may be
axially tapered as shown to improve an alignment of the wick frame
5232 with the humidification chamber 5200 during engagement and/or
disengagement therebetween. An axial taper may provide a lead-in to
reduce friction during an insertion and/or removal of the wick
frame 5232 from the humidification chamber 5200.
[0331] The wick frame 5232 may be further configured to assist in
removal and/or insertion of the wick 5230 with respect to the
humidifier 5000, for instance by providing a grip 5232_G to assist
a user and/or the patient 1000 to locate and/or hold the wick frame
5232 for insertion, removal and/or handling of the wick frame 5232.
In one form, the grip 5232_G may comprise a flat plate-like
configuration to allow the patient/user to hold the wick frame
5232, although any number of other shapes and/or configurations may
be also suitable. The grip 5232_G may extend past an open end of a
surrounding component, such as an inner housing 5204, although in
some forms, the grip 5232_G may be accessible from an exterior of
the humidifier 5000, such as to allow removal of the wick frame
5232 and/or the wick 5230 from an exterior of the humidifier 5000
(e.g. without disassembly of any other components of the humidifier
5000). Additionally, or alternatively, the wick frame 5232 may
comprise a connector (not shown) to removably locate and/or secure
the humidifier wick 5230 to the humidifier 5000, such as by a
bayonet, a thread, a friction-fit surface or a pin. Those skilled
in the art will recognise that a number of other connectors may be
also used to secure and/or locate the humidifier wick 5230 to the
humidifier 5000, such as to the outer housing 5202.
[0332] The grip 5232_G may be marked (e.g. using colours and/or
indicators) for identification, and/or textured to assist the users
to hold onto the grip 5232_G. In some forms, where the humidifier
wick 5230 is disposable, the wick frame 5232 may be configured to
be disposed with the humidifier wick 5230, for example by being
integrally formed with the humidifier wick 5230. In other cases,
the wick frame 5232 may be configured to accept and hold the
humidifier wick 5230, for example, so that the wick 5230 may be
replaced while the wick frame 5232 is removed from the humidifier
5000. Then the wick frame 5232 may accept a new wick 5230 and be
inserted into the humidifier 5000. In some forms, the wick frame
5232, the wick 5230 and the heating element 5220 may be
non-removably coupled together and configured to be disposable as a
unit.
[0333] The wick frame 5232 may comprise one or more seals. The one
or more seals may seal the air path within the humidification
chamber 5200. Additionally, the one or more seals may prevent
egress of water from within the humidification chamber 5200.
[0334] In one form, the wick frame 5232 may comprise a wick frame
seal 5232_S towards the grip 5232_G as shown in FIG. 35D. The wick
frame seal 5232_S may comprise a flexible and resilient material
such as silicone or TPE. The wick frame seal 5232_S may be
configured as a separate component (e.g. as an 0-ring) or
integrally constructed to the rest of the wick frame 5232 (e.g. by
overmoulding).
[0335] The wick frame seal 5232_S and/or the complementary
portion(s) in the humidifier 5000 may be configured such that any
friction therebetween is minimised during insertion and/or removal
of the wick frame 5232. For example, a complementary interior
surface of the humidifier 5000 may be configured such that during
insertion of the wick frame 5232, a periphery of the wick frame
seal 5232_S is gradually engaged.
[0336] The complementary interior surface of the humidifier 5000
may be tapered in one example, such that at the predetermined
engagement location of the wick frame seal 5232_S the diameter of
the complementary interior surface is smaller to effect a seal.
Such a gradual engagement may be advantageous by reducing a
frictional force resisting the insertion and/or removal of the wick
frame 5232.
[0337] According to another aspect, the wick frame 5232 may be
configured to be printed by a 3-D printer, for example by the
patient 1000, or a caregiver, such as in a hospital or in a home
environment. Alternatively, or additionally, the wick frame 5232
may be moulded as one component, or an assembly of a plurality of
moulded components. In some forms, the wick 5230 and the wick frame
5232 may be a single component.
[0338] In one form, the wick frame 5232 may further comprise one or
more air filters upstream and/or downstream of the wick 5230. The
air filter may be placed upstream of the wick 5230 in order to
reduce introduction and/or collection of foreign matter onto the
wick 5230. Alternatively, or additionally, the air filter may be
placed downstream of the wick 5230 in order to reduce incidence of
any foreign matter travelling from the wick 5230 to the patient
1000.
[0339] The air filter may comprise anti-bacterial properties in
order to prevent propagation of bacteria from a first side of the
air filter to a second side of the filter through the air flow. In
one example, an air filter comprising anti-bacterial properties may
be placed downstream of the wick 5230. The air filter may thus
prevent any bacteria from being transmitted from a first user of
the humidifier 5000 to any portion of the air flow path upstream of
the air filter, such as to the humidifier wick 5230. Accordingly,
if the same humidifier 5000 is to be used by a second user after
use by the first user, the air filter may serve to reduce a
likelihood of bacterial transmission from the first user to the
second user.
[0340] According to another aspect, the wick frame 5232 may
comprise the air flow baffle 5208 described above. Where the wick
frame 5232 is combined with the air flow baffle 5208, the wick 5230
may form one surface of the path of the flow of air. This
configuration may be advantageous in that the length of contact is
increased between the flow of air and the wick 5230, which may
improve humidification.
5.5.2.3.4 Humidifier Filter 5240
[0341] One or more humidifier filters 5240 may be used in some
arrangements of the humidifier 5000. The humidifier filter 5240 may
be used to reduce the amount of undesirable components from the
flow of air, for example by preventing the particulates that may
have originated from evaporated water from being introduced into
the flow of air. A humidifier filter 5240 may be placed anywhere in
the humidifier 5000, such as at or near the inlet 5002 (as shown in
FIG. 14), the outlet 5004 (as shown in FIG. 16), or therebetween
(not shown). It should also be understood that more than one
humidifier filter 5240 may be included. A filter (not shown)
located downstream of the humidifier 5000, for example in the air
circuit 4170, may substantially perform a similar function as a
humidifier filter 5240 by reducing the amount of undesirable
component from the flow of air.
5.5.2.3.5 Pre-Delivery Chamber 5115
[0342] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise a pre-delivery chamber 5115, an
example of which is shown in FIG. 31. The pre-delivery chamber 5115
may receive and retain a volume of water from the reservoir 5110
prior to beginning delivery of water from the pre-delivery chamber
5115 to the water retention mechanism (e.g. humidifier wick 5230),
in order to deliver water to the humidifier wick 5230. The
pre-delivery chamber 5115 may be fluidly connected to the
humidifier wick 5230 at a plurality of locations in order to evenly
deliver water to the humidifier wick 5230.
[0343] In the example shown in FIG. 31, the pre-delivery chamber
5115 is shaped as a toroid prism, and is configured to receive
water from the water feed inlet 5206 and deliver water to the
humidifier wick 5230. The pre-delivery chamber 5115 may be
configured so that a predetermined amount of water is required in
the pre-delivery chamber 5115 prior to any communication of water
can occur from the pre-delivery chamber 5115 to the humidifier wick
5230. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 31, the humidifier wick
5230 may be fluidly coupled to the pre-delivery chamber 5115 by a
coupling which may only allow water therethrough after a
predetermined amount of water is introduced into the pre-delivery
chamber 5115.
[0344] In one form, the pre-delivery chamber 5115 may comprise
walls made from water impermeable material, which may be flexible,
such as Gore-tex.TM. fabric or silicone, or rigid such as
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS). The
pre-delivery chamber 5115 may be fluidly coupled to the humidifier
wick 5230 via a plurality of valves (e.g. disposed radially
throughout the pre-delivery chamber 5115) configured to open when
the quantity of water in the pre-delivery chamber 5115 exceeds a
threshold (e.g. predetermined threshold) amount, such as about 90%
of the volume of the pre-delivery chamber 5115.
5.5.2.4 Humidifier Transducers
[0345] According to one aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more humidifier transducers
configured to generate a signal indicative of the sensed
characteristic, such as air flow rate, pressure, temperature or
humidity. Thus the humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more flow
sensors 5512 (as shown in FIG. 15), one or more temperature sensors
(e.g. 5514_1, 5514_2, 5514_3, 5514_4 as shown in FIG. 15), and/or
one or more humidity sensors 5516 (as shown in FIG. 16) as well as
any number of other types of sensors. The humidifier 5000 may
comprise a plurality of sensors located along a direction of the
air flow for example, such as temperature sensors 5514_1, 5514_2,
5514_3, 5514_4 as shown in FIG. 15. Additionally, or alternatively,
the humidifier 5000 may comprise a plurality of sensors located
along a transverse direction to the direction of air flow, for
example temperature sensors 5514_12, 5514_13, 5514_14 as shown in
FIG. 15C.
[0346] In one form, one or more of the temperature sensors 5514_12,
5514_13, 5514_14 may be configured to provide a signal indicating a
representative value of a temperature over its length. For example,
temperature sensor 5514_12 may be configured to provide a signal
indicating an average temperature over its length. Suitable
temperature sensors may include positive temperature coefficient
(PTC) or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material.
[0347] It is noted that although temperature sensors (e.g. 5514_1,
5514_2, 5514_3, 5514_4, 5514_5, 5514_6, 5514_7 and 5514_8) are
shown to be located on the interior of the humidification chamber
5200, one or more of the temperature sensors may be located outside
the humidification chamber 5200, such as on the outer surface of
the outer housing heater cover portion 5202b, or as a part of the
heating element 5220, or on the inner housing 5204 (e.g.
temperature sensors 5514_9, 5514_10, 5514_11 as shown in FIG. 15B,
or temperature sensors 5514_12, 5514_13, 5514_14 as shown in FIG.
15C).
[0348] Some humidifier transducers may be located in the humidifier
5000 (e.g. heating element temperature sensor 5514_HE shown in FIG.
16), however humidifier transducers may also be located outside of
the humidifier 5000 in some cases, for example in the air circuit
4170, or in the patient interface 3000.
[0349] Suitable locations for each of the one or more humidifier
transducers may vary according to their purpose and/or algorithms
which may use as inputs signals that are generated by each of the
one or more humidity sensors 5516. In some cases, transducers
configured to generate a signal indicative of a sensed
characteristic in one of the pneumatic path, such as the RPT device
4000, may be used to determine the sensed characteristics in
another part of the pneumatic path, such as the humidifier
5000.
[0350] In some forms, a measurement of a characteristic (e.g. air
flow rate, pressure, temperature or humidity) obtained at a first
location may be used estimate the equivalent characteristic at a
second location. For example, a temperature measurement obtained by
a first temperature sensor located on a heating element may be used
to estimate a temperature of a water retention feature (e g
humidifier wick 5230) at another location, as will be described in
detail further below in the present specification.
5.5.2.5 Humidifier Controller 5550
[0351] In one form, the humidifier 5000 may comprise a humidifier
controller 5550, which may be a standalone controller or a part of
the central controller 4230 (as shown in FIG. 4C). The humidifier
controller 5550 may monitor and/or control one or more operating
parameters of the humidifier 5000 based on inputs from components
such as other components of the humidifier 5000 and/or the RPT
device 4000.
[0352] For instance, humidifier 5000 may receive inputs from such
components as humidifier transducers, input devices 4220, or memory
4260. Furthermore, the humidifier 5000 may output signals to the
heating element 5220 or the water delivery mechanism 5150.
5.5.3 Humidifier Algorithms 5600
[0353] Various humidifier algorithms 5600 and their examples (e.g.
shown in FIG. 21) are described below. Although they are referred
to as `humidifier algorithms`, it is to be understood that these
algorithms need not be stored in and/or executed by the humidifier
5000. The term `humidifier algorithms` is used herein to indicate
that the algorithms relate to the humidifier 5000. For example, the
humidifier algorithms 5600 may be executed by the central
controller 4230 and stored in memory 4260 of the RPT device 4000.
In some instances, the algorithms 5600 may be stored and/or
executed from an external computer such as a smartphone in
communication with the humidifier 5000.
5.5.3.1 Humidifier Condition Determination/Fault Mitigation
Algorithms
[0354] According to one aspect, the humidifier 5000 may comprise
algorithms configured to determine, or detect, one or more
conditions of the humidifier 5000 and/or its components. In some
cases, the humidifier 5000 may further comprise fault mitigation
algorithms configured to ameliorate, or mitigate one or more
detected fault conditions.
[0355] The humidifier condition determination algorithms may detect
or determine conditions of humidifier components such as the
reservoir 5110, water delivery mechanism 5150, humidifier wick
5230, heating element 5220 or humidifier transducers. The
conditions detected or determined may include: water volume, such
as in the reservoir 5110, water flow rate, such as from the water
delivery mechanism 5150, or water capacity and/or water content of
the humidifier wick 5230.
5.5.3.1.1 Wick Condition Determination Algorithms 5610
[0356] As described above, a performance and/or suitability for use
of the humidifier wick 5230 may change over time and/or usage, for
example due to build-up of foreign matter on the wick 5230 or
degradation of the humidifier wick 5230. Accordingly, the water
capacity of the humidifier wick 5230 may change, which may affect
the amount of humidification which can be provided to the flow of
air.
[0357] According to another aspect of the present technology, the
humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more wick condition
determination algorithms 5610 for determining one or more
conditions of the humidifier wick 5230. The one or more conditions
of the humidifier wick 5230 to be determined may include
suitability of the wick for use, water capacity, water content, or
remaining usable life of the humidifier wick 5230.
[0358] In some forms (e.g. a wick condition determination algorithm
5610A as shown in FIG. 22), a wick condition determination
algorithm may receive one or more inputs from step 5610A2 to
determine one or more conditions of the humidifier wick 5230 in
step 5610A4. The one or more conditions of the humidifier wick may
be determined by comparing the inputs to thresholds such as in step
5610A3. In one example, the thresholds may be retrieved from a
memory 4260, wherein the thresholds may be stored as a look-up
table or a function. The thresholds may be predetermined and stored
into memory 4260 by a manufacturer of the humidifier 5000.
Additionally, or alternatively, the stored values in the memory
4260 may be updated through a data communication interface 4280, or
the thresholds may be retrieved directly through a data
communication interface 4280, such as from a remote external device
4286.
[0359] The one or more inputs may include wick type data, such as:
wick model, date of manufacture, wick material, wick construction,
wick dimensions and initial water capacity. The inputs may also
include wick usage data, such as: date of last replacement, time of
use (e.g. total), quantity of water evaporated using the wick 5230,
number of times that the wick 5230 has been washed. The inputs may
include any other data which may indicate a condition and/or a
property of the wick 5230. Yet further, the wick condition
determination algorithms may receive inputs in some cases relating
to ambient conditions. A wick condition determination algorithm may
then determine one or more conditions of the wick 5230 based on one
or more of the above inputs.
[0360] Some of the wick conditions may be measured/determined and
used as further inputs to other wick conditions. For example, wick
conditions such as water capacity and/or the water content of the
wick may be determined, and used as inputs to determine other wick
conditions such as a remaining usable life of the wick 5230 or to
determine whether the wick may be suitable for use, as shown in
step 5610A5 of FIG. 22. If the wick 5230 is determined to be no
longer suitable for use, the wick condition determination algorithm
5610 may generate a corresponding signal (e.g. in step 5610A6), for
example to the humidifier controller 5550 so that the humidifier
5000 may communicate to the user of a need to change the wick 5230,
e.g., via a visual and/or an audible communication device.
[0361] In one example, a set of input values of: wick model, wick
material, wick construction, time of use and number of times that
the humidifier wick has been washed may be compared to a set of
reference values (e.g. a look-up table) to determine a condition
set of the wick, such as a remaining useful life of the wick and/or
a water capacity of the wick. The determined condition set (e.g. a
remaining useful life of the wick and/or a water capacity of the
wick) may then be compared to a threshold (e g minimum remaining
useful life of the wick or a minimum water capacity of the wick) to
generate a signal to indicate whether the humidifier wick 5230 is
suitable for use in the humidifier 5000. A visual and/or an audible
communication device may be provided to communicate to the user
whether the humidifier wick 5230 is suitable for use in the
humidifier 5000. As described above, the thresholds may be
predetermined and stored into a memory 4260 for example by a
manufacturer of the humidifier 5000 based on characterisation of
one or more available types of humidifier wick 5230.
[0362] In some cases, a calibration algorithm may add to or modify
the thresholds, such as to be able to indicate when a wick 5230 has
been replaced or washed, for example based on an increase in its
water capacity.
[0363] A wick condition determination algorithm 5610 may determine
and/or express a water capacity of the wick 5230 in absolute terms
or relative terms, for example, as shown in an example algorithm
5610B shown in FIG. 23. That is, the water capacity of the wick
5230 may be determined and/or expressed as an absolute quantity of
water (e.g. in millilitres) that the wick 5230 is able to hold (as
shown in step 5160B3 of FIG. 23) or as a relative (e.g. as a
percentage) quantity (as shown in optional step 5160B5 of FIG. 23),
such as in relation to a predetermined water capacity of the wick
5230 (as shown in input step 5160B4 of FIG. 23), or in relation to
a minimum water capacity of the wick 5230 (not shown). The water
capacity of the wick 5230 may be assessed prior to use (such as in
step 5610B5) to determine whether the wick 5230 is suitable for
use, for example, by comparing the determined water capacity to a
threshold water capacity. In some forms, the wick condition
determination algorithm 5610 may indicate an unsuitability of the
wick (step 5610B7) based on the determined water capacity of the
wick 5230.
[0364] In one form, a wick condition determination algorithm 5610
may determine a water content of the humidifier wick 5230 as a
proportion of its water capacity. The wick condition determination
algorithm 5610 may in some forms indicate when a wick saturation
condition is reached, which is to say that the full water capacity
of the wick 5230 has been met and/or exceeded. A visual and/or an
audible communication device may be provided to communicate to the
user when a wick saturation condition is reached. In some cases,
determination of wick saturation may be used as an input to another
humidifier algorithm, for example to stop, or slow down, operation
of the water delivery mechanism 5150.
[0365] In another aspect, the wick condition determination
algorithm may determine a remaining life of the wick 5230 based on
the current water capacity of the wick 5230 and the rate of change
of the water capacity of the wick 5230 according to one or more
previously measured water capacity values of the wick 5230.
[0366] In one form (e.g. shown in FIG. 24), a wick condition
determination algorithm 5610 may determine a condition of the
humidifier wick 5230 based on one or more temperatures (e.g.
measured or sensed) at or near the humidifier wick 5230 (in step
5610C2). In some cases, the one or more temperatures may be
compared with reference values (in step 5610C3), which may be
expected temperatures, temperatures measured from nearby sensors,
or previously measured temperatures, to determine the condition of
the humidifier wick 5230 (in step 5610C4). The expected
temperatures may be based on one or more of operating parameters of
the humidifier 5000, such as a heat output from the heating element
5220, a flow rate of air through the humidifier 5000, and a water
flow rate through the water feed inlet 5206, as well as any number
of others. In some forms, the reference values (e.g. expected
temperatures) may be determined from one or more look-up tables or
equations based on the one or more operating parameters. The
reference values may be expressed as absolute values (e.g. 30
degrees C.) or in relation to measured or sensed values (e.g. plus
or minus 10 degrees C.).
[0367] According to another aspect, the one or more temperatures
may be measured and/or analysed relative to each other, for
instance based on any temporal or spatial patterns. In one form,
measures of temperature in a humidifier 5000 at various temperature
sensors such as 5514_1, 5514_2, 5514_3, 5514_4 (see FIG. 15) may be
measured and compared to each other, such as to determine
temperature gradients over time and/or space. In another form,
measures of temperature in a humidifier 5000 at a temperature
sensor such as 5514_1 may be compared against another measure at
the same temperature sensor 5514_1 which was taken at another time.
For instance, an analysis may compare rates of change of the one or
more temperatures against reference values (e.g. of rates of change
of temperatures). Alternatively, or additionally, a spatial
distribution of temperatures, for example of the one or more
temperatures relative to each other, may be compared against
reference values.
[0368] In one form, one or more of the operating conditions of the
humidifier 5000 may be varied while monitoring a response of one or
more temperatures to determine a condition of the humidifier 5000.
Examples of operating conditions to be varied may include a heat
output from the heating element 5220, an air flow rate through the
humidifier 5000, and a water flow rate through the water feed inlet
5206 as described above. However, the operating conditions may
include any number of other parameters. For example, a first set of
temperatures may be measured at a set of temperature sensors, and a
second set of temperatures may be measured at the set of
temperature sensors while a heat output from the heating element
5220 is increased, to determine an increase of temperature and/or a
rate of increase of temperature for the increase in the heat
output. Then, a suitability of the humidifier wick may be
determined based on the relationship between the increase of
temperature and/or the rate of increase of temperature and the
increase in the heat output, for example by determining a water
capacity of the wick 5230.
[0369] One arrangement of the humidifier 5000 comprising
temperature sensors 5514_1, 5514_2, 5514_3 and 5514_4 is shown in
FIG. 15. In this arrangement, measured temperatures and reference
values may be obtained at one or more of the temperature sensors
5514_1, 5514_2, 5514_3 and 5514_4 to determine a condition of the
humidifier wick 5230. In one example, a set of temperatures may be
measured at one or more of the temperature sensors 5514_1, 5514_2,
5514_3 and 5514_4 and used as a set of input values indicative of a
condition of the humidifier wick 5230. Then, a set of reference
values may be determined at temperature sensors 5514_1, 5514_2,
5514_3 and 5514_4 for example by measurement or determining an
expected set of temperatures.
[0370] In one example where an expected set of temperatures is
used, measured temperatures at temperature sensors 5514_1, 5514_2,
5514_3 and 5514_4 may be 40.degree. C., 41.degree. C., 40.degree.
C. and 52.degree. C. respectively, while the expected temperatures
may be 40.degree. C., 40.5.degree. C., 41.degree. C. and
41.5.degree. C., at a particular water flow rate (e.g. 1 g/min) for
a particular heat input (e.g. 20W) to the humidifier wick 5230. In
this case, a wick condition determination algorithm 5610 may
determine that the water flow rate is sufficiently high so that the
wick 5230 should be wet around the temperature sensor 5514_4, and
thus determine the humidifier wick 5230 to have a reduced water
capacity around the temperature sensor 5514_4.
[0371] Another arrangement of the humidifier 5000 is shown in FIG.
15A. The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more of a temperature
sensor 5514_6 towards the water feed inlet 5206, a temperature
sensor 5514_7 towards the trailing edge of the humidifier wick
5230, and a temperature sensor 5514_8 at an intermediate location
between the water feed inlet 5206 and the trailing edge of the
humidifier wick 5230.
[0372] As water is delivered to the humidifier wick 5230 through
the water feed inlet 5206, the area of the humidifier wick 5230
that is first to be wetted by the delivered wick could be
identified. Accordingly, a temperature sensor 5514_6 may be located
towards the water feed inlet 5206 to generate a signal indicative
of water content in the humidifier wick 5230. If the signal
generated by the temperature sensor 5514_6 indicates the region
proximate to the temperature sensor 5514_6 to be dry, a fault
condition may be triggered. For example, such a signal may indicate
that the water delivery mechanism 5150 is not operating correctly,
or that the humidifier wick 5230 may require replacement.
[0373] One or more of the signals generated by the temperature
sensors 5514_6, 5514_7 and 5514_8 may indicate a condition of the
humidifier wick 5230. In one form, a comparison of temperatures
measured by the temperature sensors 5514_6, 5514_7 and 5514_8 may
be used to determine a condition of the humidifier wick 5230 in a
region around each of the respective temperature sensors.
[0374] Further arrangements of the humidifier 5000 are shown in
FIG. 15B and 15C. The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more of a
temperature sensor 5514_9 and temperature sensor 5514_12
respectively towards the water feed inlet 5206, a temperature
sensor 5514_10 and temperature sensor 5514_13 respectively towards
the trailing edge of the humidifier wick 5230, and a temperature
sensor 5514_11 and temperature sensor 5514_14 respectively at an
intermediate location between the water feed inlet 5206 and the
trailing edge of the humidifier wick 5230.
[0375] The differential between the temperature sensor 5514_9 and
temperature sensor 5514_12 respectively and the other temperature
sensors may be indicative of the condition of the wick, for example
wearing of the wick, or build-up of precipitants or contaminants.
In one form, a controller may determine a condition of a wick based
on a difference between temperatures determined by the two
temperature sensors, such as two of the sensor arrangements
described in the preceding paragraphs. For example, the controller
may determine that the wick is in a first condition or a second
condition based on whether the difference in temperature is above
or below a predetermined threshold. In some forms, the threshold
may be determined as a formula or a look-up table.
[0376] In another arrangement of the humidifier shown in FIG. 16, a
temperature sensor 5514_5 may be placed at or near a periphery of
the humidifier wick 5230. For example, the temperature sensor
5514_5 may be placed at a periphery of the humidifier wick 5230
furthest from the water feed inlet 5206 to indicate wick saturation
where a wicking rate of the humidifier wick 5230 is isotropic. In
an arrangement of the humidifier wick 5230 where the liquid wicking
rate is anisotropic, the temperature sensor 5514_5 may be placed at
a periphery of the humidifier wick 5230 which may be the last
periphery to be reached by the liquid being delivered from the
water feed inlet 5206. A region of the humidifier wick 5230 would
be expected to exhibit different behaviours between when the region
is wet in comparison to when the region is dry. Thus a behaviour at
the region of the humidifier wick 5230 may be monitored to
determine whether it contains water.
[0377] A wick condition determination algorithm (e g example
algorithm 5610C) may be configured to monitor the temperature at
the sensor 5514_5, to determine a flooded condition (in step
561005) for the region of the sensor 5514_5. When the sensor 5514_5
is located at a furthest periphery of the wick 5230 from the water
feed inlet 5206, a flooded condition at the sensor 5514_5 may
indicate a flooded condition for the entire wick 5230. Thus, for
example, if a temperature measured at the sensor 5514_5 is at or
below a predetermined threshold, such as 2.degree. C.-5.degree. C.
or more below a temperature of the heating element 5220, the wick
5230 may be deemed to be flooded, or saturated, by the wick
condition determination algorithm 5610. In one form, the wick
condition determination algorithm 5610 may determine a water
capacity of the wick 5230 by measuring a time for the wick 5230 to
be saturated. Other sensors which may be suitable for use to
indicate wick saturation may include an ultrasonic sensor, a noise
sensor, a condensation sensor and/or an image processing sensor. In
some instances, where the wick is determined to be flooded, the
water delivery mechanism 5150 may be stopped (in step 561006), and
otherwise the water delivery mechanism 5150 may be continued to
operate (in step 561007).
[0378] A temperature (e.g. at or near the humidifier wick 5230) may
be indirectly determined, without direct measurement. In one form,
a measurement taken from a temperature sensor at a first location
may be used to determine (e.g. by estimation) a temperature at a
second location. For example, a temperature at a first location may
be correlated to a temperature at a second location (e.g. by way of
a function or a look-up table), in which case measurement of a
temperature at the first location may allow estimation of a
temperature at the second location (or vice versa). The correlation
(e.g. function or look-up table) may be stored in (and retrieved
from) a memory 4260, and may be predetermined such as by a
manufacturer of the humidifier 5000. In one form, the correlation
stored in memory 4260, may be updated for example through a data
communication interface 4280.
[0379] Thus, a wick condition determination algorithm 5610 may be
configured to determine a condition of the humidifier wick 5230
based on one or more temperatures at or near the humidifier wick
5230, wherein the one or more temperatures are indirectly
determined.
[0380] In another form, the wick condition determination algorithm
may determine a remaining life of the wick 5230 based on one or
more mechanical properties of a wick 5230. The one or more
mechanical properties may include noise/vibration characteristics
such as a muffling or an acoustic profile. In other forms, a
magnetic and/or optical characteristic of the wick 5230 may be used
to determine a remaining life of the wick 5230.
[0381] In some forms, a wick condition determination algorithm 5610
may produce one or more outputs to be used by another humidifier
algorithm. For instance, the wick condition determination algorithm
5610 may output water capacities of various zones of the wick 5230.
Where a humidifier wick 5230 is determined to have a reduced water
capacity in one zone, and the heating element 5220 comprises a
plurality of heating zones, a heat output by the heating element
5220 to the corresponding heating zones may be varied according to
the condition of the humidifier wick.
5.5.3.1.2 Plausibility Check Algorithms 5620
[0382] According to another aspect, the humidifier may comprise one
or more plausibility check algorithms 5620 configured to test for
errors in operation of the humidifier 5000, such as performance of
one or more individual components of the humidifier 5000 and/or the
entire humidifier 5000.
[0383] An example plausibility check algorithm 5620A (shown in FIG.
25) may receive as inputs inlet and/or ambient conditions (step
5620A2), such as measures of a temperature at the air inlet 5002,
humidity at the air inlet 5002, ambient temperature, and ambient
humidity. The plausibility check algorithm 5620A may further
receive as inputs operating parameters (step 5620A3) of the
humidifier 5000 such as a heat output of the heating element 5220
to the wick 5230 and a flow rate of water to the wick 5230. The
plausibility check algorithm 5620A may determine predicted output
conditions (e g humidity/temperature at outlet, as shown in step
5620A4) based on the inputs. In one form, the plausibility check
algorithm 5620 may monitor outlet conditions (step 5620A5), such as
a measured temperature at the air outlet 5004 and a measured
humidity at the air outlet 5004. The plausibility check algorithm
may compare the measured temperature and/or humidity against the
predicted humidity/temperature at the outlet to test plausibility
of the measured temperature and/or the humidity. If the temperature
at the air outlet 5004 and/or the humidity at the air outlet 5004
is found to be implausible (step 5620A6), for example, as they
deviate more than a threshold amount from a predicted value thereof
respectively, the plausibility check algorithm may indicate a fault
condition. It is noted that in other forms of the plausibility
check algorithm 5620, inputs, predicted values and measured values
may be varied from the examples provided above. Other examples of
suitable output conditions to be monitored may include a
temperature of the humidifier 5000, such as a temperature at or
near the humidifier wick 5230. For example (not shown), the
inlet/ambient conditions and outlet conditions may be monitored to
determine predicted operating parameters, and to compare the
predicted operating parameters with measured operating parameters
in order to determine plausibility of the measurements.
[0384] For instance, at an absolute ambient humidity of 10
milligrams per litre (mg/L), at an air flow rate of 35L/min, a
predicted absolute humidity of the flow of air at the air outlet
5004 may be 30 mg/L. Accordingly, if the water delivery mechanism
5150 has been delivering a water flow rate of 700 mg/min,
evaporation of the delivered water would add (700
mg/min)/(35L/min)=20 mg/L of absolute humidity to the flow of air
at the air outlet 5004. However, after a threshold period of time,
for example 5 minutes, the absolute humidity at the air outlet 5004
is below a threshold amount of the target absolute humidity, the
plausibility check algorithm may determine that the humidifier 5000
is not operating correctly and indicate a fault condition.
[0385] In another form, a plausibility check algorithm 5620 may
perform a test cycle to check operation of the humidifier 5000. For
instance, the plausibility check algorithm 5620 may change the heat
output of the heating element 5220 and/or the water flow rate of
the water delivery mechanism 5150 and check a response of the
humidifier 5000 using one or more of the humidifier
transducers.
[0386] In another form, a plausibility check algorithm 5620 may
check for correct performance of a component such as a water
delivery mechanism 5150, by comparing a water flow rate in
comparison to a rate of movement of the water pump 5152.
[0387] The plausibility check algorithms 5620 may be configured to
run at one or more of predetermined intervals, predetermined
triggers or user/patient requests. For example, the plausibility
check algorithm 5620 may be performed at start-up of the humidifier
5000, at monthly intervals, at requests of the patient 1000, at
requests from a remote location such as a health care provider's
computer, or when the humidity sensor 5516 detects that the output
humidity from the humidifier 5000 is below a target for a threshold
period of time. In other cases, the plausibility check algorithms
5620 may be configured to be running continuously (or periodically)
while the humidifier 5000 is in operation.
5.5.3.1.3 Pump Condition Determination Algorithms 5630
[0388] In one form, the humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more
pump condition determination algorithms 5630. The pump condition
determination algorithm may determine, for example, any blockages
in the pump 5152 or any fault conditions of the pump 5152 such as
an over-temperature condition, an over-current condition or leak.
In one form, pump condition determination algorithm(s) may be
performed at humidifier start-up (e.g. prior to commencement of
therapy and/or humidification) to determine the suitability of the
pump 5152 for operation.
[0389] In one example, the pump condition determination algorithm
5630 may monitor power consumed by the pump 5152, such as by
monitoring current consumed by the pump 5152, and indicate a fault
condition if the power consumed by the pump 5152 is outside of a
threshold, such as a threshold range. In another example, the pump
condition determination algorithm 5630 may monitor a temperature of
the pump 5152, and indicate a fault condition if the temperature of
the pump 5152 is outside of a threshold, such as a threshold
range.
5.5.3.1.4 Fault Mitigation Algorithms
[0390] One aspect of the present technology relates to use of fault
mitigation algorithms
[0391] In one form, a fault mitigation algorithm may be configured
to respond to outputs of wick condition determination algorithm
5610 and/or the plausibility check algorithms 5620. For instance,
the wick condition determination algorithm 5610 may determine a
condition of the humidifier wick 5230 and output a signal
indicating that the humidifier wick 5230 may no longer be suitable
for use. Then, the fault mitigation algorithm may act to reduce a
flow rate of air through the humidifier 5000, reduce a water flow
rate from the water delivery mechanism 5150, and/or possibly stop
operation of the humidifier 5000 and/or the RPT device 4000.
[0392] A fault mitigation algorithm may be additionally, or
alternatively, configured to respond to detection of
over-temperature and/or over-current in one or more electrical
components of the humidifier 5000. For example, the fault
mitigation algorithm may receive a signal from a pump condition
determination algorithm 5630 that the pump is malfunctioning, and
shut down operation of the humidifier 5000.
[0393] In another form, a fault mitigation algorithm may look for a
condition where `negative leak` is detected. Negative leak
condition occurs when the flow rate of air through the pressure
device 4140 is less than the estimated flow rate through the vent
3400 that was determined assuming normal operating conditions.
Occurrence of such a condition may indicate that the flow rate
through the vent 3400 has been reduced, for example because the
vent 3400 has been at least partially occluded. One potential cause
of the blocking may be due to accumulation of condensation on or
near the vent 3400, and accordingly the fault mitigation algorithm
may reduce a level of humidification output in order to try to
reduce the occlusion.
5.5.3.2 Humidifier Control Algorithms
5.5.3.2.1 Humidification Algorithms 5650
[0394] According to one aspect, humidification algorithms 5650 may
be configured to control components of the humidifier 5000 to
manage the humidity of the flow of air delivered from the
humidifier 5000.
[0395] In one form, the humidification algorithm 5650 may receive
as inputs one or more target output conditions such as target
output humidity or target output temperature, one or more ambient
conditions such as ambient humidity or ambient temperature, and/or
one or more measured output conditions such as measured output
humidity or measured output temperature. Other possible inputs for
the humidification algorithm 5650 may include characteristics of an
air circuit 4170 such as its length, or characteristics of the
patient interface 3000 such as its type, or vent characteristics.
In some cases, characteristics of the air circuit 4170 and/or the
patient interface 3000 may be input by a user, however in other
cases, they may be detected by an identification module or a
recognition system, such as that described in PCT Application
Publication No. WO 2010/091462, the entire contents of which is
hereby incorporated by reference. The humidification algorithms
5650 may further use as inputs one or more of a presence of a
patient 1000, a flow rate of the flow of air through the air
circuit 4170, a pressure gradient of the flow of air, or a breath
rate of a patient 1000.
[0396] The humidification algorithms 5650 may in one form operate
so that the flow of air delivered by the humidifier 5000 is at or
close to 100% relative humidity, although other relative humidities
may be possible, such as (but not limited to) 40%, 50% 60%, 70%,
80% or 90%. One advantage of the present technology may include a
shortened response time as described above. In some forms, the
humidification algorithms 5650 may have a target set as an absolute
humidity, while in others the target may be set as a relative
humidity. The humidification algorithm 5650 may thus be configured
in some forms to operate to humidify the air flow until a 90%-100%
output relative humidity is detected, at which point the
humidification algorithm 5650 may reduce, or cease, adding humidity
(humidity output) by the humidifier 5000. Advantageously, a
shortened response time of the present technology may allow the
humidifier 5000 to operate in this fashion without producing
significant, or any, condensation, whereas a humidifier 5000 with a
longer response time may not be able to reduce the humidity output
in the time required. Additionally, or alternatively, a
humidification algorithm 5650 may reduce (or prevent) occurrence of
condensation by increasing a heat output of the air circuit heating
element 4171 when occurrence of condensation is detected (e.g., by
an optical sensor or other sensor, or methods described elsewhere
in this document). Thus, in one example, where occurrence of
condensation is detected, a humidification algorithm 5650 may
reduce a humidity output of the humidifier 5000 to reduce the
absolute humidity of air flow being delivered, while the air
circuit heating element 4171 increases its heat output into the air
circuit 4170 to ameliorate formation of further condensates and
vaporise existing condensates.
[0397] Thus, in one form, the humidifier 5000 may be configured to
maintain or increase a humidity output until condensation is
detected, for example in the air circuit 4170, the patient
interface 3000 or in the patient's airways. Upon detection of
condensates, the humidifier may decrease the humidity output until
the condensates can be said to have evaporated, or have been
removed, and no further condensates occur. Using such a method, the
humidifier 5000 may deliver a humidity as close to 100% as possible
without producing significant condensations, thereby minimising
disturbances to the patient while improving the patient's quality
of therapy and/or comfort.
[0398] In one form, a humidification algorithm 5650 may receive as
an input an output from a condensation detection algorithm 5700,
which is described in further detail below. The humidification
algorithm 5650 may be configured to reduce a humidity output of the
humidifier 5000 where the condensation detection algorithm 5700
indicates an occurrence of condensation. Such an arrangement may be
advantageous where condensation has occurred within an air circuit
4170 away from a humidity sensor 5516, in which case the humidity
sensor 5516 may indicate a humidity of less than 100% even though
it may be 100% at the location of condensation.
[0399] In another form, an output indicating an occurrence of
condensation from the condensation detection algorithm 5700 may be
used to predict (and/or prevent) condensation to occur at a later
time. For example, if condensation was detected at a particular
time, the humidification algorithm 5650 may record one or more
variables such as: ambient conditions
(temperature/humidity/pressure), respiratory treatment parameters
(e.g. pressure, flow rate), and humidifier/air circuit operating
conditions (e.g. heating element 5220 output, measured humidity or
measured temperature). The humidification algorithm 5650 may then
flag or learn the set of recorded variables to indicate a
condensation onset condition, and predict an occurrence of
condensation if a set of variables at a later time approaches the
condensation onset condition. The humidification algorithm 5650 may
then, for example, alert the user (e.g. patient 1000), or modify an
operation of the humidifier 5000 to avoid arriving at the
condensation onset condition by, for example, reducing a water flow
rate from the reservoir 5110 to the humidification chamber
5200.
[0400] According to another aspect, a humidification algorithm may
be programmed to behave in a non-linear fashion as a response to a
change in operating conditions. For instance, the humidification
algorithm may be programmed so that when a mask leak increases,
e.g. from 5L/min to 10L/min, increasing the total flow rate from
35L/min to 40L/min, the heat output from the heating element 5220
and the water flow rate from the water delivery mechanism 5150 is
increased by a greater amount than 5/35. In another example, the
humidification algorithm may be configured to increase the absolute
humidity of the air flow when a flow rate is increased. Such an
arrangement may counteract any decreases in patient comfort, for
example due to increased leak and dryness. The response by a
humidification algorithm based on a change in operating conditions
may be delayed in some cases.
[0401] In another aspect, the humidification algorithm 5650 may be
configured to determine suitable target conditions according to the
ambient conditions, for example without the need for a user (or a
patient 1000) to change the desired output condition. For instance,
the humidification algorithm 5650 may direct the humidifier 5000 to
output warmer air at a higher humidity where the ambient conditions
are colder and drier in comparison to where the ambient conditions
are warmer and more humid.
[0402] In some forms of the humidification algorithm 5650, the heat
output to the humidifier wick 5230 and the water flow rate to the
humidifier wick 5230 may be controlled as a function of each other.
For instance, where the heat output to the humidifier wick 5230 is
limited, such as due to low power availability, the water flow rate
to the humidifier wick 5230 may be reduced accordingly.
Furthermore, where the water flow rate is reduced such as where the
quantity of water in the reservoir 5110 is limited, the heat output
to the humidifier wick 5230 may be reduced accordingly.
[0403] In a yet further aspect, the humidification algorithm 5650
may determine target conditions according to one or more
preferences and/or therapeutic requirements of the patient 1000. In
one form, the humidification algorithm 5650 may receive a set of
patient preferences through input devices 4220. In another form,
the humidification algorithm 5650 may learn a patient's preference
from a usage pattern of the patient 1000 or detection of sleep
quality of a patient 1000.
[0404] In one example, a breath phase of the patient may be used as
an input to the humidification algorithm 5650. For example, the
humidification algorithm 5650 may cause the humidifier 5000 to add
more humidity to the air flow for inspiration than expiration.
Alternatively or additionally, the portion of the flow of air to be
delivered to the patient during inspiration may be of a higher
temperature, for example by increasing an amount of heat delivered
to the heating element 5220, or increasing the amount of water
delivered to the humidifier wick 5230.
[0405] The humidifier 5000 may be arranged relative to the patient
1000 such that a portion of the flow of air will take a length of
time to travel from the humidifier 5000 to the entrance of the
patient's airways, wherein the length of time is significant in
comparison to a length of a breath of a patient. The length of time
may be referred to as a humidification lag, and where the
humidification lag is significant, it may need to be considered in
order to effectively deliver an air flow according to a patient's
breath phase.
[0406] In one form, the time lag may be determined from a manual
input by a user, for example by identifying one or more of a type
and length of one or more of the air circuit, the humidifier, the
blower and the patient interface. A controller, such as a central
controller 4230, may then determine the time lag, for example by
estimating the total length for the air flow to travel between the
humidifier 5000 and the patient 1000, and dividing by a speed of
air (speed of sound). Then, the humidification algorithm 5650 may
be configured to output an air flow from the humidifier 5000 for a
patient breath phase in advance of the patient breath phase by the
amount of the time lag (t.sub.lag). Thus, if the patient 1000 is
expected to begin inhalation at time t, the humidification
algorithm 5650 may be configured to deliver the portion of air flow
for inhalation to leave the humidifier 5000 at time
t-t.sub.lag.
[0407] In another example, a property of an air flow path through
the patient 1000 may be used as an input to the humidification
algorithm 5650. For instance, a patient 1000 may change the
orifices that they breathe through according to a sleep state, such
that while they are in bed falling asleep, they may breathe
primarily through their mouth, whereas they may primarily breathe
through their nose once they are asleep. In other patients, the
converse may apply, or some combination of mouth and nose breathing
may apply, while breathing differently according to a sleep
state.
[0408] An air flow which is exhaled through the mouth of the
patient 1000 may be cooler than an air flow which is exhaled
through the nose of the patient 1000 due to the changed air flow
paths. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide additional
amounts of heat and moisture to the patient 1000 where the air flow
path is more directed through the mouth of the patient than the
nose of the patient. In one form, a sleep state of the patient 1000
may be determined, and the humidification algorithm 5650 may
automatically adjust a humidification setting according to the
patient's sleep state. In another form, a degree of mouth breathing
may be determined, and the humidification algorithm 5650 may
automatically adjust a humidification accordingly.
[0409] In other forms, a patient's sleep state may be determined
and used as an input to the humidification algorithm 5650. For
example, where the patient is more likely to experience arousal,
such as during rapid eye moment (REM) sleep, the humidification
level may be increased for improved comfort. This may for example
be balanced against other stages of sleep where arousal is not as
likely, during which time the humidification algorithm 5650 may
then reduce the humidification level to increase the length of time
over which humidification may be provided and/or an interval
between the length of time for the reservoir 5110 to be
re-filled.
[0410] According to another aspect, the humidification algorithm
5650 may be configured to provide a period of higher humidity than
the humidity provided during the rest of the therapy session. For
example, the period of higher humidity may provide an output
humidity of 95% humidity to the patient for an hour while nominally
a humidity output of 80% is provided for the remaining hours (e.g.
7 hours) of patient's therapy (e.g. during a night's sleep).
[0411] The period of higher of humidity may be triggered based on
one or more factors, such as mask leak, mouth leak, at humidifier
start-up, towards an end of the therapy session, a physiological
state (e.g. disease state, allergies, fatigue level) of the patient
or an environmental factor (e.g. pollen count).
5.5.3.2.2 Humidifier Calibration Algorithms 5660
[0412] In some cases, one or more humidifier calibration algorithms
5660 may be used to verify operation of the humidifier 5000 and/or
to calibrate the humidifier 5000. One or more humidifier
calibration algorithms may be performed periodically, or according
to triggers such as user requests. For instance, an
out-of-calibration operation of the humidifier 5000 may lead to an
oversupply of water in comparison to the desired water flow rate,
which may lead to introduction of water in the air circuit 4170.
Alternatively, an undersupply of water in comparison to the desired
water flow rate may lead to overheating of the humidifier 5000 or
discomfort for the patient 1000.
[0413] In one form, a humidifier calibration algorithm 5660 may
deliver a known water flow rate to a humidifier wick 5230, while
varying a heat output to the wick 5230 to analyse one or more
responses of the humidifier 5000, for example, using the humidifier
transducers.
[0414] In another form, a humidifier calibration algorithm 5660 may
deliver a known heat output to a humidifier wick 5230, while
varying a water flow rate to the wick 5230 to analyse one or more
responses of the humidifier 5000, for example, using the humidifier
transducers.
5.5.3.2.3 Humidifier Start-Up Algorithms 5665
[0415] In some forms, one or more humidifier start-up algorithms
5665 may be used to control one or more aspects of the humidifier
5000 in its start-up phase of operation, for example, within the
first 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes after the humidifier 5000 is
switched on or after the humidifier 5000 begins to humidify the air
flow.
[0416] According to one aspect, a humidifier start-up algorithm
5665 may be configured to initiate operation of a first component
prior to a second component during the start-up phase, while both
the first and the second components may simultaneously operate
subsequent to the start-up phase. In one form, the humidifier
start-up algorithm 5665 may initiate operation of the water
delivery mechanism 5150 prior to initiating operation of the
heating element 5220 to prevent overheating.
[0417] In one example, the humidifier start-up algorithm 5665 may
be configured to delay supply of power to the heating element 5220
until the water delivery mechanism 5150 has delivered at least a
predetermined amount of water to the humidifier wick 5230, which
may be measured in relative terms (such as 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% of
wick saturation) or in absolute terms (such as 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g, or
15 g of water). In another form, the humidifier start-up algorithm
5665 may be configured to delay supply of power to the heating
element 5220 by a predetermined length of time, such as 15 seconds,
30 seconds, 1 minute, or 2 minutes to allow for the humidifier wick
5230 to receive a volume of water from the water delivery mechanism
5150. In yet other forms, the water delivery mechanism 5150 and the
heating element 5220 may simultaneously be initiated, however, the
power supplied to the heating element 5220 may be reduced during
the start-up phase.
[0418] According to another aspect, a humidifier start-up algorithm
5665 may be configured to provide an increased humidity output
during the start-up phase. In one form, the humidifier start-up
algorithm 5665 may be configured to provide a more power to the
heating element 5220 and/or higher water flow rate through the
water delivery mechanism 5150 than the power and/or water flow rate
used throughout a subsequent time period.
[0419] For example, the humidifier start-up algorithm 5665 may be
configured so that the power output by heating element 5220 may be
higher during the start-up phase than a subsequent time period or
phase. For example, the power output by the heating element 5220
may be 20%, 40%, 60% or 80% higher than a power output by the
heating element 5220 in its normal operation.
[0420] Alternatively, or additionally, the water flow rate from the
water reservoir 5110 to the humidifier chamber 5200, such as by the
water delivery mechanism 5150, may be increased together, or
independently or, the power provided to the heating element.
[0421] Thus, the humidity and/or heat output by the humidifier 5000
may be higher at a start-up phase in comparison to the subsequent
time period or phase. Accordingly, the air flow delivered to the
patient may be conditioned to the desired humidity/or temperature
at a faster speed than if the humidity and/or heat output by the
humidifier 5000 had stayed constant. Alternatively, or
additionally, in some cases, the air flow delivered to the patient
may be at an increased humidity and/or temperature during the
start-up phase, which the patient may find more desirable, before
settling to a decreased level of humidity and/or temperature during
a subsequent time period or phase.
5.5.3.2.4 Foreign Matter Management Algorithms 5670
[0422] As described above, formation, collection, and/or build-up
on foreign matter such as particulates may occur on the humidifier
wick 5230, which may adversely affect a performance of the wick
5230. According to one aspect, one or more foreign matter
management algorithms may be used to control the location and/or
rate of foreign matter build-up on the wick 5230.
[0423] In some cases, foreign matter may collect on the humidifier
wick at the greatest rate where the wick 5230 dries out completely.
For instance, at a water boundary 5230_WB of the water retained by
the wick 5230, as shown in FIG. 14. In one form, a foreign matter
management algorithm 5670 may manage a location and/or pattern of a
water boundary 5230_WB, for example, away from an area of detected
low water capacity. The foreign matter management algorithm 5670
may achieve this goal by controlling one or more of the heat output
onto the humidifier wick 5230, a water flow rate onto the
humidifier wick 5230 or a water distribution pattern within the
humidifier wick 5230.
[0424] According to another aspect, a foreign matter management
algorithm may be configured to determine a quality of water, such
as a foreign matter content in the water. In one form, a
conductivity of water may be measured to determine the foreign
matter content in the water. In one form, electrodes in contact
with the water may be placed in the humidifier 5000 (e.g. in the
reservoir 5110, water delivery mechanism 5150, or in the wick 5230)
to measure resistivity of the water. In some forms, the electrodes
may be placed in the wick 5230 so that the resistivity measured
will indicate resistivity of the wick and the water therein, where
a high resistivity may indicate a corresponding high level of
foreign matter build-up in the wick.
[0425] The foreign matter management algorithm may be configured to
vary a location of the water boundary 5230_WB during use of the
humidifier 5000. Particulates or foreign matter may collect at a
faster rate at the location of the water boundary 5230_WB than the
rest of the humidifier wick 5230. Thus, during use of the
humidifier 5000, by varying a location of the water boundary
5230_WB, a distribution of the foreign matter that is collected
throughout the humidifier wick 5230 may be controlled, for example
to extend a useful life of the humidifier wick 5230.
[0426] The foreign matter management algorithm may vary a location
of the water boundary 5230_WB by adjusting one or both of the water
flow rate to the humidifier wick 5230 and a heat output of the
heating element 5220.
[0427] In one form, a water flow rate of the humidifier 5000 may be
varied between a minimum water flow rate and a maximum water flow
rate. The water flow rate may vary between the minimum water flow
rate and the maximum water flow rate, such as linearly or as a
sinusoid for example.
[0428] A location of the water boundary 5230_WB may be varied
during use of a humidifier 5000, such as shown in FIGS. 14, 14A and
14B. The location of the water boundary 5230_WB may be varied in a
reciprocating motion, such that the water boundary 5230_WB moves
from a first location shown in FIG. 14, to a second location shown
in 14A, to a third location shown in 14B, back to the second
location shown in 14A, and so on.
[0429] Alternatively, or additionally, a heat output of the heating
element 5220 may be varied between a minimum heat output and a
maximum heat output. The heat output may vary between the minimum
heat output and the maximum heat output, such as linearly or as a
sinusoid for example.
[0430] It will be understood by the skilled person that a number of
other means may also be used to vary a location of the water
boundary 5230_WB. It will be also understood that the variation of
a location of the water boundary 5230_WB may follow a different
regime, such as at a non-linear rate.
[0431] In some forms, variation of the location of the water
boundary 5230_WB may be periodic, to encourage a build-up of
particulates to occur according to an even distribution through a
length of the humidifier wick 5230.
[0432] In some forms, the foreign matter management algorithm may
be configured such that a location of the water boundary 5230_WB
may be at least partly determined by a determined condition of the
humidifier wick 5230. For example, a first region of the humidifier
wick 5230 may be found to include a higher concentration of foreign
matter or particulates than a second region of the humidifier wick
5230. In response, the foreign matter management algorithm may
operate to move the water boundary 5230_WB towards, or into the
second region for longer periods of time than in the first
region.
5.5.3.2.5 Wick Drying Algorithms 5675
[0433] The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more wick drying
algorithms 5675 configured to reduce a water content of a
humidifier wick 5230. A wick drying algorithm 5675 may operate to
dry the humidifier wick 5230, such as at completion of a therapy
session, or when the humidifier wick 5230 is determined to be
saturated with water.
[0434] A wick drying algorithm 5675 may reduce a water content of
the humidifier wick 5230 by one or more of: preventing a flow of
liquid from the reservoir 5110 to the humidifier wick 5230,
reducing a flow of liquid from the reservoir 5110 to the humidifier
wick 5230, increasing a heat output of the heating element 5220,
increasing a flow rate of air through the humidifier 5000, and
increasing a temperature of the air through the humidifier
5000.
5.5.3.2.6 Wick Cleaning Algorithms 5680
[0435] The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more wick cleaning
algorithms 5680 configured to clean the humidifier wick 5230, for
reducing the amount of foreign matter and/or any bio-burden on the
wick 5230.
[0436] In one form, a wick cleaning algorithm 5680 may operate to
rinse the humidifier wick 5230 with a supply of water and/or a
cleaning agent. Additionally, or alternatively, the wick cleaning
algorithm 5680 may dry the wick 5230, in some cases at a
temperature higher than an operating temperature.
[0437] In another form, a wick cleaning algorithm 5680 may be
configured to activate where a cleaning adapter is coupled to the
humidifier 5000. One advantage of this form may be to prevent use
of the humidifier 5000 by the patient 1000 while the wick cleaning
algorithm 5680 is activated. In some cases, the cleaning adapter
may comprise a cleaning agent which may be released into the
humidifier wick 5230 while the wick cleaning algorithm 5680 is
active.
[0438] A wick cleaning algorithm 5680 may be configured to operate
in some forms after cessation of therapy. In some cases, the RPT
device 4000 and/or a humidifier 5000 may be arranged with a battery
to enable operation of the wick cleaning algorithm 5680 after power
has been switched off.
5.5.3.3 Patient Feedback Algorithms 5690
[0439] The humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more patient
feedback algorithms 5690 for relaying information and/or providing
recommendations to the patient 1000.
[0440] Patient feedback algorithms 5690 may, in some forms, inform
the patient 1000 of one or more outputs from the humidifier
algorithms described above. Examples of information provided to a
patient 1000 by a patient feedback algorithm 5690 may include a
condition of the humidifier wick 5230, such as its remaining life
or a quality of the water, or any anomalous activity of the
humidifier 5000, or an indication of a fault, such as detection of
a missing reservoir 5110. In some cases, a patient feedback
algorithm 5690 may simply indicate to a patient 1000 or a caregiver
that the humidifier wick 5230 may require washing.
[0441] In one form, a patient feedback algorithm 5690 may collect
data relating a patient's sleep data to one or more humidification
conditions. The patient feedback algorithm 5690 may then correlate
the measured data to determine one or more preferred humidification
conditions. For example, the patient feedback algorithm 5690 may
collect patient sleep data relating to one or more of: arousal
event data, sleep state data and any SDB event data. The patient
feedback algorithm 5690 may also collect one or more humidification
conditions such as ambient conditions (e.g. ambient temperature,
pressure, humidity) and/or output conditions (output temperature,
humidity), and correlate the patient sleep data to humidification
conditions to determine the patient's preferred output temperature
and/or humidity based on ambient conditions.
[0442] A patient feedback algorithm 5690 may also include as inputs
one or more of: therapy conditions (e.g. total flow rate, leak flow
rate, therapy pressure), sleep disordered breathing events (e.g.
apneas, hypopneas, arousals, flow limitations), calendar data (e.g.
distinguish between weekday/weekend, first scheduled meeting of the
day, alarm clock setting), and a sleep state monitor to determine
the output temperature and/or humidity to be delivered to the
patient by correlating the inputs to a preferred humidification
condition.
5.5.3.4 Condensation Related Algorithms
5.5.3.4.1 Condensation Detection Algorithms 5700
[0443] Occurrence of condensation in a respiratory treatment system
may be undesirable as condensation may adversely affect operation
of one or more components. For example, condensates may short
circuit an electrical connection, or occlude a pneumatic path such
as a vent 3400 or a port of a transducer such as a flow sensor 4274
or a pressure sensor 4272. Condensation, when it occurs in
significant quantities, may also affect the patient 1000 in that
ingress of condensation into the patient's airways during sleep may
cause disturbances such as arousal, or worse, potentially present a
hazard. Thus, the humidifier 5000 may comprise one or more
algorithms to determine whether condensation may have occurred in
the respiratory treatment system.
[0444] According to a first example, a condensation detection
algorithm 5700 may be configured to compare properties of the air
flow at a first location and a second location to determine whether
any condensation may have occurred therebetween.
[0445] In one form (see FIG. 26), a respiratory treatment system
(e.g. in the humidifier 5000 or the air circuit 4170) may comprise
a first humidity sensor 5516_1 (e.g. at or near an inlet of an air
circuit 4170), and a second humidity sensor 5516_2 downstream of
the first humidity sensor (e.g. at or near an outlet of the air
circuit 4170). Occurrence of condensation in the air circuit 4170
may cause a decrease in absolute humidity from the inlet to the
outlet of the air circuit, as moisture is removed from the air flow
(where it is in a form of water vapour) as liquid water. Thus, a
condensation detection algorithm 5700 may be configured to indicate
an occurrence of condensation in the air circuit upon detection of
a decrease in absolute humidity from the first humidity sensor
5516_1 to second humidity sensor 5516_2. In some forms, where the
humidity sensor is configured to measure a relative humidity, the
respiratory treatment system may comprise additional sensors, such
as a temperature sensor to help determine an absolute humidity.
[0446] For instance, air at the first humidity sensor 5516_1 may be
determined to have a relative humidity of 86% at a temperature of
30 degrees, and a relative humidity of 92% at a temperature of 27
degrees at the second humidity sensor. The corresponding absolute
humidity at the first humidity sensor 5516_1 would be 23.2 g/kg,
and 20.9 g/kg at the second humidity sensor 5516_2. At an air flow
rate of 30 litres per minute, the condensates would be produced
between the first humidity sensor 5516_1 to second humidity sensor
5516_2 at a rate of approximately 0.09 g/min, or 5.4 g/hour. Thus
the condensation detection algorithm 5700 may indicate an
occurrence of condensation, which may then be used to prevent
occurrence of further condensation and prevent accumulation of
condensates.
[0447] In another example, a measured thermal response may be
compared to a predicted thermal response to indicate an occurrence
of condensation, where the predicted thermal response is based on
an assumption of lack of condensation. Where condensation has
occurred within an air circuit 4170, a thermal response of the air
flow in the air circuit 4170 may be altered due to an increased
heat capacity of the contents of the air circuit 4170. For example,
saturated air at a temperature of 25.degree. C. has a density of
1.166 kg/m3, with a heat capacity of 1.043 kJ/kgK. At an air flow
rate of 30 litres per minute (0.5 litres per second), the total
heat capacity of the air flow (per second) would be 0.61 kJ/K. The
heat capacity of the contents of the air circuit 4170 would then be
approximately doubled should liquid water of 0.15 g mass be present
in the tube. Accordingly, when heat is input to the air circuit
4170, presence of condensation may reduce a heating response of the
air flow therein in comparison to a heating response where the
prediction assumed that condensates are not present in the air
circuit 4170, thereby changing a measured thermal response from the
predicted thermal response.
[0448] Thus, in one form, a condensation detection algorithm 5700
may detect occurrence of condensation by comparing a measure of
rate of heat energy input to the air circuit 4170, and a measure of
heating response, such as heating rate per time or heating rate per
distance. Referring to FIG. 27, for example, a respiratory
treatment system may comprise a first temperature sensor 5514_6
(e.g. located at an inlet of the air circuit 4170) and a second
temperature sensor 5514_7 located downstream of the first
temperature sensor 5514_6 (e.g. at an outlet of the air circuit
4170). Where the air circuit 4170 comprises a heating element 4171,
the heat energy input into the air circuit 4170 (and thus to the
air flow travelling therethough) may be correlated to measurements
at one or more of the first temperature sensor 5514_6 and the
second temperature sensor 5514_7.
[0449] In some forms, the condensation detection algorithm 5700 may
also use as inputs one or more of: a pressure or flow rate of the
air flow travelling through the air circuit 4170, ambient
conditions (e.g. temperature/humidity/pressure), or a rate of heat
transfer between the air circuit 4170 and the ambient. The flow
rate may be determined by a flow sensor 4274 or an estimation
method (e.g. as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,795, the entire
content of which is incorporated herewithin by reference).
[0450] Based on the above inputs, the condensation detection
algorithm 5700 may determine a predicted thermal response, to
compare against a measured thermal response, such as a temperature
difference between two temperature sensors (e.g. the first
temperature sensor 5514_6 and the second temperature sensor
5514_7), or a rate of change of temperature at a temperature sensor
(e.g. second temperature sensor 5514_7). In some forms, a predicted
thermal response may be based on one or more previous measurements
of thermal response.
[0451] In another form, a predicted thermal response may be based
on a look-up table or a model which is based on an assumption
wherein condensates are not present.
[0452] In one form, the condensation detection algorithm 5700 may
be configured to indicate an occurrence of condensation where the
measured thermal response deviates from the predicted thermal
response by more than a threshold. For example, when the predicted
temperature difference is greater than the measured temperature
difference by a threshold, such as a predetermined percentage or a
predetermined temperature. In another form, the condensation
detection algorithm 5700 may be configured to indicate an
occurrence of condensation where a predicted rate of change of
temperature (e.g. at the second temperature sensor 5514_7) is
greater than a measured rate of change of temperature, such as a
predetermined percentage or a predetermined magnitude.
[0453] In another example, a condensation detection algorithm 5700
may determine an occurrence of condensation by establishing a
steady state baseline condition, and searching for a deviation from
the baseline condition which may be caused by condensates.
[0454] In one form, the air circuit 4170 as shown in FIG. 27 may be
operating in a steady state such that temperatures measured at the
second temperature sensor 5514_7 has been consistent for a period
of time, which may be a predetermined period of time (e.g. 30
seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes). In such a case, in the
absence of other significant deviations in relevant variables, the
condensation detection algorithm 5700 may indicate an occurrence of
condensation where the temperatures measured at the second
temperature sensor 5514_7 begin to decrease, which may be caused by
an increase in heat capacity of the contents of the air circuit
4170.
[0455] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
aspects of any of the above examples may be combined to derive
other methods of detecting an occurrence of condensation.
5.5.3.4.2 Condensation Calibration Algorithms 5710
[0456] According to one aspect, the humidifier 5000 may comprise a
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 configured to establish one
or more variables indicating a condition at which condensation may
occur. A set of such variables may be referred to as a condensation
onset condition. For example, a condensation calibration algorithm
5710 may monitor all or some of: ambient pressure, ambient
temperature, therapy pressure, air flow rate and air flow
temperature, heat input by the humidifier heating element 5220, and
heat input by the air circuit heating element 4171.
[0457] The humidification algorithm 5650 may use the established
condensation onset condition to operate the humidifier 5000 at or
near saturation humidity. As the condensation onset condition may
comprise multiple variables, in some forms, the condensation
calibration algorithm 5710 may record a plurality of condensation
onset conditions, any of which may result in the air circuit 4170
experiencing an occurrence of condensation. In one form, the
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may be configured to
operate periodically (e.g. every 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hours)
to update the condensation onset condition(s).
[0458] In one form, a condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may
operate an air circuit heating element 4171 at a plurality of power
output conditions, and monitor the thermal response. For example,
the condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may operate the air
circuit heating element 4171 at one or more power outputs, for
example at 30W, 25W, 20W, 15W, 10W and 5W, and monitor a
temperature gradient within the air circuit 4170, for example by
monitoring a rate of heating between two temperature sensors (e.g.
first temperature sensor 5514_6 and second temperature sensor
5514_7 as shown in FIG. 27). The resulting rate of heating (e.g.
difference in temperature between the two temperature sensors
5514_6 and 5514_7), may be correlated with the power output of the
heating element 4171, to determine a condensation onset condition,
for example, as shown in FIG. 29, where a condensation onset
condition is found as an inflection point 5712. The conditions
below the inflection point may be referred to as a condensation
condition 5716, and conditions above the inflection point may be
referred to as a non-condensation condition 5714.
[0459] According to one aspect, where the air circuit 4170 may
comprise a plurality of zones (as described above), a condensation
calibration algorithm 5710 may use one of the plurality of zones to
determine a saturation condition. For example, as shown in FIG. 28,
the air circuit 4170 may comprise a first zone 4170_1 located
distal to the patient and a second zone 4170_2 located proximal to
the patient. The first zone 4170_1 may be operated at a first set
of parameters (e.g. at a first rate of heat input from a first
heating element 4171_1) to produce condensation therein, in order
find a set of condensation onset conditions as described above. At
the same time, the second zone 4170_2 may be operated at a second
set of parameters (e.g. at a second, higher rate of heat input from
a second heating element 4171_2) to prevent occurrence of
condensation in portions of the air circuit 4170 which may be
proximal to the patient (e.g. in the second zone 4170_2).
[0460] According to one aspect, the condensation calibration
algorithm 5710 may be configured to search for one or more
condensation onset conditions independently of an output from a
condensation detection algorithm 5700. In one form, the
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may achieve this goal by
changing a variable until a condensation onset condition was
detected, such that for example condensation had ceased to occur,
or condensation had begun to occur.
[0461] For example, as shown in FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B, the
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may vary the heating power
supplied (e.g. by the heating element 4171) to the air circuit 4170
to find condensation onset conditions. In FIG. 30A, starting from a
condensation condition, the condensation calibration algorithm 5710
may increase the heating power supplied until a condensation
detection algorithm 5700 detects a cessation of condensation, at
for example 5711, which may be marked as a condensation onset
condition. Also, starting from a condensation condition, the
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may decrease the heating
power supplied until the condensation detection algorithm 5700
detects that condensation is occurring at for example 5712, which
may also be marked as a condensation onset condition. The actual
condensation onset condition may be somewhere between the two
marked conditions 5711 and 5712, and may be shown on the graph as
5713, which would be a horizontal line (as shown in FIG. 30A) if
the condensation onset condition remained consistent (that is, in a
steady-state). If the actual condensation onset condition varies
over time, for example, as shown in FIG. 30B, the condensation
calibration algorithm 5710 may detect the condensation onset
condition varying over time and may continually update the
condensation onset condition.
[0462] Accordingly, where a plurality of measured condensation
onset conditions are available, these values may be for example
filtered over time (e.g. by low-pass filtering), or averaged, to
estimate the actual condensation onset condition. Furthermore, the
plurality of measured condensation onset conditions may be used to
indicate a plausibility of measurements. For instance, the
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 may be configured to
indicate a potential fault (e.g. in the humidifier 5000 or air
circuit 4170) where the measured condensation onset condition
varies greatly (e.g. where a standard deviation of the measured
condensation onset conditions is above a threshold).
5.5.3.4.3 Condensation Confirmation Algorithms 5720
[0463] The humidifier 5000 may also comprise algorithms configured
to confirm an occurrence of condensation as determined by a
condensation detection algorithm 5700. In one form, a condensation
confirmation algorithm 5720 may be triggered when a condensation
detection algorithm 5700 indicates an occurrence of
condensation.
[0464] According to one aspect, a condensation confirmation
algorithm 5720 may cause the humidifier 5000 to traverse the
condensation onset condition, and compare a thermal response at
either side of the condensation onset condition. For example, the
condensation confirmation algorithm 5720 may decrease a heat output
of the heating element 4171 from 20W to 10W, if 15W was determined
to be the condensation onset condition (e.g. traverse from a
condensation condition 5716 to non-condensation condition 5714 in
FIG. 29). Conversely, the heat output of the heating element 4171
may be increased from 10W to 20W where condensation was expected to
occur at or below 15W output, at which point it would be expected
that no further condensation would occur.
[0465] In some cases, if an occurrence of condensation was due to a
one-time event (e.g. introduction of moisture due to spillage by a
user), or a change in an ambient condition (e.g. a blanket covering
the tube being removed), traversing the condensation onset
condition may not cause a cessation (or production) of condensates.
In such cases, the condensation confirmation algorithm 5720 may be
configured to continue to increase (or decrease) the heat output of
the heating element 4171 until the expected change in thermal
response (e.g. change from a condensation condition to a
non-condensation condition, or vice versa) occurs.
5.5.3.5 Heating Plausibility Algorithms 5730
[0466] According to another aspect, the humidifier 5000 may
comprise one or more heating plausibility algorithms 5730 to
indicate an occurrence of a potential fault. For example, where a
change in a variable has occurred, such as in an ambient
temperature, output of a heating element (e g humidifier heating
element 5220 or air circuit heating element 4171) or an air flow
rate, a heating plausibility algorithm 5730 may assess whether the
measured effects may be varying in a manner which may be consistent
with the change in the variable.
[0467] For instance, if the flow sensor 4274 is recording a low
flow rate condition, and one or more heating elements are heating
the air flow, a heating plausibility algorithm 5730 may perform a
check to assess whether a measured temperature is expected to
increase, and whether the measured temperature is increasing in a
manner consistent with the prediction. If the increase in
temperature is lower than the predicted increase, or the
temperature does not increase at all, the heating plausibility
algorithm 5730 may indicate a fault condition.
[0468] In some forms, the heating plausibility algorithm 5730 may
perform a mitigation step such as for example reducing or ceasing
power supplied by a heating element 5220 or 4171.
5.5.3.6 Tube Detection Algorithms 5740
[0469] In one form, one or more measurements of a thermal response
to a heat input may be used to detect a parameter of an air circuit
4170, such as its length. For example, where a known amount of
electrical power is supplied, the thermal response of the heated
tube may differ according to a parameter such as length, or amount
of insulation, which may be used to determine the parameter.
5.6 Glossary
[0470] For the purposes of the present technology disclosure, in
certain forms of the present technology, one or more of the
following definitions may apply. In other forms of the present
technology, alternative definitions may apply.
5.6.1 General
[0471] Air: `Air` in the present disclosure will be taken to
include breathable gases. In certain forms of the present
technology, air supplied to a patient may be atmospheric air, and
in other forms of the present technology atmospheric air may be
supplemented with oxygen.
[0472] Ambient: In certain forms of the present technology, the
term ambient will be taken to mean (i) external of the treatment
system or patient, and (ii) immediately surrounding the treatment
system or patient. For example, ambient humidity with respect to a
humidifier may be the humidity of air immediately surrounding the
humidifier.
[0473] Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): CPAP treatment
will be taken to mean the application of a supply of air or air to
the entrance to the airways at a pressure that is continuously
positive with respect to atmosphere, and preferably approximately
constant through a respiratory cycle of a patient. In some forms,
the pressure at the entrance to the airways will vary by a few
centimeters of water within a single respiratory cycle, for example
being higher during inhalation and lower during exhalation. In some
forms, the pressure at the entrance to the airways will be slightly
higher during exhalation, and slightly lower during inhalation. In
some forms, the pressure will vary between different respiratory
cycles of the patient, for example being increased in response to
detection of indications of partial upper airway obstruction, and
decreased in the absence of indications of partial upper airway
obstruction.
5.6.2 Aspects of RPT Devices
[0474] Air circuit: A conduit or tube constructed and arranged in
use to deliver a supply of air between an RPT device and a patient
interface. In particular, the air circuit may be in fluid
connection with the outlet of the pneumatic block and the patient
interface. The air circuit may be referred to as air delivery tube.
In some cases there may be separate limbs of the circuit for
inhalation and exhalation. In other cases a single limb is
used.
5.7 Other Remarks
[0475] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise and where a
range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening
value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, between the
upper and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or
intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the
technology. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges,
which may be independently included in the intervening ranges, are
also encompassed within the technology, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the technology.
[0476] Furthermore, where a value or values are stated herein as
being implemented as part of the technology, it is understood that
such values may be approximated, unless otherwise stated, and such
values may be utilized to any suitable significant digit to the
extent that a practical technical implementation may permit or
require it.
[0477] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs.
Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the
present technology, a limited number of the exemplary methods and
materials are described herein.
[0478] When a particular material is identified as being preferably
used to construct a component, obvious alternative materials with
similar properties may be used as a substitute. Furthermore, unless
specified to the contrary, any and all components herein described
are understood to be capable of being manufactured and, as such,
may be manufactured together or separately.
[0479] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended
claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include their
plural equivalents, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0480] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by
reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials
which are the subject of those publications. The publications
discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to
the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be
construed as an admission that the present technology is not
entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention.
Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from
the actual publication dates, which may need to be independently
confirmed.
[0481] Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should
be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced.
[0482] The subject headings used in the detailed description are
included only for the ease of reference of the reader and should
not be used to limit the subject matter found throughout the
disclosure or the claims. The subject headings should not be used
in construing the scope of the claims or the claim limitations.
[0483] Although the technology herein has been described with
reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these
examples are merely illustrative of the principles and applications
of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols
may imply specific details that are not required to practice the
technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second"
may be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to
indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between
distinct elements. Furthermore, although process steps in the
methodologies may be described or illustrated in an order, such an
ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that such ordering may be modified and/or aspects thereof may be
conducted concurrently or even synchronously.
[0484] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications
may be made to the illustrative examples and that other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the technology.
5.8 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
TABLE-US-00002 [0485] patient 1000 bed partner 1100 patient
interface 3000 seal-forming structure 3100 plenum chamber 3200
stabilising structure 3300 connection port 3600 forehead support
3700 RPT device 4000 external housing 4010 upper portion 4012 lower
portion 4014 panel 4015 chassis 4016 handle 4018 pneumatic block
4020 pneumatic component 4100 air filter 4110 inlet air filter 4112
outlet air filter 4114 muffler 4120 inlet muffler 4122 outlet
muffler 4124 pressure device 4140 blower 4142 motor 4144 back valve
4160 air circuit 4170 first air circuit zone 4170_1 second air
circuit zone 4170_2 air circuit heating element 4171 first air
circuit heating element 4171_1 second air circuit heating element
4171_2 supplemental oxygen 4180 electrical component 4200 PCBA 4202
power supply 4210 input device 4220 central controller 4230 clock
4232 therapy device controller 4240 protection circuit 4250 memory
4260 transducer 4270 pressure transducer 4272 flow transducer 4274
motor speed sensor 4276 data communication interface 4280 remote
external communication network 4282 local external communication
network 4284 remote external device 4286 local external device 4288
output device 4290 display driver 4292 display 4294 humidifier 5000
air inlet 5002 air outlet 5004 reservoir 5110 water volume detector
5112 water delivery mechanism 5150 water pump 5152 water delivery
conduit 5154 mechanism 5156 water check valve 5158 humidification
chamber 5200 outer housing 5202 outer housing inlet portion 5202a
outer housing heater cover portion 5202b outer housing outlet
portion 5202c inner housing 5204 water feed inlet 5206 air flow
baffle 5208 blades 5208_B water filter 5214 heating element 5220
reservoir heating element 5221 humidifier wick 5230 wick dry region
5230_D wick wet region 5230_W water boundary 5230_WB wick first
layer 5230a wick second layer 5230b wick frame 5232 wick frame grip
5232_G wick remover 5232_R wick frame seal 5232_S wick locator 5233
humidifier filter 5240 flow sensor 5512 temperature sensor 5514
temperature sensor 5514_1 temperature sensor 5514_2 temperature
sensor 5514_3 temperature sensor 5514 4 temperature sensor 5514_5
temperature sensor 5514_6 temperature sensor 5514_7 temperature
sensor 5514_8 temperature sensor 5514_9 temperature sensor 5514_10
temperature sensor 5514_11 temperature sensor 5514 12 temperature
sensor 5514_13 temperature sensor 5514_14 heating element
temperature sensor 5514_HE pre-delivery chamber 5515 humidity
sensor 5516 first humidity sensor 5516_1 second humidity sensor
5516_2 humidifier controller 5550 humidifier algorithm 5600 wick
condition determination algorithm 5610 plausibility check algorithm
5620 pump condition determination algorithm 5630 humidification
algorithm 5650 humidifier calibration algorithm 5660 humidifier
start-up algorithm 5665 foreign matter management algorithm 5670
wick drying algorithm 5675 wick cleaning algorithm 5680 patient
feedback algorithm 5690 condensation detection algorithm 5700
condensation calibration algorithm 5710 inflection point 5712
non-condensation condition 5714 condensation condition 5716
condensation confirmation algorithm 5720 heating plausibility
algorithm 5730 tube detection algorithm 5740 downstream unheated
region 5230D heated region 5230H upstream unheated region 5230U
example wick condition determination algorithm 5610A example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A1 step 1 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A2 step 2 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A3 step 3 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A4 step 4 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A5 step 5 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610A6 step 6 example wick
condition determination algorithm 5610B example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610B1 step 1 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610B2 step 2 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5160B3 step 3 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5160B4 step 4 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610B5 step 5 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610B6 step 6 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610B7 step 7 example wick condition
determination algorithm 5610C example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C1 step 1 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C2 step 2 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C3 step 3 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C4 step 4 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C5 step 5 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C6 step 6 example wick condition determination
algorithm 5610C7 step 7 example plausibility check algorithm 5620A
example plausibility check algorithm step 1 5620A1 example
plausibility check algorithm step 2 5620A2 example plausibility
check algorithm step 3 5620A3 example plausibility check algorithm
step 4 5620A4 example plausibility check algorithm step 5 5620A5
example plausibility check algorithm step 6 5620A6
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