Humidification for continuous positive airway pressure systems
US8720439B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3334
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention encompasses the inclusion of non-heat, active-force humidifiers into CPAP devices. These humidifier modules use for example ultrasonics, atomization, and nebulization to increase the relative humidity of the air being delivered to the patient. Humidity is important in CPAP devices because it is vital to patient comfort and optimum health. All of these various, non-heat active humidifier modules are components or attachments to a CPAP device, and all optionally employ various procedures and devices for dealing with excess condensation. Most importantly, these humidification modules avoid the main problems associated with heat-requiring humidifiers, such as the added cost and time needed to operate these humidifiers, the excess condensation produced, and the increased likelihood of microbial growth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.