Method and device(s) for diagnosis and/or treatment of sleep apnea and related disorders

摘要

Method and device for diagnosing and/or treating sleep apnea and related sleep disorders, such as snoring and respiratory effort-related arousals, includes an inflatable implement which is applied to the external surface of the chest and/or abdomen (Vest). Pressure is caused to rise to a predetermined positive value. The rate of airflow into and/or out of said Vest is monitored, whereby the Vest Flow is displayed or processed to obtain information about the breathing characteristics of the patient.

主权项

1. A method for diagnosing and/or treating sleep related disorders comprising:
applying an inflatable implement to the external surface of the chest and/or abdomen of a patient, said inflatable implement being capable of exerting positive pressure to said chest and/or abdomen of said patient, causing pressure within said inflatable implement to rise to and remain substantially constant at a set positive value of low magnitude throughout the patient's breathing cycle, monitoring the rate of airflow into and/or out of said inflatable implement to obtain information about the breathing characteristics of said patient.