摘要 |
Devices, systems and methods for preventing collapse of the upper airway are disclosed. The device includes a mouthpiece and a breathing tube. The method includes the steps of inserting a mouthpiece and allowing inhaled air to flow through a breathing tube. A first disclosed system includes a CPAP device which maintains sufficient pressure in an upper airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source. The system includes, a mouthpiece, a breathing tube containing a bi-directional pressure sensitive valve and a mechanism for transforming kinetic energy of air flowing in a first direction to potential energy and transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy of air flowing in a second direction. Further disclosed is a method employing the system. An additional system includes a self contained CPAP for maintaining sufficient pressure in an airway while functioning independently of an external pressure source. The device includes a mouthpiece, a breathing tube containing a bi-directional pressure sensitive valve and an inflatable body. The inflatable body functions to adjust an internal cross sectional area of the breathing tube during a process of respiration, and to regulate air pressure during respiration. The device includes a mask designed and constructed to cover a nose of the patient and route exhaled air to the nose and a sensor. |