METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE TO A PATIENT

摘要

A system including methods and apparatus for treatment of a medical disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea or congestive heart failure. The system involves applying separate and independent gains (24) to flow rates of pressurized gas delivered to a patient (12) during inspiratory, expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle to deliver the pressurized gas in proportion to the respective gains during inspiration and expiration. A base pressure profile may be employed to assist or control inspiration. The system may be fully automated responsive to feedback provided by a flow sensor (22) that determines the estimated patient flow rate. A leak computer (32) can be included to instantaneously calculate gas leakage from the system. The system may be utilized in connection with conventional continuous positive airway pressure (bi-level PAP) equipment to effect various beneficial treatment applications.