CPAP
Comfortable Sleep,
Perfected by Smart Sensors
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are medical devices used primarily to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These machines deliver a steady airflow through a mask, ensuring the airways remain open during sleep. CPAP therapy is crucial for individuals who experience interrupted breathing or temporary airway blockages, which can result in fragmented sleep, excessive daytime fatigue, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
CPAP machines maintain continuous pressure in the airways, preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the throat, which is common in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP therapy also benefits individuals with other respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and certain neuromuscular disorders that affect breathing.
Different types of positive airway pressure (PAP) machines are designed to meet specific patient needs. The most common type is the CPAP machine, which delivers a fixed level of pressure throughout the entire night. Another option is the Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machine, which offers two pressure settings: a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower one during exhalation. BiPAP machines are often recommended for patients who struggle with standard CPAP machines or have more complex breathing conditions. Lastly, Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) machines adjust the pressure dynamically throughout the night based on the patient’s breathing patterns, providing a more customized therapy experience.
By preventing airway obstruction and ensuring a steady flow of air, CPAP machines significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with breathing disorders. They allow them to sleep uninterrupted and reduce the health risks of untreated sleep apnea.
Unique Capabilities for CPAP
The NimbleSense architecture was designed to maximize performance while also being flexible to easily insert application-specific capabilities. The result is a pressure sensor architecture with a very clear signal and practically no noise, leading to incredible accuracy, TEB and long-term stability. Specific to CPAP and other positive airway pressure machines, we have implemented these additional capabilities:
Dual sensor solution
Fully integrated dual sensor solution with separate differential (airflow) and gauge (patient pressure) sensors in the same small package as our single sensor products
64 possible configurations
Available in shared 3-port and dedicated 4-port structures, each device can support four differential pressures, four gauge pressures, and four bandwidth filter options
Integrated closed loop control
Eliminates the need to design an external closed loop control system, which simplifies product design and reduces machine response time by up to 50%
Advanced digital filtering
Multi-order filter that leverages advanced filtering capabilities at the front end of the sub-system to eradicate critical noise caused by fans, blowers, or other sources before they reach the pressure-sensing sub-system
Integrated overpressure indicator
Fail-safe mechanism that continually measures pressure to ensure the patient is not receiving too much air from the CPAP machine
Superior’s NimbleSense architecture enables us to develop unique products optimized for different markets. For the positive airway pressure market, we have created the following products. Our architecture is very flexible, so we can also develop custom solutions for your application.
