1. CPAP Remote Alarm System BME 272: Oral Report One
Group 15
Kathleen Grunder
Jessica Paulsen
Molly Rice

2. Project Advisor Academic Advisor
Dr. Roberta Leu - Clinical Instructor in the Sleep Disorders Division of Neurology, Vanderbilt University
Academic Advisor
Dr. Paul King - Professor of Biomedical Engineering Emeritus, Professor of Mechanical Engineering Emeritus

3. Background Information
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Most common form of sleep disorder breathing
Results in partial or complete collapse of the upper airway
Can lead to sleep deprivation, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or death
Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
 Used to treat sleep apnea
 Holds airway open with continuous flow of air
 Effective when used correctly

4. Analysis Problem Statement
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine masks often slip off during the night; this can be especially dangerous for children, who are not compliant with wearing the mask

5. Analysis Performance Criteria
There is currently no alarm to alert parents when their child's CPAP mask has come off.
Children are often not capable or willing to replace their mask when it comes off
"I'm very nervous about knowing when [the mask] comes off because I realize how important it is to keep [my son's] airway open." - Dr. Judy Lewis

6. Analysis Primary Objective
To develop a remote alarm system to be used to wake up parents when their child’s CPAP mask comes off in another room.

7. Hypothesis Solution Description
To use a pressure or flow sensor to determine when the mask has slipped off and activate a remote alarm when the pressure or flow goes above the threshold
May incorporate CO2 sensor

8. Hypothesis Goals To improve pediatric compliance with CPAP masks
To prevent complications from apneas that can occur when the mask is not on
To alert parents when the mask has come off
To provide parents with comfort in knowing the mask is on

9. Hypothesis Factors
The circuit components and complexity will most affect cost, accuracy, and quality.

10. Hypothesis Performance Metrics
Sensitivity measurements
How often does the machine sound when the mask is off?
Functionality
Does the alarm go off when the mask is off?
Compliance
Do parents and children use the alarm?
Cost/Benefit
Is the benefit worth the cost of the alarm?
Alarm Volume
Does the alarm wake up the parents?
Receiver Range
Can the reciever get the signal all over a house?

11. Progress Current Status
Met with sales representatives from ResMed, a CPAP manufacturer
Patent search
Literature review

12. Progress Future Work
Arrange meeting with Fisher Paykel, another CPAP manufacturer
Continue research
Brainstorm design ideas