You can freely build on How CPAP Machines Gradually Increase Air Pressure for Sleeping Patients

What this patent covers

This patent describes a method and device for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. It allows a patient to set a 'ramp' period, where the machine starts at a low, comfortable air pressure and gradually increases to the required therapeutic level over a period of time selected by the user. The device uses a delay timer mechanism to automate this transition, ensuring the patient is not blasted with full therapeutic pressure while they are still trying to fall asleep. Once the timer expires, the machine maintains the preset therapeutic pressure to keep the airway open throughout the night.

What is now free to use

All 1 claims of US 5199424 are in the public domain. Specifically:

• Claim 1: A method of CPAP therapy — 6 specific elements

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover automatic pressure adjustment based on real-time detection of snoring or breathing sounds.

• Does not cover systems that adjust pressure based on inhaled air flow volume or rate.

• Does not cover non-CPAP respiratory devices that do not use a sealed mask or nasal prongs.

• Does not cover methods that lack a user-selectable variable time period for the pressure ramp.

Who is building on this today

Major medical device manufacturers like ResMed and Philips Respironics have built their entire product lines around the principles of patient-controlled comfort settings. These companies continue to refine these ramp algorithms, integrating them with cloud-based monitoring and AI-driven pressure adjustments.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Individual. US Patent 5199424. Device for monitoring breathing during sleep and control of CPAP treatment that is patient controlled. Granted 1993, expired 2011. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.