An electronically-controlled positive-displacement bellows-type air pump
has been developed in the Bio-medical Engineering Laboratory for the
treatment of adult Sleep Apnea Syndrome (SAS). An electronically—controlled
positive-displacement pump has been employed in order to eliminate the
pressure regulator and accompanying noise of present therapeutic devices.
The positive-displacement pump is found to quietly and effectively provide
the required airway pressures for the treatment of adult Sleep Apnea
Syndrome. New developments in the reduction of the size and noise levels
of current therapeutic devices, however, preclude mass production of the
bellows—type pump because of its size disadvantage. The custom nasal mask
and exhalation valve, control system, pressure-monitoring alarm system, and
the controlled humidifier of the positive-displacement pump should be
incorporated within the present fan—type Nasal Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure (NCPAP) system to provide quieter, more comfortable, and safer
NCPAP therapy. Before the design and development of the positive displacement
NCPAP pump is detailed in this thesis, however, the problem
of adult Sleep Apnea Syndrome is introduced, available therapies are
investigated, and the current NCPAP therapy system is examined.
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