Low cost CPAP flow generator and humidifier assembly

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device comprising:

• a flow generator including a microprocessor;
• a humidifier detachably coupled to the flow generator;
• a temperature sensor in communication with the humidifier and adapted to produce a voltage signal provided to the flow generator microprocessor, and
• an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a pull-up resistor in communication with the ADC, wherein the ADC provides a signal to the microprocessor having a first value if the humidifier is not available and a second value, different from the first value, if the humidifier is connected and operable,
• wherein the microprocessor is programmed with a humidifier control program adapted to control power supply to the humidifier in accordance with output of the temperature sensor.

A method for controlling a humidifier of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, comprising:

• monitoring a temperature of the humidifier;
• generating a voltage signal representative of the humidifier temperature;
• converting the voltage signal to a digital signal;
• applying the digital signal to a microprocessor of a flow generator of the CPAP device,
• supplying power to the humidifier in accordance with the digital signal, and
• determining whether the humidifier is substantially empty of water based upon the digital signal.

A method for controlling a humidifier of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, comprising:

• monitoring a temperature of the humidifier;
• generating a voltage signal representative of the humidifier temperature;
• converting the voltage signal to a digital signal;
• applying the digital signal to a microprocessor of a flow generator of the CPAP device,
• supplying power to the humidifier in accordance with the digital signal, and
• providing the flow generator with a pull-up resistor.

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device comprising:

• a flow generator including a microprocessor;
• a humidifier detachably coupled to the flow generator;
• and
• a temperature sensor in communication with the humidifier and adapted to produce a voltage signal provided to the flow generator microprocessor,
• wherein the microprocessor is programmed with a humidifier control program adapted to detect when the humidifier is substantially empty of water based on the output of the temperature sensor.

A method for controlling a humidifier of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, comprising:

• monitoring a temperature of the humidifier;
• generating a voltage signal representative of the humidifier temperature;
• converting the voltage signal to a digital signal;
• applying the digital signal to a microprocessor of a flow generator of the CPAP device, and
• determining whether the humidifier is substantially empty of water based upon the digital signal.