SmartCPAP project aims to develop a prototype of an innovative respiratory support device (SmartCPAP) capable of self-regulating its operation in real time based on the user’s actual respiratory deficit. The system involves an advanced CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device that dynamically modulates the level of positive airway pressure. It will integrate sensors for Maximum Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressure (MIP/MEP) measurements and a wireless RFID nasal device to continuously collect breathing parameters. The real-time data will be processed by feedback algorithms supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI), enabling the device to provide adaptive and personalized respiratory assistance. The ultimate goal is to create a new generation of smart CPAPs that can dynamically adjust to the patient’s clinical needs.
Background
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) plays a crucial therapeutic role in various respiratory conditions, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). These diseases, affecting approximately 10% of the general population each, are characterized by reduced ventilatory capacity due to airway or lung tissue alterations (in COPD) or commonly associated obesity (in OSA). Current CPAP devices on the market operate at fixed pressure levels and lack the ability to dynamically adjust support based on the patient’s actual respiratory needs. This limitation may lead to under-assistance during respiratory decline or, conversely, to muscle weakening over time due to over-assistance. As a result, patients may experience diminished respiratory muscle activity during long-term CPAP use.
Our Role
RADIO6ENSE is responsible for the development and integration of RFID-based sensing technology for respiratory monitoring within the SmartCPAP system. Specifically, RADIO6ENSE will develop a functional prototype (the RESPIRA KIT) capable of measuring, processing, and visualizing breathing patterns using a compact nasal ring sensor (the SEPTUM). To integrate the RFID SEPTUM sensor with the CPAP feedback loop, the most relevant respiratory parameters that can be clinically significant to adjust CPAP treatment will be identified.
In addition to its fixed setup, used for static scenarios such as polysomnography, RADIO6ENSE will develop a wearable, mobile version of the RESPIRA KIT. This portable system is intended to function as a respiratory Holter, enabling continuous monitoring of key breathing features during daily life.
Final Goals
- Development of an advanced CPAP device capable of precisely and rapidly modulating airway pressure based on the patient’s respiratory condition.
- Design of ergonomic, easy-to-use MIP/MEP (Maximum Inspiratory/Expiratory Pressure) devices with wireless communication capabilities to interact seamlessly with the CPAP system.
- Development of the RESPIRA KIT, an RFID-based sensing system using the compact nasal SEPTUM sensor to monitor breathing patterns in both static (e.g., during sleep) and mobile scenarios.
- Implementation of self-regulation algorithms that dynamically adjust ventilation parameters using input data from MIP/MEP and RFID measurements, along with CPAP functional data.
- Integration into a complete SMART CPAP system, combining the CPAP device, MIP/MEP sensors, and RFID-based monitoring into a user-friendly solution
Partner
MIR – Medical International Research S.p.A. (Roma, Italy)
CNIT – Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (Roma, Italy)
LEAF S.r.l.s. (Tivoli, Italy)