Improved self-tuning model
Smart CO₂ Sleep Valve v2.3 – Universal Mode
Standalone or CPAP-Compatible Sleep Breathing Regulator
By Robert Jones
For hikers, campers, travelers, and dreamers with complex sleep patterns
🌍 Purpose: The Human Angle
Some people want to sleep on a mountain. Others just want to sleep through the night. But when your breathing is sensitive, when your heart and lungs don’t sync perfectly, and when CPAP machines don’t quite get it right — you need something different.
This device supports natural breathing rhythms using your body’s own signals — heart rate and breath. It works with your own nasal pillow or mask, with or without a CPAP machine. Designed for the real world: tents, road trips, cabins, or quiet nights at home.
No pressure. No tubing (unless you want it). Just better breathing.
⚖️ Core Concept
A smart valve that modulates CO₂ exposure to gently trigger and stabilize breathing during sleep. Powered by a heart- and breath-aware control loop, the device encourages natural respiratory rhythm through subtle CO₂ rebreathing — reducing central apneas and improving comfort.
Dual Mode Operation:
- ✅ Standalone Mode: No CPAP, no tube, attaches to any nasal mask or pillow
- ✅ CPAP Assist Mode: Integrates between CPAP tube and mask to stabilize breathing before forced-air intervention is triggered
🪡 Components
- User's own nasal mask or pillow (unmodified, but with built-in exhale vents blocked using supplied vent covers or stickers to preserve CO₂ control)
- Valve Module
- Soft shape-memory "valve lips" (Nitinol or polymer)
- Clips onto mask intake or between mask and CPAP tube
- Smart Strap System
- Integrated heart rate sensor (temple-mounted PPG)
- Optional airflow mic for breath monitoring
- Control Hub
- Microcontroller with PWM output
- Adaptive logic based on baseline HR & RR
- Power Source
- USB, battery pack, or optional solar input
- Alerts & Overrides
- Soft audio cue for delayed breath
- Audible alarm for prolonged apnea
- Manual valve override
🔄 Operating Modes
① Standalone Mode
- No CPAP, no tubing
- Valve attaches directly to user’s own mask
- Built-in exhale vents must be covered or sealed to allow proper CO₂ rebreathing
- Uses baseline heart and respiratory rate to control valve via PWM
- Gently modulates CO₂ rebreathing to stabilize rhythm
② CPAP Assist Mode
- Valve is placed between CPAP tube and mask
- Built-in mask vents are sealed to prevent unintended CO₂ escape
- Minimizes the need for forced-air intervention by providing a natural breathing trigger through CO₂ modulation
- Helps prevent over-ventilation that causes central apneas
- Works in parallel with CPAP, enhancing comfort and reducing reliance on pressure-based triggers
🛡️ Safety & Failsafe Design
- Failsafe default: Valve fully opens if power is lost
- Airway never blocked: Valve never fully closes
- Manual override always available
- All alerts are local: no phone/app required
🎓 Clinical Inspiration (Sidebar)
In ER and ICU settings, controlled CO₂ rebreathing is used to stabilize breathing patterns in patients with central apnea, hyperventilation, and neurologically unstable rhythms.
This device mirrors that logic, using your heart and breath data to gently restore rhythm — in a safe, wellness-focused form factor designed for real life.
🎯 Development Goals
- Finalize valve design for both mask-clip and inline (CPAP) modes
- Integrate temple-mounted PPG + respiratory waveform sensing
- Optimize battery and firmware for off-grid operation
- Prepare prototype kits for field testing
- Document safety & regulatory positioning for wellness use
Next Steps:
- Printable spec sheet and branded one-pager
- Sketch showing mask + strap + valve integration in both modes
- Component sourcing list for valve + controller + sensors
