Scent delivery adaptor for cpap

Abstract

Embodiments of an adaptor for delivering diffused aromatic agents to a user of a CPAP machine may include a connector body, a diffuser pad disposed within the connector body, and at least one coupling mechanism on the connector body coupling the connector body within the air supply and positioning the diffuser pad within the airflow of a CPAP machine. The adaptor may be configured to couple directly to a CPAP mask. Similarly, the adaptor may be configured to be placed in the airflow between the CPAP air generator and the mask. The adaptor may be configured such that no modification of the existing CPAP hose, machine, or mask is required.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adaptor for delivering diffused aromatic agents, the adaptor comprising:
 a hose connector, the hose connector comprising an outer diameter sized and shaped to fit an inner diameter of an existing hose of a CPAP machine;   a diffuser section comprising an upper end, a lower end, a lumen defined by an inner surface of the diffuser section, and a pair of slots disposed within the lumen, wherein each slot comprises:
 two flanges extending from the inner surface of the diffuser section, forming a U-shaped channel that opens towards the lumen; and 
 a channel block disposed between the two flanges, 
   wherein the pair of slots is configured to hold a diffuser pad within the lumen of the diffuser section such that an airflow of the CPAP machine flows over both sides of the diffuser pad; and   a coupling mechanism formed of a pliable material and attached to an upper collar of the hose connector, wherein the coupling mechanism is sized and shaped to couple to an existing component of the CPAP machine and comprises an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the hose connector.   
     
     
         2 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the hose connector is formed of a material resistant to corrosive effects of essential oils. 
     
     
         3 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser pad comprises polyester felt. 
     
     
         4 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the diffuser pad comprises an angular cross-section. 
     
     
         5 . The adaptor of  claim 4 , wherein the diffuser pad has a rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The adaptor of  claim 5 , wherein the diffuser pad has a uniform rectangular cross-section along a longitudinal length of the diffuser pad. 
     
     
         7 . The adaptor of  claim 1 , wherein the channel block is disposed substantially perpendicular to and connects the two flanges. 
     
     
         8 . An adaptor, the adaptor comprising:
 a connector body, comprising a pair of slots disposed within a lumen of the connector body, each slot comprising two flanges extending from an interior sidewall of the connector body, forming a U-shaped channel that opens towards the lumen, and a channel block disposed between the two flanges;   a diffuser pad disposed between and secured by the pair of slots, wherein the channel block is configured to abut against and prevent further movement of the diffuser pad; and   at least one coupling mechanism on the connector body for coupling the connector body to a portion of a CPAP machine such that an airflow of the CPAP machine flows through the connector body and around the diffuser pad.   
     
     
         9 . The adaptor of  claim 8 , wherein the channel block connects the two flanges. 
     
     
         10 . The adaptor of  claim 8 , wherein the connector body includes a hose connector and a mask connector. 
     
     
         11 . The adaptor of  claim 10 , wherein the hose connector is formed of a material resistant to corrosive effects of essential oils. 
     
     
         12 . The adaptor of  claim 8 , wherein the at least one coupling mechanism comprises a tube formed of a pliable material. 
     
     
         13 . The adaptor of  claim 8 , wherein the diffuser pad comprises polyester felt. 
     
     
         14 . The adaptor of  claim 8 , wherein the diffuser pad comprises an angular cross-section. 
     
     
         15 . The adaptor of  claim 14 , wherein the diffuser pad has a rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . The adaptor of  claim 15 , wherein the diffuser pad has a uniform rectangular cross-section along a longitudinal length of the diffuser pad. 
     
     
         17 . A method of diffusing aromatic agents into an air supply of a CPAP machine, the method comprising:
 providing a CPAP machine having an air generator, a supply hose, and a mask; and   inserting the adaptor of  claim 8  between the air generator and the mask, wherein the diffuser pad is impregnated with the aromatic agents.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising impregnating the diffuser pad with the aromatic agents prior to using the CPAP machine. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the aromatic agents are essential oils. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein inserting the adaptor between the air generator and the mask comprises inserting the adaptor between the supply hose and the mask.