Oral appliance with negative air supply for reducing sleep apnea and snoring
US5957133A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2016/0027
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An appliance is provided for installation within the mouth of an individual to prevent obstruction of the natural airway of the individual and to enhance natural ventilation during sleep. The appliance is hollow and constructed of material which is custom-molded to the user. An external negative air supply is provided which connects to a tube extending from the appliance and draws air from the hollow appliance creating a partial vacuum in the user's retroglossal area urging the user's tongue and soft palate away from the user's posterior pharyngeal wall and thereby opening an airway to the user's nasal cavity. A sensor provides control information to the negative air supply by sensing relative pressure in the user's oral cavity. The natural breathing cycle is thus facilitated but not controlled by the appliance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.