| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080210244 | SLEEP APPLIANCE - A dental oral appliance to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper or lower teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. An anterior tongue restrainer which is attached to the transpalatal bar at one end and the front of the appliance at the other end, aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward and backward movement of the tongue. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080216843 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR RELIEVING UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTIONS - Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use. In another embodiment, the hollow body is substantially c-shaped, and the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures spaced a distance apart from one another along the posterior surface between first and second terminal ends of the c-shaped inner portion of the hollow body. In still another embodiment, the mouthpiece includes an outer portion having an opening extending therethrough such that the outer portion is coupled to the hollow body and is in fluid communication with the cavity in the hollow body. A one-way valve can be disposed in the opening and can be configured to allow air to flow out of a user's oral cavity when the mouthpiece is in use. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080223377 | BREATHING ENHANCEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING AND USING THE SAME - An appliance for breathing enhancement that includes a support member and securing mechanism for holding a user's head in a position where the user's mouth is closed and the user's head is tilted to maintain an open airway. The breathing enhancer reduces or eliminates snoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the teeth are maintained in a normal closed bite position (1-5 mm open) while the lips are touching or almost touching to eliminate or substantially eliminate open mouth breathing. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080236597 | Appliance, system and method for preventing snoring - An appliance, a system and a method prevent snoring of a patient. The appliance opens an airway of the patient by advancing a lower jaw of the patient. A slot is formed on an upper shell and/or a lower shell of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A hinge connects the upper shell to the lower shell and resists the closing of the mouth of the patient to maintain the open airway of the patient. Wedges protrude from the hinge between the upper shell and the lower shell to further resist the closing of the mouth of the patient. Stiffer material of the hinge and/or the wedges relative to material of the upper shell and the lower shell requires more force to close the mouth of the patient and maintains the open airway of the patient during sleep. Extended margins may receive liner material to secure the appliance to the dentition. Lingual extensions on the lower arch help to maintain the lower jaw in a forward position relative to the upper jaw. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080264426 | DEVICE TO TREAT SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN ADULTS AND TO PREVENT INFANTS FROM SLEEPING NON-SUPINE - This is a position sensing monitor that provides private sensory biofeedback to adults, in the form of auditory stimulus or tactile sensation (vibration), to promote non-supine sleep. The essential feature of this invention is to eliminate/reduce position-related snoring and obstructive sleep apnea and not disrupting sleep of bed partner. A variation of this concept is its use in infants to promote sleeping supine by parental notification of rolling from supine to side or prone positions, allow re-position to supine and thereby reducing the risk for SIDS. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080264427 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA - An anti-snoring device that attaches to a specific area of the neck. The attachment means can be an adhesive, a clip or an implant. The device exerts a predetermined pulling force on this area of the neck, causing this area of the neck to expand outward from its normal position. This expansion opens a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby eliminating snoring and helping some people with obstructive sleep apnea. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080289637 | DEVICE FOR TREATING SNORING SOUNDS, INTERRUPTIONS IN BREATHING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The invention relates to a device ( | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080302370 | ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR INDUCING PROPER BREATHING DURING SLEEP CYCLES TO REACTIVATE BODILY FUNCTIONS - An article and associated method for optimizing a person's sleep cycle (in particular an older individual's), particularly as it relates to the individual's ability to absorb increased amounts of oxygen by virtue of the associated device's construction to encourage breathing in nasally. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080308112 | System and Method for Reducing Snoring and/or Sleep Apnea of Sleeping Person - System and method for reducing snoring and sleep apnea of a sleeping person ( | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090007922 | Method and Device for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - This invention relates to devices and methods for maintaining upper airway patency during sleep for the treatment of sleeping disorders, upper airway resistance syndrome, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090014012 | Method And Device For The Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea And Snoring - The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014013 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT SPLINT - Mandibular advancement splint against snoring and sleep apnea. The splint is made of two thermoformable trays ( | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090025734 | Devices, systems, and methods to move or restrain the hyoid bone - Systems and methods employ implants attached to the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and a source of magnetic force to move the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, using attracting, repelling or a combination of attracting and repelling magnetic forces. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090038623 | INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR PALATAL IMPLANT - An inductive power transfer system associated with an airway implant device is disclosed. A non-implanted portion of the system comprises a mouthpiece or retainer. The mouthpiece includes a power transfer circuit and a power source. The power transfer circuit includes a receive circuit configured to receive a first inductive power transfer from a charging device and to deliver a charging current to the power source. The power transfer circuit also includes a transmit circuit coupled to the power source. The transmit circuit is configured to provide a second inductive power transfer from the mouthpiece to the airway implant. Some embodiments of the non-implanted portion include a charge controller and a lithium polymer battery. Some embodiments of the charging device include a microcontroller for controlling operation of the charging device based on a proximity of the mouthpiece. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090044814 | Implantable devices, systems, and methods for maintaining desired orientations in targeted tissue regions - Devices, systems, and methods are provided by maintaining tissue regions in desired orientation in or along an airway, e.g., for reducing or preventing snoring and/or sleep disordered breathing events, such as sleep apnea. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090056724 | SLEEP APPLIANCE - A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring and to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by either clasps placed over the upper right and left molars and a retainer in the anterior area or by an occlusal coverage of the upper teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior raised ramps, separate the posterior teeth to reduce spasm on the temporalis muscle. A transverse, transpalatal member, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the upper right molars to the inside of the upper left molars, covers the tongue, preventing it from moving upward or backward during sleep, opening the airway. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090078273 | Smart Mandibular Repositioning System - Systems and methods for detecting an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further processed by a smart mandibular repositioning system for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078274 | Implantable Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sensor - Systems and methods for detecting an obstructive sleep apnea event are disclosed herein. The systems and methods may use an electrical output generating ionic polymer metal composite sensor attached to a region in an airway passage in an oral cavity. The electrical output may be wirelessly transmitted as a signal for indication of an obstructive sleep apnea event. The signal may be further analyzed for treatment of the obstructive sleep apnea event. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078275 | Palatal Implant Fixation Devices and Methods - Devices and methods for securing an implant to the hard palate are disclosed. The device may use a bracket and a retention element, such as a screw or tack, for retaining the device to the hard palate. The device may include a housing and an actuator element for actuating a portion of the soft palate. The method may include securing the retention element into the hard palate. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090078276 | TONGUE RETENTION DEVICE - A device for retaining a tongue in a predetermined position, the device comprising, a flange having a first and second surface, the flange further including a protrusion extending from the first surface of the flange; and an aperture formed through the first and second surfaces of the flange, wherein the protrusion covers the aperture, whereby the protrusion form a hollow chamber, the hollow chamber is accessible through the aperture from the second side of the flange. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090084389 | Apparatus and Method for Securing Uvula - A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090090371 | CONTINOUSLY ADJUSTABLE MANDIBULAR PROTRUSION SPLINT FOR TREATING SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA - The invention relates to a two-part mandibular protrusion splint ( | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090120446 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING AIRWAY PATENCY - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120447 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING PRESSURE GRADIENTS TO IMPROVE AIRWAY PATENCY - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090120448 | SLEEP APPLIANCE - A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverage of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp ( | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090126742 | Tongue grasping and restraining apparatus and methods - A tongue grasping and restraining device holds the tongue securely during sleep in order to minimize the risk of the tongue slipping back and blocking the throat, a condition known as obstructive sleep apnea. Plural tongue gripping projections are coupled to upper and lower supports. The projections engage and hold the tongue. The upper and lower supports are biased toward one another into a tongue engaging position. The upper support is coupled to the user's upper jaw, for example, to a denture, dental appliance or by upper teeth engaging mechanisms. The lower support can be hinged or otherwise joined to the upper support or can be separate therefrom. A tube and rod mechanism in one embodiment couples the upper and lower supports together. Exemplary methods of manufacturing tongue gripping projections are also disclosed. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090151730 | INTRAORAL DEVICE - Intraoral device ( | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090165803 | ON-OFF IMPLANT FOR SUPPORTING THE TONGUE - The present invention provides an implant for stabilizing the tongue, including: a first anchoring portion for securing a first end of the implant with the mandibula; a control portion connected with the anchoring portion, configured for selectively activating the implant; a flexible portion connected at its proximal end with the control portion, the flexible portion having three-dimensional flexibility in a non-energized state and the flexible portion having a lesser three-dimensional flexibility in a energized state, the flexible portion being selectively switchable between the non-energized and energized states by the control portion, wherein the flexible portion can be an electroactive polymer element having: a composite layer having a polymer substrate and a biocompatible conductive material, wherein the composite layer also can be opposing surfaces; and a conductive polymer layer disposed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the composite layer; and a second anchoring portion connected with the flexible portion, the second anchoring portion being configured for connecting the implant with the base of the tongue. Some embodiments include a housing designed to conform to the shape of the palate. Some embodiments include an attachment element to secure the device to tissue. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090173351 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A TONGUE STABILIZATION DEVICE - A tongue implant control system and methods for stabilizing the tongue are disclosed. The tongue implant control system includes an implant device and a non-implanted control device in wireless communication. The control device provides an inductive power transfer for operating the implant device. The control device also sends commands for changing a state of the implant device. The implant device includes a flexible portion for attachment to the tongue and to one or more actuators. The one or more actuators may include shape memory material. The implant device detects a command from the control device and powers an actuator based on the command. Optionally, the implant device communicates its operating state to the control device and the control device displays information about the implant device at a user interface. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090173352 | ON-OFF IMPLANT FOR SUPPORTING THE AIRWAY - The present invention provides an airway implant device having an electroactive polymer element, including: a composite layer having a polymer substrate and a biocompatible conductive material, wherein the composite layer also can be opposing surfaces; and a conductive polymer layer disposed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the composite layer, wherein the implant device is adapted and configured to modulate an opening of an air passageway. Some embodiments include a housing designed to conform to the shape of the palate. Some embodiments include an attachment element to secure the device to tissue. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090188510 | Treatment of obstructive sleep disorders - The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating sleep disorders related to partial or complete obstruction of air passageways by the tongue during sleep, such as snoring and sleep apnea. A mouthpiece is inserted in a user's mouth, so that a radial portion of the mouthpiece is held between the user's teeth and lips. An extension portion of the mouthpiece extends from the radial portion forward, through the user's lips, ending in a tip in which is formed a suction hole. A vacuum bladder snugly fits on the tip of the extension portion of the mouthpiece, so that pinching the vacuum bladder expels air from the bladder through the suction hole and into the extension portion of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is positioned in a person's mouth, releasing the compressed bladder creates a vacuum suitable for comfortably holding the person's tongue within a tongue cavity inside the extension portion of the mouthpiece. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090241969 | INTEGRATED ORAL APPLIANCE FOR SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING - A custom, sized and fitted, integrated oral appliance is provided to treat breathing obstruction and restriction in the upper airway during sleep. Several novel features are integrated in a single device, which includes mandible repositioning to open the airway, and tongue restraint to prevent airway blockage. This device is comprised of a built-in air conduit to bypass nasal restriction and airway occlusion. In operation, the appliance is positioned in the oral cavity to firmly grip the upper and lower dentition using customized unshaped trays. Appliance positioning advances the mandible to an adjustable predetermined position and simultaneously restrains the tongue using flexible bristles attached to a spring-loaded, tongue-restraint-ac (TRAC) component. A hollow air conduit, built into the TRAC, spans the area between the users' lips and soft palate. It facilitates the flow of self-heated, moisturized air directly to (and from) the oropharynx to bypass airway obstructions and/or nasal restrictions. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090250070 | Apparatus and Method for Influencing the Sleep of a Person, Operating Unit and Computer Program Product - The invention develops an apparatus and a method for influencing the sleep of a person. The apparatus comprises a sensor device for detecting a current rotational position of the body of the person about the longitudinal axis of the body, an actuator device for supplying a predeterminable stimulus pattern to the body, and an operating unit with a selection device for selecting at least one desired and/or at least one prohibited rotational position of the body of the person about the longitudinal axis of the body, a comparator device for comparing the current rotational position and the at least one desired and/or at least one prohibited rotational position and emitting a corresponding position signal, and a control device which can be set to actuate the actuator device to supply the predeterminable stimulus pattern to the body in response to the position signal if the position signal shows that the current rotational position does not correspond to the at least one desired rotational position and/or corresponds to at least the one prohibited rotational position. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090250071 | Suction therapy apparatus and method - A suction device includes a membrane-covered walled enclosure from which pressure can be reduced therein, including through desired fluid removal from the enclosure, below ambient external air pressure to apply suction therapy to treat medical conditions, including sleep breathing disorders. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090272386 | Nose plug for preventing bruxism - A nose plug has two nostril plugs and a bridge section interconnecting the two plugs. The nostril plugs has a generally symmetrical body along an extending axis, having sides that are tapering or bulging, to better conform to nostril cavities. The nostril plugs are shaped, sized and structured from a resilient material (e.g., open or closed cell foam), which can be compressed and inserted into and filling the cavities of the nostrils of a patient to seal the breathing air passages through the nose. The nostril plugs are securely lodged in the nostrils under expansive force of the resilient material. The nose plug device may be constructed with the nostril plugs and bridge section connected in a monolithic structure. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272387 | ORAL APPLIANCE FOR IMPROVED NOCTURNAL BREATHING - An oral appliance includes a one-piece tray system that fits over the posterior teeth of the user and is custom-made or customized using lining material that conforms to the dentition of the wearer. The device may position the lower jaw in a slightly protruded position with respect to the upper jaw. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090277459 | Nasal Device Useful for Prevention of Snoring and Sleeping Apnea - The present invention deals with a nasal device which is useful for prevention of snoring wherein the present device works on keeping the nares normally open mechanically, by abducting the nasal vestibule (upper & anterior portion of the lateral wall of the nose which is covered by skin), forward and laterally, which makes air to flow in and out adequately, a stainless steel Skelton having one continuous stainless steel wire of unique design (as apparent in FIG. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090293886 | Apparatus, system and method for detecting and treating airway obstructive conditions during sleep - An airway obstruction correction apparatus including an expandable bladder configured to fit within a user's external auditory canal, a pump configured to expand the bladder with a pumped fluid, a passage coupled with the pump and with the bladder and configured to convey a fluid between the pump and the bladder, a microcontroller coupled with the pump and configured to affect an activation condition of the pump, and a reservoir coupled with the pump and configured to retain sufficient fluid to expand the bladder into contact with a surface of the auditory canal when transferred to the bladder by the pump. At least one of a local data processing means and/or a remotely located data processing means can be configured to receive data from the apparatus and transmit data to the apparatus via a data networking means and/or at least one of a wired or wireless signal. According to a method using an apparatus configured as described, a detected indication of an obstructed airway causes the apparatus to stimulate a user and induces an involuntary airway clearing response. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090301498 | ARRANGEMENT FOR SECURING A TEETH SUPPORT - The present invention comprises an arrangement for securing a teeth support, in the form of a bite plate, in a predetermined position in relation to a person's arranged set of teeth and with said bite plate being adapted to carry a number of clamp devices, intended to fixedly but easily detachably be co-operable with one or more teeth, included in said set of teeth. Each one of said clamp devices has a retention bracket carried by the bite plate. A screw co-operates with a thread in the retention bracket and extends freely through the bite plate. One end portion of the screw is formed as a screw head and the other end potion thereof is adapted to present a tooth-adapted abutment surface. Said abutment surface is, by turning the screw in a first direction, pressable against a tooth surface for securing the bite plate and in relation to said tooth and, by turning the screw in a second opposite direction, loosenable from the tooth surface for a loosening of the bite plate. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090301499 | Device for alleviating snoring - A device for alleviating snoring | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090301500 | Mouth guard including nasal dilator for improved breathing - A mouth guard seated at least partially on an upper jaw of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in a nasal channel of the user comprises a flange positionable between the upper jaw and an associated upper lip such that the flange extends above a gum line of the upper jaw. A chamber within the flange includes a valve for adjusting the volume of the chamber so that pressure applied by the flange to the upper lip is adjustable to affect dilation of the nasal channel resulting from such pressure, thereby allowing the user to selectably reduce resistance of air flow in the nasal channel. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090308401 | Anti-snoring device - An anti-snoring device including first and second arcuate members. The first member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on either of the user's upper or lower jaw, and a first plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The second member defines a receptacle for receiving teeth located on the other of the user's upper or lower jaws, and a second plurality of fasteners on an opposite side and extending outwardly therefrom. The first and second plurality of fasteners are each formed by elongate, parallel extending projections that define voids therebetween. Selective engagement of the projections and voids allows the first and second members to be secured together in a plurality of different relative positions. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090308402 | VALVED NASAL CANNULA - A valved nasal cannula ( | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100000550 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. The appliance may be made of a super elastic material, for example, Nitinol, and may be submucosally implanted in the pharyngeal walls. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100000551 | TONGUE RETENTION SYSTEM - A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100006107 | Mandibular protrusion device - The invention relates to a mandibular protrusion device comprising an upper dental tray ( | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100006108 | ANTI-SNORE GARMENT - An anti-snore garment in the form of a shirt having at least three cylindrical bumpers removably fitted within bumper pockets on the back of the shirt. The tops of the bumper pockets are horizontally aligned with a wearer's shoulder blades. The bumpers are adapted to resist rotation of the wearer into a supine position. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100018538 | System and Method for Treatment of Upper Airway Disorders - The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100024830 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR FORMING AN AUXILIARY AIRWAY FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - An auxiliary airway for treating obstructive sleep apnea is formed by implanting an elongated conduit beneath a pharyngeal wall of a pharynx. The elongated conduit has a proximal end in communication with a first region of the pharynx, a distal end in communication with a second region of the pharynx, and a section extending beneath the pharyngeal wall for bypassing an oropharynx region of the pharynx. The system includes a first opening in the pharyngeal wall in communication with a first opening in the elongated conduit, and a second opening in the pharyngeal wall in communication with a second opening in the elongated conduit. The system has a first anastomotic connector for coupling the first opening in the pharyngeal wall with the first opening in the conduit, and a second anastomotic connector for coupling the second opening in the pharyngeal wall with the second opening in the conduit. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100031965 | NOSE-DILATING DEVICE - The present invention relates to an internal nose-dilating device, comprising two conical inserts, which each have four walls and two openings: a small opening, which during use is oriented inwards towards the nasal cavity, and a large opening, which is oriented out from the nose, the inserts being connected by means of a connecting member, which during use is the only part that remains on the outside of the nose. The four walls of the inserts are convex at their central portions and provided with a substantially horizontal recess, the recess being arranged along the four walls of the inserts and extending at least partly along the circumference on the outside thereof to form a bulge in the four walls of the inserts. The inserts have at least four apertures and a reinforced portion, which is provided along a rounded edge of the small opening, thereby allowing the inserts to be turned inside out. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100037901 | Methods and devices for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea - A pharyngeal retractor device and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes a retracting element and a tissue engaging element that promotes tissue ingrowth around or onto the retracting element. The device is implanted in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to alter the shape of the wall. The device may be implanted through the oral cavity alone or by using a trocar or a hand-held delivery system to deliver the device through the pharyngeal wall. Alternatively, the device may be implanted using an open, direct visualization approach from the side of a patient's neck. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100043804 | Oral Cavity Manipulator - The present application is directed to an improved oral cavity manipulator ( | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100043805 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE - A mandibular advancement device including upper and lower dental plates which operatively fit over at least part of the upper and lower teeth of a user, said upper and lower dental plates being made from a flexible material, the lower dental plate having two pairs of spaced apart pillars, each pair consisting of an anterior and posterior pillar, said pairs being on opposing sides of the lower dental plate, two removably attachable horizontal displacement inserts, mounted in the buccal region on opposite sides of the upper dental plate, two removably attachable vertical displacement inserts mounted in the lower dental plate, placed in a manner to provide correct vertical registration of the teeth, such that operatively each horizontal displacement insert is retained between the respective anterior and posterior pillars to maintain an advancement of the mandible. A method for production of the mandibular advancement device is also claimed. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100051037 | CLOTHES AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING SLEEPING RESPIRATORY OBSTRUCTION AND/OR DECUBITUS - Clothes have a capability of preventing sleeping respiratory obstruction and/or decubitus, which is worn by a user. The clothes include a plurality of air chambers provided at the rear of the clothes, the air chambers being capable of being shrunk and expanded. An air supply unit supplies air to each of the air chambers, and a pressure detecting unit measures the pressure of each of the air chambers to produce a measured pressure as an electrical signal. A controller receives the measured pressure signal from the pressure detecting unit to supply the air to the air chambers by using the air supply unit when a snoring or a sleep apnea of the user is detected or a predetermined time elapses in the same posture in order to change a posture of the user. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100059065 | Tongue Implant for Sleep Apnea - A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by identifying a patient with sleep apnea attributable at least in part to movement of a base of a tongue of said patient toward a pharyngeal wall of said patient. The method includes identifying a region in the tongue extending from a mandibular-geniohyoid interface to the base of the tongue and stiffening a tissue of the tongue throughout the identified region. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100059066 | Tongue implant - A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by identifying a patient with sleep apnea attributable at least in part to movement of a base of a tongue of the patient toward a pharyngeal wall of the patient. The tongue is stiffened by an implant sized to be placed within the tongue. A distal portion of the implant is sized to extend within the tongue from a first end near a mandibular-geniohyoid interface to a second end near a base of the tongue. A proximal portion is attached to the first end and adapted to be secured to a jaw bone of the patient following a period of healing after placement of the implant in the tongue. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100065066 | ORAL APPLIANCE - An oral appliance is provided that controls positioning of a patient's jaw. A first dental encasing component is formed to overlay at least a portion of the patient's upper teeth and has a lingual surface, a labial surface, and at least one ledge extending along the labial surface of the first dental encasing component. A second dental encasing component is formed to overlay at least a portion of the patient's lower teeth and has a lingual surface and a labial surface. At least one rotating body is rotatably fixed to the labial surface of the second dental encasing component. The at least one rotating body and the at least one ledge are disposed in positions on their respective labial surfaces to enable the at least one rotating body to contact and rotate along a length of the at least one ledge as the patient's mouth closes, advancing the patient's jaw forward. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100065067 | DEVICE FOR SNORING PREVENTION - Provided is a snoring prevention device including an upper support supported by upper teeth of a patient, an upper protruding part provided at the upper support to protrude downward from the upper support, a lower support supported by lower teeth of the patient, and a lower protruding part provided at the lower support to protrude upward from the lower support and caught to a front side of the upper protruding part. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100083971 | Mandibular advancement device with positive positioning hinge - The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer such as KratonĀ®. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible. Additional features include airflow posts to keep the mouthpiece from sealing completely, a cleft contour, and a tooth retention tab. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100095970 | Mouth-Closing Device for Sleep Disorder Treatments - The invention relates to devices designed to be used in conjunction with continuous positive airway pressure devices in order to improve the performance of the positive airway pressure in treating a disorder in breathing during sleep. In one embodiment, connection points on each side of both a maxillary and mandibular bite form are connected in order to maintain a space between the teeth substantially equal to the maximum intercuspal distance or space. Used with available continuous positive airway pressure devices, the invention can substantially improve obstructive sleep apnea or similar treatments with lower failure or patient non-compliance rates. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100108077 | IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100132719 | IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes an anchoring element having scar tissue located in an inframandibular region, and a tongue implant having at least one arm extending therefrom, whereby the tongue implant is implantable in a tongue with the at least one arm being connectable with the anchoring element for coupling the tongue implant with the anchoring element. In one embodiment, the anchoring element includes a first implant part such as a flexible layer implantable in the inframandibular region and the scar tissue is formed on, in, and/or around the first implant part. The tongue implant is coupled with the anchoring element and/or the scar tissue through the at least one arm. The length of the at least one arm may be adjusted for shifting the tongue anteriorly. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100132720 | Oral Cavity Manipulator - An oral cavity manipulator for controlling the position of tongue and jaw, the manipulator including a foundation body, maxilla and mandibular teeth engaging elements mountable on the foundation body and having width equal to or greater than the width of the foundation body and including teeth receiving portions for in use receiving the teeth of the user, a tongue position means attached to one of the foundation body, or the teeth engaging elements wherein in an operating condition the mandibular teeth engaging element is selectively located on the foundation body forward of the maxilla teeth engaging element to receive and locate the mandible of a user forward of the maxilla and position the tongue between the teeth elements to substantially maintain unobstructed airways at the throat of the user. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100139666 | DEVICE INTENDED TO CAUSE A DISPLACEMENT IN THE MANDIBLE IN RELATION TO THE MAXILLA - The present invention concerns a device intended to cause displacement of the mandible in relation to the maxilla, which is neither inconvenient for the user nor bulky, and which allows displacement of the mandible in relation to the upper maxilla in a postero-anterior direction and/or a transverse direction in relation to the plane of the maxilla and/or perpendicular in relation to the plane of the maxilla. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139667 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP DISORDERS - Devices and methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Systems and methods are described for maintaining an opening of an airway by application of force to a patient's tissues in one of inferior, anterior, and lateral directions. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139668 | Method and Device For Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - This invention relates to devices and methods for maintaining upper airway patency during sleep for the treatment of sleeping disorders, upper airway resistance syndrome, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100154802 | INTRA-ORAL APNEA AND SNORING PREVENTIONG APPLIANCE - An intra-oral device used for people that snore or have sleep apnea is designed to move a user's lower jaw forward relative to the user's immovable upper jaw and to prevent the user's mouth from inadvertently opening while sleeping. The device includes upper and lower appliances fitted to the user's respective upper and lower dental arches. The lower appliance possesses a partially embedded bracket. An adjustment element is integrated into the upper portion of the bracket. With the user's mouth closed and the upper and lower appliances positioned over the user's respective dental arches, the adjustment element is moved rearward by worm action into load bearing contact against the forward facing immovable vertical contact wall of the upper appliance. This action moves the lower appliance forward, and thus, the user's lower jaw with its anatomically attached tongue are also moved forward relative to the mouth which in turn opens the user's airway. Also, a forward facing horizontal shoulder positioned at the lowest portion of the vertical contact wall acts against the adjustment element to prevent the user's mouth from opening while sleeping. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100163056 | Implant - The invention relates to an implant for a palate, in particular a human palate. The implant comprises a proximal portion, a distal portion and a middle portion. The proximal portion is dimensioned in such a way that it can be fixed to a hard palate. The distal portion is arranged at an angle in relation to the proximal portion and is dimensioned in such a way that it can be accommodated completely in a soft palate. The middle portion extends between the proximal portion and the distal portion. In a sectional plane extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion, the curvature of the middle portion at each of its points is greater than the curvature of the proximal portion at each of its points and greater than the curvature of the distal portion at each of its points. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100218773 | Apparatus and Method for Coupling an Oral Appliance to a Gas Delivery Device - According to one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling an oral appliance to a gas delivery device includes a post, a swivel, and first and second opposing clamps. The post includes a base configured to couple to the oral appliance; a first arm extending from the base and defining a channel extending along a portion of the first arm; and a second arm extending from the base, extending substantially parallel to the first arm, the second arm defining a channel extending along a portion of the second arm. The swivel is substantially spherical and is configured to position the gas delivery device. The first clamp is configured to engage and slide along the channel defined by the first arm and the second clamp is configured to engage and slide along the channel defined by the second arm. The first and second opposing clamps are together configured to position and secure the location and orientation of the swivel relative to the post. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100224197 | SLEEP APPLIANCE - A device for reducing snoring and/or sleep apnea comprising, in combination, a dental oral appliance, removably attached to a continuous positive airway pressure machine, to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, said dental oral appliance comprising, a body portion covering the inside of the upper teeth, said body having an open-palate, means to removably affix the appliance to the upper teeth, means to prevent occlusion of the upper and lower teeth, and a transpalatal bar that extends from the inside of the right teeth to the inside of the left teeth, to inhibit and restrain the tongue from upward and backward movement. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100224198 | AIRWAY-OPENING DEVICE - The present invention provides an airway securing device which more sufficiently secures the airway to enable resolution of snoring, prevention and treatment of sleep apnea syndrome, and other airway securing. The airway securing device of the present invention is provided with a wearable body | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100229876 | Pharyngeal wall treatment - A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100242969 | Adjustable dental device for treatment of sleep apnea and snoring - An adjustable dental device for use with a CPAP system in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring is comprised of an upper bite block, a lower bite block having one or more tongue retainers, means for adjustably connecting the upper bite block to the lower bite block, and means for connecting the dental device to a CPAP system. The adjustable dental device is compatible with a variety of CPAP systems, including systems that utilize nasal inserts and systems that utilize a nasal mask. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100242970 | System for mandibular protrusion to prevent snoring and apnea - A system for preventing snoring and apnea prevents the mandible from dropping back when sleeping. Contrary to familiar methods, the system is inconspicuous and is highly comfortable in use, which are prerequisites for the compliance of patients and lasting use. For this purpose, in an expanded embodiment, the splints are connected to the resilient clamps or brackets using a hinge mechanism, which allows a free rotational movement of the jaw joints corresponding to the Bennett angle. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100258137 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING OR REDUCING SNORING AND/OR SLEEP APNEA - A device is used to prevent or lessen the likelihood of a person, prone to snoring and/or sleep apnoea, from experiencing those conditions. The device includes a back-sleep-preventer that keeps the person substantially in a front-sleep position lying on a bed proximate an edge of the bed. The hack-sleep-preventer restricts the person to the front-sleep position to the extent of preventing the person from thereafter rolling away from the edge of the bed to adopt a back-sleep position. This prevents or at least lessens the likelihood of person experiencing snoring and/or sleep apnoea. Anchor-means releasably secures the back-sleep-preventer to the bed-means. The anchor-means is connected to the person or the person's upper garment by a connector-means. When the person gets off and moves away from the bed-means, with the connector-means still connecting the person or the person's garment to the anchor-means, the anchor-means is able to release the back-sleep-preventer from the bed-means. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100263676 | Oral Appliance for Treating a Breathing Condition - An apparatus for use in treating a breathing condition includes a first dental arch, a second dental arch, two bodies coupled to the first dental arch, and two receivers coupled to the second dental arch. The first dental arch is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth. The second dental arch is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth. Each body includes a front stop, a rear stop, a threaded member, and a hook. The threaded member is configured to be coupled between the front stop and rear stop of the body and configured to rotate relative to the body. The hook comprises a threaded passage configured to engage the threaded member, and an arm configured to engage a second dental arch. The hook is configured to travel between the front stop and rear stop of the body in response to rotational adjustment of the threaded member to adjust the lower dental arch relative to the upper dental arch. Each receiver comprises a first rail configured to engage the arm of the hook of a respective one of the two bodies. The first rail is disposed exterior to an internal area defined by a span of the second dental arch. The two receivers are entirely disposed, with respect to each other, on opposite sides of a plane bisecting left and right halves of the second dental arch. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100263677 | System for Coupling an Oral Appliance to a Medical Mask - In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes an oral appliance, a mask, and a tensioning device. The oral appliance is configured to receive at least some of a wearer's teeth and a mask. The mask is configured to deliver gas to the wearer. The mask includes a chamber configured to cover the wearer's mouth. The chamber is at least partially enclosed by an interior of the mask. The tensioning device couples the mask to the oral appliance and includes a flexible tension element at least partially disposed between the oral appliance and the mask and within the chamber. The flexible tension element is configured to apply a tensile force between the mask and the oral appliance. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100269835 | Oral Appliance for Treating a Breathing Condition - In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device. In certain embodiments, a removable receiver, which may be one of a plurality of removable receivers with different dimensions, is removably positioned within a recess in a posterior surface of a lower arch and is engaged by a connector of an upper arch to define the relative positions of the arches. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100288288 | VARIABLE AUTOMATED TISSUE RETENTION SYSTEM - A variably automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. As the subject moves their tongue naturally or sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's tongue may move posteriorly. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the pharyngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally by automatically increasing the suction pressure on the tongue to maintain securement of the covering to the tongue as the tongue moves posteriorly. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100294283 | AUTOMATED TISSUE RETENTION SYSTEM - An automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. Once placed within a subject's mouth, the appliance may be maintained in a closed configuration while the subject's mouth remains closed. However, as the subject sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's mouth typically opens during a sleep disordered event. The appliance may be actuated by the separation between the mandible and maxilla to have greater tension and thus retract or pull anteriorly the covering adhered to the tongue. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the phryngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100294284 | Apparatus, systems, and methods for constraining and/or supporting tissue structures along an airway - Apparatus, systems, and methods constrain and/or support tissue structures along an airway. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100300457 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - A method and apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea and for comfortably fitting an oral device to treat the condition. The patient is screened to reduce snoring using a device which changes the airway, and then using an airway dilation simulator having sequentially sized elements to determine the mandibular position maximizing the upper airway dimension. An oral device is then fabricated to retain the maximum position during sleep. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300458 | Mandibular Advancement Device - A mandibular advancement device is proposed which comprises both an upper and a lower base plate, whereby engagement of the plates during closing of the jaws causes protrusion of the mandible and allows relative lateral movement between the jaws. In one particular form the invention relates to a device for positioning upper and lower jaws, including a cam associated with one of the jaws and a follower associated with the other jaw, the follower having an engagement surface which translates across the cam to advance one of the jaws relative to the other as the jaws are closed. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100307511 | Mandibular Advancement Appliance - A mandibular advancement device for pulling the jaw forward includes upper and lower plastic trays conforming to upper teeth and maxillary dentition soft tissue and palate and lower teeth and mandibular dentition and soft tissue, respectively. A ball type of hook support is located on both sides of the upper tray at a forward position and a plurality of ball type of hook supports are located at a rearward position of both sides of the lower tray. Tension coil springs are fitted to each of the upper tray ball hook supports and to one of the plurality of lower ball type of hook supports. The plurality of lower tray ball hook supports provides discrete levels of tension force of the coil spring on each side of the appliance. A plastic tube may be fitted over the coil springs to prevent injury to the inside of a user's mouth. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100307512 | ANTI-SNORE DEVICE - A device for prevention of snoring in the form of a neck collar ( | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100313898 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP RELATED DISORDERS - This disclosure relates generally to a method and an apparatus for delivering a gas to a subject in need thereof, for instance, for the treatment of an unhealthy condition, such as sleep apnea. The method may include sensing the onset of a subject's inhalation and delivering a gas, such as a pulse of gas, in response to the subject's inhalation. For instance, the method may include providing the subject with a gas delivery device configured for delivering a quantity of gas to the subject, such as in response to the subject's need, and instructing the subject to use the device. The device may include a mechanism for generating and delivering the quantity of gas to the subject, as well as a sensor for sensing the subject's need for the gas. A controller for controlling the delivery of the gas to the subject in response to the subject's sensed need for the gas may also be included. The device may further include a cannula to facilitate delivery of the gas to the subject. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100319708 | DEVICE FOR SPLINTING A CAVITY, ORGAN DUCT AND/OR VESSEL - The invention relates to a device for splinting and/or maintaining a cavity, an organ duct and/or a vessel in a human or animal body, said device comprising at least one compressible and self-expanding stent that is composed of at least three phases. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100319709 | DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF SNORE AND APNEA AND FOR USE AS MOUTH PROTECTOR - A device is provided to be used to treat sleep deprivation disorders, such as apnea, snore, and bruxism, among others, for patients with mouth respirators and jawbone disorders; and also be used as mouth protectors. The device is manufactured as a two-part piece or as a single piece; and is fit to position by the patient or trained professional, therefore allowing progressive anterior-posterior fits and providing for side movements. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100319710 | IMPLANT SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AIRWAY PASSAGE - Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100319711 | AIRWAY IMPLANT AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING - A system and device for maintaining and/or creating patency in airways is disclosed. The methods of using the system and device are also disclosed. The system includes a power source that energizes a electro-active polymer implant. The energized polymer implant provides stiffness and shape to the airway, thereby minimizing collapse or deformation of the airway. A method of making the device is also disclosed. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100326448 | EXTENDABLE AIRFLOW RESTRICTION SYSTEM - An extendable airflow restriction system is described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured within the patient's mouth and may include an extendable member which may project to urge the patient's upper lip towards the nostrils to restrict airflow. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110000495 | DEVICE FOR MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT - A device for advancing a lower jaw relative to an upper jaw in a mouth, the device comprising an upper member arranged to be positioned behind the upper front teeth in the upper jaw and configured to extend back towards the upper molars on either side of the upper jaw, the upper member having retaining means for retaining the upper member within the upper jaw by engagement with one or more of the upper molars; a lower member, arranged to be positioned forward of the lower front teeth in the lower jaw and configured to extend backwards to cover at least part of the occlusal surfaces of one or more of the lower molars on either side of the lower jaw, the lower member having retaining means for retaining it within the lower jaw by engagement with one or more of the lower molars; and connection means configured to removably connect the upper member to the lower member such that the lower jaw is advanced to and retained at a predetermined minimum distance relative to the upper jaw. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110005526 | Therapeutic mouthpiece for treating sleep disorders - An upper tray adapted to receive a wearer's maxillary teeth. A lower tray adapted to receive the wearer's mandibular teeth. A first upper ridge is carried on a maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray. A second upper ridge is carried on the maxillary occlusal surface of the upper tray posterior to and spaced from the first upper ridge. A lower ridge is carried on a mandibular occlusal surface of the lower tray received between the first upper ridge and the second upper ridge. The lower tray is movable to a forward position where the lower ridge abuts the first upper ridge to limit forward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray, and the lower tray is movable to a rearward position where the lower ridge abuts the second upper ridge to limit rearward movement of the lower tray in relation to the upper tray. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005527 | ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES - An orthodontic appliance comprising a generally u-shape tooth positioning shell ( | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005528 | NASAL DEVICES WITH RESPIRATORY GAS SOURCE - Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from āpursed-lipā breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005529 | METHODS OF TREATING A SLEEPING SUBJECT - Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from āpursed-lipā breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005530 | METHODS OF TREATING A DISORDER BY INHIBITING EXPIRATION - Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from āpursed-lipā breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110017220 | SELF-TITRATABLE MANDIBULAR REPOSITIONING DEVICE - The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer. It may also be applied to MRDs that do not require any fitting to the teeth and to devices that are custom-fabricated by dental labs. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110030700 | Snoring Treatment and Associated Apparatus, System and Method - Apparatus, systems and methods effective in treating snoring behavior are provided. The treatment apparatus include a mouthpiece, a first chamber in communication with the mouthpiece, a displaceable member mounted with respect to the first chamber for applying a resistive force as gas is withdrawn from the first chamber, and an independent source of negative pressure acting upon the displaceable member. The evacuation force is increased due to the force required to displace the displaceable member positioned within the disclosed treatment apparatus. The independent source of negative pressure, e.g., a vacuum pump, increases the resistive force applied by the displaceable member. The displaceable member may take the form of a flexible membrane, piston or diaphragm that is mounted with respect to the inner wall of the first chamber or the second chamber. Use of the treatment apparatus is effective in reducing and/or eliminating snoring behavior for extended periods. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030701 | Device for preventing leakage from the mouth - The present invention relates to a device for avoiding leakage from the mouth when nasally supplying a respiratory gas on a pressure level lying above ambient pressure. The device comprises a base body made from an elastomeric material and comprises an inner edge portion and an outer ring edge portion, wherein the two ring edge portions are coupled with each other via a web portion, and wherein furthermore the base body, in combination with the two ring edge portions and the web portion, is configured in such a manner that in the application position of the base body the latter defines a lip receiving area for receiving the lips of the user. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110048430 | Nostril Inserts - Methods of use of a nasal insert to support smoking cessation, and methods of use of a nasal insert to reduce or eliminate snoring, and a method of use of a nasal insert to reduce the severity or to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, and a method of use of a nasal insert to gain smoother, easier breathing through the nose. The nasal insert comprises a body having an inner surface which defines an air passageway surrounded by an outer surface of soft, flexible material. The nasal insert body can have a first portion and a second portion where the outer surface of said nasal insert body is configured to the nasal cavity. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048431 | ANTI-SNORING DEVICE - An anti-snoring device for positioning within the mouth cavity of a person is disclosed. The invention is characterized in that a displacement member ( | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110067708 | NASAL DEVICES FOR USE WHILE SLEEPING - Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from āpursed-lipā breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110067709 | NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and steep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110073119 | NEGATIVE PRESSURE ORAL APPARATUS - This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection between the interface and mouth or teeth and prevents the interface from falling off. The oral interface also provides fixation between upper and lower lips (or tooth) and prevents opening of patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft palate in a forward direction, the patentcy of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth ad prevent air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110088701 | Custom-Molded Oral Appliance and Method of Forming - A method for forming a custom-molded oral appliance for positioning a user's jaw proximate to centric occlusion is disclosed. The method includes heating a thin sheet of material comprising a polycaprolactone polymer. The thin sheet of material is positioned within the user's mouth. The user's jaw is positioned proximate to centric occlusion. The thin sheet of material is molded around at least respective portions of the user's upper and lower dental arches such that each of the respective portions of the user's upper and lower dental arches form respective impressions on opposite sides of the thin sheet of material. The thin sheet of material is transitioned to a substantially non-deformable state. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110094520 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING - A system and method for abatement to snoring and snoring disorders which tones and strengthens soft palate muscles is disclosed. The method comprises inserting a tube into one's mouth; pressing the tube up to the hard palate; holding the tube in the mouth at the hard palate using the tongue; and initiating a sucking process over the tube. The sucking process requires the person to maintain constant suction on the tube member for between about 5 to 15 seconds followed by a relaxation for between about 5 to 20 seconds and repeating this process of suction, hold, and relaxation for between about 10 to 20 times. A system provided by the present invention provides tubes of varying diameters and liquids of different viscosities. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110100376 | FLUID FILLED IMPLANTS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a flexible chamber, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the flexible chamber, and a fluid transfer assembly in communication with the fluid reservoir and the flexible chamber for transferring fluid therebetween for selectively modifying the rigidity of the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber is implantable within the soft tissue of an oropharyngeal airway of a patient, such as within the tongue, the soft palate, or the pharyngeal wall. The fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer assembly are implantable within the inframandibular region of the patient. The fluid transfer assembly is selectively engageable by the patient for transferring fluid between the two chambers for modifying the rigidity, flexibility, and/or shape of the flexible chamber with minimal or no change to the volume of the implant. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100377 | TONGUE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH HYOID-EXTENDER FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a first element implantable in a tongue and a second element implantable between muscle planes of an inframandibular region. The second element has a first end coupled with the first element and a second end coupled with a hyoid bone for preventing the base of the tongue from collapsing against an opposing pharyngeal wall during sleep. The first and second implantable elements have outer surfaces that are substantially impermeable to tissue in-growth to allow for post-surgical adjustment or removal, if necessary. The first implantable element is elongated and includes a first end, a second end, and a center section located between the first and second ends. The center section is implantable in the tongue, and the first and second ends of the first implantable element are advanceable beneath the tongue for being coupled with the anterior end of the second implantable element. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100378 | FLEXIBLE IMPLANTS HAVING INTERNAL VOLUME SHIFTING CAPABILITIES FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a first chamber containing an incompressible fluid, a second chamber containing a compressible fluid, and a flexible diaphragm separating the first and second chambers. The incompressible fluid is in communication with the compressible fluid via the flexible diaphragm. The first chamber has a first volume that remains constant in response to an external force applied upon the implant and the second chamber has a second volume that is changeable when the external force is applied upon the implant. The flexible diaphragm is extendible into the second chamber for reducing the second volume of the second chamber and compressing the compressible fluid within the second chamber. The compressible fluid within the second chamber provides less resistance to flexing during initial flexing of the implant and more resistance to flexing during further flexing of the implant. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110108041 | NASAL DEVICES HAVING A SAFE FAILURE MODE AND REMOTELY ACTIVATABLE - Described herein are devices, methods and systems that regulate the failure of a nasal device by including a pre-determined failure mode, thereby minimizing the risk. Also described herein are nasal respiratory devices that may be remotely activated or inactivated to turn on and off an increased resistance to exhalation compared to inhalation. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110114099 | RESPIRATORY SHIELD - In an embodiment, a respiratory shield is disclosed. The respiratory shield is sized to be coupled with a respiratory device having a nasal air intake member so as to be positioned along an oral airflow axis. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110120476 | SLEEP APPLIANCE - A dental oral appliance for patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and keep the airways open during sleep Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the upper and lower teeth to open the airway A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward/backward movement of the tongue. A longitudinal tongue restrainer is attached to the raised incisor ramp or the front of the appliance at the anterior end, and extends above, below or through the transpalatal bar near the posterior end, and aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward/backward movement of the tongue | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132378 | Systems and Methods For Controlling Position - Systems and methods for controlling the position of a user of a wearable positional therapy device are provided. The wearable position therapy device can be configured to monitor and store physiological signals that can be used to assess sleep quality and sleeping position of a user. The device can be configured to be worn around the head, the neck, or body of the user. The device can be configured to provide feedback to a user if the user is sleeping or is positioned in a target position to induce the user to change positions. The feedback can be provided by one or more haptic motors that can be configured to provide various levels of feedback and the level of feedback can be customized based on the user's reaction to the feedback. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110155142 | Apparatus, systems, and methods for constraining and/or supporting tissue structures along an airway - Systems and methods implant structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth. The structures can be sized and configured to resist buckling of tissue structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth in a cranial direction. The systems and methods can also be sized and configured, singly or in combination, for stabilizing a hyoid bone, and/or stabilizing a tongue, and/or suspending a tongue, and/or providing neuro-muscular stimulation of tissue structures in, on, or near the floor of the mouth. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155143 | SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION AND TREATMENT DEVICE - A snoring and obstructive sleep apnea prevention and treatment device has an oral device portion with a centrally disposed plate portion. The plate portion has a suction cup on its tongue facing side which helps hold it in place and to keep the tongue from moving back towards the throat, thus preventing snoring and sleep apnea. A hood portion fits around the tip of the tongue further preventing the tongue from sliding back into a user's throat. In one embodiment, an inflatable balloon portion is provided to prevent soft tissue from contacting portions of the tongue. In another embodiment, a plate is used in place of the balloons. Additionally, oxygen may be supplied to a posterior portion of the device. Dental adhesives such as denture adhesive may be used to further restrict movement. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155144 | ADJUSTABLE MANDIBULAR PROTRUSION SPLINT FOR TREATING SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A two-part mandibular protrusion splint ( | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110162658 | ORAL ORTHOSIS - An oral orthosis includes a holder in the shape of a mouthpiece, including a curved arcuate trough-like upper section which receives a formable material. The formable material does not occupy the entire trough but rather includes voids between the formable material and the inner surfaces of trough of the holder to allow expansion of the formable material into the voids during the molding process when tooth pressure is placed on the formable material. This design results in elimination of the excess formable material which otherwise would require removal by trimming. Additionally, the formable material is placed in the trough in a configuration which includes indexing indentations along the centerline of the material, such that, during the molding process, the mouthpiece containing the formable material is easily centered along the edges of the user's teeth to provide a precise fitting. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110168186 | INTRA-ORAL APPLIANCE FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP DISORDERS - An intra-oral dental appliance is provided for treatment of sleep disorders including snoring, sleep apnea and nocturnal bruxism. The appliance is particularly suited for use by patients having class II malocclusion and includes an upper member conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower member conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition; and a connecting assembly for adjustably coupling the upper and lower members together. The connecting assembly includes a first element mounted on the upper member, the first element having a cavity therein; a second element mounted on the lower member, the second element comprising a posterior portion and an adjustment bar extending anteriorly from the posterior portion and having a plurality of spaced-apart adjustment positions formed therein; and a connector having a first end loosely captured within the cavity and a second end adjustably connectable to a selected one of the adjustment positions located on the adjustment bar. The connecting assembly maintains the lower member in a protruded position relative to its normal position to maintain the patency of the user's pharnygeal airway while permitting a limited degree of movement of the lower member relative to the upper member in the protruded position. In use, the adjustment bar extends substantially anteriorly of the patient's mandibular dentition to avoid constraining the patient's tongue, thereby enhancing the comfort and wearability of the appliance. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168187 | Device for Treating Night Time Breathing Problems | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168188 | MANDIBULAR POSITIONING APPLIANCE - Embodiments herein provide a mandibular positioning appliance that is fully adjustable (adjustable in all planes). The appliance may be used for the management of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). The full spectrum of SDB, from the mildest snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may be managed by the stabilization and features that this appliance offers. In embodiments, an appliance may be used by itself or may be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as positive airway pressure and/or a tongue retaining device. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110174315 | Implanted Soft Palate Support and Implantation Method - An implanted soft palate support and an implantation method are provided. The implanted soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into human tissues for a long time period, and includes a hard palate connecting end and a support. The hard palate connecting end has a connecting structure connected with a hard palate; the support is a flat implant capable of being inserted into a soft palate; and the hard palate connecting end is connected to the support. The implanted soft palate support can achieve the objectives of treating OSAHS and snoring by effectively lifting the collapsed soft palate during sleep and thereby reducing an upper airway obstruction condition. In particular, the soft palate support can be adjusted within a certain range to calibrate its shape and curvature event after the surgery, so as to achieve optimal treatment and comfort. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110180075 | ADJUSTABLE ORAL INTERFACE AND METHOD TO MAINTAIN UPPER AIRWAY PATENCY - This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and prevents disengaging from patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110180076 | WEARABLE TISSUE RETENTION DEVICE - A wearable tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. As the subject moves their tongue naturally or sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's tongue may move posteriorly. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the pharyngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally by automatically increasing the suction pressure on the tongue to maintain securement of the covering to the tongue as the tongue moves posteriorly. The pump and electronics may be comfortably worn directly by the subject to prevent any tubing or wire entanglement. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110192404 | AUTOMATED NEGATIVE PRESSURE ORAL APPARATUS - This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and helps a patient's upper and lower lips closed during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110203598 | NASAL DEVICES INCLUDING LAYERED NASAL DEVICES AND DELAYED RESISTANCE ADAPTERS FOR USE WITH NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are layered nasal devices including layered nasal devices having one or more stiffening members supporting the holdfast region of the nasal device. The stiffening member may be a stress-distributing member or a separate stress-distributing element or member may be included. In some variations the layered nasal device includes a stress distributing element to help prevent wrinkling, de-laminating, buckling, or otherwise disrupting the shape and/or activity of the nasal device. Also described herein are delayed resistance adapters that may be used with a nasal devices that inhibit exhalation more than inhalation (including, but not limited to the adhesive nasal devices described herein). A delayed resistance adapter may be activated to suspend or bypass the increased expiratory resistance of the nasal device. Suspending the increased expiratory resistance may allow the user to allow a user to acclimate to the use of the nasal device. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110214678 | Adjustable Support for Soft Palate and Implanting Method Thereof - An adjustable soft palate support and an implantation method are provided. The adjustable soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into a human body for a long term, including a hard palate connecting end and a support. The support is a flat implant capable of being inserted into a soft palate, and is connected to the hard palate connecting end. The hard palate connecting end includes a connecting structure and an adjustment mechanism connected to a hard palate. The connecting structure on the hard palate connecting end is configured to fix the support to the hard palate, and the adjustment mechanism on the hard palate connecting end is configured to control the movement or a curvature of the support or a lifting degree of the soft palate. Since the hard palate connecting end is fixed to the hard palate, and the support is implanted into a muscular layer of the soft palate, a relaxed and collapsed soft palate and a root portion of a tongue are lifted by using the hard palate as a supporting point. Since swallowing occurs frequently in a non-sleep state, the adjustment mechanism is set to be in an on state, so that the support implanted into the soft palate can move with the natural swinging of the soft palate, so as to reduce interference with swallowing; and before sleep, a control key of the adjustment mechanism on the hard palate is pushed with a finger or an apex of tongue to set the adjustment mechanism to be in an off state, so that the support implanted into the soft palate can lift the soft palate, and change a central axis of the soft palate during natural swinging by lifting the soft palate towards the tongue root, so as to enlarge an airway of a pharynx during breathing, thereby achieving the objectives of treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110220123 | Anti-snoring device using naturally generated positive pressure - In one embodiment, a device for reducing or eliminating snoring by providing easy inhalation through the mouth and slightly restricted exhalation allowed only through the nose. This results in positive airway pressure, keeping the soft tissues of the mouth and throat sufficiently separate to discourage snoring. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220124 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING AIRWAY PATENCY - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220125 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT SPLINT - A mandibular advancement splint provides for adjustable lateral movement of upper and lower appliances. An upper appliance is inserted onto a user's upper jaw and a lower appliance is inserted onto a user's lower jaw. A first protrusion is formed on the upper appliance. A second protrusion is formed on the lower appliance. One of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be adjusted to offset the lower jaw with respect to the upper jaw. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110226261 | Apparatus for reducing snoring - A mouthpiece for reducing snoring is provided. The mouthpiece includes an upper guard configured to fit over the upper teeth of a user, a lower guard configured to fit over the lower teeth of the user, a spacer assembly provided between the upper guard or the lower guard to provide an air passage at a middle section of the mouthpiece, a first adjustable assembly attached to the left side of the upper guard and the left side of the lower guard, and a second adjustable assembly attached to the right side of the upper guard and the right side of the lower guard. The first adjustable assembly and the second adjustable assembly are operable to move the lower guard relative to the upper guard. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226262 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226263 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226264 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110232651 | INTRAORAL APPARATUS FOR TREATING UPPER AIRWAY DISORDERS - A removable intraoral apparatus for improving airway patency is described. Wearing the apparatus alters the position, configuration and freedom of movement of the tongue, the muscles of mastication, as well as the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The apparatus is useful for correcting snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea due to intermittent closures or partial obstructions occurring in the oropharynx during sleep. The apparatus of the invention can improve various types of airway disorders and improve oral functions by changing the position, configuration and freedom of movement of selected portions of the tongue and mouth, reducing the resistance to air flow in the mouth and pharynx, re-orienting and reprogramming the muscles of the mouth and tongue, and maintaining a proper oral systemic balance. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232652 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using an oral appliance. The oral appliance can be configured by non-dental staff to safely conform to the dentition of a patient. The appliance includes configurable trays that include retention material that conforms to the dentition of the patient. The position of the upper and lower trays relative to one another can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The position of the upper and lower trays can be locked into place to maintain the position of the trays at a preferred treatment position. Methods for creating an appliance customized for a patient are also provided. Methods for using the customized appliance in combination with sleep study data is also provide. Methods for using the customized appliance to with pre-operative assessments and sleep study data to predict and reduce the risk of perioperative complications are also provided. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110240037 | Delivery Tools for Sleep Disorders Treatment Implant and Methods of Implantation - Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110240038 | NASAL DEVICES - Described herein are adhesive nasal devices. In particular, the adhesive nasal respiratory devices described herein are configured to be worn in communication with a subject's nasal cavity and may include a rim body having a passageway therethrough, an airflow resistor in communication with the passageway of the rim body, and a flexible, adhesive holdfast layer extending outward from the periphery of the rim body. The rim body region may be formed from multiple parts (e.g., a first and a second rim body region), and the airflow resistor may be secured between the parts forming the rim body. Methods of manufacturing and assembling these adhesive nasal devices are also described. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110259345 | Device for the Alleviation of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea - Apparatus for the alleviation of sleep apnoea in which dentition engagement units or dental overlays shaped to engage the maxillary and mandibular dentition of a subject each having a laterally located pair of flanges the ends of which almost abut, magnets embedded in said flanges with their like poles adjacent or sinusoidally-shaped extension elements made from shape-memory material having a transition temperature equal to or slightly less than normal body temperature and accommodated in cavities in said flanges provide, respectively, a magnetic repulsion force or expansive force when warmed by body heat sufficient, during sleep-induced relaxation, to displace said mandibular dentition engagement unit or dental overlay forwardly in relation to said maxillary dentition engagement unit, displacing the mandible of the subject and thereby effecting a displacement of the temporomandibular joint. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259346 | TONGUE POSITION CONTROLLER - Provided is a device which effectively improves obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), which places a small psychosomatic burden on the patient, and which is unlikely to cause a decrease in compliance or adverse side effects. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110265801 | Device for the Alleviation of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea - Apparatus for the alleviation of snoring and sleep apnoea comprising a face shield incorporating a cylinder, said cylinder containing a piston or diaphragm connected by a link to a tongue receptacle in which the distal end of the tongue of a subject is captured; said piston being outwardly displaceable within said cylinder by spring means, electrically-operated screw means, physically expansive means, shape-memory material means, or pneumatic means, all said displacement means incorporating rate regulating provisions, to draw said tongue receptacle and said tongue outwardly at a slow, controlled rate during sleep-induced relaxation, thereby reducing any tendency towards airway obstruction. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265802 | DEVICE FOR PREVENTING MOUTH OPENING DURING SLEEP - Provided is a device for preventing mouth opening during sleep including: an upper lip supporter configured to be firmly disposed above an upper lip; a lower lip supporter configured to be firmly disposed below a lower lip; a lower jaw supporter configured to be firmly disposed on a lower surface of a lower jaw and having a protruded fixing unit in a center part, the protruded fixing unit being protruded toward a front side of the lower jaw and bent upward forming a gentle curve along the lower jaw so that the lower jaw supporter does not move toward a neck; and a coupling medium coupling the supporters through coupling holes disposed on both sides of each supporter to maintain a shape of the device, the coupling medium hung on ears when the device is worn so that the device is firmly disposed on a face. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110277774 | Combination intra oral and extra oral sleep apnea appliance - A combination intra oral and extra oral sleep apnea appliance, primarily useful as a protector to limit mouth breathing, which generates a noise caused by soft palate vibration while sleeping. The device is therapeutically adapted to be placed within the mouth of a patient to allow free side-to-side movement of the user's lower jaw during use. The device includes upper and lower mandibular members that at least cover the anterior teeth. The upper mandibular member has a tube incorporated into it, running along the lingual incisal edge of the upper teeth. A retaining wire is threaded through this tube and then extend down to attach to the lower mandibular member, which includes two buccal tubes embedded into it to receive the retaining wire. Additionally, a pair of nasal expansion wires can be anchored to a labial tab, mounted externally on the upper mandibular member. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110290258 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus and method for treating sleep apnea and/or snoring is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance sized and structured to be placed in the pharyngeal region of a human or animal and being effective in treating sleep apnea and/or snoring, for example in maintaining openness of an oropharyngeal region of a human or animal during natural sleep, advantageously while not interfering with normal functioning of the epiglottis. Preferably, the appliance is non-circumferential in form and includes rounded, spaced apart end portions. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110297162 | INTRAORAL FERRULE - The invention relates to an intraoral splint ( | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308528 | Sleep disorder relief device and method - The device has first and second flexible straps forming loops with a soft chin portion fitting under a wearer's chin, and a portion extending around the head, with a frontal bridge portion secured between opposite sides of the loops and being stretched over the front of the wearer's head to pull the lower jaw forwardly and hold it there during sleep. The points of attachment of the bridge easily can be adjusted by the user to maximize effectiveness and comfort. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308529 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has a V-shape with first and second elongated legs configured for implantation in airway-interface tissue. The first and second elongated legs are configured to apply tensile forces to the tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308530 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has first and second end portions and a medial portion. The implant body also includes a coupler configured to couple the end portions to one another such that the medial portion encircles targeted tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308531 | Adjustable oral appliance for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea - A mandibular advancement oral appliance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea comprises upper and lower thermoformed co-polyester splints, custom fabricated to match the patient's dentition. The splints are interconnected by a thread cord or filament in a pre-fabricated continuous loop with no knot. The loop passes through guide tubes and around pulley's having openings to allow the thread to be forced into them. The thread is made up of braided liquid crystal polymer fiber (VectranĀ®). This appliance uses a locking device to keep the continuous loop from traveling along itself. This stabilizes the anterior positioning. The locking mechanism comprises an expansion clamp consisting of an oval expansion crank, oval casing and cap. The locking mechanism's function is to restrict movement of the loop, thereby locking the mandible in the desired forward location while the patient sleeps. The loop guide, pulleys and locking device are preferably affixed to the anterior-facing surfaces of the splints. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308532 | Apparatus for Clamping on the Lower or Upper Teeth, and Activator Comprising Such an Apparatus - Apparatus which can be placed clampingly on a lower jaw or upper jaw, in particular on the molars and/or pre-molars thereof, essentially consisting of:āat least a left and a right buccal shaped body on the buccal side;āone or more connecting elements between the left and right buccal shaped body, wherein the left and right buccal shaped bodies extend at least along respectively the left and right molars and/or premolars and/or canines; and wherein the one or more connecting elements are adapted to push the left and right shaped bodies into the undercuts of the molars and/or premolars and/or canines. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110315149 | ORAL ORTHESIS FOR REDUCING SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA SYMPTOMS - The invention relates to an oral orthesis for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms includes a maxilla palate plate having a front edge at the front teeth, a back edge at the soft palatum and two sides edges at the molar rows and, attached thereon, fixing means to fix the plate in the oral cavity and a tongue positioning device, wherein the tongue positioning device comprises a pellotte attached to a pellotte bar mounted into the plate with a spring wire engaged to press the pellotte against the tongue when positioned in the oral cavity, wherein the pellotte bar is mounted in the maxilla plate near the front edge of the plate between the molar and cuspidate teeth plus or minus 5 mm, wherein the pellotte bar in rest position is at a mounting angle relative to the occlusal plane between 30 and 60 degrees inclined towards the back edge of the plate and wherein the pellotte bar has a bend near the pellotte towards the front edge with a bend angle (b) between 60 and 30 degrees bringing the front surface of the pellotte, when in rest position, at an angle (c) between 70 and 110 degrees (relative to the occlusal plane and back edge). | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120017917 | AIRWAY DEVICE WITH TONGUE-ENGAGING MEMBER - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017918 | Oral Fixation Device and Fixing Method Using the Same - An oral fixation device and an oral fixing method using the same are provided. The oral fixation device includes a U-shaped brace and an arch board. The arch board is connected to an inner wall of the U-shaped brace, wherein the central part of the arch board is thicker than the connecting part, and the maximum thickness of the arch board is larger than 2 mm. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017919 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A method of treating an airway disorder includes placing an implant in a patient's tongue, wherein the implant has first and second end portions that attach to tissue, and a tensioned medial portion between the first and second ends. The medial portion is configured to apply a pressure of less than a predetermined amount. Device systems associated with such methods are also provided. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017920 | Method and Device for the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring - The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120024297 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT APPLIANCE - A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024298 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120031410 | Dental device for preventing a sleep disorder - A dental device for preventing a sleep disorder is disclosed which comprises a body having a lower teeth engaging surface, a central portion having a tongue engaging surface for holding a tongue down, and a pair of front ball clasps and a pair of back ball clasps for retaining the body to a lower jaw of an individual. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031411 | ORAL APPLIANCE - An oral appliance intended to treat bruxism, snoring, apnea, TMJ and/or palatal lift with a retention line member that uses the interproximal embrasure space between adjacent teeth of the patient user to secure the appliance within the oral cavity as the patient user sleeps. The shape and position of the inter-proximal embrasure space prevents an attached retention line member from dislodging while the user is asleep but permits removal of the appliance upon waking. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031412 | STIFFENING PHARYNGEAL WALL TREATMENT - A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120037166 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIZING AN ORAL DEVICE - Systems for sizing oral appliances comprise both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120055487 | System and Method for Treatment of Upper Airway Disorders - The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120055488 | ADHESIVE NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120060848 | ANTISNORING DEVICE - An anti-snoring device for occlusion between teeth on an upper jaw and a lower jaw is disclosed. The anti-snoring device of the present invention includes an upper tooth brace, a lower tooth brace and a connecting portion, wherein the upper and lower tooth braces have walls and tooth-bearing portions for positioning teeth on the upper and lower jaws, and the force is evenly applied on the teeth. The lower jaw is thus moved forward, and the throat soft tissues are prevented from moving downward. Thus, the trachea would not be pressed, and the respiratory tract would not be narrowed, such that air resistance in the respiratory tract would not be increased, and the vibration occurring in the respiratory tract would be decreased. Accordingly, the anti-snoring device of the present invention effectively prevents snoring. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120073581 | SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION DEVICE - A mouth appliance for maintaining effective airflow in a wearer's airway comprises a frame formed to engage the wearer's upper and lower teeth to retain the frame in a selected position in the wearer's mouth in accord with the wearer's natural bite. A tongue depressor is mounted to the frame and formed to extend to a rear portion of the wearer's throat and exert pressure directly on the tongue in the area of the wearer's soft palate, thereby facilitating comfort and ease in occasional swallowing, while providing airflow effectiveness to prevent the wearer from snoring and experiencing sleep apnea. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073582 | ANTI-SNORING DEVICE - An intraoral anti-snoring device, for shifting the lower jaw forward in relation to the upper jaw, with an upper jaw bar and a lower jaw bar that are both U-shaped and are connected to each other in a hinge joint at their outer flanks facing away from each other via protrusion ties by means of fixing buttons. At each of the two end sections of the protrusion tie, a round hole is provided for accepting the fixing button. The invention proposes a curved design for the protrusion tie, specifically an S-shaped design, with the center section having a cross-sectional contourāat least in partāthat permits a temporary change of the distance of the round holes relative to each other by means of an elastic deformation of the protrusion tie in the longitudinal and in transverse direction. Preferably, the center section has an elongated hole that extends from one round hole to the other round hole and has a width that is smaller than or equal to the diameter of the round hole. Due to the resulting longitudinal edge strips that are capable of spring action, the fixing button is able to avoid excessive pressure by moving into the elongated hole. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120090624 | NECK SUPPORT - The present invention provides a neck support including a neck wear, two support devices, and a ventilation device. The neck support is worn on human's neck. The support devices are provided on the neck wear, each of which has a jaw pad, a first tongue pad and a second tongue pad. The jaw pads are on a back of human's jaw to push human's jawbone forward, the first tongue pads are on a bottom of human's jaw to push a root of human's tongue, and the second tongue pads are on the bottom of human's jaw to push a middle of human's tongue. The jaw pads and the first tongue pads may hold human's tongue to keep the respiratory tract unobstructed, and the second tongue pads and the ventilation device help people breathing to avoid snore. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120103345 | Sleeping Aid - A sleeping aid having an upper moulding, a lower moulding and a bridge; the sleeping aid formed so that it can be placed in the mouth of a human user with a series of the user's upper teeth snugly in the upper moulding, a series of the user's lower teeth snugly in the lower moulding, the user's lower jaw held forward of its natural resting position by the mouldings, and the bridge extending across the user's tongue to restrict the tongue from rearward movement; the sleeping aid formed such that when it is worn in this way the forward position of the lower jaw and the position of the bridge substantially inhibits snoring and/or sleep apnoea. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120111340 | NASAL CANNULA - A nasal cannula includes a cannula body having a passageway extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and an airflow restrictor coupled to the cannula body and positioned to selectively restrict air flow through the passageway during exhalation. A flow regulator is settable to a plurality of airflow positions and cooperates with the airflow restrictor to regulate the air flow during exhalation such that the air flow during exhalation is variable in response to the airflow position of the flow regulator. In one embodiment, an airflow restrictor is deformable from an at-rest configuration to an inhalation configuration during inhalation, and exerts a substantially constant backpressure during exhalation for a predetermined range of expiration flow rate. Methods of use are also provided. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111341 | AIRWAY IMPLANTS AND METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INSERTION AND RETRIEVAL - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120118297 | NASALLY INSERTED AIRWAY OPENING DEVICE FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT - A nasally inserted airway opening device with inflatable cuff is provided to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The airway opening device includes a hollow flexible tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and an inflatable cuff attached to the tube at or near the distal end. The inflatable cuff may be inflated and deflated via the tube. The inflatable cuff defines an interior through hole extending along the length thereof. When deflated, the inflatable cuff may be packed closely to the tube and may be inserted or removed through a nostril of a user. When inserted through the user's nostril and positioned in the user's oropharynx or naso-oropharynx and inflated, the inflatable cuff prevents soft tissue in the user's naso-oropharynx from collapsing toward the posterior pharyngeal wall while simultaneously allowing airflow through the through hole. A method for utilizing the airway opening device to prevent/treat sleep apnea is also provided. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120132214 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. The implant body has a medial portion extending between first and second anchoring end portions. The medial portion of the implant body is axially compliant and the end portions are axially non-compliant. Methods of treating an airway disorder comprising implanting an axially-extending implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132215 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING AIRWAY PATENCY - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120132216 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SALIVA MANAGEMENT WITH AN ORAL DEVICE - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120138068 | FAULT DIAGNOSIS IN CPAP AND NIPPV DEVICES - A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120138069 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. At least a portion of the elongate body carries a light transmission material for permitting light transmission therein. Systems and methods of treating an airway disorder comprising implanting an implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120145166 | Intra-oral mandibular advancement appliance - An intra-oral mandibular advancement appliance to be inserted in the mouth of a patient so as to maintain an open airway to the patient's throat and thereby improve breathing during sleep. The mandibular advancement appliance has particular application for use by those wishing to reduce the effects of snoring and/or sleep apnea. The appliance includes an upper tray assembly against which is seated the patient's teeth carried by his upper jaw and a lower tray assembly against which the patient's teeth carried by his lower jaw are seated. The lower tray assembly is mated to and slidably adjustable by the patient relative to the upper tray assembly. By virtue of the foregoing, the position of the patient's lower jaw can be selectively and continuously moved forward with respect to the position of the upper jaw to prevent an occlusion of the airway as the patient's condition changes over time. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120152260 | SNORING REDUCTION APPARATUS - The invention relates to a snoring reduction apparatus ( | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120160249 | TONGUE ADVANCEMENT DEVICE FOR REDUCING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA CONDITION - A tongue advancement device according to various embodiments can include at least one first magnet provided in a mouthpiece and a tongue implantation device. The at least one first magnet comprises a substantially flat surface that aligns with a peripheral edge of the mouthpiece, such that the at least one first magnet does not extend from the mouthpiece. The tongue implantation device, such as a tongue piercing, includes a second magnet that magnetically interacts with the at least one first magnet to retain the tongue of the user in a forward position when the mouthpiece is worn. The device can also include a tongue cover consisting of a flexible tubular body having an opened end, a closed end and a magnet attached to the closed end. The tongue cover may be configured as a tongue sleeve or a tongue gripper based upon the principals of the Chinese finger trap. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120180798 | ORAL APPLIANCE FOR SLEEP AIRWAY MANAGEMENT - An oral appliance for managing a person's airway, includes a malleable ring portion which fits between a user's lower teeth and lower lip, or a user's upper teeth and upper lip; and a tongue depressant portion, which engages the base of a user's tongue to push the tongue downwards and forwards | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120180799 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a relatively narrow central region between first and second relatively wide outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120186589 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING - Methods and apparatus for treating snoring and sleep apnea may include an oral appliance based on an extensive, three-dimensional radiological and clinical examination. The oral appliance may position the patient's lower jaw to a position that may prevent or eliminate sleep apnea. Several parameters, often over 40 parameters, may be examined to determine the proper placement and orientation of the jaw, via the oral appliance. The oral appliance may have a soft insert on the inside for cushioning the patient's teeth while the outside of the oral appliance may be hard, so as to maintain airflow through the oral appliance. The oral appliance may be a āfull coverageā piece, fitting over 70 percent, typically over 80 percent, of the patient's teeth. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120192874 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system is adapted to send an electrical signal from an implanted neurostimulator through a stimulation lead to a patient's nerve at an appropriate phase of the respiratory cycle based on input from a respiration sensing lead. External components are adapted for wireless communication with the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is adapted to deliver therapeutic stimulation based on inputs. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120199135 | SALIVA MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH CONTINUOUS FLOW THROUGH ORAL DEVICE - Systems for maintaining a vacuum in a patient's oral cavity comprises an oral device, a vacuum control system, and an assembly including first and second tubes for connecting the vacuum control system to the oral device. The oral device has an internal plenum, and a vacuum is drawn in the plenum by a vacuum pump connected by a first tube of the tubular assembly. The vacuum is maintained by an air source which is connected to the plenum by the second tube of the tubular assembly. By maintaining a constant circulating air bleed through the oral device and the connecting tubes, saliva may be removed from the system and collected in a saliva trap located before the vacuum pump. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120199136 | Regulatable Intraoral Mandibular Advancement Device, for Preventing Snoring and Sleep Apnoea - The invention relates to a regulatable intraoral mandibular advancement device that can be used to prevent snoring and sleep apnoea. Said device comprises two splints connected by a central screw ( | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120204886 | TONGUE RETENTION SYSTEM - A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon tor temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120204887 | Adjustable Snore-Attenuating Pressure (ASAP) - This invention is a device and method to reduce snoring that: is wearable, self-contained, and largely energy self-sufficient; and enables iterative adjustment of airflow characteristics to reduce soft tissue vibration. It is also well-suited to being remotely controlled by the snoring person's bed partner. This invention may be embodied as a device that includes: an airflow-constraining member that directs, reduces, or blocks respiratory airflow during sleep; an airflow channel that allows airflow through or past the airflow-constraining member; and an airflow-adjusting mechanism that enables adjustment of one or more airflow characteristics of airflow through the airflow channel in order to reduce or prevent vibration of soft tissue along the person's airway that causes snoring. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120216818 | GLASSOPLASTY USING TISSUE ANCHOR GLOSSOPEXY WITH VOLUMETRIC TONGUE REDUCTION - Methods and devices are disclosed for remodeling the tongue. One or more spaces or cavities are formed in the tongue using, for example, surgical or RF ablative techniques. The cavities can be closed or collapsed by inserting a tethered soft tissue anchor into the tongue and attaching the tethered portion of the soft tissue anchor to a bony structure such as the mandible or hyoid bone in order to exert a collapsing force on the one or more spaces or cavities. The insertion pathway of the tethered soft tissue anchor may pass adjacent to or even through one or more cavities. Also disclosed herein is a tongue remodeling system that includes means for creating a space in the tongue, and a tissue anchor configured to close the space. The tissue anchor may be tethered or expandable. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120216819 | MASK ASSEMBLY - A respiratory mask for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea using gas pressurized in the range of about 4 to 20 cm H | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120216820 | ORAL APPLIANCE FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING AND SLEEP APNEA - An oral appliance ( | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120222685 | Non-Surgical Method and System for Reducing Snoring - A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120227748 | Methods and Devices for Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring - Methods and devices to prevent and/or treat breathing disorders (e.g., upper airway disorders) in mammals related to impaired airflow are described. Methods and devices apply force to soft tissue that avoids obstruction of airflow in the mammel's airway. Breathing disorders that are avoided by the methods and/or devices include apnea. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227749 | MOUTHPIECE - Provided is a mouthpiece that does not come off easily even when a user suddenly moves, and that can alleviate snoring, apnea and symptoms of obstructive respiratory disorders. The mouthpiece has an upper piece ( | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227750 | DENTAL IMPLANT FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus for use in treatment of sleep apnea includes: a first body for use on an upper jaw; and a second body which is matingly engaged by the first body wherein the second body is used on a lower jaw. The first body has a first member and the second body has a second member. The member slidably engages the second member and the second body has a wall which slides along a wall of the first body which moves the second body. The second body is secured to at least one dental implant on the lower jaw. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120234330 | System and Method for Treating Sleep Apnea and Snoring - System and method for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring having a removable collar with a tubular sleeve inside made of foam rubber, which is applied around the neck and forces the head to remain upright or extended and the muscle tissues of the throat stay tight. The collar is divided into three main sections, the front in which the collar is adjusted so the band adopts a curved form with a height between 8 and 10 cm. and is placed between the mandible and sternal manubrium; the lateral sections where the band portion supports and stabilizes the front section and a rear section where the ends of the band join, the lateral sections of foam. The collar separates the chin and jaw of the sternal manubrium sternum on which it rests. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234331 | SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION AND TREATMENT DEVICE - The present invention is a safe, inexpensive, easy to use and effective anti-snoring and anti-sleep apnea treatment device. The device has a vertical and horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is placed inside the mouth, behind or between the molar teeth with palatine and tongue shelves to prevent snoring and movement of the tongue backwards. The device is tethered to the hard palate by vacuum cups to prevent the movement of the tongue backwards during sleep to prevent sleep apnea. The proximal end of the vertical bar is anchored to string at the distal end with hook and loop fabric closure adhesive attachment and to the lips outside the mouth to prevent the accidental swallowing and aspiration of the device; and at the same time holds the tongue and device firmly in the mouth. The device is provided with canula with three way stopcocks to deliver supplemental oxygen and therapeutic agents. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120234332 | SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION AND TREATMENT DEVICE - A anti-snoring and anti-obstructive sleep apnea apparatus has a plate or metal frame tongue shelf splint to prevent the flaccid tongue falling back, a palate shelf splint projection to elevate the soft palate and prevents its vibration, incisors teeth receptacles or pockets sockets for jaw displacer to hold the mandible moved forwards, and to prevent it falling back held between the bite block, catheter-tubing to administer oxygen supplementation from the external source which reduces air turbulence and promotes nasal breathing, a submental suprahyoid muscle stimulator placed below the tongue, and above the mucous membrane. An injection port is provided to administer any therapeutic agents and local anesthetics to reduce the sensitivity of the tongue and oral cavity mucus membrane lining to the foreign objects. This device is used to deliver therapeutic agents to prevent and to treat halitosis and various diseases. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120240940 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MAGNETIC FORCE SYSTEMS AFFECTING THE TOUNGUE OR HYOID MUSCCLES IN THE UPPER AIRWYA - Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120240941 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING SLEEP POSITIONS - A patient position monitor comprises an oral appliance and an electronic circuit module. The oral appliance is adapted to be held in a fixed location within the patient's mouth, typically being removably secured to the patient's teeth. Orientation circuitry detects patient's position and sends an alarm to the patient when the patient assumes a supine position and is at particular risk of snoring or sleep apnea. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120247485 | ORAL APPLIANCE FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea provides greater comfort to the user and maintains an open air passage through the mouth by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece including a frame of hard material and a tooth tray of softer material that conforms closely to the tooth pattern of the user. A spoon-like tongue depressor extends adjustably from the forward center of the device, the tongue depressor having a downward convex bowl that holds the tongue away from the windpipe of the user. The tongue depressor has a stein captured by and rotating in the adjuster, so that the tongue depressor may be prevented from rotating as the adjuster is threaded inwardly or outwardly in the front of the device. An air passage is preferably provided to each side of the tongue depressor adjuster. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120247486 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - A method and apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea and for comfortably fitting an oral device to treat the condition. The patient is screened to reduce snoring using a device which changes the airway, and then using an airway dilation simulator having sequentially sized elements to determine the mandibular position maximizing the upper airway dimension. An oral device is then fabricated to retain the maximum position during sleep. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120255559 | CUSTOM DENTAL APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF CREATING A CUSTOM DENTAL APPLIANCE - According to one embodiment, a dental device is provided. The dental device comprises an arched frame configured to be positioned proximate to the occlusal surface of a user's dental arch such that the arched frame extends beyond the cuspids of the user's dental arch. The arched frame defines a plurality of apertures, and the arched frame comprises an adjustment mechanism. The dental device further comprises a moldable tray coupled to the arched frame. The moldable tray engages the plurality of apertures and comprises a channel configured to engage at least some of the teeth of the user's dental arch. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120255560 | APPARATUS FOR PREVENTION OF SNORING AND IMPROVED BREATHING - According to one embodiment, a dental device is provided. The dental device comprises an arch configured to engage at least some of the teeth of a user's dental arch and having a midline that aligns substantially with the anterior midline of the user's mouth when the arch is inserted in the user' s mouth. The dental device further comprises a dental attachment that comprises an anchoring element configured to be outside the user's mouth when the arch is inserted in the user's mouth. The dental device further comprises a second arch and a second anchoring element coupled to the second arch along the midline of the second arch. The dental device further comprises a tension element configured to engage the second anchoring element and to couple to the anchoring element outside the user's mouth when the second arch is inserted in the user's mouth. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120255561 | DEVISE FOR SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT - A device for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea treatment has an oral elastic glove portion adapted to removably cover a free moving portion of a user's tongue. Three vacuum suction cups are used to attach the device to the hard palate and the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tongue in order to hold the device in place without allowing the tongue to move backwards. A vacuum creating cannula and a syringe attached to a tip of the device to create a vacuum once the device in positioned in the user's mouth. In addition, a balloon is provided to prevent soft palate vibrations. A skin attachment pad is removably attached to the user's face close to the mouth and holds the end of a string provided to secure the tongue glove from moving during sleep or be accidentally swallowed. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120266895 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERCUTANEOUS PALATE REMODELING - Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated to displace at least a portion of the soft palate in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the soft palate. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120312307 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING DESIRED ORIENTATIONS IN TARGETED TISSUE REGIONS - At least one elongated body is sized and configured for implantation in a desired orientation in a tissue region in an airway. An array of projections extends from the elongated body and is resiliently coupled to the elongated body. The array or projections is in a normally biased outward extending condition sized and configured to engage tissue and resist a reorientation of the elongated body within the tissue region out of the desired orientation after implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region. The array of projections is sized and configured to resiliently yield by flexing inward against the elongated body during implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120318279 | NASAL CAVITY INSERTION DEVICE - A nasal cavity insertion device is provided that includes a tubular main body part, at least one elastically deforming part disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular main body part, and a water soluble holding part. The water soluble holding part holds the elastically deforming part in a diameter-reduced state. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120325223 | NASAL CAVITY INSERTION DEVICE FIXTURE AND NASAL CAVITY INSERTION DEVICE SET INCLUDING THE SAME - A fixture is provided for attachment to a device to be inserted into a nasal cavity. Further, the fixture is a nasal cavity insertion device fixture formed of a wire rod. The fixture includes a first wire rod part, a second wire rod part, and a third wire rod part. The second wire rod part is connected to the first wire rod part and formed by folding back the wire rod so as to be opposed to the first wire rod part. The third wire rod part is connected to the second wire rod part and formed by bending the wire rod so as to be disposed oppositely to a side of the second wire rod part facing the first wire rod part. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000652 | ORAL ORTHOSIS - An oral orthosis includes a holder in the shape of a mouthpiece, including a curved arcuate trough-like upper section which receives a formable material. The formable material does not occupy the entire trough but rather includes voids between the formable material and the inner surfaces of trough of the holder to allow expansion of the formable material into the voids during the molding process when tooth pressure is placed on the formable material. This design results in elimination of the excess formable material which otherwise would require removal by trimming. Additionally, the formable material is placed in the trough in a configuration which includes indexing indentations along the centerline of the material, such that, during the molding process, the mouthpiece containing the formable material is easily centered along the edges of the user's teeth to provide a precise fitting. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130014765 | TONGUE AND MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT APPLIANCEAANM Meade; Thomas E.AACI AlbuquerqueAAST NMAACO USAAGP Meade; Thomas E. Albuquerque NM US - A tongue and mandibular advancement device for pulling the jaw forward and keeping the tongue in an extended position includes upper and lower inserts conforming to upper and lower teeth respectively. A hook support is located on both sides of the upper insert at a forward position and a plurality of hook supports are located at a rearward position of both sides of the lower insert. Tension coil springs are fitted to each of the upper insert hook supports and to one of the plurality of lower hook supports. The plurality of lower insert hook supports provides discrete levels of tension force of the coil spring on each side of the appliance. A plastic tube may be fitted over the coil springs to prevent injury to the inside of a user's mouth. The upper and lower inserts each have a magnet that attracts a magnetizable member on or in a user's tongue to keep the tongue at an extended position. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130014766 | DEVICES FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND/OR SNORING - A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130014767 | DEVICE IN CONNECTION WITH SLEEP APNOEAAANM Heinonen; JohnAACI MarstaAACO SEAAGP Heinonen; John Marsta SE - A device in connection with sleep apnoea, includes a dental splint ( | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130032155 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURING UVULA - A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130037037 | DENTAL APPLIANCE WITH ADJUSTABLE TONGUE REPOSITIONER - An embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be positioned at least partially in a mouth of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and to improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure. The device comprises a base unit adapted to be removably mounted on a lower jaw of the mouth, a pair of tongue positioner guides, each tongue positioner guide connected at a proximal end to the base unit, and a pair of tongue positioners, each connected with a distal end of a corresponding tongue positioner guide. The tongue positioner guides each comprise a bendable material so that the pair of tongue positioners are repositionable relative to the base unit. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130042875 | TONGUE RETAINING DEVICE - A tongue retaining device and a method of using the same are provided. The device includes an implant member configured to be anchored in a tongue, a dental plate configured to be worn upon mandibular teeth, and a coupling member couplable between the implant member and the dental plate to promote direct anterior displacement of the tongue. The tongue retaining device may be offered as part of a kit with a tongue-piercing device. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130042876 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A THERAPY AND SENSING A BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MOUTH - Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130056009 | Sling-Based Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Slings, kits, and methods useful in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are described. An exemplary sling comprises a main body extending along a lengthwise axis and having first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing sides, and first and second opposing surfaces. Each end defines an end loop that defines a passageway extending through the main body. An exemplary method of treatment comprises creating two openings in the mandible of a patient; creating two longitudinal tunnels in the tongue of the patient; creating a transverse tunnel in the tongue of the patient; advancing a sling through the transverse tunnel; pulling each end of the sling through one of the longitudinal tunnels and through one of the openings in the mandible; pulling the tongue toward the front of the mouth or mandible; and securing the sling to a tissue to support the tongue in a new position. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056010 | AUTONOMOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE SYSTEM - A self-contained Autonomous Positive Air Pressure (APAP) device that treats sleep apnea by providing pressurized air intermittently or on demand. The self-contained device is inconspicuously designed as eyewear and does not require the user to be tethered to an air hose or power cord. The device also does not require the user to wear a face mask sealed to the user's face. Instead, the present invention comprises a system that is battery powered including pumps to pressurize a chamber or chambers that provides breathable air through electronically controlled pressure regulated valves that prevents upper airway obstruction. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130074848 | ANTI-OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY DENTAL ORTHOTIC - An anti-obstructive airway dental orthotic is described. The orthotic includes a maxillary retainer and a mandibular retainer releasably attaching to a plurality of teeth of a wearer. The retainers are attached by at least one strut, either variable in length or of a plurality of lengths, which exert a forward force on the lower jaw, tending to advance the mandible relative to the maxilla. This advancement of the lower jaw promotes a less obstructed airway in the wearer, while fenestrations in the retainers may allow for greater comfort and tongue movement. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130074849 | Modular Tissue Securement Systems - A system and method are disclosed for the securement of tissue and in particular for placement of a tongue base suspension fiber for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system incorporates disposable connectors with releasable needles to facilitate the placement of fibers with minimal increase in suture site dilation or trauma. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130081637 | NASAL INSERT AND CANNULA AND METHODS FOR THE USE THEREOF - A nasal insert includes a user interface with a housing having a circumferential wall defining an interior passage. A valve is in communication with the interior passage and limits a fluid flow through the interior passage in at least one direction. An exterior surface of the housing is adapted to interface with a nasal vestibule of a user and define an exhalation flow path. Methods of using and assembling the nasal inserts also are provided. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130081638 | INTRAORAL ORTHOSIS, A METHOD OF FABRICATING SUCH AN ORTHOSIS, AND A METHOD OF ADJUSTING IT - An intraoral orthosis comprising a first shell and a second shell, said shells being connected together by an adjustable connection device, said adjustable connection device comprising two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of said shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of said shells, the adjustment housings being molded integrally with said other shell, each adjustment housing being connected to said other shell by a foldable support structure. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130087155 | TISSUE CROSSLINKING FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130092176 | AUTOMATED TISSUE RETENTION SYSTEM - An automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. Once placed within a subject's mouth, the appliance may be maintained in a closed configuration while the subject's mouth remains closed. However, as the subject sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's month typically opens during a sleep disordered event. The appliance may be actuated by the separation between the mandible and maxilla to have greater tension and thus retract or pull anteriorly the covering adhered to the tongue. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the phryngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130098371 | TISSUE SUPPORTING DEVICE AND METHOD - A tissue supporting device is provided and method of use. The device includes an anchor element having a plate-like element and first and second side walls extending upwardly therefrom. The plate-like element is defined by front and rear edges, and first and second side edges, with the rear edge being longer than the front edge. The first and second side walls are aligned substantially along at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the plate-like element such that a distance between the first and second side walls at a front side is less than a distance between the first and second side walls at a rear side. The device also includes a soft tissue supporting element adapted for engaging and supporting soft tissue. The soft tissue supporting element is coupled to the plate-like element and extends outwardly from the anchor element. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098372 | Mandibular Advancement Device with Positive Positioning Hinge - The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098373 | ORAL APPLIANCE AND METHODS - The present application discloses an oral appliance, a device for making an oral appliance, a method of making an oral appliance, and a method of using an oral appliance. In certain embodiments, the oral appliance comprises first, second, and third moldable parts. Each of the first and second moldable parts is configured to form an impression of one or more of a user's upper teeth and the third moldable part is configured to form an impression of one or more of the user's lower teeth. The first and second moldable parts are coupled to the third moldable part to form the oral appliance and are adjustable relative to the third moldable part. The moldable parts facilitate positioning the user's jaw such that there is vertical separation between the maxilla and the mandible when the oral appliance is installed in the user's mouth. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130098374 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130112208 | Dental appliance - The present invention is a dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance includes a base to secure the appliance within the mouth for the individual. Typically, the base will fit over and secure to the lower teeth of the individual. The appliance also includes a tongue restraining device connected to the base. The tongue restraining device has a substantial breach formed therein to permit movement of the tongue so that the user can more easily swallow saliva. A ramp might also be attached to the anterior portion of the base to advance the mandible. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112209 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING SLEEP APNEA - Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a central region between first and second outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue, e.g., the anterior longitudinal ligament and/or vertebra to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130112210 | Oral Sleep Apnea Device - An oral sleep apnea device is a dental appliance designed to advance the lower jaw of a user suffering from sleep apnea while reducing lingual discomfort and the risk of harmful tooth movement and rotation during use. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of a maxillary and a mandibular dental plate coupled to the upper and lower jaw, respectively, without direct contact with the incisal or labial surfaces of the anterior teeth. Both appliances comprise a lingual surface mount. The maxillary dental plate comprises an advancement mechanism. The advancement mechanism being operatively engaged to the mandibular dental plate repositions the mandibular plate to a forward location relative to the maxillary dental plate. During the repositioning of the mandibular dental plate the mandibular lingual surface mount distributes pressure evenly to the lingual surfaces on the lower jaw, reducing localized pressure points which can cause tooth movement. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130118504 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A THERAPY AND SENSING A BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MOUTH - Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130118505 | MAGNETIC IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR TREATING AN OROPHARYNGEAL CONDITION - Magnetic devices and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices include a sheet-like element having ferromagnetic qualities. The device may also include a permanent magnet attached to the sheet-like element by magnetic forces. The devices are implanted in soft tissue surrounding the airway and in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to exert forces on and/or change the shape of the soft tissue. The magnetic devices may also include a bladder containing a magnetorheological fluid that stiffens soft tissue when exposed to a magnetic field. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130133669 | TONGUE SUSPENSION DEVICE AND METHOD - An implantable tissue suspension device and its method for use. The device includes first and second filamentary elements bonded together only at a central connection region such that first and second leading and trailing legs of the respective first and second filamentary elements extend outwardly from the central connection region. The method includes implanting the device such that the central connection region extends laterally across a patient's tongue and the first and second leading and trailing legs of the first and second filamentary elements extend through the tongue such that ends thereof are positioned external to the genioglossus muscle. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130139828 | MEDICAL INSERTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE - An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130146065 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION, SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING - Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. In some embodiments, a glossal suspension system includes a tissue tensioner that includes a suture loop made of one or more sutures configured to suspend the tongue with at least one portion configured to extend laterally through the tongue, and a securement mechanism configured to be attached to a patient's mandible that includes one more more adjustment assemblies for engaging the one or more sutures and adjusting tension on the suture loop. Various tethers and anchors that can he used with the glossal suspension system are also disclosed. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130160776 | INTRAORAL ORTHOSIS, A METHOD OF FABRICATING SUCH AN ORTHOSIS, AND A METHOD OF ADJUSTING IT - An intraoral orthosis comprising a first shell and a second shell, said shells being connected together by an adjustable connection device, said adjustable connection device comprising two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of said shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of said shells, each notched tab having adjustment teeth to adjust the position of the shells one relative to the other, and locking housings to lock said position, said locking housings being oriented transversally relative to said adjustment teeth. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130174857 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A pharyngeal retractor device and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes a retracting element and a tissue engaging element that promotes tissue ingrowth around or onto the retracting element. The device is implanted in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to alter the shape of the wall. The device may be implanted through the oral cavity alone or by using a trocar or a hand-held delivery system to deliver the device through the pharyngeal wall. Alternatively, the device may be implanted using an open, direct visualization approach from the side of a patient's neck. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130180528 | IMPLANTED TONGUE PULLING DEVICE, PULL PLATE, PULL LINE, RETRACTOR AND METHOD - An implanted tongue pulling device including a pull plate, a pull line, a retractor and a method thereof are provided. The tongue pulling device is implanted in the mandible and tongue of a human body, respectively, for tightening the tongue dorsum and/or the tongue base for treating obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). At least three pull lines are used for positioning the pull plate, which is a flat object implanted beneath the tongue dorsum and/or the mucous membrane of the tongue base and includes through holes for the growth of tissues and pull line fixing mechanisms. The pull line includes a draw line and a sleeve. The retractor includes a casing, a control switch and a pull line fixing device mounted on the casing. A patient after surgery can adjust the tightening extent of the implanted tongue pulling device by pressing the skin outside the control switch, thereby preventing OSAHS. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130186411 | ORAL DEVICE FOR MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT AND MEDIAL TONGUE CONSTRAINT - An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes upper and lower jaw braces and a tongue-engaging member. The upper and lower jaw braces are connected so that the lower jaw brace is advanced in an anterior direction relative to the upper jaw brace when the upper and lower jaw braces are closed together. A partial vacuum is drawn in the oral cavity and the vacuum and lower jaw displacement together control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130186412 | IMPLANT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130199542 | MULTILEVEL ORAL APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING A PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY - Plural tongue gripping projections coupled to upper and lower supports grip and hold the tongue during sleep and minimize the risk of the tongue slipping back and blocking the throat. One or both of the upper and lower supports are biased together. A tongue depressor extends rearwardly and downwardly from a cross member portion of a jaw coupler. A soft palate engager extends rearwardly from the cross member. The tongue grasping device, tongue depressor and soft palate engager cooperatively resist closing of the user's pharyngeal airway. The tongue depressor and soft palate engager are desirably biased apart and supported by flexible supports to permit movement of the rear of the tongue to close the pharyngeal airway during swallowing. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130213409 | AIRWAY DEVICE WITH TONGUE-ENGAGING MEMBER - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130213410 | PHARYNGEAL WALL TREATMENT - A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130220339 | Wearable Airway Supporting Device - A wearable airway supporting device consisting essentially of elastic textile products and a matching set of form-fit mandible projectors, and has portions that encircle the head such that, when combined with a set of form-fit mandible projectors, exert pressure on at least the pterygoideus internus section of the user's mandible so as to apply upwardly, outward pressure on the lower jaw (mandible) in order to stabilize the same while the user is sleeping or unconscious, thereby preventing snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and other airway obstruction caused by the tongue dropping back into the throat and blocking the user's airway. When the elastic members are placed around the front and back of the user's head, the device keeps the user's mandible jutted forward and prevents the tongue from falling back so that air flows through his airway. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130220340 | Sleep Apnea Prevention - A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130220341 | Oral Device for Improvement of Breathing - An oral device for improving the breathing of a user by means of protrusion of the lower jaw includes a first dental rail that covers at least some teeth of a lower row of teeth of the user; a second dental rail that covers at least some teeth of an upper row of teeth of the user; and at least one coupling element connecting the first and the second dental rail. The first dental rail comprises a front, labial connection point and the second dental rail has two rear, buccal connection points positioned substantially at its two posterior ends. The coupling element has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and an apex of the coupling element forms a joint with the front labial connection point on the first dental rail. The posterior ends of the coupling element form a joint with the rear connection points of the second dental rail. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130233324 | GLOSSOPLASTY IMPLANT TENSION RELIEF SYSTEM - A glossoplasty implant tension relief system for treating an airway of a patient has a first portion configured to engage a mandible of the subject. The system also has a second portion configured to engage a tongue of the subject to retain at least a portion of the tongue. The system includes a connecting portion configured to connect the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion is constructed and arranged to provide tension between the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion includes an i) inelastic portion and ii) an elastic portion configured to provide elasticity between the first portion and the second portion. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130247920 | Cheek pouch anchor - The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130263864 | TEAT DEVICE FOR PREVENTING SNORING AND OTHER HABITS - Teat device for preventing habits such as snoring, breathing through the mouth, sucking, grinding and gnashing the teeth, and for training or treating oral functions, said teat device comprising an oral vestibule. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130263865 | SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION ASSEMBLY - A sleep apnea prevention assembly that includes an oral appliance that includes upper and lower members that are hingedly attached to one another and movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper and lower members cooperate to define a central opening when the oral appliance is in the closed position. A flexible lip seal extends between the upper and lower members and the assembly includes a main pipe assembly that comprises a main pipe and a mouth air vent. The main pipe is secured to one of the upper or lower members and extends through the central opening. The mouth air vent has a breathing opening at a proximal end of the main pipe assembly. The main pipe assembly includes an elbow receiver opening at a distal end thereof, and a mouth air path is defined between the breathing opening and the elbow receiver opening. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130263866 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING AIRWAY PATENCY - An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130269712 | ADJUSTABLE BITE PLANE APPLIANCE - A bite plane apparatus for applying to a patient's teeth is provided. The bite plane apparatus has an adjustable portion with a moveable member in a manibular portion that corresponds with a raised portion on a maxillary portion to dispose the patient's jaw anteriorly. A bite plane having adjustable wedges in the mandibular portion to increase or decrease the distance between the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular and maxillary teeth. The adjustable bite planes have a left and right occusal portions connected with a bridge. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130284184 | ORAL DEVICES, KITS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SLEEP APNEA, SNORING, AND/OR NASAL DRAINAGE - Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284185 | METHOD OF INSERTING AN IMPLANT INTO A CAVITY IN A PERIOSTEUM REGION - A method for inserting an implant into a cavity in a periosteum region of a patient's palate. The method includes cutting the periosteum region with a sharp surgical tool to create a cavity, inserting a distal end of a sleeve comprising a substantially flat pouch and an implant housed within the substantially flat pouch into the cavity, and pulling a handle extending proximally from the sleeve in a proximal direction while holding a stylet disposed with the handle in a fixed contact with the implant, thus deploying the implant inside the cavity. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130306080 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIZING AN ORAL APPLIANCE USING OVERLAYS - A system for sizing an oral appliance comprises a right overlay, a left overlay, and a wax bite plate. A dental arch impression of a patient is taken on the wax bite plate, and indicia on the right and left overlays are aligned with the dental arch impression to provide information on both the arcuate shape and width of an oral appliance which can best fit the patient. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130312767 | Partially Erodable Systems for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130312768 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A medical apparatus for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises an elongate member with a middle portion, a first fixation element and a second fixation element. The middle portion applies a force to a segment of a patient's airway. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130319427 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO TREAT UPPER PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA PATIENTS - Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be caused by a collapse of the pharyngeal wall as a result of increasing negative airway pressure. This invention is directed to systems and methods to resist collapse of the pharyngeal wall by minimally invasive upper pharyngeal airway surgery. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319428 | STABILIZED MAGNETIC FORCE DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilise its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130327341 | LAYERED SOFT PALATE SUPPORT AND IMPLANTATION METHOD - The present invention relates to a layered soft palate support and an implantation method for treating sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or snoring. The layered soft palate support is a flat implant made of a material capable of being implanted into a human body for a long term, and includes a hard palate connecting end and a support. The support is a layered structure formed by stacking two or more layers of supporting plates and capable of being inserted into a soft palate, and is removably or irremovably fixed to the hard palate connecting end. The hard palate connecting end has a connecting structure connected with a hard palate, and is fixed to the hard palate through the connecting structure. The support is implanted into a muscular layer of the soft palate, and is inserted into the soft palate by a length equal to ā
to ā
of its total length. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130333707 | Article For Stabilizing Jaw Joint Relationships For Treatment Of Sleep Apnea - An oral appliance for treating sleep apnea of a patient including a monolithic body having an upper tray with an upper recess formed to conform to the maxillary teeth of the patient and a lower tray having a lower recess formed to conform to the mandibular teeth, the monolithic body defining a coupling of a rear portion of the upper tray to a rear portion of the lower tray at an angle forming a orifice between front mandibular teeth and front maxillary teeth, the upper tray including a raised upper seal surrounding the recess corresponding to the patient's upper gum line and the lower tray including a raised lower seal surrounding the recess corresponding to the patient's lower gum line each when the patient's teeth are disposed in the recesses. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130333708 | CHIN AND NECK SUPPORT DEVICE - A chin and neck support device includes a chin support ( | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140000631 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000632 | ADHESIVE STRIP WITH NON-ADHESIVE BAND AND METHOD TO REDUCE MOUTH BREATHING USING THE SAME | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140000633 | APPARATUS FOR REDUCING SNORING | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140007884 | MOUTHPIECE - A mouthpiece includes a first body configured to be secured over one or more teeth of a user. The first body comprises a frame for location about at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, as a first bite pad between upper teeth and lower teeth. The first bite pad is molded in the frame while in situ in the mouth of the user and the first bite pad is formed by a PVS material. The first bite pad is in contact with at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, and the first bite pad defines an exterior shape of at least a portion of the teeth of a user. There is a similar second body with a connector between the first body and the second body and together these form the appliance for the user. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140007885 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - Methods for treating sleep apnea. A method includes implanting at least first and second elongated implants in a tongue or soft palate of a patient, wherein each of the first and second implants is configured to have a first, expanded configuration and a second, contracted configuration, wherein implanting comprises implanting the first and second implants having their first, expanded configurations. The invention also provides systems for treating sleep apnea that can be used with the methods. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140014116 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A self-adjusting implant includes a first anchor configured to anchor to a first tissue location and apply a first tension force thereto; a second anchor configured to anchor to a second tissue location spaced apart from the first tissue location and apply a second tension to the second tissue location; a third anchor configured to anchor to a third tissue location spaced apart from and non-collinear with the first and the second tissue locations; a first tension-bearing segment spanning between the first and the third anchors, comprising a first deformable portion; and a second tension-bearing segment spanning between the second and the third anchors wherein the third anchor is configured to generally distribute a tension of the first tension-bearing segment with a tension of the second tension-bearing segment. The invention also includes methods for treating airway disorders that can be used with described implants. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140020691 | ORAL APPLIANCE FOR TREATMENT OF MEDICAL CONDITIONS SUCH AS OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING AND FOR IMPROVING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AND METHOD OF OPTIMIZING SAME - An oral appliance for treatment of medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, and/or for improving athletic performance, comprises a maxillary and a mandibular baseplate component each configured to conform to at least some of the teeth of the user; at least one pair of straps adjustably coupling the baseplate components, wherein the strap defines the relative horizontal positioning of the baseplate components; at least one pair of shim holding brackets coupled to one baseplate component; and a plurality of shims, wherein each shim is replaceably received in the shim holding bracket and configured to abut against the other baseplate component, wherein the shim when received within the shim holding bracket defines the relative vertical positioning of the baseplate components, and wherein the shims are provided in varying heights to allow for varying the vertical positioning of the oral appliance for a specific user. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140034064 | Oral Interface and Method using the Same - This invention provides an oral interface mainly including a connecting channel, a collapsible chamber and a non-collapsible structure disposed inside the collapsible chamber. The connecting channel communicates between the collapsible chamber and a negative source. When a negative pressure environment is generated inside the collapsible chamber via being pumped by the negative pressure source, the non-collapsible structure supports the collapsible chamber so that there are fluid channels formed inside the collapsible chamber. The air inside a user's oral cavity can be pumped out via the fluid channels and the connecting channel. A negative pressure environment is hence formed inside the user's oral cavity. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140041668 | ADJUSTABLE ORAL INTERFACE AND METHOD TO MAINTAIN UPPER AIRWAY PATENCY - This invention provides an oral apparatus and method capable of alleviating or curing snore and obstructive sleep apnea by applying a negative pressure through a mini oral interface to the oral cavity. The mini oral interface creates a secure connection to mouth and prevents disengaging from patient's mouth during sleeping. The negative pressure pulls the tongue toward upper palate and also pulls the soft palate forward as well. By moving the tongue and the soft tissue in a forward direction, the patency of the upper airway near the pharynx is maintained to prevent sleep-disordered breathing. The negative pressure will pull the lips inward to close the mouth preventing air from entering the oral cavity from atmosphere. The negative pressure will also pull the soft palate into contact with the rear surface of the tongue to create a seal that prevents the air from entering the oral cavity through the nasal airway. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140048078 | AID FOR SUPPORTING OF JAW ANGLE - An aid against snoring with a slingshot-shaped outer splint which support the jaw angle and fixates the lower jaw to the cheek and upper jaw. The splint is pressure relieving, pressure distributing, bendable and therefore individually adjustable and adheres to the support (skin) (FIG. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140053849 | ORAL DEVICE FOR ANTERIOR ADVANCEMENT AND MEDIAL CONSTRAINT OF THE TONGUE - An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base, a tongue-engaging member and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through the tongue-engaging member and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140053850 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SIZING AN ORAL DEVICE - Systems for sizing oral appliances comprise both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140053851 | ORAL DEVICE FOR ANTERIOR ADVANCEMENT OF THE TONGUE - An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes a base and a tongue pocket. Partial vacuums are separately drawn through vertically oriented, tooth facing ports on the base and the tongue pocket in order to advance and control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140069435 | ORAL APPLIANCE WITH AUTO NEGATIVE PRESSURE CONTROL AND METHOD THEREOF - A method for automatically controlling negative pressure supplied in oral cavity, for relieving sleep apnea and snoring is provided. The method includes: sensing a physiological signal from the user and outputting the sensed physiological signal; extracting a physiological status based on said sensed physiological signal; and automatically controlling said negative pressure provided to the user's oral cavity based on said physiological status. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140076332 | Dental Appliance for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Bruxism - A sleep apnea device having top and bottom trays, as well as a method of use thereof, is disclosed herein. Each tray is adapted to be retained on respective top and bottom teeth, the bottom tray having two flanges extending upwards from a generally planar side of the bottom tray, opposite a side which abuts the teeth. As such, when worn, the flanges extend toward the top tray. The top tray has corresponding flat regions on each side thereof which cut into the outside (relative to the teeth) plane of the tray. The flanges thus abut such flat regions on the outer side of the upper tray, pushing the lower tray and, therefore, lower teeth and tongue forward. A wearer may then sleep wearing the trays, prevent obstruction of the airways by the tongue during sleep. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076333 | Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance and Method of Constructing - A sleep apnea dental appliance and a method for constructing said appliance. The sleep apnea dental appliance and the method for constructing said dental appliance offers patients a mandibular advancement splint that is custom fitted to their upper and lower teeth. The apparatus reduces strain to the patient's mandible while in the advanced position. The sleep apnea dental appliance utilizes a maxillary dental arch and a mandibular dental arch fused together in a particular configuration determined by precise measurements taken by dental professional. The method of construction allows the apparatus to be constructed at relatively low cost which can translate into low costs for the patient. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140090652 | INTRAORAL DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING, SLEEP APNEA AND TMD - The invention is a device for removable placement in the mouth, which advances the lower jaw and draws the tongue forward and upward, thereby providing relief for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an upper portion, the upper surface of which is adapted for engagement with the user's upper dentition. A downward extension, suspended from the anterior part of the upper portion, features an anterior surface that engages the back of the lower front teeth, so as to advance the lower jaw forward with respect to the upper jaw. The posterior surface of the downward extension features a rearward extension, which is curved upward at its lateral margins to meet the upper portion, so as to define, with the hard palate of the user, a cavity that is sized and shaped to snugly engage the user's tongue. Within the defined cavity, the device preferably features a soft elastomeric surface. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140102460 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA) - A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea, the method comprising:
| 04-17-2014 |
| 20140130807 | BREATHING ASSIST DEVICE - Apparatus for providing breathing assistance, the apparatus including a body including a recess for receiving teeth of a user to thereby position the body within an oral cavity of the user, a first opening extending beyond lips of a user to allow air from outside the oral cavity to be drawn in through the opening, a second opening provided in the oral cavity to allow air to be directed into a posterior region of the oral cavity and a channel connecting the first and second openings, the channel extending through at least part of a buccal sulcus of the user. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140130808 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT APPLIANCE - A mandibular advancement appliance is described which is secured to a subject's dentition. The appliance may adjust a position of the subject's lower dentition relative to the upper dentition while maintaining a distance between the upper and lower dentition. The appliance may also allow for the free rotation of the lower dentition relative to the upper dentition for increased comfort. Additionally, the appliance may also be utilized with a tongue retention assembly for maintaining a position of the subject's tongue relative to the device for treating sleep disordered breathing. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140130809 | SELF-TITRATABLE MANDIBULAR REPOSITIONING DEVICE - The present technology provides a mandibular repositioning device (MRD) which may be self titratable. The MRD may be repositioned relative to the maxilla, e.g., the mandible may be brought, via the device, to a position forward of a neutral resting and/or bite position. The MRD allows for adjusting the maintained forward position by simply biting-down to preserve the desired degree of mandibular advancement. The present technology also allows for movement of the mandible in a lateral direction. The lateral movement is allowed for any forward longitudinal positioning of the mandible. The MRD may use a plurality of components that are coupled together and allow for lateral and longitudinal motion between each other. The present technology may be used in MRDs which may be self-fitted, typically by immersing the device in hot water and then biting into the device, making an impression of the teeth in the softened thermoplastic polymer. It may also be applied to MRDs that do not require any fitting to the teeth and to devices that are custom-fabricated by dental labs. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140150804 | Devices And Methods For Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing - According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for treating sleep disordered breathing comprising a device body designed for positioning within a pharyngeal lumen and being designed and configured for maintaining an open airway during involuntary closure of the pharyngeal lumen. According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the involuntary closure of the pharyngeal lumen is caused by collapse of airway tissue during sleep. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140174455 | DENTAL APPLIANCE - A dental appliance is provided. The dental appliance includes a dental form configured to receive a portion of a dental arch of an individual, and an adhesive strip comprising a first side and a second side. The first side of the adhesive strip is attached to a portion of the dental form. The second side of the adhesive strip comprises a mucoadhesive configured to adhere the adhesive strip to a tongue of the individual such that the tongue of the individual can be selectively attached to the dental appliance. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140190489 | ORAL DEVICE TO ELIMINATE AIR SPACE IN ORAL CAVITY - This invention provides devices and systems and methods therefrom for properly controlling negative pressure applied to oral cavity, facilitating breathing and treating sleep apnea and snoring. The systems comprise a negative pressure system providing a vacuum source and an oral device comprising a shield, a tube passing through the shield, a flexible negative pressure deliverable part connected to the shield or the tube, an optional tongue protector, where the negative pressure deliverable part is conformable to the contour of the upper palate. Negative pressure is delivered to the front and back zones inside the oral cavity via the negative pressure deliverable part to eliminate air space in the oral cavity. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140190490 | INTEGRATED ORAL APPLIANCE FOR SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING - An integrated oral appliance for treating breathing obstruction, snoring and restriction of the upper airway during sleep with a tongue restraint. Oral appliances of the invention may include an oral cavity engagement device including one or more trays, a tongue restraint with a tongue contact portion, a spring force element operatively coupled between the at least one tray and the tongue restraint, wherein the spring force element is adjustable anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the tray(s), and an air conduit inside the tongue restraint with a front opening of the air conduit extending beyond an anterior end of the tray(s) and a rear opening of the air conduit at a posterior end of the of the oral cavity engagement device configured to extend to a posterior surface of a tongue. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140209101 | DEVICE FOR THE HINDRANCE OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are mitigated or controlled by restricting head movement during sleep. A headgear is disclosed with extensions at the rear of the headgear which impedes or blocks sleeping with the head in the supine position. Supine head position during sleep is a leading cause of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep headgear is equipped with one or more extensions at the rear of the cap so that sleep in the supine position is uncomfortable. Straps are attached and extend from both sides of the headgear. The straps may be located in back of and/or in front of the ears and are fastened under the chin to hinder rotation, movement or removal of the headgear during sleep. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140230829 | METHODS AND ORAL ORTHOTIC SYSTEMS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING - A method of forming oral orthotic systems ( | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140238411 | Non-Surgical Method and System for Reducing Snoring - A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238412 | METHODS FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The present invention relates to methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alleviating a negative OSA symptom, reducing snoring, or improving quality of life in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising pyridostigmine before sleep. Also provided are related medicaments as well as methods for preparing the medicaments. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140246027 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140251343 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - Methods and devices comprised of a collapsible insert member and shaping member for treating obstructive sleep apnea are described. The insert member is placed in the tongue or other tissue forming the airway of the patient and has a lumen to accommodate the shaping member. The shaping member is inserted into the insert member by the patient just prior to sleep and removed upon waking. A variety of shaping members are available to treat patients on an individual basis, i.e., to match their particular anatomic condition that is causing their apnea or snoring. The shaping member can be made from nitinol, stainless steel, or any other known biocompatible implant material capable of providing a change in the tissue response to stress. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251344 | PARTIALLY ERODABLE SYSTEMS FOR TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140261449 | SLEEP-APNEA-TREATMENT SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE PRESSURE AND SEALING SURFACES - An embodiment of a collar includes first and second pressure surfaces, and first and second sealing surfaces. The first pressure surface is configured for disposal over a first region of a throat of a subject having an airway, and the first sealing surface is configured to form around the first pressure surface a first seal with a first region of a neck of the subject. And the second pressure surface is configured for disposal over a second region of the throat, and the second sealing surface is configured to form around the second pressure surface a second seal with a second region of the neck. For example, the collar can be configured to generate multiple negative-pressure regions to treat a subject's sleep apnea. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261450 | INTRAORAL MANDIBULAR ADVANCING POSITIVE PRESSURE APPARATUS - The intraoral mandibular advancing positive pressure apparatus utilizes mandibular advancement (or protrusion) therapy with CPAP therapy. The mandibular advancement appliance is fabricated to receive a portion of a person's upper and lower teeth when the patient bites down on the appliance. The mandibular advancement appliance advances the patient's mandible a predetermined amount. The mandibular advancement appliance contains a fluid communication pathway that provides for access to the patient's oral cavity. A CPAP device is in fluid communication with the fluid communication pathway and supplies a continuous positive pressure air supply. The utilization of mandibular advancement therapy with CPAP therapy reduces the amount of advancement necessary through mandibular advancement and eliminates the need for nasal involvement or a facial mask typically associated with CPAP therapy. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261451 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140261452 | Modular Tissue Securement Systems - A system and method are disclosed for the securement of tissue and in particular for placement of a tongue base suspension fiber for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system incorporates disposable connectors with releasable needles to facilitate the placement of fibers with minimal increase in suture site dilation or trauma. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140290668 | Adjustable Breathing Device - According to one embodiment, a breathing device includes an oral appliance arch, a post, and first and second masks that are separately adjustable relative to the oral appliance arch. The first mask defines a first interior space and is configured to deliver gas to a user's nose when the first mask is connected to a gas delivery device. The second mask defines a second interior space and is configured to be adjustably secured to the post and to form a substantial seal around the user's oral cavity when pressed against a portion of the user's mouth. The post is coupled to the oral appliance arch and is configured to adjustably secure the first mask relative to the oral appliance arch. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140305443 | MAGNETIC IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR TREATING AN OROPHARYNGEAL CONDITION - Magnetic devices and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices include a sheet-like element having ferromagnetic qualities. The device may also include a permanent magnet attached to the sheet-like element by magnetic forces. The devices are implanted in soft tissue surrounding the airway and in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to exert forces on and/or change the shape of the soft tissue. The magnetic devices may also include a bladder containing a magnetorheological fluid that stiffens soft tissue when exposed to a magnetic field. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140326252 | Anti-snoring and sleep apnea device - An anti-snoring and sleep apnea device is disclosed which comprises a maxillary tray adapted for receiving upper teeth, the maxillary tray having a pair of shoulder structures with each of the shoulder structures having an adjustable expansion device and a movable boss member connected to the expansion device, with adjustment of each expansion device for moving each boss member away from each shoulder structure, the maxillary tray also having a polymer compound therein, and a mandibular tray adapted for receiving lower teeth, the mandibular tray having a pair of upstanding structural fins, each of the fins being adjacent to each of the boss members, with adjustment of each expansion device for moving the mandibular tray forward of the maxillary tray, the mandibular tray also having a polymer compound therein. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140326253 | MANDIBULAR REPOSITIONING DEVICE - An intra-oral device comprising an upper splint ( | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140332011 | ORAL SLEEP APNOEA DEVICE - An oral treatment device for sleep apnoea and snoring, including a pad adapted to rest under the tongue of a user, so as to support the tongue from below, and engage the lower surface of the tongue using a reflex action of the relaxed tongue, the tongue flow adaptation effect. Implementations also include textured surfaces on the front of the device to encourage the tongue-tongue reflex and tongue protrusion. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140338675 | Custom-Formable Night Grinding Appliance and Method of Use - Disclosed is a dental appliance composed of a thermo-plastic polymer with low compressibility, high toughness, and high tensile strength, with a low softening point. The appliance has perforations that enable it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The appliance begins as a generally U-shaped, unformed dental tray that is significantly thinner than existing dental appliances. Once fitted, the dental appliance provides superior protection against damage to the enamel of the teeth and abrasion of the teeth due to bruxism or other mechanism leading to biomechanical wear of dental surfaces. The perforations facilitate the custom-fitting process by allowing the user to suck air through the perforations, thus applying a negative pressure between the material and the teeth while the material is still soft and pliable. This enables a user or health professional to within minutes create a final product that rivals the quality and fit of an appliance made by dental laboratories using dentist made impressions. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140352700 | INCREMENTAL AND/OR SUCCESSIVE ADJUSTABLE MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE FOR PREVENTING AND TREATMENT OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The current invention relates to an adjustable mandibular advancement device with a unique combination of resilient hinging, dentition engagement and adjustability, to prevent or reduce Snoring and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The adjustability is described by means of two concepts of adjustability for the relative enlargement or diminution of the members of the device, incremental and successive advancement mechanisms, in either combination or separately. By use of thermoplastic materials the device can be used in the outmost variability of the human dentition. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352701 | INCREMENTAL AND/OR SUCCESSIVE ADJUSTABLE MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE FOR PREVENTING AND TREATMENT OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - The current invention relates to an adjustable mandibular advancement device with a unique combination of resilient hinging and adjustability to prevent or reduce snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The adjustability is described by means of two concepts of adjustability for the relative enlargement or diminution of the members of the device, incremental and successive advancement mechanisms, in either combination or separately. By use of thermoplastic materials the device can be used in the outmost variability of the human dentition. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140352702 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLEVIATING SLEEP APNEA - A system and method for controlling a device to alleviate sleep apnea comprises determining whether a user of the device is asleep by a microcontroller operatively connected to the device. Using a sensor operatively connected to the microcontroller, it is determined whether a breathing anomaly of the user is detected while the user is asleep. An electromagnet operatively connected to the device generates an electromagnetic field to widen an airway of the user in response to detecting the breathing anomaly while the user is asleep. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150007830 | ORAL APPLIANCES AND METHODS OF USE - Provided herein are oral appliances and methods of using oral appliances for treatment of sleep disorders and conditions. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150013687 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING DESIRED ORIENTATIONS IN TARGETED TISSUE REGIONS - At least one implant structure is sized and configured for implantation in, on, or near an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue, e.g., a genioglossus muscle. The position of the implant structure is stabilized relative to the extrinsic muscle region to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation, e.g., to maintain patency of an airway. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150013688 | DENTAL APPLIANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A dental appliance and method includes injection molding a thermoplastic material to form discs for use in thermoforming. Also, a dental appliance and method of manufacture therefor, includes but is not limited to injection overmolding a thermoplastic polyster-containing material with an thermoplastic elastomer material to form a chemically bonded material, and thermoforming the injection molded chemically bonded material to form the dental appliance. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150027450 | Tracheostomy Appliances and Methods for the Treatment of Sleep Apnea Syndromes - Small tracheostomy appliances for use in treating Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The appliances are inserted in a tracheotomy incision, low on a patient's neck to equalize intra-tracheal pressure with ambient pressure under certain conditions to prevent undesirable increases in blood CO | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150034092 | Sleep Apnea Prevention Mask - A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150034093 | Method and Apparatus for Incrementally Repositioning the Mandible of a Patient - A method and apparatus for incrementally repositioning the mandible of a patient includes a mandible repositioning assembly having a support member defining opposed first and second female retention structures. The assembly includes first and second male retention members selectively coupled to the first and second female retention structures. In one embodiment, first and second sleeves may be received in respective female retention structures, each female retention structure defining an interior area configured to receive respective male retention members. Each male retention member includes a ball portion pivotally movable when coupled to a respective female retention structure and a mounting portion configured to mount to a patient's tooth. In use, respective male retention members may be coupled to respective female retention structures and to a selected dentition of the patient. A plurality of support members each having a different length may be interchanged so as to effectively reposition the patient's mandible. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150034094 | TONGUE MANIPULATION DEVICE, BONE ANCHOR FOR USE IN SUCH DEVICES AND AN ADJUSTMENT METHOD - A bone anchor for a tongue manipulation device which has a tissue anchor for attachment to the tongue, the bone anchor, for example for attachment to the mandible and a tether line which fixes the tissue anchor to the bone anchor. The bone anchor has a spool arrangement with a indexing part and a spool part. In a first configuration the spool part is operable to spool the tether line without operation of the indexing part, and in a second configuration the spool part is operable to spool the tether line with operation of the indexing part. This means the spooling to take up slack in the tether line does not cause wear to the indexing springs, and it also means the user can feel when the slack has been taken up. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150034095 | Tissue Adjustment Implant - Tissue adjustment implants useful for adjusting a position of tissue in a patient are described. In an embodiment, a tissue adjustment implant includes a main body having a series of outwardly-extending projections. The tissue adjustment implants can be used in a variety of treatments, such as in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150034096 | Devices And Methods For Treating Sleep Disordered Breathing - Devices and methods of treating sleep disordered breathing are provided herein. The devices are designed capable of preventing collapse of an oral airway tissue during sleep while maintaining normal velopharyngeal functions. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150059766 | Method and Apparatus for Vacuum-Formed Dental Appliance - An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including a set of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth and has a set of bite pads integrated with a second set of plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the teeth. The appliance includes the upper and lower plastic trays and specially formed elastic bands of a plurality of lengths and strengths replaceably attached to the retention hooks on both sides of the trays to pull the mandible forward for treatment. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150068536 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR MANDIBULAR PROTRUSION - Embodiments of methods and mandibular protruders and positioning devices, comprising, for example: an upper mounting bracket having an upper dental appliance; a lower mounting bracket having a lower dental appliance; and a rail system configured to couple the upper mounting bracket to the lower mounting bracket. Some embodiments comprise a drive motor and/or an initial position adjustment mechanism. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068537 | Nostril Inserts - Methods of use of a nasal insert to support smoking cessation, and methods of use of a nasal insert to reduce or eliminate snoring, and a method of use of a nasal insert to reduce the severity or to eliminate obstructive sleep apnea, and a method of use of a nasal insert to gain smoother, easier breathing through the nose. The nasal insert comprises a body having an inner surface which defines an air passageway surrounded by an outer surface of soft, flexible material. The nasal insert body can have a first portion and a second portion where the outer surface of said nasal insert body is configured to the nasal cavity. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075540 | APPARATUS FOR THE PREVENTION OF SLEEP APNEA - An apparatus for preventing sleep apnea in a wearer comprises upper and u-shaped appliances, a bottom protrusion extending from the lower appliance in a direction generally away from an occlusal surface of the lower appliance and a top protrusion extending from the upper appliance, the top protrusion including an adjusting block having a height of between 5/16 and 13/32 of an inch adjustably extending therefrom and having a leading surface oriented to engage the top protrusion. A method for preventing sleep apnea in a wearer comprises locating the top protrusion below and extending away from the top occlusal surface of a wearer's upper teeth, locating the bottom protrusion above and extending away from the bottom occlusal surface of a wearer's lower teeth and extending the adjusting block in an anterior direction from the top protrusion towards the bottom protrusion. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075541 | AIRWAY IMPLANTS AND METHODS AND DEVICES FOR INSERTION AND RETRIEVAL - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150101614 | Anti Snoring and Sleep Apnea Device Having Herbst-Mechanisms - An anti-snoring and sleep apnea device is disclosed in which the device comprises an upper tray structure adapted for receiving upper teeth of a mouth of an individual, a lower tray structure adapted for receiving lower teeth of the mouth of the individual, a first Herbst mechanism connected to the upper tray structure and the lower tray structure, and a second Herbst mechanism connected to the upper tray structure and the lower tray structure, the first and second Herbst mechanisms for adjusting the position of the lower tray structure relative to the upper tray structure. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101615 | Systems, Devices, and Methods for Retaining Oral Devices for Airway Treatment - Systems, devices, and methods for retaining a treatment device in the patient's oral cavity through the course of treatment are provided. Retainer elements, which match the upper and lower teeth of the patient, are worn by the patient and coupled to the bite plate of the treatment device. The upper and lower retainer elements can be coupled to the bite plate or otherwise positioned relative to one another such that the lower teeth and mandible are advanced in the anterior direction, which helps maintain airway patency. The treatment device can also apply a vacuum to the oral cavity to help maintain airway patency. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150107604 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURING UVULA - A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150114403 | DENTAL APPLIANCE - The invention is generally a dental appliance that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a mandibular advancement mouthpiece equipped with a tongue-securing mechanism. The dental appliance helps to keep a user's airway unobstructed by moving the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla, and securing a tip portion of the tongue slightly anterior to the mandible, so that the tongue is held from falling back into the throat. This invention helps alleviate problems including severe snoring and sleep apnea, which are typically caused by the tongue obstructing the airway at the throat, impeding respiration during sleep or when unconscious. In an exemplary embodiment, the dental appliance comprises of maxillary and mandibular components that make up a mouthpiece, which is configured to circumscribe a tongue retaining mechanism, or tongue sleeve that secures a user's tongue in place. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150144142 | Device and Method for Correcting Obstructive Sleep Apnea - An orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device is provided that includes a hyoid bone attachment element disposed to attach a ferric element to a hyoid bone, where the ferric element is disposed to face along a treatment vector from the hyoid bone, and the treatment vector is oriented relative to a sagittal plane of a human. The orthotic obstructive sleep apnea treatment device further includes an external orthotic neck device having a contoured housing with a shape disposed to conform about a neck of the human subject, where the housing includes a force delivery element disposed at an exterior-front neck region of the human subject and is disposed to provide an attractive force to the ferric element along the treatment vector. An accelerometer is disposed to measure kinematic variables or movement. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150290025 | Oral System - An attachment system for use with an intra-oral dental appliance to be inserted into the oral cavity of a human for treatment of sleep apnea, snoring, bruxism, and temporo-mandibular joint disorder, the attachment system having: a first attachment means securable to a bilateral under surface conforming to the clinical occlusal plane of a human, and to the maxillary dentition of a first molded member; a second attachment means securable to a bilateral upper surface conforming to the clinical occlusal plane of a human, and to the mandibular dentition of a second molded member; an attachment element having means for connecting the first attachment means, and connecting the second attachment means cooperatively together. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150290026 | Non-Surgical Method and System for Reducing Snoring - A method, system and device for addressing the reduction of snoring includes a removable or dissolvable strip of material that adhere to mucosal tissue of a person's soft palate to provide stiffening support therefore, thus reducing the occurrence of vibration of such tissue during sleep. Preferred embodiments include of a specially textured surface, either one both or at least the outer side of an adhesive strip (the side facing away from the mucosal tissue to which it is attached) that has anti-microbial characteristics, bioluminescent expressions, etc. and a surface topography that resists bioadhesion of undesired bacteria that are typically present in a human's mouth. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150305919 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE - A mandibular advancement device is proposed which comprises both an upper and a lower base plate, whereby engagement of the plates during closing of the jaws causes protrusion of the mandible and allows relative lateral movement between the jaws. In one particular form the invention relates to a device for positioning upper and lower jaws, including a cam associated with one of the jaws and a follower associated with the other jaw, the follower having an engagement surface which translates across the cam to advance one of the jaws relative to the other as the jaws are closed. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150313751 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE - A mandibular advancement device having an upper retainer positionable in front of teeth of a user's upper jaw and connected to a lower retainer positionable behind teeth of a user's lower jaw. The lower retainer comprises a support structure towards the rear of the lower retainer. The support structure has a shape and/or is made from a material such that, in use, a relatively high force is applied to two or more rearward teeth of the lower jaw to move the lower jaw forwards, and a relief region towards the front of the lower retainer configured to, in use, apply a relatively low force on one or more forward teeth of the lower jaw. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150342778 | Oral Device to Eliminate Air Space in Oral Cavity - This invention provides devices and systems and methods therefrom for properly controlling negative pressure applied to oral cavity, facilitating breathing and treating sleep apnea and snoring. The systems comprise a negative pressure system providing a vacuum source and an oral device comprising a shield, a tube passing through the shield, a flexible negative pressure deliverable part connected to the shield or the tube, an optional tongue protector, where the negative pressure deliverable part is conformable to the contour of the upper palate. Negative pressure is delivered to the front and back zones inside the oral cavity via the negative pressure deliverable part to eliminate air space in the oral cavity. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150342779 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150366701 | Implanted Tongue Pulling Device, Pull Plate, Pull Line, Retractor And Method - An implanted tongue pulling device including a pull plate, a pull line, a retractor and a method thereof are provided. The tongue pulling device is implanted in the mandible and tongue of a human body, respectively, for tightening the tongue dorsum and/or the tongue base for treating obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). At least three pull lines are used for positioning the pull plate, which is a flat object implanted beneath the tongue dorsum and/or the mucous membrane of the tongue base and includes through holes for the growth of tissues and pull line fixing mechanisms. The pull line includes a draw line and a sleeve. The retractor includes a casing, a control switch and a pull line fixing device mounted on the casing. A patient after surgery can adjust the tightening extent of the implanted tongue pulling device by pressing the skin outside the control switch, thereby preventing OSAHS. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150374536 | ORAL DEVICES, KITS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SLEEP APNEA, SNORING, AND/OR NASAL DRAINAGE - Apparatus for reducing obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and/or nasal drainage. One apparatus includes an upper member fitting the interior and exterior surfaces of a user's upper dentition, and a lower member fitting similarly adjacent a user's lower dentition. The lower member includes molar extensions projecting away from the lower member. The upper member includes upper molar extensions projecting away from the upper member and toward the lower molar extensions so that when the user bites or clenches, the upper right and lower right extensions impinge on one another in substantially overlapping fashion, as do the molar upper left and lower left extensions. The upper and lower members have an anterior shape to form a gap sufficient for the user's tongue to extend into the gap, and each molar extension may include a magnet. Methods of using the apparatus and kits to reduce sleep apnea, snoring, and/or nasal drainage. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160015555 | TISSUE CROSSLINKING FOR TREATMENT OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A method of treating snoring and/or OSA in a subject in need of such treatment. The method includes crosslinking proteins of the subject's soft palate tissue or pharynx tissue. The crosslinking can occur by contacting the soft palate or pharynx tissue with a crosslinking reagent. In addition, the crosslinking can occur without heating, contracting or denaturing of the tissue, or any combination thereof. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015556 | Cuspid and First Bi-Cuspid Bite Retainer for Sleep Apnea - A retainer with a block extending downwards from an otherwise generally flat surface is disclosed. The block corresponds to a region of one or more of the cuspids or pre-molars. A side block or other device on the upper retainer also abuts a wing or other abutment device of a lower retainer, causing the lower jaw to be pushed forward relative to the upper jaw and resting position (regular organic closing position) of the upper and lower jaw together. Thus, the upper teeth are pushed forward and a space is created between the teeth behind the (lower) block preventing an apnea during sleep. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160022470 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has a V-shape with first and second elongated legs configured for implantation in airway-interface tissue. The first and second elongated legs are configured to apply tensile forces to the tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160022473 | INTRA-ORAL DEVICE FOR MANIPULATING THE MUSCULUS UVULAE AND UVULA - An intra-oral device for manipulating the musculus uvulae and uvula is provided comprised of a support member attached to a dental splint having a means to regulate the musculus uvulae and uvula by use of an adjustment bend and about parallel and rear configuration, a method manipulating the tissue of the musculus uvulae and the uvula to bring about relief for snoring, sleep apnea and other similar or related disorders to improve a patient's health by maintaining unblocked air passage from the oropharynx to the nasopharynx. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160022474 | DENTAL APPLIANCE FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A dental appliance for treating sleep apnea is disclosed. The appliance may include upper and lower portions and at least one biasing member. The upper portion may comprise a first base and a first feature. The first base may engage the upper teeth of a patient. The first feature may secure to an anterior area of the first base and comprise a concave surface forming a concavity. The lower portion may comprise a second base and a second feature. The second base may engage the lower teeth of the patient. The second feature may secure to an anterior area of the second base and comprise a protrusion. As the patient bites down, the protrusion may contact the concave surface at a point of contact that is a sole or initial contact between the upper and lower portions. Thus, the interaction of the protrusion and concave surface may control certain mandibular loadings and motions of the patient. The biasing member connect the upper portion to the lower portion and urge the lower portion toward the upper portion and in an anterior direction, which may tend to open an airway of the patient. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160030230 | DEVICE FOR THE HINDRANCE OF SNORING AND OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA - A head-wearable device is disclosed. The head-wearable device includes a headgear support structure, a band structure for securing the headgear support structure to the wearer's head, and a protrusion assembly affixed to the headgear superstructure for hindering the wearer's head from assuming a supine position during sleep. A method of sleeping is also disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160030231 | DEVICE FOR REDUCING SNORING - A device for reducing snoring includes a ventilation tube having an air passageway therein and a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the air passageway, wherein a diameter of the first end is greater than that of the second opening, and a holding member connected to the ventilation tube at an end having the first opening. Put the device of the present invention in mouth may hold a normal shape of the upper respiratory tract while the user is sleeping and ventilate the air without obstruction while the user is breathing, so the user would not snore in sleep to improve the quality of sleep. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160051397 | SLEEP APNEA DEVICE TO POSITIVELY BLOCK EXHALING AND METHOD OF USE - Nasal cannula devices formed with through air-flow passages and circular membranes anchored centrally to retainers and operative upon inhaling by the patient to raise off the peripheral edges of respective seats for free flow of air into the nasal passages and, further, operative upon exhalation by the patient to seat on the seats. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160051398 | ORAL APPLIANCE - According to one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first arched frame and a second arched frame. The first arched frame may include an adjustment mechanism and may be configured to be positioned proximate to the occlusal surface of a user's mandibular arch such that the first arched frame extends beyond the lower cuspids of the user's mandibular arch when the first arched frame is positioned in the user's mouth. The second arched frame may include a receiving mechanism and may be configured to be positioned proximate to the occlusal surface of a user's maxillary arch such that the second arched frame extends beyond the upper cuspids of the user's maxillary arch when the second arched frame is positioned in the user's mouth. The receiving mechanism may be configured to engage the adjustment mechanism to adjust the position of the mandibular arch relative to the maxillary arch. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160058607 | Sleep Apnea Prevention - A method and apparatus for sleep apnea prevention includes a clamp that has an upper clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being is adapted to engage the patient's upper lip adjacent the nose and a lower clamp segment having a distal end and a hinge end, the distal end being adapted to engage the patient's lower jaw behind the mandibular symphysis. A hinge connects the upper and lower segments at the hinge ends. The upper and lower segments apply force to the patient's face and jaw such that the lower jaw is moved upwardly and forwardly. Adjustable force can be applied by elastic members connected to the upper and loser segments. Alternatively, the hinge can be held in a desired position by a hand-adjustable nut and bolt. The distal end of the upper clamp segment can include portions that project laterally and upwardly in order to apply compressive force to a patient's face on either side of the patient's nose. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160074207 | ORAL APPLIANCE - There is provided an oral appliance including: a body having a shape corresponding to a teeth arrangement; an upper teeth recess formed in an upper portion of the body to allow teeth included in the teeth arrangement of an upper jaw to be inserted therein; and a lower teeth recess formed in a lower portion of the body to allow teeth included in the teeth arrangement of a lower jaw to be inserted therein and allowing the lower jaw to move forward by a predetermined distance. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160081845 | ANTI-SNORE NASAL MODULATOR - Disclosed is a nasal modulator that reduces or eliminates snoring. The disclosed nasal modulator is placed in the nasal passages and modulates air in an approximate frequency range of snoring. This modulation of inhaled air disrupts the vibration of respiratory structures by being out of phase with the normal resonance of these structures. The resonant air pressure wave is also out of phase with the inhaled modulated air. This cancellation of pressure waves and vibration of structures inhibits the loud auditory result associated with snoring. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160089261 | Respiratory Treatment Devices for Airway Obstruction Therapy and the Like - Unique cervical collars and patient interfaces for sleep apnea therapy. One cervical collar features a chin-supporting member whose topside is movable relative to a chest-abutting member. The top side is biased upwardly against the underside of the wearer's chin to maintain an erect head position and closed lower jaw position when the user is asleep, while allowing intentional opening of the mouth during consciousness. The chest-abutting member features a support by which a patient interface is carried thereon to avoid or reduce the need for a separate head-worn securing means. A patient interface employs a venturi-like airway configuration to create a vacuum for securing the patient interface to facial or nasal tissue without head straps or the like. Electrical contacts on the cervical collar detect a positional status of the wearer's lower jaw, and are used to control an operational state of a pressurized air source coupled to the interface. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160106572 | Method and Apparatus for Vacuum-Formed Dental Appliance - An appliance and methods are described that include embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which can use elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth and including 3D printed sets of retention hooks coupled to the upper plastic tray via being encased in plastic, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of an upper plastic base. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth including mandibular dentition, and includes having a 3D printed bite pad which opens the bite vertically. The lower tray also has a set of 3D printed plastic retention hooks encased in plastic extending outwardly from the teeth, one on the right and one on the left of the posterior buccal portion of the lower plastic base. Elastic bands of different lengths and strengths are attached to both the top and bottom retention hooks on both sides of the trays to pull the mandible forward for treatment. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160120690 | DENTAL MOUTHPIECE FOR TREATING SNORING OR APNEA AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY - A dental mouthpiece for use in treating snoring or apnea of a user is used with a hook mechanism that engages with a bracket when placed in the mouth. The mouthpiece includes a tray assembly having an upper tray and a lower tray, each of the upper and lower trays having a generally U-shape member extending along any one of the user's pair of dental arches and having a cutout, the upper tray's cutout able to receive the hook mechanism and the lower tray's cutout able to receive the bracket, and an adaptable resin disposed on top surfaces of the upper and lower trays. The tray assembly is oriented to permit the adaptable resin of the upper and lower trays to contact the user's dental arches. The hook mechanism engages with the bracket to enable the dental mouthpiece to maintain an open airway in the user's mouth. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160128863 | NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES - Devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed in both nostrils to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. The nasal devices may also increases patency of the nares. Any of these devices may be configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160165972 | SLEEP APNEA PREVENTION MASK | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160166425 | Negative Pressure Oral Apparatus | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160184127 | AIRWAY EXPANSION APPARATUS - An airway is secured without obstructing sleep even when the lingual radix falls into the airway. An airway expansion apparatus is configured to include a pillow portion that supports a cranial portion, a pair of left and right mandible holding portions that hold the mandible coupled to the cranial portion at the temporomandibular joint, a first actuation mechanism that causes the mandible holding portions to come into contact with the mandible, and a second actuation mechanism that lifts the mandible holding portions with respect to the pillow portion with the mandible holding portions kept in contact with the mandible, in which the mandible is kept lifted. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160184128 | External Mandibular Advancement Splint - An external mandibular advancement splint is provided for advancing a wearer's jaw forward during sleep, thereby opening the airway and limiting the obstruction causing snoring or sleep apnea. The external mandibular advancement splint includes an external member having one or more arms, an advancing mechanism, and at least one stabilizing strap. The stabilizing strap is attached to a distal end of the one or more arms to anchor the external member on a wearer's mandible. The arms are adapted to engage with at least a portion of a wearer's mandible and each end of the arms are operably connected to the advancing mechanism. The arms and the advancing mechanism create a fulcrum thereby providing tension to the external member. The tension causes the advancing mechanism to pull the mandible in a direction that alleviates airway constriction. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160184129 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICE - Disclosed herein are mandibular advancement devices comprising an upper splint and a lower splint, where the upper splint comprises one or more upper fins, where each upper fin is located at a distance UD from back of the upper splint; the lower splints comprise one or more lower fins, where each lower fin is located at a distance LD from back of the lower splint; where the position of the upper and lower fins is unchangeable. Also disclosed are methods of reducing partial constriction of airway during sleep for a patient, the method comprising identifying a patient in need thereof; and administering to the patient the disclosed mandibular advancement device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing a mandibular advancement device, the method comprising obtaining measurements from a patient's dentition; digitally designing a mandibular advancement device; and milling the mandibular advancement device. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160193074 | OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING PREVENTION DENTAL APPLIANCE | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160199157 | MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT AND RETRACTION VIA BONE ANCHORING DEVICES | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160199215 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POSITIONING A PATIENT'S MANDIBLE IN RESPONSE TO SLEEP APNEA STATUS | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160199216 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR APPLYING DISTRIBUTED FORCES FOR MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160199217 | Negative-Pressure Oral Apparatus and Method for Maintaining Negative Oral Pressure and Collecting Liquid | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160374628 | HAPTIC FEEDBACK DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a haptic feedback device that includes a circuit board, a pressure sensor in operable communication with the circuit board, and a vibrator in operable communication with the circuit board. The vibrator is configured to vibrate when the pressure sensor senses pressure above a threshold pressure. The haptic feedback device includes a battery in operable communication with the circuit board. The circuit board, the vibrator, the pressure sensor and the battery are configured to be inserted into a wearable article such that when a wearer wears the wearable article the vibrator is configured to vibrate when the wearer is lying in the supine position. Further disclosed is a wearable sleep mask having a band for receiving the haptic feedback device, and a method of use thereof. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160375183 | LIQUID CONTAINER AND ABSORBENT INSERT FOR ORAL NEGATIVE-PRESSURE THERAPY SYSTEM - An oral negative-pressure therapy system includes a container and absorbent insert for the container. The container includes a baffle inside an interior of the container. A fluid passageway extends along the baffle for delivering fluid (e.g., a mixture of air and saliva) into the container. The absorbent insert for absorbing liquid (e.g., saliva) in the container may is over the baffle. At least one of the baffle and the absorbent insert is configured to maintain a fluid flow path between the baffle and the absorbent insert to maintain fluid communication between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the container. The absorbent insert and/or the container may be designed and constructed to burst air bubbles in the aspirated liquid. In one or more embodiments, the absorbent insert is replaceable so that a spent absorbent insert can be replaced with a new, fresh absorbent insert. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170231806 | CORRECTION APPARATUS | 08-17-2017 |
| 20170231807 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING A THERAPY AND SENSING A BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MOUTH | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180024530 | COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN MATRIX FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF DENTAL DEVICES | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190142626 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VACUUM-FORMED DENTAL APPLIANCE | 05-16-2019 |
