AU6545894A - A sleeping aid - Google Patents
A sleeping aidInfo
- Publication number
- AU6545894A AU6545894A AU65458/94A AU6545894A AU6545894A AU 6545894 A AU6545894 A AU 6545894A AU 65458/94 A AU65458/94 A AU 65458/94A AU 6545894 A AU6545894 A AU 6545894A AU 6545894 A AU6545894 A AU 6545894A
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- user
- teeth
- moulds
- models
- sleeping aid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/56—Devices for preventing snoring
- A61F5/566—Intra-oral devices
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
- Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)
- Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
Description
A Sleeping .Aid
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a sleeping aid.
BACKGROUND ART
In particular, the invention relates to a sleeping aid which acts as a snore inhibiting device and a sleep apnoea inhibiting device.
The occurrence of sleep apnoea has been called the little death, and it has a subtle and life threatening effect. A person suffering this condition has their airway obstructed totally as the lower jaw and/or the tongue drops back. Correction of this condition requires an awakening and movement of the lower jaw to open the airway again. Hence, a person suffering from sleep apnoea will often spend most of the night going to sleep, suffocating momentarily, and re-awakening. Having a disturbed sleep such as this results in a person feeling unrested and tired the next day. This person may therefore be prone, at best, to falling asleep at work or working in an unproductive manner, or at worst to a more serious consequence such as falling asleep at the wheel of a vehicle. Furthermore, sleep apnoea appears to put the whole cardiac system under increased strain, and this has serious implications for people with heart problems.
There are available machines for preventing sleep apnoea. Such machines generally include a nose piece which serves to keep the user's airway clear during sleep. However, disadvantages associated with such machines are that they are very expensive and/or complex, and tend to have a severe drying effect upon the throat of the user.
Snoring is a common condition which affects many people. Regular snoring, even at moderate intensities and volumes, often results in social pressures, especially in relationships. That is, the partner of a snoring person may be unable to tolerate the constant disturbances by or from their snoring partner. This may result in unnecessary tension between the two people, and may also result in the non snoring partner feeling tired and restless the next day as a result of a disturbed sleep. A snoring person may also wake feeling tired and restless, and if a snorer is particularly loud, his/her sleep may be disturbed by them waking themselves up by snoring.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Essentially, the invention comprises an oral device in the form a mouth piece or mouth guard which may be placed within a user's mouth for retaining or locating the lower jaw in a more forward position than usual during sleep. Preferably, the lower jaw is also held open slightly with respect to the upper teeth/jaw to allow for a clearer airway and also so that breathing is possible via the nose or the mouth.
Holding the lower jaw in a more forward position than usual during sleep has the effect of opening or making clearer the airway of a user during sleep. Furthermore, the action of lifting the lower jaw up and/or forward also clears the airway by moving the tongue forward. The
overall result is that a user may breath more easily and more freely during sleep. This helps to prevent sleep apnoea because the tongue is in a more forward position, and also inhibits snoring.
The sleeping aid can comprise two upper and lower moulds, the upper mould being adapted to locate the upper teeth, and the lower mould being adapted to locate the lower teeth, and therefore the lower jaw.
The upper and lower moulds can be fixed relative to each other, with the lower mould fixed in a position more forward and/or elevated than usual. Having the lower mould 3mm to 8mm more forward than usual may be preferred.
The upper and lower moulds can comprise any suitable material, although a resilient yieldable material may be preferred. A soft plastics material may be particularly suitable.
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a sleeping aid for insertion into the mouth of a user comprising an upper mould for location with the upper teeth of the user, a lower mould for location with the lower teeth of the user, said upper and lower moulds being joined together so that the lower mould locates the lower teeth and jaw of the user in a more forward position than is usual during sleep, an opening between the upper and lower moulds to allow the passage of air, said upper and lower moulds having walls which in use overlie the outer surfaces of the teeth.
In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a sleeping aid for insertion into the mouth of a user comprising an upper mould for location with the upper teeth of the user, a lower mould for location with the lower teeth of the user, said upper and lower moulds
being joined together so that the lower mould locates the lower teeth and jaw of the user in a more forward position than is usual during sleep, an opening between the upper and lower moulds to allow the passage of air wherein the upper mould includes a rearwardly extending canopy which when the aid is inserted in the mouth of the user, fits over the palatial region of the upper jaw of the user.
Preferably, the sleeping aid is custom made for each user. This may be done by taking impressions of a user's upper and lower teeth and forming models therefrom from an appropriate substance, preferably hard dental stone. A bite record may then be taken of the user's teeth with the lower jaw in its desired or required more forward and/or elevated position. It may also be preferable to take the bite record with the lower teeth/jaw slightly open with respect to the upper teeth.
Upper and lower moulds may then be prepared from the models. The upper and lower models may then be placed into the bite record and joined, for example by being set up in a simple in line articulator or other suitable device. The upper and lower models may be set in this position by using an appropriate substance such as plaster, and once set the moulds may be placed back onto the models. The two moulds may then be joined together, preferably by heating the biting surfaces of the two moulds and joining them in this way. It is found that the use of a small gas torch may preferably be utilised for this purpose as it does not distort the fit.
Preferably, at least one space may be left between the anterior or side/rear edges of the moulds to provide at least one oral airway. This or these should be as small as practically possible to enable easy breathing.
It is to be understood and appreciated that the above described method or series of steps is given by way of example only, and that any suitable method of substantially forming a sleeping aid of the above design, shape or configuration may be utilised as required or desired.
Because the sleeping aid may preferably be in the form of a mouth piece or mouth guard, it may rest against the saliva glands within a user's mouth. This may cause a slight secretion of saliva during the night. One benefit of this is that a user will wake with a slightly moist throat. This may have advantages for a user who usually wake with sore or dry throats, or who have been drinking the night before.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1: is a plan view of a sleeping aid in accordance with one possible embodiment of the present invention, and
Figures 2. 3 and 4: are front, rear and side views of the sleeping aid of Figure 1, and
Figure 5: is a cross-section at V:V of Figure 1, and
Figure 6: is a perspective view of the sleeping aid of Figures
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
With respect to the drawings, a sleeping aid in accordance with the present invention comprises an upper mould generally indicated by arrow 1 for location with the upper teeth (not shown) of a user and a lower mould generally indicated by arrow 2 for location with the lower teeth. The upper and lower moulds 1, 2 are joined together in such a way that the lower teeth (not shown) of a user are restrained in a more forward position than usual during sleep. An opening 3 is provided between the upper and lower moulds 1 and 2.
In the example illustrated, the upper and lower moulds 1, 2 are provided with walls generally indicated by arrows 4 and 5.
The upper mould 1 includes a rearwardly extending canopy 6, which when the aid is fitted in the mouth of the user it fits over part of the soft palate region of the upper jaw of the user.
The wall 4 of the upper mould comprises a front section 7 and side sections 8 and with the canopy 6 define a trough 9 for the teeth of the user. The edges 10 of the wall 4 are contoured to suit the gum line of the user.
The wall 5 of the lower section 2 of the aid is divided into front and rear sections 11 and 12 which define a trough 13 for the lower teeth of the user. The edges 14 of the wall section 11 and 12 are contoured to suit the gum line of the user.
It is to be appreciated that the aid is manufactured to be completely personal to the user.
The characteristics of humans is such that the lower jaw has the ability to naturally extend forward and during manufacture of the aid the manufacturing technician should endeavour to extend and set the lower mould some 30-80% of the natural extension.
The sleeping aid is formed by the following method.
Impressions are first taken of preparing models of a user's upper and lower teeth and models are poured using a hard dental stone.
A bite record is then taken with the lower jaw forward approximately 5mm, and slightly open. This is to locate the upper and lower teeth relative to each other.
Upper and lower moulds are formed by use of a heating device that softens the resilient, yieldable plastics material. A combination vacuum machine that sucks the softened material over the prepared models is utilised. Upon cooling, two moulds have been formed that fit firmly and precisely around all the teeth of the user. The moulds are then removed and trimmed leaving as much flange as possible without infringing onto mobile tissue.
The upper and lower models are put into the bite record and set up in this position in a simple in line articulator. When the plaster has set holding the upper and lower models in this recorded forward elevated position, the bite record is removed and the moulds put back onto the models. The biting surfaces of the moulds are softened by the use of heat and joined together. A small gas torch is utilised for this purpose as it enables it to happen without distortion of the fit. Spaces or holes are left created between the anterior edges of the moulds to provide an oral
airway.
I believe the advantages of my invention to be as follows however it should be appreciated that all such advantages may not be realised on all embodiments of the invention, and the following list is given by way of example only as being indicative of potential advantages of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not intended that the advantages of the present invention be restricted to those of the list which follows: -
1. Having the lower jaw retained in a more forward position than usual during sleep allows for easier and freer breathing, and provides for a larger breathing airway or space. This has the effect of preventing or inhibiting snoring.
2. Locating the lower jaw in a more forward and/or elevated position also clears the airway of the user by moving the tongue forward. This allows the user to breath more freely during sleep, but more importantly has the effect of preventing or inhibiting sleep apnoea.
3. Because my sleeping aid inhibits or prevents snoring and/or sleep apnoea, a user of my device has a more restful and less disturbed sleep. This results in the user being generally more alert and less tired the next day which has obvious benefits.
4. During sleep, my sleeping aid is in contact with the saliva glands of the user. This has the effect of causing a slight secretion of saliva during sleep, and hence a user wakes with a slightly moist throat. This may have particular benefits for people who usually wake with sore or dry throats; people who talk a lot in their work; and people who have been drinking the night before.
5. The canopy of the upper mould is designed to snugly fit over part of the softer palatal tissue of the upper mouth substantially reducing vibration of the tissue in this area which is responsible for generating noise during snoring.
6. The front and side walls of the upper and lower moulds extend to the gum line of the user further stimulating saliva secretion during sleeping.
7. Because a user of my sleeping aid generally has a more restful and less disturbed sleep, their sleeping partner also has a less disturbed sleep. This has the benefit of preventing any tension between the partners due to tiredness and/or anger at a sleeper's partner being kept awake by snoring and/or sleep apnoea.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A sleeping aid for insertion into the mouth of a user comprising an upper mould for location with the upper teeth of the user, a lower mould for location with the lower teeth of the user, said upper and lower moulds being joined together so that the lower mould locates the lower teeth and jaw of the user in a more forward position than is usual during sleep, an opening between the upper and lower moulds to allow the passage of air, said upper and lower moulds having walls which in use overlie the outer surfaces of the teeth.
2. A sleeping aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the upper mould includes a rearwardly extending canopy which when the aid is inserted in the mouth of the user, fits over the palatial region of the upper jaw of the user.
3. A sleeping aid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein front and side walls of the upper and lower moulds extend over to the gum- line of the user.
4. A sleeping aid as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the upper and lower moulds are formed from models of the users teeth and mouth.
5. A sleeping aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the upper and lower moulds are formed from a resilient yieldable material.
6. A sleeping aid for insertion into the mouth of a user comprising an upper mould for location with the upper teeth of the user, a lower mould for location with the lower teeth of the user, said upper and lower moulds being joined together so that the lower mould locates the lower teeth and jaw of the user in a more forward position than is usual during sleep, an opening between the upper and lower moulds to allow the passage of air wherein the upper mould includes a rearwardly extending canopy which when the aid is inserted in the mouth of the user, fits over part of the palatal region of the upper jaw of the user.
7. A sleeping aid as claimed in claim 7 wherein front and side walls of the upper and lower moulds extend substantially to the gum-line of the user.
8. A sleeping aid as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the upper and lower moulds are formed from models of the users teeth and mouth.
9. A sleeping aid as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the upper and lower moulds are formed from a resilient yieldable material.
10. A method of forming a sleeping aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 comprising:
(a) preparing upper and lower models of a user's upper and lower teeth,
(b) obtaining a bite record of a user's upper and lower teeth, with the lower jaw/teeth in a more forward position than usual,
(c) obtaining upper and lower moulds of a user's teeth (preferably using the models), (d) placing the upper and lower models into the bite record,
(e) joining the upper and lower models with the lower model in said more forward position,
(f) placing the moulds back onto the models,
(g) joining the biting surfaces of the moulds leaving at least one gap therebetween to provide at least one oral airway.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said upper and lower models are joined by placing the bite record into an in line articulator and by using an appropriate substance such as plaster for setting the upper and lower models with respect to each other.
12. A sleeping aid substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
13. A method of forming a sleeping aid substantially as herein described.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ24573093A NZ245730A (en) | 1993-04-21 | 1993-04-21 | Anti-snoring device which will maintain forward position of lower jaw - upper mould includes a rearwardly extending canopy |
NZ245730 | 1993-04-21 | ||
PCT/NZ1994/000036 WO1994023674A1 (en) | 1993-04-21 | 1994-04-20 | A sleeping aid |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU6545894A true AU6545894A (en) | 1994-11-08 |
AU697492B2 AU697492B2 (en) | 1998-10-08 |
Family
ID=19924242
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU65458/94A Expired AU697492B2 (en) | 1993-04-21 | 1994-04-20 | A sleeping aid |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU697492B2 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ245730A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994023674A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2353709A (en) * | 1999-06-12 | 2001-03-07 | Robert Charles Davies | Appliance for reducing snoring |
DE10040906A1 (en) * | 2000-08-18 | 2002-02-28 | Sybille Guenther | Anti-snoring intra-oral appliance has flat palatinal part and parallel lower lingual part connected by inter-maxillary connecting pieces |
ES2182656B1 (en) * | 2000-09-25 | 2004-01-01 | Alba Quiros Miguel De | SUCTIONING DEVICE ADAPTABLE TO LANGUAGE AND PALATE. |
ES2331450B2 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2010-08-24 | Jose Duran Von Arx | ORAL STIMULATOR ELEMENT. |
CN101801305A (en) | 2007-09-14 | 2010-08-11 | 畸齿矫正圣何塞杜马冯世界研究所 | Face and mouth muscle stimulator |
CA2697722A1 (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-19 | Jose Duran Von Arx | Face and mouth muscle stimulator |
NZ588969A (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2011-01-28 | Maxwell Harold Gay | Sleeping aid to alleviate snoring comprising a bridge that restricts the tongue from rearward movement |
WO2016151510A1 (en) * | 2015-03-26 | 2016-09-29 | Magagnoli Pier Paolo | A device for the treatment of snoring and relative production method and kit |
NZ738327A (en) | 2015-05-22 | 2022-07-01 | Myosa Pty Ltd | Oral appliance |
CN115300215A (en) * | 2021-05-08 | 2022-11-08 | 车永吉 | Snoring and sleep apnea preventing tool |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5003994A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1991-04-02 | Cook George W | Oral appliance for improving breathing and methods of using and making same |
US5117816A (en) * | 1991-01-03 | 1992-06-02 | Shapiro Norman A | Anti-snore device |
AU663567B2 (en) * | 1992-03-06 | 1995-10-12 | Robert Mateljan | Mandibular advancement device |
-
1993
- 1993-04-21 NZ NZ24573093A patent/NZ245730A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1994
- 1994-04-20 AU AU65458/94A patent/AU697492B2/en not_active Expired
- 1994-04-20 WO PCT/NZ1994/000036 patent/WO1994023674A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU697492B2 (en) | 1998-10-08 |
NZ245730A (en) | 1995-06-27 |
WO1994023674A1 (en) | 1994-10-27 |
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