JPH07308335A - Device and method to suppress snoring - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a snore suppressing device to enable the mouth to be shut at a normal position without forcibly pushing the lower jaw forward that causes temporary joint trouble or uncomfortable feeling. CONSTITUTION: This device is to be used in the mouth and is equipped with a frame work with an upper bent frame 12 and a lower bent frame 14 formed by two walls extended from and separated by a floor 16, a material which is connected to the upper bent frame and the lower bent frame and can be formed into a shape that the upper teeth is stored in a tightly fitted condition when a user shuts the mouth and, on the other hand, the lower teeth is comparatively loosely stored, and a gap formed between the upper teeth and the lower teeth so as to store the tongue of the user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an oral device for treating snoring, and more particularly to a dental prosthesis used during sleep to suppress snoring.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Needless to say, it is not uncommon for a person to snore during sleep. If the snoring is mild, it is just humorous and has very few inconveniences. However, when snoring worsens, it may also disrupt sleep, causing obstructive sleep apnea (OS).
A) It is also a sign of a serious situation such as a syndrome. In this case, the patient is always awake.

The main therapeutic approach for patients with obstructive respiratory disorders was developed by Friedrick von Esmarch. He served as a medical doctor in many wars in Central Europe in the 19th century, finding that most of the dead were due to bleeding and suffocation. The principles he develops to secure the airways remain central today.

In a somewhat crude manner, the "simple" method he used is to pull the tongue forward and hold the tongue's position through a spatula in the exposed area. This method causes three changes that form the principles he recorded. That is, (1) first, the tongue protrudes forward to open the throat greatly, (2) both jaws open, (3), and the lower jaw moves forward. These changes have the effect of significantly widening the airways of the pharynx.

Von Esmarck has also developed other oral appliances that fit the upper and lower teeth. The device, using his previously developed principles, was able to create a wider airway without causing pain or hurting the tongue.

Almost all devices developed and used for this purpose throughout the twentieth century were found in this Von Esmarc.
It had basically the same shape and function as the device of k. And with the advent of modern dentistry, these devices have become even better in terms of fit. Snoring O
Although many patents have been issued for devices that help control SAs, most of them follow the Von Esmarck principle.

[0007]

U.S. Pat. No. 1,674,336 to King, for example, discloses a respiratory mask having an upper channel and a lower channel for supporting the upper and lower jaws, respectively. The device has, in the center, an airway leading to a channel that discharges air. The device also has a plurality of protrusions integrally formed with the upper portion of the device body, the airways being defined between these protrusions. These protrusions theoretically support the tongue so that it does not block the airway, but in reality the device is such that the position of the tongue blocks the airway.
It has no effect.

Some devices have a tongue chamber at the front of the mouth.
The bottom is supported within this chamber by creating a vacuum in this front chamber. The device is held in place by fixing it to the teeth of the upper jaw. A similar device is also disclosed in Samelson U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,227. The device has a channel for inserting the upper and lower teeth and a socket for inserting the tongue. The tongue is held in place in the socket. Samelson's device is an anterior plate that, when inserted, fits outside the patient's lips. Prevent air from escaping the patient's mouth. The device has both jaws locked during use and the tongue cannot rest in its normal position. Thus, this type of device can cause various problems if the airway of the nose is blocked, or if the patient coughs or vomits during sleep.

George US Pat. No. 4,715,368 discloses a device having an upper channel and a lower channel including a recess for receiving a tooth. At the center of the mouthpiece, which serves to separate the lips to allow air to pass through, a protrusion having an orifice at the front end is provided. The tongue is held in place by a flange that extends inwardly from the lower channel. However, this device has the drawback that it causes the lower jaw to be reduced because it pushes the lower jaw forward while placing both jaws together in a locked state. This may cause a temporary joint disorder in the lower jaw, causing discomfort to the wearer.

Toone, US Pat. No. 4,901,737, discloses different types of devices. This device is von Esmarc
It has the same shape as the k-apparatus, but has a large wedge-shaped jaw opening. This type of device is completely open anteriorly and preferably also opens up over the arched palate, but requires mouth breathing and many complications such as excessive saliva and dry mouth. cause. For this reason, such devices are discouraged in the treatment of OSA that is moderate or severe. This device places both jaws together in a locked condition and reduces the lower jaw to an open, protruding position compared to the normally closed position. Such jaw displacement causes discomfort to the wearer and causes temporary joint damage to the lower jaw.

US Pat. No. 5,003,994 to Cook discloses an oral device for suppressing snoring and preventing OSA. This device consists of a rigid framework with a tray on the top, a cam mechanism below to push the lower jaw forward of the upper jaw, a stop to keep the mouth partially open, and the inside of the tray. It has a flexible socket. This device is mounted so that the lower jaw can be moved forward of the upper jaw. Therefore, this device, like Toone's device above, can cause patient discomfort and temporary mandibular joint damage.

US Pat. No. 5,092,346 to Hays et al. Discloses an oral appliance having a channel for receiving the upper teeth and a camber on the bottom for pushing the lower jaw forward with a cam. The cambered surface engages the anterior portion of the lower teeth to move the lower jaw forward than normal. This device displaces the lower jaw anterior to its normal position, which may cause temporary mandibular joint damage, pain and discomfort.

The Cook and Hays et al. Devices have a breathing hole between the upper and lower channels. But,
These breathing holes are closed when the tongue moves naturally during use of the device.

US Pat. No. 5,117,816 to Shapiro et al.
The present invention discloses a snoring prevention device having an upper surface that covers almost all upper teeth and a lower surface that contacts almost all lower teeth. An airway is provided in the center of the mouthpiece to allow breathing. The device comprises a downwardly directed flange intended to extend towards the lingual vestibule to maintain the anterior advanced position of the lower jaw. However, since this device also moves the lower jaw forward, it may cause pain and discomfort.

By the way, although not designed to prevent snoring, mouth guards often used by athletes in sports have upper and lower channels for the insertion of teeth. The flexible material for forming the mouthguard is heat and softened and then inserted into the mouth of the user to conform to the mouth shape of each person. However, this mouth guard is not suitable as a snoring prevention device because it does not have any means for holding the tongue in a forward position to prevent esophageal closure. Moreover, there is not enough space to fit the tongue between the upper and lower channels. And this mouth guard
When both jaws are locked, it works to suppress the natural movement of the jaws.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a snoring control method and device which overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use in the oral cavity, wherein the upper means fits snugly on the wearer's anterior maxillary teeth and is integrally formed with the upper means. When closing the dental arch, the lower jaw should be close to the upper jaw in the rest position, and the lower jaw should be prevented from moving backwards, while allowing free movement to the front and side of the wearer. An apparatus is provided which comprises lower means for loosely fitting the lower jaw teeth, means for accommodating the wearer's tongue, formed with the upper means and the lower means, and located between the two means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use in the oral cavity, the framework comprising an upper and lower formwork having two walls extending from the floor and separated by the floor, and the device. The upper and lower molds are shaped to fit the upper jaws snugly and the tongue jaws relatively loosely when the user closes his mouth in the normal dental arch closed position. An apparatus is provided that includes a material that is bonded to both frames and a void formed between the upper and lower molds to accommodate the wearer's tongue.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of inhibiting snoring of a wearer of a device wherein the dental arch in the mouth of the wearer of the device is in the normally closed position. Preventing posterior movement of the lower jaw by providing a framework with upper and lower channels for receiving teeth to be inserted into the oral cavity of the wearer and providing a flange below the framework And providing a void to accommodate the tongue so that the root of the tongue rotates downward and forward to open the airway of the esophagus.

Other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. .

[0021]

The present invention relates to an oral device for suppressing snoring, and more particularly to a dental prosthesis for use during sleep in order to prevent or significantly suppress large snoring. The snoring prevention device of the present invention comprises a substantially semi-circular rigid framework that holds a soft, moldable thermoplastic material. The material being molded fits snugly on the front of the upper teeth and prevents the device from disengaging. The lower jaw teeth, on the other hand, fit loosely into this material so that the lower jaw can be opened and closed and moved laterally.

A rigid framework with a thin layer of moldable material extends posteriorly toward the premolars and molars to prevent anterior crowning. The snoring prevention device of the present invention is designed so that the mouth can be closed at a normal position, and does not force the lower jaw forward to cause temporary joint damage or discomfort. The new device also completely frees lateral movement of the lower jaw and limits only posterior movement. The device of the present invention ensures spontaneous forward movement of the lower jaw, but never forces it forward.

The rigid framework of the device of the present invention has a region between the front upper and lower teeth in which the tongue can project. Thus, by opening the jaws slightly, but sufficiently to extend the tongue out of the mouth, the root of the tongue rotates downward and forward, opening the airway. Opening the airway is the tongue
It is further facilitated by natural reflexes that slip into the cavity between the anterior regions, which results in a significant reduction or prevention of snoring.

Although the device of the present invention does not place both jaws in a locked state and does not emit aeration, the wearer is free to sneeze, cough or vomit around the device. Therefore, it is safer than the conventional snoring prevention device attached to the oral cavity. The channels provided along the outside of the device in a preferred embodiment also allow oral breathing if the nasal airways are occluded. However, when the normal nasal airway is open, the device acts to suppress oral breathing and to provide only preferred nasal breathing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a framework 10 of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The semi-circular framework 10 is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material that is injection molded to form the desired shape. The framework can also be made from a single piece of plastic. A material for this is methyl methacrylate, a plastic used in the manufacture of dentures. The framework is cured after fitting the device to the mouth. This hardening prevents the absorption of oral fluid or irrigation fluid and provides a smooth surface that does not irritate the soft tissue of the mouth.

By the way, in this embodiment, the device is
It can also be made from an elastic semi-rigid polycarbonate thermoplastic. The resin preferably has a specific gravity of about 1.
20, the tensile strength (yield point) is about 9000, and the softening temperature is about 310 ° F. Such materials are for example
Sold by the General Electric Company under the Lexan trademark, but other suitable materials can be used.

In the present specification, for ease of explanation,
"Upper (upper / upper surface)", "Lower (lower / lower surface)",
"Front (front / front)" and "rear (rear / rear)"
Is used. The words for these relative positions are
Used for the normal position of use of the device. That is,
“Upper (upper)” and “lower (lower)” refer to the parts of the device that house the upper and lower teeth, respectively, and “anterior” and “rear” refer to the labial and lingual sides of the device, respectively. Refers to the facing part.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the framework 10
Comprises an upper mold 12 and a lower mold 14. Upper formwork 1
2 extends upwards from the floor 16 (front wall)
18 and (rear wall) 20. The lower formwork 14 also includes a front flange 2 extending downward from the floor 22.
4 and the rear flange 26. The rear flange 26 extends substantially vertically from the floor 22 of the lower formwork 14. Upper formwork 18 and lower formwork front flange 2
An outer channel 28 formed along the outer circumference of the device is provided at both front intersections of No. 4. The front surface of the framework 10 is hard and impermeable to air. In particular, no opening is provided to allow breathing through the device when the device is worn in the mouth. If the wearer tries to breathe through the mouth,
It will be necessary to draw air through the outer perimeter of the device as described below.

Two layers 40 and 42 are bonded to the formwork 12 and 14 respectively (FIG. 3). These layers 40, 42 are
It can be formed from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, but is preferably formed from a resin having a softening / molding temperature of about 150 ° F. Elvax (trade name) from Du Pont is one such material.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resin layer is formed from a material that is easily molded in the wearer's mouth and is compatible with the wearer's upper tooth placement and normal closed dental arch. To be done. As a result, the time required for manufacturing, matching the mold, and adjusting the device is shortened, and the cost can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, because the device is modeled with the idea of holding the dental arch in the normally closed position, there is no risk of causing temporary joint damage compared to previous devices, and discomfort and discomfort are greatly reduced. It has the great advantage that it can be reduced to

The operation of matching the device to the wearer's normal closing dental arch involves forming the framework of the device from a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin and bonding the layers bonded thereto with acetic acid. It is simplified by forming it from a united resin. In a preferred embodiment, the acetic acid copolymer resin layer in the mold is about 3-4 mm thick. The acetic acid copolymer resin preferably has a much lower softening and molding temperature than the polycarbonate thermoplastic resin forming the framework. In this way, it is easy to take a mold that matches the shape of each wearer's mouth.

To adapt the shape of the device to the individual user, the device is immersed in a hot liquid, preferably hot water, to impart a yielding property to the acetic acid copolymer resin layer. Thus, the resin layer is conformed to the user's tooth profile and the closed dental arch during the molding process.

Once the acetic acid copolymer resin is ready for molding, the device is pressed against the wearer's upper jaw and upper teeth. The wearer then closes his mouth normally. In this way, the lower teeth are pressed against the resin layer of the lower mold. Upon cooling to room temperature, the acetic acid copolymer resin provides the convenience of replicating the wearer's tooth alignment and repeated use. Excess resin is trimmed from the device to make it more comfortable to use.

In order for the device to fit snugly, it is important to support the wearer's natural mouth closure during patterning to prevent the tongue from unnaturally moving the tongue forward. Is. Thus, when the device of the present invention is worn, the lower jaw is in the same position as when the device is not worn so that the dental arch is maintained in its normally closed position in relation to the upper jaw. The modeled device completely guarantees the lateral movement of the lower jaw in the user's mouth, but not only backwards. The lower jaw can be moved forward as described above, but is not forced to move forward unnaturally.

When the device of the present invention is accurately modeled, the front of the teeth of the upper jaw will firmly engage the moldable material of the upper mold form 12. The remainder of the upper jaw towards the left and right first molars of the device has an occlusal surface formed by indentation of moldable material. The front part of the lower teeth fits into the region formed in the lower mold form 14. This area serves as a resting area for the lower teeth so that the lower jaw does not always have to be in the normal closed position. The device modeled according to the invention allows a natural movement of the lower jaw, with little pressing of the teeth. The lower formwork 14 extends towards the first molars in order to prevent the tooth from protruding forward, to support the jaws and to prevent pain.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the framework 10. As mentioned above, the channel 28 is formed in the front of the device at the intersection of the upper mold 18 and the lower mold front flange 24. The channel 28 forms an airway inside the device when worn for device use. On the other hand, outside the apparatus, a void 32 is formed at the intersection of the upper mold 20 and the lower flange 26 of the lower mold. The tongue fits within the void 32 by a natural reflex movement when the device is used to open the esophageal airway.

FIG. 5 shows the device 5 mounted in the mouth of the user.
Indicates 0. As mentioned above, when the device is mounted on the upper jaw and upper teeth, a tooth trace 52 is formed. The lower teeth likewise form imprints on the device, which are not shown.

FIG. 6 shows the device actually in use in the mouth. The resin layer is omitted for easier understanding of the operation of the device. The upper teeth 100 are exactly inserted into the tooth traces (not shown) of the upper formwork 12. Lower teeth 10
2 is accommodated in the tooth trace (not shown) of the lower mold 14, and the rear flange 26 of the lower mold 14 restrains the rearward movement thereof. When the device is inserted, the jaws are separated from each other by the device, the lower teeth approaching the upper teeth and placed in the normal closed position. The user's tongue (not shown) slides into the cavity 32 formed by the rear of the 20 forming the upper mold 12 and the rear of the rear flange 26 forming the lower mold 14. In particular, by opening the jaws slightly to the extent that the tongue moves into the anterior space 32, the root of the tongue is
Rotate downwards and forwards towards the void 32 between the teeth, opening the esophageal airway 110.

The device is designed to fit loosely in the mouth so that the jaws are not locked. Thus, the user may not be able to make a breath, but may also sneeze, cough or vomit through the perimeter of the device. Channel 2 formed on the outside of the device by the upper and lower formwork flanges 18 and front flange 24
8 facilitates mouth breathing even if the airway of the nose is closed. However, when the nasal airway is normally open, the device suppresses oral breathing and promotes natural nasal breathing, as indicated by the arrow in FIG.

The above description of each aspect of the invention fully discloses the nature of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can easily devise various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention, using the knowledge of the present day. But,
Such modifications are equivalent to the invention. Further, the terms used in the present specification are merely for description, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041]

As described above, in the snoring prevention device of the present invention, the mouth can be closed at a normal position, so that the lower jaw is forcedly pushed forward to cause temporary joint damage or discomfort. There is no fear of giving. It is also possible to sneeze, cough or vomit through the perimeter of the device.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the framework of the device of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the framework of FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the framework of FIG. 1 loaded with moldable material.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the framework of FIG.

5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 3 mounted in the oral cavity.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an air passage in a wearer of the device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 12 Upper formwork 14 Lower formwork 16,22 Floor 18,24 Front flange 20,26 Rear flange 32 Void 40,42 Resin layer

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A device for use in the oral cavity, wherein upper means that fits snugly on the wearer's anterior maxillary teeth and integrally formed with the upper means, the mandibular teeth when the dental arch is normally closed. Move to the upper teeth and come to the rest position,
The lower means that fits loosely on the user's anterior lower jaw teeth and the wearer's tongue are housed so that the lower jaw can move freely forward and sideward while preventing backward movement. An apparatus comprising means formed with and located between the means. 2. The upper and lower means, when mounted in a user's mouth, substantially semi-open the upper jaw and the tongue jaws to each other, but in a non-locked position. The apparatus of claim 1 forming a circular framework. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower means each include a moldable resin bonded to a resilient, semi-rigid thermoplastic resin. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower means comprises two walls extending from the floor, one of the walls extending substantially perpendicular to the floor. 5. The upper and lower means each include an upper and lower formwork having two walls extending from the floor and separated by a floor, the rear wall of the lower formwork wall being substantially the floor. The apparatus of claim 1 extending vertically. 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means for accommodating the tongue are formed between upper and lower means and define a cavity for receiving the tongue based on natural reflex behavior during use of the device. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the front face of the device between the upper and lower means is a rigid wall impermeable to air. 8. A device for use in the oral cavity, wherein the upper means that fits snugly on the anterior upper jaw teeth of the wearer and the lower jaw teeth that are integrally formed with the upper means when the dental arch is closed. Move to the upper teeth and come to the rest position,
The lower means that fits loosely on the user's anterior lower jaw teeth and the wearer's tongue are housed so that the lower jaw can move freely forward and sideward while preventing backward movement. An apparatus comprising means formed with the means and located between the means and channel means formed on the exterior of the apparatus to provide a passage of air around the apparatus during use of the apparatus. 9. The upper means and the lower means substantially retain the upper jaw and the tongue jaws slightly apart from each other, but not in the locked state, when mounted in the oral cavity of the user. The device of claim 8 forming a semi-circular framework. 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said upper and lower means each include a moldable resin bonded to a resilient, semi-rigid thermoplastic resin. 11. A device for use in the oral cavity, comprising a framework comprising an upper and a lower formwork having two walls extending from the floor and separated by the floor, and a dental arch that a user of the device normally uses. Material joined to both the upper and lower molds, shaped to fit the upper jaws snugly and the tongue jaws relatively loosely when the mouth is closed in the closed position. And a device having a space formed between the upper mold and the lower mold to accommodate the wearer's tongue. 12. The device is a channel located along the outer contour of the framework, formed at the intersection of the outer front walls of each of the upper and lower forms.
The device of claim 11, comprising a channel that provides an air passage during use of the device. 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the framework is formed from a piece of plastic. 14. The framework is formed from an elastic / semi-rigid polycarbonate thermoplastic resin.
1. The device according to 1. 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the thermoplastic resin is Lexan ™. 16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the material bonded to the upper and lower molds is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the material is Elvax ™. 18. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the front wall of the two walls defining the lower formwork is shorter than the rear wall. 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the rear wall of the two walls defining the lower formwork extends substantially perpendicular to the floor defining the lower formwork. 20. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the posterior wall of the two walls defining the lower mold form a stop that prevents the lower teeth from moving posteriorly during use. 21. A method of suppressing snoring of a wearer of a device, wherein upper and lower channels for receiving upper and lower teeth are provided when the dental arch in the mouth of the wearer is in its normally closed position. A step of preparing a framework to be inserted into the wearer's oral cavity, a step of preventing the lower jaw from moving backward by providing a flange below the framework, and opening of the airway of the esophagus To provide a cavity for accommodating the tongue so that the root of the tongue rotates downward and forward. 22. The method further comprises the step of forming a framework from a substantially semi-circular outer frame made of a resilient, semi-rigid polycarbonate thermoplastic resin and a moldable resin layer bonded to the resin. The method of claim 21. 23. The method of claim 21 including providing channels along the anterior surface of the framework to form an airway when the framework is inserted into the wearer's oral cavity.