Snopper--the snoring stopper anti-snoring mouth device

Abstract

A novel medical device, SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device, is inserted into the mouth. The device comprises a denture-like(10) apparatus for supporting electrodes(12) in such a manner that the electrodes make contact with the roof of the mouth. Electrical stimulation induces contraction of relaxed muscles, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical energy is provided to the device via wires for connection to an external stimulator(16) or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiaturized electronic stimulator(20). Stimulation can be constant or intermittent. Wave shape, amplitutde amplitude, length, and frequency is controlled by the individual for comfort and is automatically induced via a feedback mechanism.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to a novel device inserted into the mouth to prevent or stop snoring.

2. Description of Prior Art

Snoringa , e.g., the hard palate, soft palate or upper nasal oral pharynx. The electrodes can be made of any conventional electroconductive material, including electroconductive rubber. The electrodes(12) are connected to internal wires(14), which are connected to external wires(16). The external wires(16) are connected to an external source of energy(18).

The plan view in FIG. 3 shows the device(10) alternatively constructed so that the internal wires(14), are in turn connected to a battery-powered(24), switched(22), microminiaturized electronic stimulator unit(20).

OPERATION OF INVENTION

It is believed that snoring is caused, in part, by the relaxation of muscles during respiration while asleep. My SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device, provides energized electrodes for delivering electrical stimulation. This stimulation induces contraction and tension of relaxed muscles thereby preventing or stopping snoring.

Electrical energy(18) is delivered to device(10) via external wires(16), transferred via internal wires(14) to electrodes(12). The energized electrodes induce contraction of muscles. Also, the electrical stimulation can induce rhythmic contraction waves that interfere with snoring rhythms. The device can be configured with a feedback mechanism (not shown) whereby snoring causes the onset of electrical stimulation.

Electrical energy can be provided via commercial transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator units (such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,721 to Toriu, 1990, or, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,710 to Lee, 1991) attached to the wires(16). Alternatively, electrical energy can be provided via self-contained, battery-powered, microminiaturized stimulator units within SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device (FIG. 3); in this case, the device user controls and adjusts wave shape, amplitude, length, and frequency of the electrical stimulation, which can be intermittent or constant.

SUMMARY

SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device with built-in electrodes is inserted into the mouth for electromuscular stimulation, inducing muscle contraction and tension, thereby preventing or stopping snoring. Electrical stimulation can be provided via connections to an external source or via a self-contained, battery-powered, microminiaturized electronic unit. Electrical stimulation can be constant or intermittent, using any of a variety of wave forms, amplitude amplitudes, length lengths, and frequency frequencies as required for individual comfort. The device itself and its electrodes can be made in a variety of shapes and with a variety of materials.

Conclusions, Ramifications and Scope of Invention

The novel use of electrodes within a denture-like plate or other apparatus makes a SNOPPER--The Snoring Stopper™ anti-snoring mouth device beneficial. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of two preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, electrodes could be installed permanently through or between the teeth, or stimulation in this area can be prolonged to induce a beneficial long term hypotensive response. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.