Device for determining the position of the tongue by measuring the negative pressure in the oral cavity, device for measuring the suction pressure in the nasopharyngeal cavity and external terminal

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for determining the position of the tongue by measuring the vacuum pressure in the mouth resulting from swallowing, comprising an intraoral septum arranged in the mouth, a catheter connected at one end to the intraoral septum and at the other end to a pressure gauge arranged to a base, and an electronic module cooperating with the base. The electronic module is in data communication connection with the pressure gauge, the electronic module comprising a processing unit such that, in the operating conditions of the device, the intraoral septum is configured to obstruct the interdental spaces in the mouth and the catheter establishes communication between the inside of the mouth and the pressure gauge, so that the negative pressure resulting from swallowing is measured by the pressure gauge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention pertains to intraoral devices, and particularly to the field of vacuum-activated intraoral devices. More specifically, intraoral devices facilitate the measurement of vacuum pressure generated within the oral cavity by tongue movement during swallowing. Similarly, the device of this invention relates to the measurement of inhalation pressure within the nasopharynx. Background Technology

[0002] Clinically, it is known that the tongue needs to be kept in a proper position to prevent loud breathing, such as snoring, which occurs when breathing through the mouth during sleep when the tongue partially obstructs the airway. Therefore, the tongue must be kept in a forward position to ensure that these passages remain open or unobstructed.

[0003] In addition to the discomfort caused by snoring during sleep, airway obstruction can also be a root cause of health problems, leading to an interruption of the air supply to the lungs, commonly known as sleep apnea. This reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood to the brain, disrupting sleep patterns and causing chronic fatigue, which can accumulate and harm the body.

[0004] This is why many people need to reduce or eliminate the improper position of the tongue in their mouth to avoid potential breathing problems.

[0005] Many existing documents relate to devices designed for the proper positioning of the tongue.

[0006] One example is patent US5373859, which describes a device for holding the tongue and reducing snoring. The device includes a housing defining a flexible vacuum reservoir and a rigid flange that completely surrounds the housing and contacts the user's face around the entire periphery of the oral cavity. The opening of the reservoir is mounted on the tongue and holds the tongue under the negative pressure generated by the device.

[0007] Document US4169473 is also prior art, which discloses a device placed in a user's mouth for the purpose of preventing snoring and / or bruxism. The device is configured to provide an external positioning portion and a molded body that is placed in the user's mouth, having a dental occlusal arch and a central inlet with a posterior opening for engaging with the front of the tongue, forcing it to be placed in the front of the mouth, thereby increasing the unobstructed size of the airway.

[0008] Document WO2018076088, also belonging to the prior art, proposes an intraoral device for generating a tactile sensation between teeth. This device must be applied to the user's hard palate and / or soft palate, and includes a contact device designed to associate with at least a portion of one to four posterior teeth. The purpose is to create a tactile sensation for the user through contact between the contact device and at least a portion of the opposite tooth area. Document ES1067430, also belonging to the prior art, describes an intraoral device for preventing snoring and / or sleep apnea. This device consists of a body with flexible fins attached to its rear. These flexible fins retain the movement of the tongue, preventing it from moving backward and thus preventing the user from snoring.

[0009] It can be seen that many existing intraoral devices are designed to position the tongue inside the mouth to ensure that the user's airway is not blocked, thereby preventing the tongue from participating in processes that are harmful to health, such as snoring or sleep apnea.

[0010] However, it has been found that no existing system proposes a device for correcting tongue position based on the measurement of intraoral vacuum pressure generated by swallowing. Based on the measured vacuum pressure, tongue position can be studied and / or monitored to help users train to correct inappropriate tongue position, while also helping healthcare professionals understand the position of the tongue and evaluate correction options. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a device for determining the tongue position based on measuring the vacuum pressure in a user's mouth. This device provides information from the negative pressure generated by the tongue's movement during swallowing, for example, informing the user or healthcare professional whether the tongue has reached the correct position based on this negative pressure.

[0012] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, in the context of this invention, negative pressure in the oral cavity refers to a pressure inside the oral cavity that is lower than the pressure measured outside the oral cavity. This pressure inside the oral cavity generally corresponds to, but is not limited to, the atmospheric pressure when the user uses the device.

[0013] The negative pressure in the oral cavity is generated by swallowing, which prevents air from leaking into the oral cavity through the gaps between teeth by reducing the vacuum pressure; the device of the present invention has an intraoral septum, preferably made of a flexible material suitable for non-invasive intraoral use by the user, as mentioned above, the intraoral septum can help the user maintain negative pressure after swallowing.

[0014] In addition to the intraoral septum, the device includes a catheter that connects to the intraoral septum at one end and to a pressure gauge at the other end, with the pressure gauge mounted on a base. Thus, when the user uses the device, the intraoral septum is positioned between the inside of the lips and the front of the user's teeth to block the interdental spaces, and the catheter connects the inside of the oral cavity to the pressure gauge, allowing the pressure gauge to measure the negative pressure generated in the oral cavity during swallowing.

[0015] Preferably, the catheter has a diaphragm made of an impermeable flexible material, such as Gore-TEX fabric, which will prevent saliva from entering the catheter and coming into contact with the pressure gauge.

[0016] The device also includes an electronic module connected to the base. This electronic module includes a processing unit configured to acquire / calculate / determine data regarding tongue position based on measurements of vacuum pressure within the oral cavity. The electronic module includes a wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth card or data connection port, which can be mounted on the base and connected to the electronic module. The electronic module is used to transmit pressure data within the oral cavity to an external terminal and / or receive data or information from an external terminal, which can be a computer, smartphone, or tablet, but is not limited to these.

[0017] As described above, this is equivalent to proposing a device that assists in oral sealing to measure the negative pressure generated in the oral cavity during swallowing, such as the negative pressure generated when swallowing saliva. By measuring the negative pressure in the oral cavity, it can be determined whether the tongue position is correct. If it is incorrect, a warning signal can be generated and transmitted to an external terminal, thereby helping to train the correct tongue position to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway.

[0018] For example, a negative pressure of 15 mbar in the oral cavity indicates that the tongue is in a proper position, occupying the entire oral cavity without any other space. At this time, the tongue is completely attached to the palate.

[0019] The ideal negative pressure for the tongue to be in the correct position can be set within a specific range, or it can be set by medical personnel for specific users and special circumstances.

[0020] Therefore, the device can be used to monitor the pressure and / or changes within the oral cavity to determine the position of the tongue, and the device can also be configured to monitor the duration of negative pressure in the user's oral cavity.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a means for measuring the vacuum pressure generated during swallowing in an air chamber formed between the back of the tongue and the palate, referred to as the Donders space. The device includes a tube (which may be a flexible tube or a sheath) with a first end connected to a conduit and / or a pressure gauge, and a second end opposite the first end and open to the atmosphere. Under operating conditions, the second end of the tube is positioned within the air chamber, allowing the pressure gauge to detect the air pressure within the chamber and transmit the detected data to a processing unit for further processing.

[0022] To those skilled in the art, the air chamber is a virtual space created at the closure between the hard palate and the back of the tongue and soft palate behind the lip print. Negative pressure is generated within this space, producing a force of up to 0.3 kg, thus creating a suction effect. It is an air bubble region that, when compressed, facilitates the opening of the lumen, allowing food to flow into the pharynx.

[0023] Optionally, a sphere is arranged at the second end of the tube, the sphere being configured to reside in the air chamber under operating conditions of the device, and the air chamber is airtightly or in a hermetically sealed manner to prevent pressure leakage during measurement, thereby making the measurement results more accurate. Furthermore, the sphere ensures that the muscle pressure of the tongue does not alter the pressure gauge's measurement results.

[0024] Preferably, the sphere is made of a flexible, soft-to-the-touch, unbreakable, and biocompatible polymer material.

[0025] In another embodiment or instruction, the device can determine the pressure in the nasopharyngeal space (EPP, EpiParyngeal Pressure) by measuring the inspiratory / expiratory pressure in the user's nasal cavity, thus becoming a device for determining the nasopharyngeal pressure index (EPPI). A first end of the tube can be connected to a catheter and / or a pressure gauge, and a second end of the tube is open to the atmosphere and at least partially introduced into the user's nostril. Under operating conditions, the second end is at least partially introduced into one of the nostrils, airtightly connected to the nostril, allowing the pressure gauge to detect the inhalation pressure in the nasopharyngeal space and send the detection data to a processing unit for processing and analysis.

[0026] In another embodiment, the aforementioned device is mounted on a face mask that simultaneously covers the user's mouth and nose, such as FFP2 and FFP3 standard face masks. More preferably, the tube can be connected to the face mask in a suitable manner, for example, by passing the tube through a hole provided in the face mask. This could be useful for measuring respiration using these face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[0027] Preferably, the plug is detachably connected to the second end of the tube. The plug is configured to block the nasopharynx in an airtight manner. When the device is in operation, the plug blocks the nostrils, so that the pressure gauge is connected to the nostrils and / or nasopharyngeal space only through the tube, making the measurement of inhalation pressure more accurate.

[0028] The material used to manufacture the plug must block the nostril without altering the shape of the internal nasal tissue to avoid affecting measurements. Therefore, the plug material should be a malleable, non-porous, and soft-to-the-touch polymer. As mentioned above, this connection is completely passive and does not alter the nostril in any way because the use of a soft sponge or similar material for plugging has no effect on the nasal tissue.

[0029] In this embodiment, in addition to measuring and determining the pressure in the nasopharyngeal space (EPP) located behind the nasal septum, the device is also capable of measuring the pressure / inhalation capacity of each nostril and analyzing how the application of nasal decongestants affects the ability to inhale / exhale air, as well as the effectiveness of a mask covering the user's mouth and nose. In this sense, the device must first be used to measure in one nostril and then used in the other. Subsequently, after applying dilators, decongestants, or other substances to the nostrils, or wearing a mask, measurements can be repeated and compared with the initial measurements to analyze their effects.

[0030] The various embodiments of the described device consist of innovative structures and constituent features unknown to date, the reasons for which, together with their practicality, provide sufficient grounds for obtaining the claimed patent rights. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To supplement the description provided herein and to make the features of the invention more readily understood, this description is accompanied by a set of drawings that form part of it, which are shown in an illustrative and non-limiting manner as follows:

[0032] Figure 1 A general view of the device for determining the position of the tongue provided by the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 An exploded view of the device for determining the position of the tongue provided by the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 Detailed views of the components of the electronic module in the tongue position determination device provided by the present invention are shown.

[0035] Figure 4 Alternative embodiments for measuring vacuum pressure in an air chamber or inhalation pressure in the nasopharyngeal space are shown.

[0036] List of references and figures:

[0037] 1. Intraoral septum

[0038] 2. Base

[0039] 3. Catheter

[0040] 4. Pressure gauge

[0041] 5. Diaphragm

[0042] 6. Electronic Module

[0043] 7. Wireless communication device

[0044] 8. Power supply device

[0045] 9. Data connection port

[0046] 10. Outer shell

[0047] 30. Pipe

[0048] 31. First end

[0049] 32. Second end

[0050] 33. Sphere

[0051] 34. Plug Detailed Implementation

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and specific preferred embodiments that may be implemented by way of example will be shown. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the invention, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and / or chemical changes may be made. Details that are unnecessary for those skilled in the art to implement in the detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0053] Specifically, this invention discloses a device for determining tongue position based on measuring vacuum pressure in the oral cavity, wherein the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity is generated by tongue movement during the user's swallowing phase, and the device includes:

[0054] Intraoral septum 1, used to be placed inside the oral cavity during use or operation to block the gaps between teeth;

[0055] The intraoral septum 1 and the base 2 can be connected by at least one conduit 3, which is configured to communicate between the inside of the oral cavity and the pressure gauge 4 when the device is used or operated. The pressure gauge 4 is connected to the base 2 and is used to measure the vacuum pressure generated during swallowing.

[0056] An electronic module 6 can be mounted on the base 2. The electronic module 6 is connected to the pressure gauge 4 for data communication. The electronic module 6 includes a processing unit configured to obtain data about the position of the tongue based on the measurement of vacuum pressure in the oral cavity.

[0057] In this way, by using pressure gauge 4 and processing the data obtained by pressure gauge 4 through electronic module 6, a device is obtained that can determine the position of the user's tongue based on the measurement of the pressure inside the user's mouth.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the intraoral septum 1 includes at least one connection end 1A, which can be connected to a catheter 3 to establish communication between the inside of the oral cavity and a pressure gauge 4 when using the device, so as to measure the pressure after the user swallows, such as the pressure after swallowing saliva.

[0059] Preferably, the pressure gauge 4 is a barometer. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term pressure gauge 4 encompasses all sensitive devices used to measure pressure within the oral cavity and is applicable in the context of this invention.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the intraoral septum 1 is made of a hydrophobic elastic polymer material, preferably silicone for intraoral use, to adapt to the shape of the user's oral cavity, thereby sealing the oral cavity and preventing air from entering the oral cavity when a vacuum is generated during swallowing.

[0061] The preferred position for the intraoral septum 1 during operation is between the inside of the lips and the front of the teeth in the user's mouth.

[0062] Furthermore, the electronic module 6 includes a wireless communication device 7, which is configured to transmit data about the tongue position to an external terminal and / or receive information from the external terminal based on measurements of the intraoral vacuum pressure. This enables information exchange between the device of the present invention and the external terminal.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment, the device includes a data connection port 9, which is coupled to the base 2 and connected to the electronic module 6. The data connection port 9 is configured to transmit data of tongue position obtained by measuring the vacuum pressure within the oral cavity to an external terminal and / or receive information from an external terminal. Therefore, direct communication between the data connection port 9 and the external terminal also enables direct information exchange.

[0064] As previously described, electronic module 6 includes a processing unit configured to obtain data on tongue position based on measurements of vacuum pressure in the oral cavity. Thus, given a vacuum pressure as a reference pressure, such as 15 mbar, the processing unit determines whether the tongue position is correct based on measurements of the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity obtained by pressure gauge 4 and / or by the duration of negative pressure maintenance.

[0065] The processing unit can monitor the position of the tongue and the duration of negative pressure maintenance through continuous measurements by pressure gauge 4. For example, if the reference vacuum pressure is 15 m Bar and the measured pressure is 10 m Bar, this may not be sufficient to determine whether the tongue is in the correct position, or the negative pressure in the oral cavity may not be maintained for the necessary time after reaching the reference pressure.

[0066] According to the latter two embodiments, the device includes a wireless communication device and a data communication port for communicating with external devices, enabling both wireless communication and direct wired communication. Both communication methods can exchange data on intraoral pressure measurements with external terminals, facilitating data processing by the external terminals.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic module 6 includes a signaling device for issuing a warning signal, wherein the processing unit of the electronic module 6 is configured to determine the position of the tongue based on the measurement of negative pressure in the oral cavity, and to send a warning signal through the signaling device when the tongue is in an incorrect position.

[0068] These signaling devices can be speakers for sending sound signals, and / or LED bulbs for sending visual signals, and / or vibration mechanisms for sending vibration signals, such as the vibration mechanism in a smartphone, thereby warning the user that their tongue is not in the correct position in their mouth.

[0069] The device also includes a power supply unit 8 that mates with the base 2, the power supply unit 8 being used to power the electronic module 6 and / or the pressure gauge 4. Preferably, the power supply unit 8 consists of a rechargeable battery removable from the base 2, such as a rechargeable battery similar to that in Apple's wireless earphones, or a rechargeable battery in a similar device.

[0070] Similarly, in alternative embodiments not shown, the device of the present invention may include a plurality of pressure gauges 4 for connection to one or more catheters 3 or other similar catheters (not shown) distributed on the intraoral septum 1. By using a plurality of pressure gauges 4, vacuum pressure at different locations within the oral cavity can be measured. The pressure gauges 4 are connected to the catheters 3 distributed on the intraoral septum 1, and the plurality of pressure gauges 4 are not necessarily arranged on the base 2. The plurality of pressure gauges 4 must be connected to the electronic module 6 in a suitable manner to transmit the vacuum pressure measurement values ​​of each pressure gauge 4 at different points to the electronic module 6.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the device includes a housing 10 that mates with the base 2. The housing 10 is used to protect the electronic module 6 and / or the pressure gauge 4 and / or the data communication port 9 and / or the power supply device 8. The housing 10 includes at least one opening for accessing the data communication port 9, so that the housing 10 can protect the aforementioned components from external factors.

[0072] In addition, the device includes at least one removable diaphragm 5, which is preferably made of a waterproof material, such as GORE-TEX fabric, arranged inside the conduit 3 and configured to prevent liquid from coming into contact with the pressure gauge 4 and / or the electronic module 6 through the conduit 3, causing them to deteriorate or malfunction.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, in an alternative embodiment, the device includes a tube 30 which may be connected or fixedly connected to a conduit 3 and / or a pressure gauge 4 at a first end 31, and a second end 32 opposite to the first end 31, open to the atmosphere. Under operating conditions of the device, the second end 32 of the tube 30 is arranged in a close manner in an air chamber between the user's tongue and palate, establishing fluid communication between the air chamber and the pressure gauge 4, so that the pressure gauge 4 detects a vacuum pressure in the air chamber and sends the detected data to a processing unit for processing.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, a ball 33 is fixedly or releasably connected to the second end 32 of the tube 30. The ball 33 is configured to be located in the gas chamber and to seal the space tightly under the operating conditions of the device to prevent pressure leakage that may affect the device's measurements.

[0075] The sphere 33 is preferably made of a soft, unbreakable, and biocompatible flexible polymer material to prevent irritation to the oral cavity in contact with it.

[0076] In addition, the present invention can also be used to measure / estimate the inspiratory pressure in the nasopharyngeal space of a user's nose.

[0077] In this sense, in the operating state of the device, the second end 32 of the tube 30 is configured to be introduced at least partially into one of the user's nostrils and arranged in a close manner in the nostril, such that the pressure gauge 4 detects pressure changes in the nasopharyngeal space (negative changes during inhalation and positive changes during exhalation) as air enters and leaves through the free nostril, and sends the detected data to the processing unit for further processing.

[0078] like Figure 4As shown, a plug 34 is arranged at the second end 32 of the tube 30. The plug 34 is configured to block the nostril. The second end 32 is introduced into the nostril so that when the device is in operation, the plug 34 blocks the nostril, thereby establishing communication between the pressure gauge 4 and the free nostril of the nasopharyngeal space only through the tube 30.

[0079] Important biological functional systems to consider also include the nose, characterized by its location between the valve (palatopharyngeal sphincter) and the nasal inlet.

[0080] The nasopharynx is adjacent to the valves, and this space is divided into two channels by the nasal septum: the nasal cavity, whose external openings form two nostrils. Therefore, from the nostrils to the space directly adjacent to the nasopharynx and valves, there are two independent functional spaces. This invention utilizes this fact to determine the pressure and / or flow rate of breathable air.

[0081] The left and right halves of the nose can be used as channels for measuring pressure in the nasopharyngeal space, which is located behind the nasal septum and close to the sides of the nose.

[0082] If the valve closes on one side, the half of the nose behind it is considered as a pressure transmission channel, and a tube can be connected to a pressure gauge 4 at the midpoint of the closed nose, which measures the pressure present at the nasal end of the nasopharyngeal space.

[0083] Therefore, if the oral cavity is closed, and the nasal valve connected to the tube 30 is also closed, i.e., the second end 32 of the tube 30 is tightly connected to the nostril, then breathable air must flow exclusively through the tube 30 to the pressure gauge 4.

[0084] A face mask (not shown) can be used as part of the device and is configured to cover the user's mouth and nose simultaneously; tube 30 can be connected to the face mask in a suitable manner.

[0085] According to Ohm's law for linear flow, the pressure difference between the environment and the nasopharynx (i.e., the posterior ends of both sides of the nose) will be proportional to the resistance of the nasal cavity. In this sense, assume the test subject generates a constant airflow for breathing at rest. When breathing at normal intensity and frequency, a greater pressure difference and flow resistance across the nasal membranes are required. This can be determined by measuring the pressure amplitude in the nasopharynx; assuming a constant respiratory flow at rest, this pressure amplitude must increase with the flow resistance in the nose.

[0086] Performing this measurement sequentially on each side of the nose yields diagnostically useful results. It is achieved by continuously measuring the pressure difference between the two nostrils, obtaining the result in a short period of time, thereby determining the pressure in the nasopharynx.

[0087] The measurement profile conditions are kept constant through a locking operation, allowing secondary air to be expelled from the mouth into the nasopharynx. By using a locking activator during the measurement process, the nasopharyngeal pressure caused by the secondary flow from the mouth to the throat can be eliminated.

[0088] Similarly, the present invention proposes a connectable external terminal that communicates with the device of the foregoing embodiments. The external terminal is configured to receive data regarding tongue position, and / or data regarding inspiratory pressure in the nasopharyngeal space, and / or to determine which nostril provides the maximum inspiratory resistance as described above. The external terminal includes a processing device configured to determine whether the tongue position is correct based on the obtained data regarding tongue position and / or the inspiratory pressure in the nasopharyngeal space and / or the inspiratory resistance of each nostril, and to generate a warning signal for the user of the device of the foregoing embodiments via the external terminal.

[0089] The nature of the invention and the ways in which it is implemented have been fully described. It is not necessary for those skilled in the art to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it. In particular, within the essential scope of the invention, it may be implemented in other embodiments that differ in detail from the embodiments provided by way of example, and these embodiments are also covered by the claimed protection as long as they do not change, alter or modify the basic principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for assessing correct position of a user's tongue, comprising an intraoral spacer (1) for being arranged in the user's mouth and configured to obstruct the interdental spaces in the mouth; a catheter (3) having one end connected to the intraoral spacer (1) and the other end connected to a pressure gauge (4) which is arrangeable on a base (2); wherein, The catheter (3) is configured to establish communication between the oral cavity and a manometer (4) configured to measure negative pressure generated in the oral cavity due to swallowing; and an electronic module (6) mountable to a base (2) is connected to the manometer (4) via data communication. The electronic module (6) includes a processing unit configured to assess the correct position of the tongue by comparing pressure data measured by the manometer (4) with a predetermined pressure. The device further includes a tube (30) with a first end (31) connected to the catheter (3) and a second end (32) opposite the first end (31). The second end (32) of the tube (30) is arranged in a tight manner in the air chamber of the user's tongue and palate, wherein a ball (33) is provided at the second end (32) of the tube (30), the ball (33) is disposed in the air chamber and, under the operating conditions of the device, tightly seals the air chamber, so that the pressure gauge (4) detects the vacuum pressure in the air chamber and sends the detected data to the processing unit for evaluating the correct position of the tongue; the ball (33) is made of a flexible polymer material that can adapt to the surface of the air chamber between the tongue and palate to form an airtight seal to prevent pressure leakage; the second end (32) of the tube (30) is arranged in an airtight manner in the air chamber to ensure that fluid flow is established only in the sealed air chamber with the pressure gauge (4).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The intraoral septum (1) is made of a hydrophobic elastic polymer material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The intraoral septum (1) is located between the inner side of the lips and the front of the teeth in the oral cavity.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electronic module (6) includes a wireless communication device (7) configured to transmit vacuum pressure data in the oral cavity to an external terminal and / or receive information from an external terminal.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electronic module (6) also includes a data communication port (9), which cooperates with the base (2) and is connected to the electronic module (6). The data communication port (9) is configured to transmit data about the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity to an external terminal and / or receive information from an external terminal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electronic module (6) includes a signaling device for issuing a warning signal. The processing unit of the electronic module (6) is configured to determine the position of the tongue based on a measurement of vacuum pressure. When the processing unit of the electronic module (6) determines that the tongue is in an inappropriate position, it sends a warning signal through the signaling device.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The electronic module (6) also includes a power supply device (8), which is disposed on the base (2) and is used to supply power to the electronic module (6) and / or the pressure gauge (4).

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The power supply device (8) includes a rechargeable battery that is removable from the base (2).

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The device also includes a housing (10) that mates with the base (2), the housing (10) for protecting the electronic module (6) and / or the pressure gauge (4) and / or the data communication port (9) and / or the power supply (8), the housing (10) including an opening for accessing the data communication port (9).

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It includes at least one diaphragm (5) disposed within the conduit (3) for preventing liquid from passing through the conduit (3).

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein, The diaphragm (5) is impermeable and interchangeable.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The device includes one or more pressure gauges (4) connected to one or more conduits (3).

13. A device for measuring nasopharyngeal suction pressure, characterized in that The device includes a tube (30), the first end (31) of which is connected to a pressure gauge (4) and / or a conduit (3) according to any one of claims 1-12, and the second end (32) of which is open to the atmosphere for at least partial introduction into one of the user's nostrils. Under the operating conditions of the device, the second end (32) of the tube (30) is arranged in a close manner in one of the nostrils, such that the pressure gauge (4) detects the inhalation pressure in the nasopharynx and sends the detection data to the processing unit.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, Includes a face mask for simultaneously covering the user's mouth and nose, and the tube (30) can be connected to the face mask.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein, A plug (34) for blocking the nostrils is provided at the second end (32) of the tube (30), such that when the device is in operation, the plug (34) blocks the nostrils, so that the air in the nostrils flows only through the tube (30).

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