A device for treating snoring

Abstract

This invention provides a device for treating snoring, comprising a support segment with a connecting segment at its tail end. The support segment is composed of multiple elastic keels, each connected at its tail end to the connecting segment. Each elastic keel expands outwards when the support segment is extended. It also includes an insertion tube, which is hollow and allows the support segment to retract and be placed within it. The support segment, which can be inserted into the pharynx for further expansion, opens the airway and prevents snoring caused by soft palate or pharyngeal collapse. After the support segment is delivered to its position via the insertion device, the device is dislodged, allowing the support segment to expand and support the soft palate or posterior tongue root. Alternatively, it can be delivered to a designated location via a delivery tube, and by pulling the inner core outwards, the elastic keels of the support segment bend and expand to support the soft palate or posterior tongue root, thus opening the airway and treating snoring. This method does not require removal of the soft palate and therefore does not affect the patient's eating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a device for treating snoring. Background Technology

[0002] Snoring not only affects a partner's sleep but also has a profound impact on the health of the snorer. Snoring combined with sleep apnea may be obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Severe OSAHS patients often experience apnea during sleep, sometimes even suddenly sitting up, sweating profusely, and experiencing a feeling of impending death. The direct pathogenesis of snoring is upper airway collapse, especially during supine sleep. Due to the relaxation of the upper airway dilators, the mandible and tongue fall backward under gravity, leading to upper airway collapse and airway narrowing, thus restricting airflow. Existing treatments for snoring and OSAHS mainly include surgical treatments such as tracheotomy and palatopharyngoplasty, as well as non-surgical treatments such as ventilator therapy and oral appliances. However, surgery increases patient discomfort and carries certain risks. Ventilators are expensive, uncomfortable to wear, and inconvenient to carry. This invention provides a device for treating snoring that eliminates the need for surgery and ventilators, easily resolving snoring and sleep apnea caused by upper airway collapse. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device for treating snoring.

[0004] This utility model is achieved using the following method:

[0005] A device for treating snoring includes a support section with a connecting section at its tail end. The support section is composed of multiple elastic ribs, the tail ends of which are interconnected and connected to the connecting section. Each elastic rib is outwardly flared when the support section is extended. The device also includes an insertion tube, which is a hollow tube into which the support section can retract and be placed.

[0006] Preferably, the tail end of the connecting segment is connected to a limiting part.

[0007] Preferably, the connecting segment is a connecting rope.

[0008] Preferably, the tail end of the connecting soft rope passes through the insertion tube and connects to the limiting part; the limiting part is elastic and can stretch, and the size of the limiting part in the extended state is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion tube.

[0009] Preferably, the ends of the multiple elastic keels are connected to each other, or the ends of the multiple elastic keels are independent of each other.

[0010] Another device for treating snoring is provided, including a support section and a delivery section. The support section includes multiple elastic ribs, the tail ends of which are fixed to the head end of the delivery section. The head ends of the multiple elastic ribs are connected to a tensioning core, which is located in the space surrounded by the multiple elastic ribs. The tensioning core passes through the delivery section to the tail end of the delivery section.

[0011] Preferably, the tail end of the tensioning inner core is connected to a limiting part.

[0012] Preferably, the conveying section has a through hole through which the tensioning inner core passes.

[0013] Preferably, the size of the limiting portion is larger than the diameter of the through hole.

[0014] Preferably, the first end of the tensioning inner core is provided with a compression part, and the first ends of the multiple elastic keels are connected together by a compression ring, the inner diameter of the compression ring being smaller than the diameter of the compression part.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model provides a device for treating snoring. Compared with the prior art, this utility model has at least the following technical effects: 1. By inserting a support segment into the pharynx for expansion, the pharynx is expanded to open the airway, preventing the soft palate or pharynx from collapsing and causing snoring. The support segment is delivered to the designated position through an insertion device, and then the insertion device is removed, allowing the support segment to expand and support the soft palate or the back root of the tongue to prevent airway obstruction; or it can be delivered to a designated position through a delivery tube, and then the inner core is pulled outward to tighten it, causing the elastic keel of the support segment to bend and expand, thereby supporting the soft palate or the back root of the tongue to open the airway and treat snoring; this method does not require removal of the soft palate, so it will not affect the patient's eating. 2. A limiting part is provided at the end of the connecting segment or the tightened inner core, which can cooperate with the nostril to hold the connecting segment and prevent the support segment from moving further into the body. 3. The connecting segment is a soft rope, which can provide guidance for the withdrawal of the insertion tube. 4. A squeezing part is provided at the first end of the tensioning inner core, and a squeezing ring is provided at the first end of the support section. By cooperating with the squeezing ring and the squeezing part, the inner core is pulled outward to squeeze the squeezing ring, so that the elastic keel of the support section is completely deformed, thereby enabling the support section to expand the soft palate or tongue root to open the airway. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of a device for treating snoring according to one embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the release state of a device for treating snoring according to one embodiment of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the state of a device for treating snoring inserted into the airway according to one embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the initial state of a device for treating snoring according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the expanded state of a device for treating snoring according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0021] The following are the reference numerals: 1. Support section; 11. Elastic keel; 2. Connecting section; 3. Insertion tube; 4. Limiting part; 5. Conveying section; 6. Tensioning inner core; 7. Extrusion part; 8. Extrusion ring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 3 A device for treating snoring includes a support segment 1, the tail end of which is connected to a connecting segment 2. The support segment 1 is composed of multiple elastic ribs 11, the tail ends of which are interconnected and connected to the connecting segment 2. Each elastic rib 11 is outwardly expanded in the extended state of the support segment 1. It also includes an insertion tube 3, which is a hollow tube into which the support segment 1 can retract and be placed. By inserting the support segment 1 into the pharynx for further expansion, the pharynx is expanded to open the airway, preventing the soft palate or pharynx from collapsing and causing snoring. The support segment 1 is delivered into place via the insertion device, and then the insertion device is removed, allowing the support segment 1 to expand and support the soft palate or the back of the tongue to prevent airway obstruction. This method does not require surgical treatment, therefore it does not affect the patient's eating and there are no surgical risks. The elastic keel 11 can be made of shape memory metal or polymer materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PET), etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0025] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Preferably, the tail end of the connecting segment 2 is connected to a limiting part 4. The limiting part 4 at the tail end of the connecting segment 2 can cooperate with the nostril to hold the connecting segment 2 in place, so as to prevent the supporting segment 1 from continuing to move into the body.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Preferably, the connecting segment 2 is a connecting rope. The connecting segment 2 being a rope can provide guidance for the withdrawal of the insertion tube 3.

[0027] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Preferably, the tail end of the connecting rope passes through the insertion tube 3 and connects to the limiting part 4; the limiting part 4 is elastic and can stretch, and its expanded size is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion tube 3. Thus, when the support section 1 is removed, pulling the support section 1 backward will pull it back into the insertion tube 3. This process is limited by the wall of the insertion tube 3, causing the support section 1 to contract. The limiting part 4, in its expanded state, is larger than the insertion tube and has a certain degree of elasticity. It can be a spherical, olive-shaped, or "I"-shaped structure made of shape memory metal or polymer material. This allows the limiting part 4 to compress and enter the insertion tube 3 when it is being withdrawn, allowing the insertion tube 3 to be completely withdrawn. Conversely, when pushing the insertion tube 3 in, the limiting part 4 can be squeezed to deform and shrink, allowing the insertion tube 3 to pass through the connecting rope.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 3 Preferably, the ends of the multiple elastic keels 11 are connected to each other and can be expanded to form an umbrella shape; or, the ends of the multiple elastic keels 11 are independent of each other and can be expanded to form an olive shape or a sphere shape.

[0029] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] In use, the insertion tube 3 containing the support section 1 is inserted into the collapsed part of the upper airway. Then, the insertion tube 3 is withdrawn. The support section 1, under the force of the elastic keel 11, expands outward after losing the restraint of the insertion tube 3, which can support the collapsed soft palate or tongue base, avoid airway obstruction, and thus achieve the effect of airway treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. After the insertion tube 3 is removed, the restraint part 4 at the tail end expands and can be locked at the nostril. When removing the support section 1, the insertion tube 3 is pushed into the airway along the connecting soft rope. As the insertion tube 3 gradually moves forward, it abuts against the outer periphery of the support section 1, and the support section 1 gradually contracts until it returns to the insertion tube 3. Then the support section 1 and the insertion tube 3 can be removed.

[0031] Example 2

[0032] Please see Figures 4 to 5Another device for treating snoring includes a support section 1 and a delivery section 5. The support section 1 includes multiple elastic ribs 11, the tail ends of which are fixed to the head end of the delivery section 5. The head ends of the multiple elastic ribs 11 are connected to a tensioning core 6, which is located within the space surrounded by the multiple elastic ribs 11. The tensioning core 6 extends through the delivery section 5 to the tail end of the delivery section 5. Alternatively, the device can be delivered to a designated location via a delivery tube, and then the tensioning core 6 is pulled outward to bend and expand the elastic ribs 11 of the support section 1, thereby supporting the soft palate or the back of the tongue to open the airway and treat snoring. This method does not require surgery and therefore does not affect the patient's eating.

[0033] Please see Figures 4 to 5 Preferably, the tail end of the tensioning inner core 6 is connected to a limiting part 4. The limiting part 4 at the tail end of the tensioning inner core 6 can cooperate with the nostril to hold the connecting segment 2, thus preventing the supporting segment 1 from continuing to move into the body. The limiting part 4 can be spherical or olive-shaped, or in the shape of an "I" (elliptical) elastic keel.

[0034] Please see Figures 4 to 5 Preferably, the conveying section 5 has a through hole through which the tensioning inner core 6 passes. This facilitates the connection of the tensioning inner core 6 to the limiting part 4 outside the nostril.

[0035] Please see Figures 4 to 5 Preferably, the size of the limiting part 4 is larger than the diameter of the through hole. This prevents the limiting part 4 from retracting into the conveying section 5.

[0036] Please see Figures 4 to 5 Preferably, the first end of the tensioning inner core 6 is provided with a compression part 7, and the first ends of the multiple elastic ribs 11 are connected by a compression ring 8, the inner diameter of the compression ring 8 being smaller than the diameter of the compression part 7. With the compression part 7 at the first end of the tensioning inner core 6 and the compression ring 8 at the first end of the support section 1, the compression ring 8, in cooperation with the compression ring 8, pulls the inner core 6 outward, causing the compression part 7 to compress the compression ring 8, thus completely deforming the elastic ribs 11 of the support section 1. This allows the support section 1 to expand the soft palate or tongue root to open the airway.

[0037] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:

[0038] In use, the support segment 1 is delivered to the soft palate via the delivery section 5. Then, by the cooperation of the compression ring 8 and the compression part 7, the inner core 6 is pulled outward to compress the compression ring 8, causing the elastic keel 11 of the support segment 1 to completely deform. This allows the support segment 1 to expand the soft palate or tongue root, opening the airway and preventing airway obstruction, thus achieving the effect of airway treatment for snoring. Furthermore, the tail end of the tightened inner core 6 has a limiting part 4, which works with the nostrils to limit and prevent the support segment 1 from retracting on its own. When removing the support segment 1, the delivery section 5 is retracted, and the support loses its compressive force. The support segment 1 gradually retracts until it returns to its initial state, at which point the support segment 1 and the insertion tube 3 can be removed.

[0039] Several points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connection, or internal connection between two components, or direct connection. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationship. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change.

[0040] Secondly: The accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this utility model. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0041] Finally, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. The protection scope of the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions that fall within the scope of the present utility model are protected by the present utility model.

[0042] It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of this utility model should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for treating snoring, characterized in that: The device includes a support section, the tail end of which is connected to a connecting section. The support section is composed of multiple elastic keels, the tail ends of which are interconnected and connected to the connecting section. Each elastic keel is outwardly flared in the extended state of the support section. It also includes an insertion tube, which is a hollow tube into which the support section can retract and be placed. The tail end of the connecting section is connected to a limiting part. The limiting part is elastic and can extend and retract, and its extended state is larger than the inner diameter of the insertion tube.

2. The device for treating snoring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting section is a connecting rope.

3. The device for treating snoring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the connecting rope passes through the insertion tube and connects to the limiting part.

4. The device for treating snoring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ends of the multiple elastic keels are connected to each other, or the ends of the multiple elastic keels are independent of each other.

Images