A device for measuring inhalation pressure in the nasopharynx in order to determine the position of the tongue by measuring the negative pressure in the oral cavity, and an associated terminal.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for determining tongue position from measurement of intraoral vacuum pressure generated by swallowing, the device comprising an intraoral screen intended to be placed in the oral cavity, a conduit connectable at a first end to the intraoral screen and at a second end to a manometer, which is in turn connectable to a base, and an electronic module connectable to the base, the electronic module being in data communication with the manometer and including a processing unit, such that in an operative state of the device, the intraoral screen is configured to shield interdental spaces in the oral cavity, and the conduit establishes fluid communication between the interior of the oral cavity and the manometer, whereby negative pressure generated by swallowing is measured by said manometer.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of oral devices, specifically vacuum-activated oral devices, and more specifically, to an oral device that facilitates the generation of an intraoral vacuum pressure and its measurement based on tongue movements caused by swallowing.

[0002] Similarly, the device of the present invention relates to measuring the inhalation pressure within the nasopharyngeal cavity.

Background Art

[0003] For example, the need to keep the tongue in the correct position to prevent loud breathing sounds such as snoring, which occurs when the tongue partially obstructs the airway during sleep and breathing through the mouth, is known in the field of clinical medicine. For this reason, it is necessary for the tongue to remain in a forward position, which ensures that these passages are maintained without obstruction or interference.

[0004] In addition to the discomfort caused by snoring during sleep stages, airway obstruction can cause health problems, generally causing a blockage of air supply to the lungs known as apnea. This reduces the amount of oxygen carried by the blood to the brain, causes a fragmented sleep pattern, and can lead to chronic fatigue that can cause cumulative damage.

[0005] Therefore, many people need to reduce or eliminate these inaccurate positions of the tongue in the oral cavity and avoid the breathing problems that it may cause.

[0006] The current state of the art in the relevant technical field includes numerous documents referring to devices intended to accurately position the tongue.

[0007] One example of the aforementioned document is U.S. Patent No. 5373859, which describes a device for holding the tongue and reducing snoring, the device comprising a housing defining a flexible vacuum reservoir and a rigid flange that completely encloses the housing and contacts the user's face around the entire circumference of the mouth. The opening of the reservoir covers and fits the tongue, holding the tongue under the negative pressure generated by the device.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 4,169,473 also belongs to the current state of the art and discloses a device placed in the mouth of a user for the purpose of preventing snoring and / or teeth grinding, which is configured as a molded body providing an externally located portion and a portion placed in the mouth of the user, and which compels the tongue to be positioned in the anterior portion of the mouth by means of a dental engagement arch and a posteriorly opening central socket for cooperating with the anterior portion of the tongue, thereby increasing the dimensions of an unobstructed breathing passage.

[0009] Reference WO2018076088 also proposes an intraoral device for generating interdental contact sensation, which must be applied to the user's upper and / or lower palate and includes a contact means designed to be associated with at least a portion of one to four posterior teeth, with the aim of creating a contact sensation for the user through contact between the contact means and at least a portion of the area of ​​the opposing teeth.

[0010] Reference ES1067430 also belongs to the current state of technology and describes an oral device for preventing snoring and / or sleep apnea, which consists of a main body with a flexible fin incorporated at the rear, the flexible fin holding the movement of the tongue and preventing the tongue from moving backward, thereby preventing the user from snoring.

[0011] Thus, there are numerous intraoral devices in the art that are designed to position the tongue within the oral cavity in a way that prevents the tongue from being involved in harmful processes such as snoring or sleep apnea, and ensures that the user's airway is not obstructed.

[0012] However, none of the existing systems appear to offer a means of correcting tongue position based on the measurement of the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity generated by swallowing. Nevertheless, investigating and / or monitoring tongue position based on the measured vacuum pressure may be done to help train users to correct improper tongue positions, and at the same time, to help healthcare professionals understand the space occupied by the tongue and evaluate corrective alternatives. [Overview of the project]

[0013] To address the gaps found in the art, the present invention proposes a device for determining the position of the tongue based on the measurement of the vacuum pressure in the user's oral cavity, which is generated by the movement of the tongue during swallowing, and for providing information, for example in the form of a warning to the user or a healthcare professional, regarding whether the correct tongue position has been achieved based on the negative pressure.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that oral negative pressure refers to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure measured outside the oral cavity, which generally corresponds to, but is not limited to, the atmospheric pressure in which the user is using the device.

[0015] The negative pressure in the oral cavity is generated by swallowing, and by reducing the vacuum pressure, it prevents air from leaking into the oral cavity through the gaps between the teeth. The device of the present invention preferably has an oral screen made of a flexible material suitable for non-invasive oral use by the user, which helps the user maintain the negative pressure after the swallowing action, as described above.

[0016] In addition to the intraoral screen, the device is equipped with a conduit, which can be connected by a first end to a connecting end located on the intraoral screen and by a second end to a pressure gauge, and thereby can be coupled to the base of the device. As a result, when the user is using the device, the intraoral screen is positioned between the inner part of the lips and the anterior part of the user's teeth, shielding the gaps between the teeth, and the conduit provides fluid communication between the oral cavity and the pressure gauge, thereby allowing the negative pressure generated in the oral cavity by swallowing to be measured by the pressure gauge.

[0017] Preferably, the conduit has a saliva trap with a membrane made of an impermeable and preferably flexible material such as GORE-TEX®, which prevents saliva from entering the inside of the conduit itself and then coming into contact with the pressure gauge.

[0018] An electronic module is coupled to the base, comprising a processing unit configured to acquire / calculate / determine data regarding tongue position based on measurements of intraoral vacuum pressure. The electronic module is equipped with wireless connectivity means, such as a Bluetooth® card, or a data connection port that can be coupled to the base and connected to the electronic module, and is prepared to transmit and / or receive data or information regarding intraoral pressure to and from any external device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

[0019] As mentioned above, for example, a device has been proposed to assist in sealing the oral cavity by measuring the negative pressure generated by swallowing when swallowing saliva. By measuring this negative pressure, it can determine whether the tongue position is correct, and if not, it generates a signal and transmits the data to an external terminal to help train the tongue to be in the correct position, thereby creating a habit of preventing the tongue from obstructing the airway.

[0020] For example, a negative pressure of 15 mBar in the oral cavity indicates that the tongue is in the correct position, occupying the entire oral cavity with no empty space. Therefore, the tongue is completely attached to the palate.

[0021] The ideal negative pressure, which indicates that the tongue is in the correct position, can be set within a specific range or by a healthcare professional for a particular user and their specific condition.

[0022] Therefore, the device can be used to monitor the pressure in the oral cavity and / or changes within it, and to indicate the position of the tongue. The device can also be configured to monitor the time for which negative pressure is maintained in the oral cavity by the user.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for measuring the vacuum pressure generated by swallowing in an air chamber formed between the dorsum of the tongue and the palate, more commonly known as Donders' cavities, where such means includes a flexible tube or cannula that can be connected by a first end to a conduit and / or a pressure gauge and open to the atmosphere by a second end opposite the first end, so that in the operating state of the device, the second end of the tube is positioned in Donders' cavities, so that the pressure gauge detects the air pressure in the Donders' cavities and transmits the data relating to the detection to a processing unit for subsequent processing of such data.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will know that Donders' cavity is a virtual space created in relation to the seal between the hard palate and the dorsum of the tongue and the soft palate behind the lip seal. Negative pressure can be generated in this space, producing a force of up to 0.3 kg and creating a suction effect. It is a region of air bubbles that, when compressed, facilitates the opening of the lumen for the passage of food toward the pharynx.

[0025] Alternatively, the valve is arranged at the second end of the tube, and the valve is placed in the space of the Donders cavity in the operating state of the device, and is configured to seal the space in a sealed or airtight manner, preventing pressure leakage during the measurement of the space and making the measurement value much more accurate. Further, this valve prevents the pressure of the tongue muscles from changing the measurement value of the pressure gauge.

[0026] Preferably, the valve is made of a flexible, soft-touch, unbreakable, and biocompatible polymer material.

[0027] In another embodiment or use instruction, the device can be used to determine the pressure (EPP, EpiPharyngeal pressure) in the nasopharyngeal space by measuring the inhalation / exhalation pressure in the nasal cavity of the user's nose, and thus becomes a device for determining the nasopharyngeal pressure (EPPI, EpiPharyngeal pressure Index). Here, the first end of the tube can be connected to a conduit and / or a pressure gauge, while the second terminal is intended to open to the atmosphere and be at least partially introduced into the user's nostril. In the operating state of the device, the second end is introduced into one of the nasal cavities and is airtightly coupled to the nostril, whereby the pressure gauge detects the inhalation pressure in the nasopharyngeal space and transmits the data related to the detection to the processing unit for processing and analysis.

[0028] In an additional embodiment, the aforementioned device is adapted to a type of mask intended to cover the user's mouth and nose simultaneously, such as FFP2 and FFP3 masks, etc. Even more preferably, the tube can pass through the mask via the holes provided herein and be coupled to the mask by appropriate means. This can be useful for measuring respiration during the use of these masks that have become widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[0029] Preferably, the plug is removably coupled to the second end of the tube, and the plug is configured to hermetically seal the nasopharyngeal cavity, such that in the operating state of the device, the plug shields the nostrils and the fluid communication between the pressure gauge and the nostrils and / or the nasopharyngeal space is established only through the tube, thereby making the measurement of the inhalation pressure more accurate.

[0030] The material from which the plug is made must block the nostrils without altering the shape of the tissue inside the nostrils so as not to affect the measurement. Therefore, the material should be selected from moldable non-porous soft-touch polymers. According to the above, a soft sponge or the like that blocks without affecting the nasal tissue is used, so the connection is completely passive and does not change the nostrils in any way.

[0031] In this embodiment, the device is capable of measuring and identifying the pressure within the nasopharyngeal cavity (EPP) located behind the nasal septum, in addition to measuring the respective pressure / inhalation volume of each nostril, and how the application of nasal congestion relief substances affects the ability to inhale / exhale air, as well as analyzing the effectiveness of a mask covering the user's mouth and nose. In this sense, the device needs to be used first in one nostril to take measurements, and then the device is used in the other nostril to take measurements. Subsequently, after applying a dilating agent, a nasal congestion medication, or some other substance to the nostrils, or after wearing a mask, the measurements can be repeated to analyze the effectiveness and compared with the initial measurements. <​​​​​​​​​To complement the description provided herein and to help make the features of the invention more easily understandable, the above description is accompanied by a set of drawings which constitute an integral part thereof, and which, as illustrative and not limiting, represent the following:

[0034] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the apparatus object of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] This shows an exploded view of the device's components. [Figure 3] A detailed diagram of the components of an electronic card is shown. [Figure 4] An alternative embodiment of a device for measuring vacuum pressure in the Donders cavity or inhalation pressure in the nasopharynx is shown.

[0035] List of reference numbers 1. Intraoral Screen 2. Base 3. Conduit 4. Pressure gauge 5. Impermeable membrane 6. Electronic Modules 7. Wireless connection means 8.Power supply means 9. Data connection port 10. Casing 30.Tube 31. The first end of the pipe 32. The second end of the pipe 33. Valve 34. Plug [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments provides examples of specific preferred embodiments that can be used to carry out the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings of this specification. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments can be used without departing from the scope of the invention, and that logical, structural, mechanical, electrical, and / or chemical modifications can be made. The omission of details that are not necessary for those skilled in the art to carry out the description herein should therefore not be construed as restrictive.

[0037] Specifically, a device is disclosed for determining and adjusting the position of the tongue based on the measurement of the vacuum pressure inside the oral cavity generated by the movement of the tongue during the user's swallowing phase, and the device is In use or operation, an intraoral screen (1) is placed in the oral cavity and intended to seal the gaps between teeth. A base (2) connectable to an intraoral screen (1) via at least one conduit (3), wherein the conduit (3) is connectable to the base (2), and is configured to establish fluid communication between the inside of the oral cavity and a pressure gauge (4) intended to measure the vacuum pressure generated by swallowing, in the use or operation state of the device, An electronic module (6) that can be coupled to a base (2), the electronic module (6) includes a processing unit configured to communicate with a pressure gauge (4) and acquire data relating to tongue position based on measurements of intraoral vacuum pressure, and Includes.

[0038] Thus, a device is obtained that can determine the position of the user's tongue based on the measurement of the internal pressure of the user's oral cavity by a pressure gauge (4) and the processing of the obtained data by an electronic module (6).

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the oral screen (1) includes at least one connecting end (1A) to which a conduit (3) can be connected to achieve fluid communication between the oral cavity and a pressure gauge (4), and the pressure is measured during use of the device, after the user's swallowing process, for example, when swallowing saliva.

[0040] Preferably, the pressure gauge (4) is a manometer. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term pressure gauge (4) includes all sensitivity devices for measuring oral pressure and which may be applicable within the context of the present invention.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the oral screen (1) will be made of a hydrophobic elastic polymer material, preferably silicone for oral use, to achieve adaptability to the shape of the user's oral cavity and thus seal the oral cavity to prevent air from entering when a vacuum is created during swallowing.

[0042] The preferred position for the intraoral screen (1) in operation is between the inner part of the user's lips and the anterior part of the teeth.

[0043] Furthermore, the electronic module (6) includes wireless communication means (7) configured to transmit data regarding the position of the tongue to an external terminal and / or receive information from the external terminal based on the measurement of vacuum pressure in the oral cavity. In this way, information can be exchanged between the device object of the present invention and the external terminal.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the device includes a data connection port (9) that can be coupled to a base (2) which can be connected to an electronic module (6), wherein the data connection port (9) is configured to transmit data relating to tongue position obtained by measuring intraoral vacuum pressure to and / or receive information from an external terminal. As a result, information exchange can also take place face-to-face via a direct connection between the data connection port (9) and the external terminal.

[0045] As described above, the electronic module (6) includes a processing unit configured to acquire data on tongue position based on measurements of vacuum pressure in the oral cavity. Thus, given, for example, an established vacuum pressure of 15 mBar (millibars) as a reference, the processing unit determines whether the tongue position is correct based on measurements of the vacuum pressure generated in the oral cavity, obtained by the pressure gauge (4), and / or the time that the negative pressure is maintained.

[0046] The processing unit can monitor the tongue position and the time the negative pressure is maintained through continuous measurements performed by the pressure gauge (4). For example, if the reference vacuum pressure is 15 mBar and the measured pressure is 10 mBar, this may be insufficient for a proper tongue position, and / or the negative pressure may have lasted for a shorter time than required by reaching the reference pressure.

[0047] According to the last two embodiments, the device communicates with an external device, successfully exchanges data relating to pressure measured in the oral cavity with an external terminal, and includes both wireless and direct connection communication devices to facilitate the processing and handling of said data.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the electronic module (6) includes signal transmission means configured to emit a warning signal, and the processing unit of the electronic module (6) is configured to determine an improper position of the tongue based on a measurement of negative pressure in the oral cavity and to transmit a warning signal via the signal transmission means.

[0049] These signal transmission means may take the form of a speaker for transmitting acoustic signals, and / or an LED light bulb for transmitting visual signals, and / or a vibration mechanism, such as one found in a smartphone, for transmitting vibration signals to warn the user of improper tongue positioning in the oral cavity.

[0050] The device includes a power supply means (8) that can be coupled to a base (2) and is configured to supply power to an electronic module (6) and / or a pressure measuring means (4). Preferably, the power supply means (8) would consist of a rechargeable battery that is removable from the base (2), such as a rechargeable battery similar to the rechargeable battery in Apple's AirPods (registered trademark), or a rechargeable battery in a similar device.

[0051] Similarly, in alternative embodiments not shown, the apparatus of the present invention includes additional pressure gauges (4) intended to be coupled to one or more conduits (3) or other similar conduits (not shown) arranged across the intraoral shield (1). The purpose of arranging these additional pressure gauges (4) is to measure vacuum pressure in an intraoral compartment, for example, at different points within the oral cavity. These additional pressure gauges (4) are coupled to additional conduits (3) appropriately arranged across the intraoral shield (1), and the additional pressure gauges (4) must be in data communication with the electronic module (6) by appropriate means to transmit vacuum pressure measurements obtained at different points by each of the additional pressure gauges (4) to the electronic module (6), but do not necessarily have to be located on the base (2).

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a casing (10) which is connectable to a base (2) and configured to protect an electronic module (6) and / or a pressure gauge (4) and / or a data communication port (9) and / or a power supply means (8), wherein the casing (10) has at least one opening for accessing the data communication port (9) to protect these components from external agents.

[0053] Furthermore, the device comprises at least one removable membrane (5), which is preferably made of an impermeable material such as GoreTex®, is positioned inside the conduit (3), and is configured to prevent the passage of fluid through the conduit (3) in contact with the pressure gauge (4) and / or electronic module (6) which could cause deterioration or malfunction of them.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, in an alternative embodiment, the device includes a tube (30) which may be connectable or fixedly connected at a first end (31) to a conduit (3) and / or a pressure gauge (4), the tube (30) also includes a second end (32) opposite the first end (31), the second end (32) being open to the atmosphere, and as a result, in the operating state of the device, the second end (32) of the tube (30) is positioned tightly in the space of Donders' cavity between the user's tongue and palate, establishing fluid communication between the space of Donders' cavity and the pressure gauge (4), thereby the pressure gauge (4) detecting the pressure in the space, which is generally vacuum pressure, and transmitting the data relating to this detection to a processing unit for processing.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, a valve (33) is attached to the second end (32) of the tube (30) either fixedly or detachably, and the valve (33) is configured to be placed in the Donders cavity space and tightly seal the space when the device is in operation, in order to prevent pressure leakage that may affect the device's measurements.

[0056] The valve (33) is preferably made of a flexible polymer material that is soft to the touch, unbreakable, and biocompatible, in order to prevent irritation to the part of the mouth it contacts.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to measure / estimate the suction pressure in the nasopharynx space of the user's nose.

[0058] In this sense, when the device is in operation, the second end (32) of the tube (30) is at least partially introduced into one of the user's nostrils and is configured to fit snugly into the nostril so that the pressure gauge (4) detects changes in pressure in the nasopharyngeal space (negative changes during inhalation, positive changes during exhalation) as air enters and exits through the open nostril, and transmits such data regarding the detection to a processing unit for subsequent treatment.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, a plug (34) is positioned at the second end (32) of the tube (30), configured to shield the nasal cavity into which the second end (32) is introduced. As a result, in the operating state of the device, the plug (34) shields the nasal cavity so that fluid communication between the pressure gauge (4) and the free nasal cavity, passing through the nasopharyngeal cavity, is established only through the tube (30).

[0060] It is important to consider that this biological functional system also includes the nose, which is characterized by being located between the valve (external pharyngeal sphincter) and the entrance to the nose.

[0061] The nasopharynx is adjacent to the valve, and this space is divided by the nasal septum into two channels, namely the nasal cavity, whose lateral openings form two nasal crypts. Thus, two distinct functional spaces exist from the nasal crypts to the nasopharyngeal space directly adjacent to the valve. This invention utilizes this fact to define pressure and / or alternatively, breathable airflow.

[0062] The left and right halves of the nose can be used separately as channels for measuring pressure within the nasopharyngeal space, which is located adjacent to both halves of the nose and behind the nasal septum.

[0063] If the valve is closed on one side and the nasal half behind it is understood to be a pressure conduction channel, a line can be fluidly connected to a pressure gauge (4) at the midpoint of the closed nose. This pressure line measures the pressure present at the nasal end within the nasopharynx space.

[0064] Therefore, when the oral cavity is closed by the uplocked state, and the nasal valve connected to the measuring tube (30) is also closed, that is, when the second end (32) of the tube (30) is tightly connected to the nasal cavity, breathable air must flow exclusively through the tube (30) to the pressure gauge.

[0065] A mask (not shown) can be used as part of the device and is configured to cover the user's mouth and nose simultaneously, and the tube (30) can be coupled to the mask by preferred means.

[0066] The pressure difference between the environment and the nasopharyngeal space, i.e., the posterior ends of both nasal sides, is proportional to the resistance of the lateral nostrils, according to Ohm's law for linear flow. In this sense, the subject of the test is assumed to be one that generates a constant airflow for resting respiration. When breathing with normal intensity and frequency, a larger pressure difference is required as the flow resistance of the nasal membrane through which the flow passes increases.

[0067] Assuming a constant airflow during resting respiration, this can be determined by measuring the amplitude of pressure in the nasopharyngeal space, which must increase with nasal airflow resistance.

[0068] Performing this measurement sequentially on both sides of the nose allows for quick measurement of the pressure difference between the two nasal cavities, determining the pressure within the nasopharynx and yielding useful results for diagnostic purposes.

[0069] The contour state during measurement is kept constant by the uplock operation, resulting in the exclusion of secondary air from the oral cavity towards the nasopharynx. By incorporating the use of an uplock activator during measurement, the pressure in the nasopharynx caused by the secondary flow from the mouth to the throat is eliminated.

[0070] Similarly, the present invention proposes a connectable external terminal for communicating with the apparatus of the above-described embodiments, the external terminal being configured to receive data relating to the tongue position acquired by the apparatus and / or data relating to the suction pressure in the nasopharyngeal space and / or to determine which of the nasal fossae provides the greatest air suction resistance as described above, and the external terminal comprising processing means configured to determine whether the tongue position is correct based on the acquired data relating to the tongue position and / or the suction pressure in the nasopharyngeal space and / or the suction resistance by the nasal fossae, respectively, and to generate a warning signal through the external terminal for the user of the apparatus of the above-described embodiments.

[0071] Although the nature of the present invention and methods for carrying it out have been fully described, those skilled in the art will not need to extend the description to understand its scope and the advantages derived therefrom, and it should be noted that within the scope of its essential nature, it may be carried out in other embodiments that differ in detail from those provided as examples, and these too are under the required protection as long as they do not change, alter, or modify its fundamental principles.

Claims

1. A device for evaluating the correct position of a user's tongue, the device comprising: an intraoral shield (1) intended to be placed in the user's oral cavity and configured to shield the interdental spaces between teeth within the oral cavity; a conduit (3) connected at a first end to the intraoral shield (1) and connected at a second end to a pressure gauge (4) which can be coupled to a base (2), wherein the conduit (3) is configured to establish fluid communication between the inside of the oral cavity and the pressure gauge (4), and the pressure gauge (4) is configured to measure the negative pressure generated in the oral cavity by swallowing; and a device which can be coupled to the base (2), is in data communication with the pressure gauge (4), and compares the pressure data measured by the pressure gauge (4) with a pre-established pressure. The apparatus comprises an electronic module (6) having a processing unit configured to evaluate the correct position of the tongue by doing so, the apparatus comprising a tube (30) having a first end (31) connectable to a conduit (3) and a second end (32) opposite the first end (31), wherein the second end (32) is configured to fit snugly into the space of Donders' cavity between the user's tongue and palate, and the second end (32) of the tube (30) is provided with a valve (33) configured to fit snugly into the space of Donders' cavity so that the pressure gauge (4) detects the vacuum pressure in the space of Donders' cavity and transmits data relating to this detection to the processing unit in order to evaluate the correct position of the tongue.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the oral cavity shield (1) is made from a hydrophobic elastic polymer material.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oral shield (1) is configured to be inserted in the oral cavity between the inner portion of the lip and the anterior portion of the teeth.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic module (6) comprises wireless communication means (7) configured to transmit data relating to the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity to an external terminal and / or to receive information from the external terminal.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a data communication port (9) which is connectable to the base (2) and connectable to the electronic module (6), wherein the data communication port (9) is configured to transmit data relating to the vacuum pressure in the oral cavity to the external terminal and / or to receive information from the external terminal.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electronic module (6) comprises signal transmission means configured to emit a warning signal, and the processing unit of the electronic module (6) is configured to determine an inappropriate position of the tongue based on the position of the tongue determined from the measurement of the vacuum pressure, and to transmit a warning signal via the signal transmission means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a power supply means (8) disposed within the base (2) and configured to supply power to the electronic module (6) and / or the pressure gauge (4).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the power supply means (8) comprises a rechargeable battery removable from the base (2).

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a casing (10) which is connectable to the base (2) and configured to protect the electronic module (6) and / or the pressure gauge (4) and / or the data communication port (9) and / or the power supply means (8), wherein the casing (10) has an opening for accessing the data communication port (9).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one membrane (5) disposed inside the conduit (3) and configured to prevent fluid from passing through the conduit (3).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the membrane (5) is impermeable and replaceable.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising one or more pressure gauges (4) connected to one or more conduits (3).

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second end (32) of the tube (30) is further configured to be at least partially introduced into one of the user's nasal fossae and positioned snugly in the nasal fossa, so that the pressure gauge (4) detects the suction pressure of the nasopharyngeal space and transmits data relating to the detection to the processing unit.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, comprising a mask configured to cover the user's mouth and nose simultaneously and to which the tube (30) can be connected.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a plug (34) positioned at the second end (32) of the tube (30) and configured to block the nasal cavity so that air in the nasal cavity flows only through the tube (30).

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