Sleep respiration improvement apparatus

Abstract

A sleep respiration improvement apparatus (1) comprises: a pharyngeal stimulation device (2b) that selectively stimulates a pharyngeal part; and a mouthpiece (2a) that can be worn in the oral cavity and supports the pharyngeal stimulation device (2b).

Description

Sleep breathing improvement device

[0001] The present invention relates to a sleep breathing improvement device. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-059784, filed on April 2, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a CPAP device that delivers pressurized air to a patient's airway. CPAP devices are used to treat sleep apnea syndrome, and aim to eliminate or alleviate apnea by expanding the patient's airway during sleep. This type of CPAP device includes a main unit that is connected via a hose to a mask worn by the patient, and supplies pressurized air from the main unit to the mask.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-34409

[0004] However, the main unit of the CPAP device must generate pressurized air to a level sufficient to expand the airway, and therefore must include a large fan and a motor to drive the fan. This inevitably makes the main unit of the CPAP device large. While such a CPAP device can be expected to improve not only apnea but also snoring, the large main unit makes it difficult to install in the home.

[0005] On the other hand, mouthpiece-type treatment devices that do not require a main device as described above are also used. Mouthpiece-type treatment devices include those that expand the airway by holding the lower jaw in a forward position, and those with protrusions that stimulate the gag reflex. However, mouthpiece-type treatment devices that hold the lower jaw in a forward position place strain on the dentition and temporomandibular joint with prolonged use. Furthermore, mouthpiece-type treatment devices with protrusions that stimulate the gag reflex have a fixed protrusion amount, making it impossible to change the amount of stimulation to the pharynx during sleep, and are often ineffective.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a sleep-related breathing improvement device that does not require a large main unit and that allows the amount of stimulation to be changed during sleep.

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a sleep breathing improvement device that employs a configuration including a pharyngeal stimulation device that selectively applies stimulation to the pharyngeal region, and a support that can be attached to the oral cavity and supports the pharyngeal stimulation device.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the first aspect, a tongue root subsidence detection unit is provided that detects subsidence of the tongue root, and a control device that causes the pharyngeal stimulation device to stimulate the pharyngeal region when subsidence of the tongue root is detected by the tongue root subsidence detection unit.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is the same as the second aspect, except that the pharyngeal stimulation device is capable of varying the amount of stimulation to the pharyngeal region, and the control device adjusts the amount of stimulation from the pharyngeal stimulation device to the pharyngeal region based on the detection results of the tongue root depression detection unit.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the second or third aspect, in which the tongue root subsidence detection unit is configured to include an electrode unit that is contacted by the tongue when the tongue root is not subsided and from which the tongue moves away when the tongue root is subsided, and a wiring unit that connects the electrode unit to the control device.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the pharyngeal stimulating device is supported slidably relative to the support portion.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the pharyngeal stimulation device is configured to include a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, and a long bag body that houses the vibration generating unit at its tip and is supported by the support unit.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the sixth aspect, further comprising a saliva detection unit that is housed in the long bag and detects saliva.

[0015] According to the present invention, the pharyngeal stimulation device selectively applies stimulation to the pharynx. In other words, according to the present invention, the amount of stimulation to the pharynx changes during sleep, so breathing during sleep can be improved more effectively than with a mouthpiece-type treatment device having a fixed protrusion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is no need to generate high-pressure air that would expand the airway, and there is no need to install a large main unit. Therefore, the present invention provides a sleep-related breathing improvement device that can change the amount of stimulation during sleep without requiring a large main unit.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sleep respiration improving device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting part provided in the sleep respiration improving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a mounting part provided in the sleep respiration improving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit provided in the sleep respiration improving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a control processing device provided in the sleep respiration improving device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a bottom view of a mounting part provided in the sleep respiration improving device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an apparatus for improving breathing during sleep according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment. The sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment can be used, for example, as a treatment device for sleep apnea syndrome. However, the use is not limited to this, and the sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment can also be used to improve snoring during sleep. In other words, a user can use the sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment to treat sleep apnea syndrome or improve snoring during sleep. As shown in Fig. 1, the sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment includes a wearing section 2 and a control unit 3 (control device).

[0019] The attachment unit 2 is a unit worn by the user. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment unit 2. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the attachment unit 2. The attachment unit 2 is attached to the user's oral cavity by attaching a mouthpiece unit 2a, which will be described later, to the user's upper jaw. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the attachment unit 2 includes a mouthpiece unit 2a (support unit), a pharyngeal stimulation device 2b, and a tongue root retraction detection unit 2c.

[0020] The mouthpiece 2a can be attached to the user's mouth and supports the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b and the tongue root retraction detection unit 2c. In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 2a is attached to the upper jaw. The mouthpiece 2a is made of a material that can be attached to the mouth, such as polyurethane resin. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the mouthpiece 2a is formed into a shape having an outer edge 2a1 and a central portion 2a2. Note that the shape of the mouthpiece 2a is not particularly limited to the shape described here.

[0021] The outer edge portion 2a1 is a portion into which the maxillary teeth are inserted from above, and is formed to have a shape that matches the maxillary dental arch. It is preferable that the outer edge portion 2a1 be formed based on the user's dental impression.

[0022] The central portion 2a2 is located within an area surrounded by the arcuate outer edge portion 2a1 and is connected to the outer edge portion 2a1. The central portion 2a2 is formed in a plate shape and is positioned facing the hard palate from below when the outer edge portion 2a1 is attached to the maxillary dentition. The central portion 2a2 is positioned facing the hard palate with a gap between it and the hard palate so that a long bag body 2b1 (described later) of the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b can be inserted between the central portion 2a2 and the hard palate.

[0023] 1 to 3, a through-hole 2a3 is provided in the central portion 2a2. The through-hole 2a3 penetrates the central portion 2a2 in the up-down direction, and a later-described elongated bag body 2b1 of the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is inserted through the through-hole 2a3. The through-hole 2a3 is located rearward of the center position of the central portion 2a2 in the front-to-rear direction and forward of the rear edge 2a4. The opening area of ​​the through-hole 2a3 is sized to allow the elongated bag body 2b1 to slide in and out.

[0024] The pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is a part that selectively applies stimulation to the pharynx. In this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b generates vibrations that stimulate the pharynx when the tongue root is depressed, and does not generate vibrations that stimulate the pharynx when the tongue root is not depressed. In other words, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b selectively applies stimulation to the pharynx only when the tongue root is depressed, out of the cases where the tongue root is depressed and where it is not depressed.

[0025] The area of ​​the pharynx to be stimulated by the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an area that induces a vomiting reflex in the user to the extent that it does not disturb their sleep. Specifically, it is preferable to stimulate the uvula and the base of the tongue in the oropharynx with the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b.

[0026] 1 to 3, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b has a long bag 2b1, a vibration motor 2b2, and a vibration motor connection wire 2b3. The long bag 2b1 is a bag that houses the vibration motor 2b2 and the vibration motor connection wire 2b3, and is formed in an elongated shape that is long in the direction in which the vibration motor connection wire 2b3 extends. The long bag 2b1 has a closed tip end, and houses the vibration motor 2b2 in this tip end. The long bag 2b1 has a length that allows the end opposite the tip end to be pulled out to the outside of the oral cavity.

[0027] The long bag body 2b1 is formed of a material that can be inserted into the oral cavity and is easily deformable, such as silicone resin. The long bag body 2b1 is located below the central portion 2a2 of the mouthpiece portion 2a, on the side closer to the through-hole 2a3 provided in the central portion 2a2. As the long bag body 2b1 approaches the distal end, it is inserted from the bottom to the top into the through-hole 2a3 and then pulled downward from the rear edge 2a4 of the central portion 2a2. The distal end of the long bag body 2b1 is located, for example, between the uvula and the base of the tongue in the oropharynx.

[0028] Furthermore, the long bag body 2b1 is supported slidably relative to the mouthpiece portion 2a. For example, by grasping and pulling the tip of the long bag body 2b1, the long bag body 2b1 can be slid relative to the mouthpiece portion 2a so that the distance from the through-hole 2a3 to the tip becomes longer. Furthermore, by grasping and pulling the end opposite the tip of the long bag body 2b1, the long bag body 2b1 can be slid relative to the mouthpiece portion 2a so that the distance from the through-hole 2a3 to the tip becomes shorter. The user can easily adjust the position of the tip of the long bag body 2b1.

[0029] Vibration motor 2b2 is housed inside elongated bag 2b1 and is located at the tip of elongated bag 2b1. Vibration motor 2b2 is a motor that generates vibrations to stimulate the pharynx when power is supplied via vibration motor connection wiring 2b3. Vibration motor 2b2 generates vibrations when power is supplied and stops generating vibrations when power is not supplied. Therefore, by changing the power supply pattern to vibration motor 2b2, vibration motor 2b2 can be vibrated in any pattern.

[0030] For example, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b can increase the amount of stimulation to the user by lengthening the vibration time of the vibration motor 2b2 in a certain period of time. Also, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b can decrease the amount of stimulation to the user by shortening the vibration time of the vibration motor 2b2 in a certain period of time. Thus, in this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b can vary the amount of stimulation to the pharynx.

[0031] The type of vibration motor 2b2 and the internal orientation of the elongated bag body 2b1 are not particularly limited. However, in order to enhance the effect of stimulating the pharynx and efficiently induce the vomiting reflex, it is preferable to determine the type and orientation of the vibration motor 2b2 so that the direction of amplitude is a direction intersecting the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped central portion 2a2 of the mouthpiece portion 2a. Furthermore, if the vibration component includes vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the front and back surfaces of the central portion 2a2, the vibration motor 2b2 may vibrate so as to rotate the tip of the elongated bag body 2b1, for example.

[0032] The vibration motor connecting wire 2b3 is a wire that connects the vibration motor 2b2 and the control unit 3. For example, the control unit 3 supplies DC power to the vibration motor 2b2 via the vibration motor connecting wire 2b3.

[0033] Furthermore, the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3 has enough strength to support the long bag body 2b1. Therefore, the long bag body 2b1 can maintain its shape by being supported by the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3. Furthermore, it is preferable that the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3 is formed so that it can be deformed by the application of force by a user or the like. Because the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3 is deformable, it is possible to arbitrarily change the shape of the long bag body 2b1.

[0034] In addition to the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3, a frame for maintaining the shape of the long bag body 2b1 may be placed inside the long bag body 2b1. In such a case, the vibration motor connection wiring 2b3 does not need to have enough strength to support the long bag body 2b1.

[0035] The tongue base depression detection unit 2c detects depression of the user's tongue base. The tongue base depression detection unit 2c includes a tongue detection electrode unit 2c1, a wiring unit 2c2, and an indifferent electrode unit 2c3. The tongue detection electrode unit 2c1 is formed, for example, by removing the coating of the wiring unit 2c2 to expose the internal conductor. The wiring unit 2c2 electrically connects the tongue detection electrode unit 2c1 to the control unit 3.

[0036] 3, the tongue detection electrode 2c1 is provided at a midpoint of the wiring portion 2c2. The tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the wiring portion 2c2 are fixed to the underside of the elongated bag body 2b1 by an adhesive layer (not shown) or the like. The tongue detection electrode 2c1 is positioned so that it comes into contact with the tongue when the base of the user's tongue is not submerged (i.e., the airway is secured). Specifically, in this embodiment, the tongue detection electrode 2c1 is positioned forward of the through-hole 2a3 of the mouthpiece portion 2a.

[0037] The indifferent electrode 2c3 is an electrode that is in constant contact with a part of the user's body. In this embodiment, the indifferent electrode 2c3 is fixed to the outer edge 2a1 of the mouthpiece 2a. When the mouthpiece 2a is worn on the user's upper jaw, the indifferent electrode 2c3 is in constant contact with the user's gums, for example. The position of the indifferent electrode 2c3 is not particularly limited. The indifferent electrode 2c3 may be positioned so as to be in contact with, for example, the wrist or ankle.

[0038] The tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3 are electrically connected when the user's tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1. Furthermore, the tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3 are electrically disconnected when the user's tongue is not in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1. The tongue-root retraction detection unit 2c, which includes the tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3, can notify the outside (control unit 3) that the tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3 are electrically disconnected when the tongue root retracts and moves away from the tongue detection electrode 2c1. In other words, the tongue-root retraction detection unit 2c can detect the retraction of the user's tongue root.

[0039] When the tongue base depression is detected by the tongue detection electrode 2c1, the control unit 3 causes the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b to stimulate the pharynx. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 3. As shown in this figure, the control unit 3 includes a power supply device 3a, a first rectifier 3b, a reference resistor 3c, a second rectifier 3d, a comparator 3e, a control processing device 3f, and a communication unit 3g.

[0040] The power supply device 3a is electrically connected to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c of the attachment unit 2. For example, when the tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode unit 2c1, the power supply device 3a applies a voltage to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c so that a weak current (a current of about several microamperes) flows through the user.

[0041] In this embodiment, the power supply device 3a supplies AC power to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c. For example, the power supply device 3a includes a DC power supply (not shown) and an AC oscillator (not shown). By supplying AC power from the power supply device 3a to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c in this manner, oxidation of the tongue detection electrode unit 2c1 can be suppressed, preventing the user from experiencing a metallic taste. Furthermore, by supplying AC power from the power supply device 3a to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c, electrolysis of water around the tongue detection electrode unit 2c1 can be suppressed. Note that the power supply device 3a can supply DC power to the control processing device 3f, for example.

[0042] The first rectifier 3b is connected in series to the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c of the attachment unit 2. The first rectifier 3b is a low-pass filter that removes high-frequency components from the current output from the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c. The tongue base retraction detection unit 2c is connected to the input terminal of the first rectifier 3b, and the comparator 3e is connected to the output terminal.

[0043] The power supply 3a is connected to one of the tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3 of the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c. The first rectifier 3b is connected to the other of the tongue detection electrode 2c1 and the indifferent electrode 2c3 of the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c. When the tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1, a weak current flows from the power supply 3a to the comparator 3e via the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c and the first rectifier 3b.

[0044] The reference resistor 3c and the second rectifier 3d are connected in parallel to the tongue root retraction detection unit 2c and the first rectifier 3b. One end of the reference resistor 3c is connected to the power supply 3a, and the other end is connected to the second rectifier 3d. The input end of the second rectifier 3d is connected to the reference resistor 3c, and the output end is connected to the comparator 3e. AC power output from the power supply 3a flows through the reference resistor 3c and the second rectifier 3d.

[0045] The comparator 3e is a comparator that compares the signal voltage input via the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c with the signal voltage input via the reference resistor 3c and outputs the result. In this embodiment, the comparator 3e outputs a low level when a tongue detection signal is input from the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c. On the other hand, the comparator 3e outputs a high level when a tongue detection signal is not input from the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c.

[0046] The control processing device 3f is electrically connected to the comparator 3e and the vibration motor 2b2. For example, the control processing device 3f has a terminal capable of supplying power to the vibration motor 2b2, and can drive the vibration motor 2b2 by supplying power to the vibration motor 2b2. Note that power to the vibration motor 2b2 may be supplied from the power supply device 3a. In this case, the control processing device 3f can drive the vibration motor 2b2 by switching the power supply from the power supply device 3a to the vibration motor 2b2.

[0047] When the tongue base depression detection unit 2c detects depression of the tongue base, the control processing device 3f stimulates the pharynx using the vibration motor 2b2 of the pharynx stimulation device 2b. Specifically, in this embodiment, when a high-level signal is input from the comparator 3e, the control processing device 3f causes the vibration motor 2b2 to generate vibrations and stimulate the pharynx. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when a low-level signal is input from the comparator 3e, the control processing device 3f stops the vibration motor 2b2 and stops stimulation of the pharynx.

[0048] In this way, the control processing device 3f stimulates the pharynx when the tongue root depression detection unit 2c detects depression of the tongue root (no tongue is detected) (when a high-level signal is input from the comparator 3e), and stops stimulating the pharynx when the tongue root depression detection unit 2c does not detect depression of the tongue root (the tongue is detected) (when a low-level signal is input from the comparator 3e).

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, the control processing device 3f increases the amount of stimulation applied to the pharynx per unit time as the period during which the tongue is not detected by the tongue retraction detection unit 2c becomes longer. In other words, the control processing device 3f adjusts the amount of stimulation applied to the pharynx from the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b based on the detection result of the tongue retraction detection unit 2c. For example, the control processing device 3f gradually increases the number of vibrations per unit time as the period during which the tongue is not detected by the tongue retraction detection unit 2c becomes longer.

[0050] When the number of vibrations per unit time reaches a maximum, the control processing device 3f may again minimize the maximum number of vibrations per unit time and then increase the number of vibrations per unit time. Note that the control processing device 3f may increase the amount of stimulation applied to the pharynx by increasing the vibration amplitude of the vibration motor 2b2.

[0051] The communication unit 3g transmits the output result from the comparator 3e to an external device. For example, the communication unit 3g transmits the output result from the comparator 3e to a computer, smartphone, or the like owned by the user. The external device that receives the output result from the comparator 3e from the communication unit 3g visualizes and displays, for example, periods during which the tongue base was depressed and periods during which the tongue base was not depressed during sleep. This allows the user to easily grasp the periods during which the tongue base was depressed during sleep (i.e., periods of apnea).

[0052] It is possible to visualize the output results of the comparator 3e on an external device in any way, but for example, it is possible to display periods when the tongue base is depressed and periods when the tongue base is not depressed in different colors and display them in chronological order.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the sleep respiration improving device 1 of this embodiment when used. The sleep respiration improving device 1 as described above is used by users with sleep apnea syndrome or users seeking to improve their snoring while they sleep.

[0054] The user wears the attachment part 2 in the oral cavity before going to sleep. In this embodiment, the user wears the mouthpiece part 2a so that the upper jaw teeth are inserted from above into the outer edge part 2a1 of the mouthpiece part 2a of the attachment part 2. The user sleeps with the attachment part 2 worn in this manner.

[0055] Even during sleep, a normal state is when the tongue base is not depressed and the airway is secured. In this normal state, the user's tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1 of the tongue base depression detector 2c. When the tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1, a weak current flows from the power supply 3a to the comparator 3e via the tongue base depression detector 2c. As a result, a low-level signal is output from the comparator 3e, and the control processing device 3f determines that the tongue base is not depressed.

[0056] On the other hand, when the tongue base is depressed and the airway narrows, the user's tongue moves away from the tongue detection electrode 2c1 of the tongue base depression detection unit 2c. When the tongue moves away from the tongue detection electrode 2c1, the weak current stops flowing from the power supply 3a to the comparator 3e via the tongue base depression detection unit 2c. As a result, a high-level signal is output from the comparator 3e, and the control processing device 3f determines that the tongue base is depressed.

[0057] When the control processing device 3f detects that the tongue base has been lowered, it vibrates the vibration motor 2b2 to stimulate the user's pharynx. This stimulation induces the user's gag reflex. When the user induces the gag reflex, the tongue base is lifted, the airway is secured, and apnea and snoring are alleviated.

[0058] 5 is a flowchart for explaining the general operation of the control processing device 3f. As shown in this figure, the control processing device 3f determines whether or not tongue base depression has been detected based on the detection result of the tongue base depression detection unit 2c as described above (step S1). If tongue base depression has not been detected, the control processing device 3f waits until tongue base depression is detected by repeating step S1.

[0059] When the depression of the tongue base is detected, the control processing device 3f stimulates the pharynx (step S2). Here, the control processing device 3f vibrates the vibration motor 2b2 to cause the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b to stimulate the pharynx. Next, the control processing device 3f determines whether the depression of the tongue base continues (step S3).

[0060] Here, the control processing device 3f determines whether or not the tongue base is continuing to sink based on the detection result of the tongue base sinking detection unit 2c. If the tongue base is not continuing to sink, the control processing device 3f returns to step S1.

[0061] On the other hand, if the tongue base continues to sink, the control processing device 3f determines whether the currently applied stimulation amount is maximum (step S4). If the stimulation amount is not maximum, the control processing device 3f increases the stimulation amount (step S5) and returns to step S2. Therefore, in the sleep breathing improving device 1 of this embodiment, if the tongue base continues to sink, step S5 is repeatedly executed, and the stimulation amount gradually increases.

[0062] If the stimulation amount is the maximum in step S4, the control processing device 3f initializes the stimulation amount (step S6) and returns to step S2. Here, initializing the stimulation amount means returning the stimulation amount to the amount immediately after tongue base depression was detected, which in the sleep breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment means changing the stimulation amount to the minimum.

[0063] The sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment as described above includes a pharyngeal stimulation device 2b and a mouthpiece 2a. The pharyngeal stimulation device 2b selectively applies stimulation to the pharynx. The mouthpiece 2a can be attached to the oral cavity and supports the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b.

[0064] According to the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b selectively applies stimulation to the pharynx. In other words, according to the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of stimulation to the pharynx changes during sleep, so breathing during sleep can be improved more effectively than with a mouthpiece-type treatment device with a fixed protrusion. Furthermore, according to the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, there is no need to generate high-pressure air that would expand the airway, and there is no need to install a large main unit. In this way, the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment does not require a large main unit and can change the amount of stimulation during sleep.

[0065] The sleep respiration improving device 1 of this embodiment also includes a tongue base retraction detection unit 2c and a control unit 3. The tongue base retraction detection unit 2c detects retraction of the tongue base. When the tongue base retraction detection unit 2c detects retraction of the tongue base, the control unit 3 causes the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b to stimulate the pharynx.

[0066] The sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment can detect the depression of the tongue base and stimulate the pharynx when the tongue base is depressed. This allows the pharynx to be stimulated only when it is necessary to dilate the airway, preventing unnecessary stimulation of the pharynx.

[0067] In the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is capable of varying the amount of stimulation to the pharynx. The control unit 3 adjusts the amount of stimulation to the pharynx from the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b based on the detection result of the tongue base depression detection unit 2c.

[0068] With the sleep-respiration improving device 1 of this embodiment, for example, the amount of stimulation can be increased until the gag reflex relieves the sinking of the tongue base. The amount of stimulation required to induce the gag reflex varies depending on the individual and the user's physical condition. With the sleep-respiration improving device 1 of this embodiment, the amount of stimulation can be increased until the gag reflex is induced, making it possible to more reliably induce the gag reflex compared to a mouthpiece-type treatment device with a fixed protrusion amount.

[0069] In the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the tongue base depression detector 2c includes a tongue detection electrode 2c1 and a wiring 2c2. The tongue contacts the tongue detection electrode 2c1 when the tongue base is not depressed, and the tongue separates from the tongue when the tongue base is depressed. The wiring 2c2 connects the tongue detection electrode 2c1 to the control unit 3.

[0070] The sleep breathing improving device 1 of this embodiment can detect tongue base depression based on the state of contact of the tongue with the tongue detection electrode 2c1. Therefore, compared to directly detecting the position of the tongue base, for example, the configuration can be simplified to detect tongue base depression.

[0071] Furthermore, in the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is supported slidably relative to the mouthpiece portion 2a. According to the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the user can easily change the position of the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b relative to the pharynx.

[0072] In the sleep-related breathing improvement device 1 of this embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b includes a vibration motor 2b2 and a long bag 2b1. The vibration motor 2b2 generates vibrations. The long bag 2b1 houses the vibration motor 2b2 at its tip and is supported by the mouthpiece 2a.

[0073] In the sleep respiration improving device 1 of this embodiment, the vibration motor 2b2 is housed in the long bag 2b1, so that the vibration motor 2b2 can be easily placed at the back of the user's mouth.

[0074] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0075] 6 is a bottom view of the attachment unit 2A included in the sleep breathing improving device 1 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, the attachment unit 2A includes a saliva detection unit 2d. The saliva detection unit 2d is housed inside the long bag body 2b1 and is capable of detecting saliva. For example, the saliva detection unit 2d becomes conductive when it comes into contact with saliva. Therefore, it can be determined that saliva has been detected when the saliva detection unit 2d becomes conductive.

[0076] The saliva detection unit 2d is connected to the control processing device 3f. When saliva is detected by the saliva detection unit 2d, the control processing device 3f stops the vibration of the vibration motor 2b2 even if the tongue base depression detection unit 2c detects the depression of the tongue base.

[0077] For example, if a portion of the long bag 2b1 is torn, the user's saliva will enter the long bag 2b1. As a result, the saliva detector 2d will detect the saliva, and the vibration motor 2b2 will not vibrate. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the vibration motor 2b2 from vibrating when the long bag 2b1 is torn.

[0078] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is configured to stimulate the pharynx by vibration. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b may stimulate the pharynx by means other than vibration (e.g., pressure). For example, the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b may stimulate the pharynx by inflating a small balloon. Such a small balloon can be inflated without using a large fan, and therefore can be inflated with an external device smaller than a CPAP device.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the tongue base depression detector 2c detects the depression of the tongue base based on whether the tongue is in contact with the tongue detection electrode 2c1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the tongue base depression detector 2c may detect the depression of the tongue base based on the heart rate, the blood oxygen saturation, the presence or absence of snoring, etc.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b is supported using the mouthpiece portion 2a attached to the upper jaw has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the support portion can be changed as long as it can support the pharyngeal stimulation device 2b in the oral cavity.

[0082] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sleep breathing improvement device 2 Attachment part 2a Mouthpiece part (support part) 2A Attachment part 2a1 Outer edge part 2a2 Central part 2a3 Through hole 2a4 Rear edge 2b Pharyngeal stimulation device 2b1 Long bag body 2b2 Vibration motor (vibration generating part) 2b3 Vibration motor connecting wiring 2c Tongue base depression detection part 2c1 Tongue detection electrode part (electrode part) 2c2 Wiring part 2c3 Indifferent electrode part 2d Saliva detection part 3 Control unit (control device) 3a Power supply device 3b First rectifier 3c Reference resistor 3d Second rectifier 3e Comparator 3f Control processing device 3g Communication part

Claims

1. A sleep-related breathing improvement device comprising: a pharyngeal stimulation device that selectively stimulates the pharyngeal region; and a support that can be attached to the oral cavity and supports the pharyngeal stimulation device.

2. A sleep breathing improvement device as described in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: a tongue root subsidence detection unit that detects subsidence of the tongue root; and a control unit that causes the pharyngeal stimulation device to stimulate the pharynx when subsidence of the tongue root is detected by the tongue root subsidence detection unit.

3. The sleep breathing improvement device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pharyngeal stimulation device is capable of varying the amount of stimulation to the pharyngeal region, and the control device adjusts the amount of stimulation from the pharyngeal stimulation device to the pharyngeal region based on the detection results of the tongue root depression detection unit.

4. The sleep breathing improvement device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the tongue root subsidence detection unit comprises: an electrode unit that is in contact with the tongue when the tongue root is not subsided and from which the tongue moves away when the tongue root is subsided; and a wiring unit that connects the electrode unit to the control device.

5. A sleep breathing improvement device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pharyngeal stimulation device is supported slidably on the support part.

6. A sleep breathing improvement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pharyngeal stimulation device comprises: a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; and a long bag body that houses the vibration generating unit at its tip and is supported by the support unit.

7. The device for improving breathing during sleep according to claim 6, further comprising a saliva detection unit that is housed in the long bag and detects saliva.

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