Mandible Support Device for PAP Therapy Airway Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current external chin straps used to stabilize the mandible during sleep are uncomfortable, unsightly, and ineffective in preventing airway obstruction, and positive airway pressure therapy often causes mouth opening, leading to air leakage.
Innovation Solution
A mandible support device with a first tray engaging maxillary teeth, a second tray engaging mandibular teeth, and a spacer positioning them in centric occlusion, allowing internal stabilization without external straps, maintaining a stable jaw position and allowing lip sealing during PAP therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If external chin straps are used to stabilize the mandible, then the mandible position is improved, but comfort and appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mandible support device is nested within the oral cavity, with trays positioned over the teeth and a spacer maintaining mandibular advancement. This internal positioning eliminates the need for external chin straps, providing mandible stabilization while maintaining comfort and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays and spacer act as intermediaries between the maxilla and mandible, providing mechanical support and positioning the mandible in an advanced position without requiring external straps. The device mediates the stabilization function internally within the oral cavity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external chin straps are used to stabilize the mandible, then the mandible position is improved, but effectiveness in preventing airway obstruction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is nested within the oral cavity, providing direct internal support to the mandible. This internal positioning allows for more effective and reliable prevention of airway obstruction compared to external straps, as the device directly maintains mandibular advancement and prevents posterior movement that would close the airway.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays and spacer serve as mechanical intermediaries that directly support the mandible and maintain airway patency. The device provides reliable airway obstruction prevention through direct internal support rather than external compression.
3Reliability
If positive airway pressure therapy is applied, then airway patency is improved, but mouth opening occurs causing air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The mandible support device is positioned and secured before positive airway pressure therapy begins. By pre-establishing mandibular advancement and securing the trays to the teeth, the device prevents mouth opening that would otherwise occur during PAP therapy, thereby eliminating air leakage before it can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary stabilization of the mandible and securing of the oral structures before positive pressure is applied. This preliminary positioning ensures that the mouth remains closed and sealed during therapy, preventing air leakage while maintaining airway patency.
Data Source
AI summary
A mandible support device for use with the maxillary teeth and mandibular teeth of a patient includes a first tray configured to engage one or more of the maxillary teeth, a second tray configured to engage one or more of the mandibular teeth, and a spacer having a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is coupled to the first tray and the second surface is coupled to the second tray. The spacer is configured to position the first tray and the second tray in a centric occlusion orientation.