Mouth Closing Device
OwnerRichard E. Wadeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a device to urge the mouth closed during sleep to reduce snoring and/or treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. In one aspect, the device includes a jaw-blocking object that is secured beneath the chin of a user and also contacting the clavicular region of the upper chest area. In another aspect, a device of the invention includes a jaw-blocking object in combination with a CPAP mask and headgear for use with a CPAP system.
Claims18
A mouth-closing device comprising:
- a. a jaw blocking object having a geometric shape other than bent tubular, having a first region on the surface thereof that contacts the underside of a user's chin, and a second region that contacts the user's upper chest clavicular region adapted to prevent the mouth from opening;
- and
- b. a harness assembly adapted to secure the jaw blocking object to the user.
A mouth-closing device for use with a CPAP treatment system, comprising:
- a. a spherically-shaped jaw blocking object adapted to be placed under the chin of a user to urge the mouth closed during CPAP treatment said blocking object consisting essentially of first and second contact regions on the surface thereof that make contact with the user;
- b. a harness assembly for securing the jaw blocking object under the chin that includes a receiving portion to house the jaw blocking object, said receiving portion having ends, and at least one strap attached to each of said receiving portion ends, said at least one strap having a free end that is adapted to be coupled to a CPAP mask or headgear;
- and
- wherein the device does not contact the user's face above the jaw line.
A method for treating sleep apnea in a patient in need thereof using a CPAP system comprising:
- a. placing a CPAP mask and headgear on the patient;
- b. securing a jaw blocking object to the CPAP mask and headgear such that the jaw blocking object rests beneath the chin and makes contact with the upper clavicular region of the patient to urge the patient's mouth closed during treatment;
- and
- c. connecting the CPAP mask to a CPAP machine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.