Abstract: A dentally retained intra-oral appliance worn at night for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance maintains the patient's mandible in an anterior, protruded position to prevent obstruction of the pharyngeal airway. The appliance allows a limited degree of lateral movement of the mandible relative to the upper jaw in the protruded position to prevent aggravation of the patient's tempromandibular joint and associated muscles and ligaments. The appliance preferably consists of an upper bite block conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition, a lower bite block conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition, and a connecting assembly secured to an anterior region of the upper and lower bite blocks for adjustably coupling the upper and lower bite blocks together.

Abstract: A device against snoring which prevents a patient from assuming a supine position but allows the patient to move between lateral positions comprises a pillow which can be positioned on the resting area of a bed or other place for sleeping. The pillow comprises a pillow element and a rigid tensioning element disposed between the pillow element and the resting area. The tensioning element protrudes laterally at both sides of the pillow element and comprises, on its protruding portions, fixation organs in each of which one of two flexible fixation means that are fastened on a upper body clothing of the patient are fixable by their free end portions. The fixation means are fastened on the clothing at areas corresponding to the left and right lateral portions, respectively, of the latissimus dorsi. Also disclosed is a corresponding upper body clothing.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for partial insertion within the user's mouth for preventing snoring, teeth grinding, and light forms of sleep apnea is disclosed. The apparatus includes a multi-lobed tongue receiving structure, an undulating connector for connecting the multi-lobed structure to an inner lip plate, a hollow tube connecting the lip plate to a dome-shaped structure formed on an outer shield. The device is inserted within the oral cavity of the user in an operative configuration such that movement of the tongue is restrained within the multi-lobed structure, and the teeth clamp down upon the undulating connector with the lip plate positioned between the teeth and the inner portions of the upper and lower lips. As a result of proper application of the apparatus breathing at night is normalized, while snoring, grinding of the teeth, and apnea are prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a sleeping person from snoring while permitting normal, comfortable sleep, having a flexible shaped body means designed to be worn in proximity to the user's neck and beneath the user's chin. Said shaped body means is designed to restrict the user's forward cervical vertebral flexion, while permitting substantial flexibility of the neck in other directions to maximize comfort and permit normal sleep. The shaped body means has a first end and a second end restrained within proximity to a plane tangential to the rear of the user's neck by a connecting device, yet displaced from immediate proximity to the back of the neck and head whereby said first and second ends of said body means do not encroach between said user's neck and the associated bedding, thereby permitting normal repose.

Abstract: A mouthpiece and method for reducing snoring comprise a mouthpiece body of a thermoplastic material having a shape generally complementary to the person's dental arch, including a posterior end having two spaced apart members positioned toward the back of the person's dental arch when properly worn, and an anterior end having an airway opening therethrough, the anterior end positioned when properly worn to support the person's lips spaced apart so that air flows through the airway opening; and a substantially rigid, removable protective mold of a thermostable material, said protective mold complementary to said mouthpiece body and separably engaged therewith so that the mold protects at least lower and lateral peripheries of the mouthpiece body.

Abstract: A breathing device that is positioned within the mouth between the teeth and inner lips to prevent breathing through the mouth and direct air through the nasal passages to deter snoring. The device also acts to stimulate saliva and is provided with passages at opposite edges of the mouth to direct saliva from the area of the passages to the throat for swallowing of saliva which tend to neutralize the effects of acid reflux. The device also is provided with guide elements to position the breathing control device relative to the mouth and teeth and at the same time prevents mating of the teeth and therefore gnashing or grinding of teeth during sleep.

Abstract: An animal jaw support device for use on guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits and other small mammals supports the jaw of an animal having weakened jaw muscles and permits the animal to strengthen its jaw muscles by opening its jaw against the elastic pressure of the device. The support device wraps around the head and jaw of the animal, is made of neoprene or other elastic material and has attachment straps to hold the device snugly in place.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has maxillary and mandibular bite forms with outwardly extending pivots which are mounted to the bite forms by frameworks which are at least partially embedded in the bite forms. This retains the pivots securely in place even in the face of extensive bruxing. In constructing the device, a jig may be used for positioning the pivots. The method of manufacturing the device involves casting the frameworks, such that each framework has a pair of pivot mounts, mounting pivots to the pivot mounts, and at least partially embedding the frameworks in the bite forms.

Abstract: A dental device is provided in which an upper arch (12) and a lower arch (14) are inserted in a user's mouth. A deformable material (20) is included with upper arch (12) and lower arch (14) so as to allow a user to form his or her own teeth molding. A post (16) extends from the upper arch (12) and contacts the lower arch (14) so as to extend the user's lower jaw forward, thereby reducing snoring.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A mouthpiece has a simple structure, and is therefore easy to machine for adjustment, and is extremely inexpensive. The mouthpiece has an upper piece to be fitted to the upper jaw dentition, and a lower piece vertically opposed to the upper piece and to be fitted to the lower jaw dentition. Projections are provided on the opposed surface of one of the upper and lower pieces and project toward the other piece, and a supporting surface is provided on the other piece for supporting the projections when it comes in contact therewith. An upper dentition fitting groove for fitting the upper piece to the upper-jaw dentition is formed in the upper surface of the upper piece, and a lower dentition fitting groove for fitting the lower piece to the lower-jaw dentition is formed in the lower surface of the lower piece.

Abstract: A method for treating snoring includes identifying first and second locations disposed on right and left sides, respectively, of a soft palate and separated by an anterior-posterior midline extending centrally positioned on the palate. The first and second locations are linked across the midline by creating a linkage between the first and second locations and through the midline with the linkage having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of untreated tissue naturally residing between the locations.

Abstract: A one-piece oral device for treatment of obstructive sleep disorders such as snoring hypopnea and apnea comprising a mouthpiece portion that fits within the anterior part of the oral cavity of a person much like the mouthpieces used in snorkel and scuba devices when swimming. The anterior or forward part of the mouthpiece protrudes outwardly through the lips of the user and includes a tongue shaped cavity for receiving the tongue. Bite blocks extending interiorly of the mouthpiece maintain the teeth in spaced-apart relation preventing damage to the tongue. A small channel communicates with the tongue shaped cavity and is connected via a length of tubing to an outside source of low suction pressure for holding the tongue forward.

Abstract: The device is for suppressing snoring and apnoea during sleep. It is placed in the oro-pharynx and at the buccal cavity region during sleep. It comprises a flexible tube (1) arciform and transversally flattened, of adapted anatomical design, for being placed between the tongue (13) and the soft palate (15), down to at least the base of the tongue (14). A filter (2) is fixed to the external end of this tube. The filter can be removable. Thus, the air breathed in (10) moves freely from outside up to the larynx, without snoring or apnoea. A fixing system (24) is provided so that the tube is maintained well inside the mouth during sleep.

Abstract: Device for prevention of sterotorous breathing or snoring and adapted to be fixed in a person's upper part of the mouth and being characterized in comprising a non-rigid and flexible transverse girder for fixation in the upper part of a person's mouth, preferably at the back of the upper part of the mouth, and a tongue catching member extending downwardly from the non-rigid and flexible transverse girder and produced from an elastic material and which is adapted to fixate the tongue in a forward position so that it does not block the respiratory passages.

Abstract: An apparatus that inhibits snoring includes a handle and a distal free end that is disposed at an angle relative to the handle to facilitate placing the distal free end against the soft pallet at the back of a throat. A flexible material such as a sheet of paper is placed into overlying relation to the distal free end and a layer of adhesive is disposed in overlying relation to the paper. When the distal free end of the apparatus is pressed against the soft pallet, the adhesive quickly adheres to the soft pallet so that the paper adheres to the soft pallet when the apparatus is withdrawn. The paper provides rigidity that inhibits vibration of the soft pallet. Multiple layers of paper may be used. In an alternative embodiment, at least one layer of adhesive is applied to prevent vibration of the soft pallet and no paper is needed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the medical devices and may be used as the method for prophylaxis and treating snoring and sleep apnea, and also for preventing gnashing of teeth during a sleep. The device contains joined through the connecting element the cup-shaped fixture and outer and inner restrictive petals with the holes. The petals are set up on the connecting element with an opportunity of moving along it and fixing on it.

Abstract: Intrabuccal device includes two shells (2, 3) made of thermoformed plastic material, the first of which respectively covers the superior arch, and the second of which covers the inferior arch of the oral cavity. This device is provided with (rings and arms) (4a, 4b, 13a, 13b) that act on the said shells (2, 3) and can generate a mandibular propulsion force oriented in the direction of the mandibular propulsion and in the posteroanterior sense, so as to keep a shift of the mandible to the front of the maxilla, while allowing lateral movements.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device is disclosed featuring a curved cover plate which can be inserted between the lips and teeth of a person in order to cover the tooth spaces. A pair of projections extending from a concave surface of the plate are directed so as to engage behind the teeth of the upper and lower jaw. The device may be made of a plastisizable material so that the plate and its projections can be pressed intimately against the tooth surfaces by tongue or finger pressure so as to envelop both the teeth and regions of the gums adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has maxillary and mandibular bite forms with outwardly extending pivots which are mounted to the bite forms by frameworks which are at least partially embedded in the bite forms. This retains the pivots securely in place even in the face of extensive bruxing. In constructing the device, a jig may be used for positioning the pivots. The method of manufacturing the device involves casting the frameworks, such that each framework has a pair of pivot mounts, mounting pivots to the pivot mounts, and at least partially embedding the frameworks in the bite forms.

Abstract: A device and method for pulling a tongue forward thereby preventing obstruction to the flow of air during sleep or an emergency.

Abstract: An oral orthesis for reduction of snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.

Abstract: A device (10) for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch (12) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) that is adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A deformable material (16) couples the upper arch (12) to the lower arch (14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The deformable material (16) is bonded to the upper arch (12) and bonded to the lower arch (14) to fix the forward position of the lower arch (14). The aliphatic polyester may include a polycaprolactone polymer. The deformable material (16) may be placed in a deformable state to allow the lower arch (14) to be adjusted to a new position.

Abstract: A nostril expansion system, for use on a nose having a bridge and nostrils, comprising a pair of pads and a clip. The clip has a pair of ends which each detachably mount to one of the pads. The pads have an outer periphery and a central portion. Adhesive is located on the central portion for adhering the pad to the nostril. The outer periphery has no adhesive and has a serrated edge to facilitate removal of the pad from the nostril. Several clips are provided to allow the user to select a more comfortable fit according to the user's nasal condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing snoring includes a pillow divided internally into separate air chambers, a sound sensor, an air pressure source, an air pressure reducing unit, and a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit is activated by snoring noises sensed by the sound sensor, is operable to acquire the position of a sleeper's head on the pillow by sensing pressure increase in respective ones of the air chambers of the pillow resulting from the weight of the sleeper's head lying on the pillow, and, in response to such acquiring, is operable to control the operation of the air pressure source and the air pressure reducing unit so as to change the air pressure of selected ones of the air chambers of the pillow and thereby causes a change of the position of the sleeper's head which results in the sleeper stopping snoring.

Abstract: A snore elimination device includes a base having a wrist belt so as to be connected to a user's wrist, and a cover is mounted on the base. A circuit board is received in the base and a power source is connected to the circuit board. A control arrangement is located on the circuit board and includes a sound magnifying circuit which magnifies the snores and sends the magnified snore to a sound transferring circuit which transfers the sound to a control circuit which activates a driving circuit and drives a vibration motor. The user receives the vibration and changes sleep poses.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting body motion as a patient lies down includes a pad shaped to prevent the patient from rolling over the pad. The pad is shaped so that it projects outwardly 3 inches or more from the patient when attached to the human body. The base of the pad contacts the patient's skin or sleep clothes. The pad has sidewalls which make an angle of greater than approximately 35° degrees with respect to the base. A removable, washable covering is placed on the pad. An attachment mechanism associated with the pad and the covering attach the pad and cover to the human body. The attachment mechanism can be a hook-and-loop fastener, a sports bra type device, a series of straps, a series of snaps, or a series of hooks. In each instance, the pad can be positioned at several positions on the body, including positions to the right or left of the patient's medial plane. More than one pad can also be used to limit the body motion of a patient.

Abstract: A treatment for treating snoring of a patient attributable at least in part to motion of a soft palate of the patient includes forming a scar in the interior of the soft palate and extending in a direction toward the distal end of the soft palate with the scar limited to a proximal two-thirds of the soft palate.

Abstract: A device (10) for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth, a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth, and an engager (104) that engages the lower arch (14). An adjustor (100) adjusts the engager (104) forwardly relative to the upper arch (12). A slotted plate (114) couples the adjustor (100) to the upper arch (12) and adjustably positions the lower arch (14) vertically relative to the upper arch (12).

Abstract: The invention has for its object to provide a dental protector against bruxism adapted to protect the teeth from clenching, insure stability during wear, and applicable to many persons. The dental protector comprises a protective part (2) configured generally in the form of the letter U in conformity with the dental arc and adapted to cover the occlusal faces of the teeth and an engaging part (3) contiguous to the inner circumference of the protective part and adapted to cover the posterior surfaces of the teeth, the lower stratum (2y) of the protective part, which is to contact with the teeth, and the engaging part being formed from a thermoplastic resin having a softening temperature lower than the boiling temperature of water and the upper stratum (2x) of the protective part which is flat being formed from a material which does not soften at the above softening temperature.

Abstract: The present appliance functions to resist rolling of a sleeping person from a side to a back-reclining position. It thus prevents airway blockage caused by collapsing of soft throat tissues and the back of the tongue due to gravity.

Abstract: A human body appendage supporter has elastic members that apply pressure to the appendage to retain the appendage in a desired position. The supporter is a one-piece structure having elastic side straps joined to one or more elastic top members and a pair of elastic bottom members. The supporter when placed on a person's head with the elastic members around the chin and the top members over the top of the person's head biases the person's mouth closed so that air flows through the nasal airway passages.

Abstract: A snore prevention device is provided for preventing snoring by a user. The snore prevention device includes a generally oval plate positioned in the mouth of the user between the teeth and the lips. The oval plate includes an aperture centered therein to accommodate air flow into and out of the mouth. A tab member extends from a first side of the oval plate and through the lips to position the air passage in the flow of air into and out of the mouth when the lips are separated. The snore prevention device reduces the flow of air into the mouth and hence, reduces the vibration of the uvula, which, in turn, reduces the snoring sound.

Abstract: As oral lip and chin muscle rehabilitating device made of flexible material and having an annular open shape in accordance with the configuration of human oral lips. One side of the upper edge of the opening is formed with a recessed upper lip rest section extending outward and upward. One side of the lower edge of the opening is formed with a recessed lower lip rest section extending outward and downward. The upper and lower lip rest sections respectively receive therein the upper and lower lips of a user. A resilient connecting section is connected between the upper and lower lip rest sections to provide a certain resilient stretching force therefor. The oral lip and chin muscle rehabilitating device is positioned between the upper and lower lips of the user to rehabilitate and train the lip and chin muscle and recover the closing function of the lips.

Abstract: A nasal dilator for dilating a first nasal passage and a second nasal passage of a nose, including an elastic element having a first end and a second end, the elastic element movable toward an expanded configuration wherein the length of the elastic element increases, and biases to a retracted configuration wherein the length of the elastic element is reduced. The nasal dilator further includes an adhesive carried proximate the first end for attaching the first end to an outer wall of the first nasal passage, and an adhesive carried proximate the second end for attaching the second end to an outer wall of the second nasal passage.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device including detachably attachable upper and lower trays selectively fitting over a person's upper and lower teeth. The trays are formed of a rigid plastic outer shell and include an inner thermoplastic moldable portion. Tongues are integrally formed with the rigid outer shells and extend from each of the upper and lower trays forwardly from the central portions of the upper and lower trays. The tongues are selectively detachably attachable to one another in a plurality of positions and for shifting the lower tray and jaw slightly forward from its normal position. Depressions are formed in the lower and upper trays which align and form breathing openings between the upper and lower trays on each side of the trays central portions. The trays posterior portions terminate prior to the person's molars or at about the person's premolars.

Abstract: A new biofeedback modality for the treatment of bruxism. A mildly aversive, safe, liquid is inserted into, and sealed in, small, bilaterally-sleeved, polyethylene capsules. Two capsules are attached to a specially-constructed dental appliance which comfortably and securely places them between the lower and upper teeth. The appliance and capsules are worn at night or at other times when bruxism is suspected to occur. Whenever a sleeping or an awake patient attempts to brux, the capsules rupture and the liquid is released into the mouth. The liquid then draws the patient's conscious attention to, and forestalls, any attempt of teeth clenching or grinding. Variations of the method and device can be used to diagnose bruxism and to sustainably release medications and odor-masking substances into the mouth,.

Abstract: A dentally retained intra-oral appliance worn at night for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance maintains the patient's mandible in an anterior, protruded position to prevent obstruction of the pharyngeal airway. The appliance allows a limited degree of lateral movement of the mandible relative to the upper jaw in the protruded position to prevent aggravation of the patient's tempromandibular joint and associated muscles and ligaments. The appliance preferably consists of an upper bite block conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition, a lower bite block conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition, and a connecting assembly secured to the upper and lower bite blocks for adjustably coupling the upper and lower bite blocks together. The invention also relates to a method of treating snoring and obstructive sleep apnea using the dental appliance.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a mandibular advancement or positioning device which uses elastic bands to pull the jaw forward. The appliance has an upper plastic tray conforming to the patient's upper teeth including maxillary dentition soft tissue and palate, and including a set of plastic retention hooks, one on the right and one on the left anterior buccal portion of the upper plastic base, with each extending outwardly from the tray. The appliance also has a lower plastic tray conforming to the patient's lower teeth including mandibular dentition and soft tissues, and including having a bite plane which opens the bite vertically. The lower tray also has a set of plastic retention hooks extending outwardly from the teeth, one on the right and one on the left of the posterior buccal portion of the lower plastic base.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device has a dental overlay portion and a guide ramp portion slidably mounted in the dental portion. The dental overlay is professionally fitted on a user's upper teeth. The guide ramp portion comfortably fits on the user's lower jaw to cause advancement of the lower jaw and tongue to thereby open the airway. The position of the ramp relative to the dental overly is locked in place with a sliding tabbed lock which fits into notches provided on an elongated stick secured to the guide ramp. The guide ramp permits lateral motion so that the lower jaw and TMJ have freedom of movement laterally so that they do not become sore and stiff.

Abstract: A method and device for stopping a person from snoring while sleeping including an elastic fabric panel, having adhesive covering one surface, the adhesive covered by a protective peel-off cover sheet. A narrow slit is cut through the panel near the center of the panel. The panel is adapted to fit tightly over the mouth and lips of the person, held by the adhesive to the face, preventing the mouth from opening while sleeping, which prevents snoring, but enables mouth breathing and talking.

Abstract: A head belt including an elongated elastic band having short opposed end edges and long opposed side edges formed in a generally rectangular configuration. The short opposed end edges have corresponding male and female fasteners for securing the band around a head and under a chin of a wearer. The width and length of the elastic band can be adjusted to accommodate various users.

Abstract: An apparatus for intra-oral use including a framework having an upper curved platform and a lower curved platform, each of the platforms being defined by two walls extending from and separated by a floor, a material bonded to the upper and lower curved platform adapted to be molded in a shape suitable for relatively snugly receiving maxillary teeth of a user and for relatively loosely receiving mandibular teeth of the user when the user's mouth is closed in a normal closing arch, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower platforms adapted to receive the tongue of the user. The apparatus may also include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of the upper platform with respect to the lower platform.

Abstract: A comfortable harness device for tensioning the temporomandibular joint. The harness has a plurality of pliable, but substantially non-elastic bands. A first band encircles a wearer's face and passes under the wearer's chin. A second band is attached to the first band and with the first band forms a cup for the wearer's chin that applies a posterosuperior force on the chin. A third band is attached to the first band and embraces the posterior portion of the wearer's head adjacent the wearer's temples. A fourth band at the base of the wearer's skull may be attached to the first band adjacent the wearer's chin.

Abstract: A snoring prevention apparatus for depressing a person's tongue during sleep is provided which includes a base plate, a tongue depressing member, an opening through which air may flow and a flexible band or strap to secure the apparatus to the person's mouth. The tongue depressing member is preferably a substantially flat member that extends from the base plate for disposition against the upper surface of the tongue such that the person's tongue is depressed which opens the airway of the person and prevents snoring. The flexible band is connected to the base plate and is disposed against the person's head for maintaining the apparatus in place. The tongue depressing member is resilient and flexible between a first tongue depressing position and a second upper position such that the tongue depressing member flexes from the first position to the second position in response to a normal body function which requires the tongue to raise during sleep, such as swallowing, coughing or sneezing.

Abstract: A snore prevention apparatus comprising an upper and a lower mouthpiece. The two mouthpieces are conjoined by slideable securing means so that each mouthpiece may move with respect to the other. An air conduit is present between the upper and lower mouthpiece. The apparatus is placed within the user's mouth during sleep periods such that the user's upper teeth engage the upper mouthpiece and his lower teeth engage the lower mouthpiece. The lower mouthpiece is then slideably adjusted forward to maintain the user's lower jaw forward which results in the user's throat opening being enlarged. As the user sleeps and draws breath through his mouth, air travels through the air conduit to the enlarged throat opening, and may then travel down the throat opening with decreased velocity which results in the elimination of resonance which causes snoring.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing snoring and the grinding of teeth by a user during sleep. The device includes a generally oval plate positioned in the mouth of the user between the teeth and the lips. The oval plate includes an aperture centered therein to accommodate air flow into and out of the mouth. A tab member extends from a first side of the oval plate and through the lips to position the air passage in the flow of air into and out of the mouth when the lips are separated. The device reduces the flow of air into the mouth and hence, reduces the vibration of the uvula, which, in turn, reduces the snoring sound. The device further includes a tapered rib extending along a second side of the oval plate so as to prevent the upper teeth of a user from engaging the lower teeth of a user.

Abstract: An anti-snoring device including a moldable dental overlay for covering the lower teeth of the user and for maintaining the tongue in contact with the palate to prevent air flow from causing the palate to reverberate during mouth breathing; an extension member fixedly connected to the front of said dental overlay; a moldable oral shield worn outside the mouth and being conformable to the user's upper lip for preventing the lower jaw from drifting inferiorly and posteriorly during sleep; and a connecting member being slidably connected to the oral shield, and having an opening for slidably receiving said extension member. The anti-snoring device may be made of thermoplastic or elastomeric resin materials for moldability to the user's mouth.

Abstract: A dental device for removable placement in the mouth of a user for eliminating snoring and relieving stress. The device includes and upper member which is adapted for engagement with the user's upper dentition. An anterior extension suspends downwardly from the upper member and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface is configured based on the user's jaw and mouth anatomy so that the exterior surface engages at least some of the lower front teeth in the user's mouth. Engagement of the exterior surface of the anterior extension with the user's lower front teeth advances the user's jaw forward with respect to the user's upper jaw such that the user's upper airway is enlarged and the passage of air though the upper airway is facilitated. The interior surface of the anterior extension is advantageously provided with a rough texture for attracting and positioning the tongue in a forward position.

Abstract: An appliance for preventing snoring and sleep apnea includes a headgear and a mouthpiece. The headgear includes an adjustable headband encircling the upper portion of a user's head at the forehead; an adjustable chin strap passing over the crown of the head and under the chin of the user to maintain the user's mouth closed about the mouthpiece; a back strap passing from the forehead over the crown of the head and down the back of the user; a means secured to the rear end of the back strap for exerting a restraining force on the back strap and the upper portion of the headgear to keep the user's head from slouching forward; and an object secured to the rear end of the back strap for making it uncomfortable for the user to lie on his/her back.