Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of forming a custom fitted mask includes transitioning a mask blank including a thin sheet of deformable material from a non-deformable state into a deformable state. The mask blank is applied against at least a portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state. The mask blank is deformed against the portion of the user's face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique bone structure and facial features, the mask blank once conformed substantially optimally to the user's unique bone structure and facial features becoming the custom fitted mask. The custom fitted mask is allowed to transition from the deformable state into the non-deformable state for use.

Abstract: A device (8) for improving a user's breathing includes an oral appliance (10) and a venting seal (18) detachably coupled to the oral appliance (10). The venting seal (18) has a perimeter adapted to be placed behind the user's lips such that venting seal (18) is operable to reduce venting of a gas from the user's mouth in response to the gas being supplied to the user's nose.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device for improving a user's breathing includes an upper arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A hook having a substantially rounded end is coupled to the upper arch. The lower arch includes a substantially rounded recess adapted to receive and position the substantially rounded end of the hook to pull the lower arch forward to facilitate improved breathing.

Abstract: A device (8) for improving a user's breathing includes an oral appliance (10) and a connecting post (20) coupled to the oral appliance (10). The connecting post (20) has an arm (22) providing a standard interface to engage cooperatively shaped openings (40, 42) in other components (24, 26, 44, 60) each designed to improve the user's breathing in at least one respect. A CPAP interface (44) coupled to the arm (22) may deliver a gas to the user's nose to improve the user's breathing. A venting seal (24) coupled to the arm (22) may reduce venting of the gas from the user's mouth to further improve the user's breathing. The CPAP interface (44) may include a pair of nasal pillows (30) that seat within a portion of the user's nose to deliver the gas to the user. A pair of tubes (48) are coupled to the nasal pillows (30).

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 method of forming a custom mask (40) includes introducing a deformable material (32) to an impression mask (24) and directing the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24). This forms an impression of the user's face in the deformable material (32) to form the custom mask (40). The impression mask (24) receives the deformable material (32) and directs the deformable material (32) against at least a portion of a user's face within the impression mask (24) in response to pressure applied to the impression mask (24). The deformable material (32) may include a polycaprolactone polymer or an aliphatic polyester. The impression mask (24) may receive the deformable material (32) either before the user's face is brought within the impression mask (24) or while the user's face is within the impression mask (24).

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 device 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, a connector (16) adjustably coupling the lower arch (14) to the upper arch (12), a support surface (54) positioned forwardly, relative to the lower arch (14), and a tensile member (48). The tensile member (48) has first and second ends, in which the first end of the tensile member (48) adjustably couples to the connector (16), and the second end of the tensile member (48) couples to the lower arch (14). The tensile member (48) contacts the support surface (54) along a contact region of the tensile member (48) located between the first and second ends of the tensile member (48). The connector (16) is operable to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly, relative to the upper arch (12), by exerting a tensile force upon the lower arch (14).

Abstract: A device (10) for improving the breathing of a user includes an upper arch (12) having a plate (20) and adapted to receive at least some of the user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A line (22) removably engages the lower arch (14) and moves between the plate (20) and the upper arch (12) to adjust the forward position of the lower arch (14) when the line (22) is not secured between the plate (20) and the upper arch (12). The plate (20) secures the line (22) between the plate (20) and the upper arch (12) to at least temporarily fix the forward position of the lower arch (14). Alternatively, an adjustor (40) coupled to the upper arch (12) includes a shaft (46) having a forwardly directed channel to receive a portion of the line (22) that is inserted into the channel.

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: An oral appliance (10) includes a bonding layer (22) coupled to a tray (18). A deformable material (20) that includes an aliphatic polyester is coupled to the bonding layer (22). The bonding layer (22) may include a self-curing acrylic material, and the aliphatic polyester may include a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon. The bonding layer (22) may be chemically bonded to the tray (18), and the deformable material (20) may be chemically bonded to the bonding layer (22).

Abstract: A combination face mask and dental device for improved breathing during sleeping is provided in which a face mask (10) is connected through an air tube (14) to a gas supply system (16). The face mask (10) is connected through a connector (20) to a dental device (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting a dental device are provided in which an upper arch (12) receives a drive mechanism (16). Drive mechanism (16) is controlled by a controller (32). The drive mechanism (16) allows for translational adjustment of a post (18). Post (18) contacts a lower arch (14), thereby causing a user's lower jaw to extend forward. The post (18) is adjusted for maximum effectiveness in reducing snoring while maintaining comfort. The position of the post (18) is then recorded and a permanent dental device is made with a post in a corresponding position.

Abstract: A device for improving breathing is provided in which an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of a user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth are adjustably coupled by a connector (16). The connector (16) is operable to allow lateral motion of the lower arch (14) relative to the upper arch (12), and to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly relative to the upper arch (12). The upper arch (12) is adjustably coupled by a connecting apparatus (67) to a face mask (86) that is associated with a gas supplying system (88). The connecting apparatus (67) is operable to allow universal movement of the face mask (86) relative to the upper arch (12). In another embodiment, the connector (16) is operable to adjustably position the lower arch (14) vertically, relative to the upper arch (12), and includes a hooking element operable to removably engage the lower arch (14).

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 and a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A hook (104) is coupled to the upper arch (12) and is uncoupled from the lower arch (14) until the device (10) is inserted into the user's mouth. The hook (104) removably engages the lower arch (14) after the device (10) has been inserted into the user's mouth to adjustably position the lower arch (14) forwardly relative to the upper arch (14). At least a portion (102) of an adjustor (100) associated with the upper arch (12) may rotate to adjust the hook (104) forwardly relative to the upper arch (12).

Abstract: A system for customizing a dental device (10, 11) includes an arch (12, 14) operable to receive one or more of a user's teeth (16) and a deformable material (20, 32) that includes an aliphatic polyester. A delivery device (40) contains the deformable material (20, 32) and delivers at least some of the deformable material (20, 32) to a selected region of the arch (12, 14) to customize the dental device (10, 11) for the user. The aliphatic polyester may be a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A dental device (10, 11) includes an arch (12, 14) adapted to receive one or more of a user's teeth (16). A deformable material (20, 32) is coupled to the arch (12, 14) and includes an aliphatic polyester. The aliphatic polyester may be a polycaprolactone polymer and may have the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A device for improving breathing (10) includes an upper arch (12) adapted to receive at least some of a user's upper teeth and a lower arch (14) adapted to receive at least some of the user's lower teeth. A tensile member (24) is coupled to the upper arch (12) and the lower arch (14), and exerts a tensile force upon the lower arch (14). The device (10) adjustably positions the lower arch (14) forwardly, relative to the upper arch (12), using the tensile force.

Abstract: An external ear occlusion device (10, 22) includes a deformable material (18) that conforms to the shape of at least a portion of a user's external ear to occlude the external ear. The deformable material (18) includes an aliphatic polyester, which may be a polycaprolactone polymer having the formula: ##STR1## where R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fitting a dental device are provided in which an upper arch (12) receives a drive mechanism (16). Drive mechanism (16) is controlled by a controller (32). The drive mechanism (16) allows for translational adjustment of a post (18). Post (18) contacts a lower arch (14), thereby causing a user's lower jaw to extend forward. The post (18) is adjusted for maximum effectiveness in reducing snoring while maintaining comfort. The position of the post (18) is then recorded and a permanent dental device is made with a post in a corresponding position.