Abstract: A method of treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing an elongated element having a central buttress area and first and second arms extending from opposite ends of the central buttress area. The method includes implanting the central buttress area in a tongue so that a longitudinal axis of the central buttress area intersects an anterior-posterior axis of the tongue. The first and second arms are advanced through the tongue until the first and second arms engage inframandibular musculature. Tension is applied to the first and second arms for pulling the central buttress area toward the inframandibular musculature for moving a posterior surface of the tongue away from an opposing surface of a pharyngeal wall. The first and second arms are anchored to the inframandibular musculature for maintaining a space between the posterior surface of the tongue and the opposing surface of the pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: A bite plane apparatus for applying to a patient's teeth is provided. The bite plane apparatus has an adjustable portion with a moveable member in a manibular portion that corresponds with a raised portion on a maxillary portion to dispose the patient's jaw anteriorly. A bite plane having adjustable wedges in the mandibular portion to increase or decrease the distance between the occlusal surfaces of the mandibular and maxillary teeth. The adjustable bite planes have a left and right occusal portions connected with a bridge.

Abstract: Techniques for operating a subcutaneous implant device are disclosed. The implant device can be formed of a non-magnetic material that is compatible with diagnostics such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and can include a rotor element that rotates under the influence of an external magnetic field. The implant device includes a tension relief mechanism for relieving excessive force applied between the implant device and a portion of a patient's tongue. A non-implanted device can include a stator and drive circuitry for generating the external magnetic field. The non-implanted device can receive a user command and can vary the external magnetic field based on the command. When activated by the magnetic field, the implant device can change its operating state to interact with the patient's body.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: Teat device for preventing habits such as snoring, breathing through the mouth, sucking, grinding and gnashing the teeth, and for training or treating oral functions, said teat device comprising an oral vestibule.

Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention assembly that includes an oral appliance that includes upper and lower members that are hingedly attached to one another and movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper and lower members cooperate to define a central opening when the oral appliance is in the closed position. A flexible lip seal extends between the upper and lower members and the assembly includes a main pipe assembly that comprises a main pipe and a mouth air vent. The main pipe is secured to one of the upper or lower members and extends through the central opening. The mouth air vent has a breathing opening at a proximal end of the main pipe assembly. The main pipe assembly includes an elbow receiver opening at a distal end thereof, and a mouth air path is defined between the breathing opening and the elbow receiver opening.

Abstract: A fastener suitable for connecting two parts of a dental splint together in a prearranged or predetermined spatial relationship to treat a person suffering from a sleep disorder is described. In one form the fastener comprises a base member and a cover member arranged to define a cavity therebetween. A movable connector is located within the cavity, the movable connector interconnecting the two parts of the dental splint. The fastener has an adjustor movably connected to the connector such that the position of the connector is moved in response to movement of the adjustor by adjusting the position of the adjustor, the connector in the form of a hook moves the other part of the dental splint so as to reposition the jaws of a person being treated for the sleep disorder.

Abstract: The cheek pouch anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, conversely-adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for reducing snoring is provided. The mouthpiece includes an upper guard configured to fit over the upper teeth of a user, a lower guard configured to fit over the lower teeth of the user, a spacer assembly provided between the upper guard or the lower guard to provide an air passage at a middle section of the mouthpiece, a first adjustable assembly attached to the left side of the upper guard and the left side of the lower guard, and a second adjustable assembly attached to the right side of the upper guard and the right side of the lower guard. The first adjustable assembly and the second adjustable assembly are operable to move the lower guard relative to the upper guard.

Abstract: A glossoplasty implant tension relief system for treating an airway of a patient has a first portion configured to engage a mandible of the subject. The system also has a second portion configured to engage a tongue of the subject to retain at least a portion of the tongue. The system includes a connecting portion configured to connect the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion is constructed and arranged to provide tension between the first portion and the second portion. The connecting portion includes an i) inelastic portion and ii) an elastic portion configured to provide elasticity between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods resist posterior movement of both the tongue and the soft palate/uvula during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ first, second, and third structures. The first structure is sized and configured for placement in or on a tongue. The second structure is sized and configured for placement in or on a region of a soft palate or uvula. The third structure is sized and configured for placement in or on tissue in a desired relationship. anterior of the first and second structures. The first and second structures each includes a ferromagnetic material. The third structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with both the first and second ferromagnetic materials by attracting both the first and second ferromagnetic materials, thereby resisting posterior movement of both the tongue and the soft palate/uvula.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilize its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded.

Abstract: An oral device for improving the breathing of a user by means of protrusion of the lower jaw includes a first dental rail that covers at least some teeth of a lower row of teeth of the user; a second dental rail that covers at least some teeth of an upper row of teeth of the user; and at least one coupling element connecting the first and the second dental rail. The first dental rail comprises a front, labial connection point and the second dental rail has two rear, buccal connection points positioned substantially at its two posterior ends. The coupling element has a substantially U-shaped configuration, and an apex of the coupling element forms a joint with the front labial connection point on the first dental rail. The posterior ends of the coupling element form a joint with the rear connection points of the second dental rail.

Abstract: A wearable airway supporting device consisting essentially of elastic textile products and a matching set of form-fit mandible projectors, and has portions that encircle the head such that, when combined with a set of form-fit mandible projectors, exert pressure on at least the pterygoideus internus section of the user's mandible so as to apply upwardly, outward pressure on the lower jaw (mandible) in order to stabilize the same while the user is sleeping or unconscious, thereby preventing snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and other airway obstruction caused by the tongue dropping back into the throat and blocking the user's airway. When the elastic members are placed around the front and back of the user's head, the device keeps the user's mandible jutted forward and prevents the tongue from falling back so that air flows through his airway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing sleep apnea employs an external clamp that has a first pad that engages the upper lip beneath the nose and a second pad that engages the lower jaw on its underside, behind the mandibular symphysis. The pads are connected to each other by a flexible member, or brace. Preferably the second pad is rounded on that portion that contacts the lower jaw. The clamp is held in place by one or more straps, braces or springs that pass about the patient's head. The first pad is held such that it presses against the upper lip while the second pad closes the lower jaw and pulls it forwardly and upwardly using relatively small forces.

Abstract: A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by placing a fibrosis-inducing agent is placed within the tongue in a region extending substantially from a hyoid bone rearward toward a back surface of the tongue and upwardly along the back wall toward a free end of a soft palate of the patient.

Abstract: Device (1) for treating breathing problems, comprising a lower part (2) mountable on the lower jaw and an upper part (3) mountable on the upper jaw; and left and right coupling means (4) for coupling the lower part to the upper part close to the back teeth; wherein each of the left and right coupling means comprises an upper coupling element (6) connected to the upper part and a lower coupling element (5) connected to the lower part; which left and right coupling means are adapted to move the lower jaw forward in relation to the upper jaw, wherein the upper coupling element is provided with a stop (13) for co-action with a contact surface (12) of the lower coupling element.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a base adapted to be held between a patient's upper and lower teeth and a tongue-engaging member. The tongue-engaging member engages the tongue and displaces the tongue anteriorly when the base is held between the patient's teeth. A vacuum is applied through the base and the tongue-engaging member in order to draw the soft palate against a posterior region of the tongue in order to stabilize the soft palate and open or clear the patient's airway.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods resist posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. An implant device has a ferromagnetic structure that, when implanted, occupies only one lateral side of the tongue when implanted. The ferromagnetic structure magnetically interacts with a magnetized material placed in a desired relationship with the tongue to stabilize a preferred tongue orientation.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity and allow an anterior portion of the tongue to rise. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A dental device has a U-shaped carrier with at least one channel for embracing an arch of teeth. The carrier has recessed insets in the channel. Discrete inserts carrying a beneficial agent can fit into the insets and release the agent gradually. The device may be used in a therapeutic application and as an athletic mouthguard. Temporary blanks may be initially fitted in the insets while a portion of the mouthguard is softened before an arch of teeth is pressed into the channel to make a custom impression. The inserts possess different physical properties than the carrier and may be positioned and shaped to mechanically buffer teeth of the arch from mechanical shocks as well as release beneficial agents. The inserts may be replaced or refreshed to maintain the beneficial agent. A dental device having a core carrying a beneficial agent inside a liquid-permeable shell functions as an infant's teething device.

Abstract: Systems and methods place a first structure and a second structure in or on different tissue regions for magnetic interaction. The first structure comprises at least one ferromagnetic component, and the second structure comprises an array of magnetic components. The first and second structures are separated during use by a distance, which is defined as a separation between the centers of mass of the ferromagnetic and magnetic components. The distance varies within a working range as a result of native movement of the tissue regions on which the first and second structures are placed. The systems and methods titrate the size and orientation of the magnetic and ferromagnetic components to maintain a relatively constant magnetic field between the two structures within the working range, thereby accommodating relative movement of the tissue regions in the normal performance of bodily functions.

Abstract: Plural tongue gripping projections coupled to upper and lower supports grip and hold the tongue during sleep and minimize the risk of the tongue slipping back and blocking the throat. One or both of the upper and lower supports are biased together. A tongue depressor extends rearwardly and downwardly from a cross member portion of a jaw coupler. A soft palate engager extends rearwardly from the cross member. The tongue grasping device, tongue depressor and soft palate engager cooperatively resist closing of the user's pharyngeal airway. The tongue depressor and soft palate engager are desirably biased apart and supported by flexible supports to permit movement of the rear of the tongue to close the pharyngeal airway during swallowing.

Abstract: An oral device for temporary placement in a patient's oral cavity includes upper and lower jaw braces and a tongue-engaging member. The upper and lower jaw braces are connected so that the lower jaw brace is advanced in an anterior direction relative to the upper jaw brace when the upper and lower jaw braces are closed together. A partial vacuum is drawn in the oral cavity and the vacuum and lower jaw displacement together control the position of the tongue in order to clear the patient's airway to reduce sleep apnea or treat other conditions.

Abstract: A system, method and kit for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a first implant adapted for implantation in an inframandibular region and having at least one aperture therethrough, and a ribbon-like element having first and second ends and a substantially uniform, non-circular cross section along its length. The ribbon-like element is adapted for implantation in a tongue with the first and second ends extending through the at least one aperture in the first implant for coupling the ribbon-like element with the first implant.

Abstract: An implanted tongue pulling device including a pull plate, a pull line, a retractor and a method thereof are provided. The tongue pulling device is implanted in the mandible and tongue of a human body, respectively, for tightening the tongue dorsum and/or the tongue base for treating obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). At least three pull lines are used for positioning the pull plate, which is a flat object implanted beneath the tongue dorsum and/or the mucous membrane of the tongue base and includes through holes for the growth of tissues and pull line fixing mechanisms. The pull line includes a draw line and a sleeve. The retractor includes a casing, a control switch and a pull line fixing device mounted on the casing. A patient after surgery can adjust the tightening extent of the implanted tongue pulling device by pressing the skin outside the control switch, thereby preventing OSAHS.

Abstract: An oral orthosis for reducing snoring and sleep apnea symptoms includes a maxilla palate plate having a front edge at the front teeth, a back edge at the soft palatum and two sides edges at the molar rows and, attached thereon, a fixing mechanism to fix the plate in the oral cavity and a tongue positioning device. The tongue positioning device includes a pellotte attached to a pellotte bar mounted into the plate with a spring wire engaged to press the pellotte against the tongue when positioned in the oral cavity, wherein the pellotte bar is mounted in the maxilla plate near the front edge of the plate between the molar and cuspidate teeth plus or minus 5 mm.

Abstract: A dental orthotic covering a plurality of teeth is provided for improving various obstructive syndromes of the human upper airway. The orthotic may be relatively thickened on the lingual side of the orthotic, compared to the facial or occlusal side; and in particular may relatively thickened in the more posterior aspects of the lingual side of the orthotic as compared to the more anterior aspects of the lingual side of the orthotic. The orthotic may be formed of one piece or two, and may be purely mandibular, or may be coupled to a maxillary orthotic. A method of progressive fitting of the orthotic for optimization of a patient's blood oxygen level is described.

Abstract: A pharyngeal retractor device and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes a retracting element and a tissue engaging element that promotes tissue ingrowth around or onto the retracting element. The device is implanted in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to alter the shape of the wall. The device may be implanted through the oral cavity alone or by using a trocar or a hand-held delivery system to deliver the device through the pharyngeal wall. Alternatively, the device may be implanted using an open, direct visualization approach from the side of a patient's neck.

Abstract: Treatment of sleep conditions is disclosed, particularly snoring, sleep apnea and the related problem of dozing while driving or engaging in activity requiring full attention. Also disclosed are means and methods of pinpointing sleep patterns, particularly therapeutic treatment of sexual disorders. Monitoring of REM sleep cycles to optimize the time for awakening one from sleep is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep.

Abstract: An intraoral orthosis comprising a first shell and a second shell, said shells being connected together by an adjustable connection device, said adjustable connection device comprising two notched tabs that are arranged respectively on either side of one of said shells, each notched tab co-operating in adjustable manner with a respective adjustment housing, arranged correspondingly on either side of the other of said shells, each notched tab having adjustment teeth to adjust the position of the shells one relative to the other, and locking housings to lock said position, said locking housings being oriented transversally relative to said adjustment teeth.

Abstract: The cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its whole span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway.

Abstract: A device for aiding intubation of a patient comprising a generally ovular palate bridge having a flexible convex surface to allow the device to conform to a roof of a patient's mouth and a flexible concave surface to allow for space in the mouth for placement of an endotracheal tube or to clear an oral airway which is attached to a teeth guard to prevent dental trauma and an esophageal block to block aspiration from a patient's stomach into a patient's lungs and to prevent erroneous intubation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. In some embodiments, a glossal suspension system includes a tissue tensioner that includes a suture loop made of one or more sutures configured to suspend the tongue with at least one portion configured to extend laterally through the tongue, and a securement mechanism configured to be attached to a patient's mandible that includes one more more adjustment assemblies for engaging the one or more sutures and adjusting tension on the suture loop. Various tethers and anchors that can he used with the glossal suspension system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insertion device and method of use for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an outer tubular element with a tissue penetrating end and a side opening, an inner tubular element positioned partially within the outer member and movable longitudinally relative to it, a grasping device fixedly coupled to the inner element, and a central shaft extending through the inner tubular element and movable longitudinally relative to the inner and outer tubular elements. The central shaft is slidably coupled with the grasping device. The inner tubular element is further movable between a retracted position wherein the grasping device is positioned entirely within the outer tubular element, and an extended position wherein it extends outwardly therefrom through the side opening. In the extended position, the grasping device is adapted to grasp a filamentary element positioned external of the outer tubular element and in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A mouthpiece includes a first body configured to be secured over one or more teeth of a user. The first body comprises a frame for location about at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, as a first bite pad between upper teeth and lower teeth. The first bite pad is molded in the frame while in situ in the mouth of the user and the first bite pad is formed by a PVS material. The first bite pad is in contact with at least one of a molar or a premolar of user, and the first bite pad defines an exterior shape of at least a portion of the teeth of a user. There is a similar second body with a connector between the first body and the second body and together these form the appliance for the user.

Abstract: An implantable tissue suspension device and its method for use. The device includes first and second filamentary elements bonded together only at a central connection region such that first and second leading and trailing legs of the respective first and second filamentary elements extend outwardly from the central connection region. The method includes implanting the device such that the central connection region extends laterally across a patient's tongue and the first and second leading and trailing legs of the first and second filamentary elements extend through the tongue such that ends thereof are positioned external to the genioglossus muscle.

Abstract: Magnetic devices and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices include a sheet-like element having ferromagnetic qualities. The device may also include a permanent magnet attached to the sheet-like element by magnetic forces. The devices are implanted in soft tissue surrounding the airway and in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to exert forces on and/or change the shape of the soft tissue. The magnetic devices may also include a bladder containing a magnetorheological fluid that stiffens soft tissue when exposed to a magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a dental oral appliance to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance includes a base to secure the appliance within the mouth for the individual. Typically, the base will fit over and secure to the lower teeth of the individual. The appliance also includes a tongue restraining device connected to the base. The tongue restraining device has a substantial breach formed therein to permit movement of the tongue so that the user can more easily swallow saliva. A ramp might also be attached to the anterior portion of the base to advance the mandible.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant may include a central region between first and second outer regions. In one embodiment, one of the outer regions is compressible to allow the outer region to be directed through or behind the ligament such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament, the outer region being resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament. In another embodiment, the implant may include one or more tines or other features that may be directed into adjacent tissue, e.g., the anterior longitudinal ligament and/or vertebra to secure the implant within the oropharyngeal region.

Abstract: An oral sleep apnea device is a dental appliance designed to advance the lower jaw of a user suffering from sleep apnea while reducing lingual discomfort and the risk of harmful tooth movement and rotation during use. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of a maxillary and a mandibular dental plate coupled to the upper and lower jaw, respectively, without direct contact with the incisal or labial surfaces of the anterior teeth. Both appliances comprise a lingual surface mount. The maxillary dental plate comprises an advancement mechanism. The advancement mechanism being operatively engaged to the mandibular dental plate repositions the mandibular plate to a forward location relative to the maxillary dental plate. During the repositioning of the mandibular dental plate the mandibular lingual surface mount distributes pressure evenly to the lingual surfaces on the lower jaw, reducing localized pressure points which can cause tooth movement.

Abstract: The invention is an oral appliance for prevention of sleeping problems including snoring, sleep apnea and bruxism, and may also be used to protect the teeth and gums from surgical instruments during surgery. Specifically, the appliance alters the position of the user's mandible, which is known as a method for reducing the restriction of the flow of air through the pharyngeal passageway. The appliance is a one-piece device molded from a flexible polymer. It includes an upper maxillary tray and a lower mandibulary tray. Both upper and lower trays include inner and outer walls which increase contact area with the teeth. The hinge mechanism of the device includes a positive positioning system comprised of opposed interlocking ridges. The ridges serve to create offset between the position of the upper tray and lower tray relative to each other, therefore advancing the user's mandible.

Abstract: The present application discloses an oral appliance, a device for making an oral appliance, a method of making an oral appliance, and a method of using an oral appliance. In certain embodiments, the oral appliance comprises first, second, and third moldable parts. Each of the first and second moldable parts is configured to form an impression of one or more of a user's upper teeth and the third moldable part is configured to form an impression of one or more of the user's lower teeth. The first and second moldable parts are coupled to the third moldable part to form the oral appliance and are adjustable relative to the third moldable part. The moldable parts facilitate positioning the user's jaw such that there is vertical separation between the maxilla and the mandible when the oral appliance is installed in the user's mouth.

Abstract: A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.

Abstract: A tissue supporting device is provided and method of use. The device includes an anchor element having a plate-like element and first and second side walls extending upwardly therefrom. The plate-like element is defined by front and rear edges, and first and second side edges, with the rear edge being longer than the front edge. The first and second side walls are aligned substantially along at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the plate-like element such that a distance between the first and second side walls at a front side is less than a distance between the first and second side walls at a rear side. The device also includes a soft tissue supporting element adapted for engaging and supporting soft tissue. The soft tissue supporting element is coupled to the plate-like element and extends outwardly from the anchor element.