Importance

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Abstract

This invention is a device with actively-moving members external to the tongue that hold or move the tongue forward (using friction, compression, tension, pushing, pulling, adhesion, peristaltic motion, or a combination thereof) in order to reduce obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, or both. This device has advantages over Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), surgical procedures, tubes or stents, jaw-positioning appliances, devices that use suction, piercing the tongue, and devices using friction with static or passively-moving members. With actively-moving members, the places of pressure on the tongue can be moved throughout the night to avoid tissue injury. Also, the device can actively re-engage tongue when it slips out. A dynamic sleep apnea device with actively-moving members creates new treatment options for the millions of people suffering from sleep apnea.

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First Claim