Method and apparatus for treating sleep apnea

Abstract

A method and apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea and for comfortably fitting an oral device to treat the condition. The patient is screened to reduce snoring using a device which changes the airway, and then using an airway dilation simulator having sequentially sized elements to determine the mandibular position maximizing the upper airway dimension. An oral device is then fabricated to retain the maximum position during sleep.

1 . A method of modifying the air passage of a person with sleep apnea, comprising the steps of:
 reviewing the health history of the person;   making an objective evaluation of the person's snore factor;   displacing the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw vertically and horizontally by successive predetermined increments to maximize the air flow and minimize the discomfort; and   fabricate an appliance to secure the jaw in the optimal position while sleeping.   
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the jaw displacement could extend over more than one appointment. 
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the jaw displacement is accomplished with sequential use of discrete calibrated elements of a defined set of elements. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 3 , and further including the step of temporarily securing a fork to the calibrated element to facilitate securing an impression of the teeth with the jaw in the selected optimal position. 
     
     
         5 . A method of treating sleep disorders, comprising:
 conduct a snore screening operation utilizing a screening instrument which allows precise and measurable manipulation of the lower jaw to maximize airflow;   precisely locate the lower jaw utilizing a series of jaw locator devices having fixed sequential horizontal and vertical tooth receiving and positioning notches until a comfortable position is found for the patient which maximizes the air flow.   
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the appliance for retaining the lower jaw position is molded in place at the comfortable position. 
     
     
         7 . A set of tools for diagnosing and treating breathing disorders such as sleep apnea including a presorted set of discrete mandibular positioning elements including positioning means for upper and lower incisors controlling the relative vertical and horizontal position enabling comparative airway measurements. 
     
     
         8 . A kit for determining and simulating the optimal airway dilation for a person having obstructive sleep apnea, comprising a plurality of similar rectangular elements having ends and sides, wherein each element includes opposing slots extending inwardly from the ends, each element contains a groove mid-point on one side and at least two grooves on the opposite side, said grooves determining the relative horizontal jaw position when the incisors are placed in the grooves, said elements further having predetermined end dimensions to control the relative vertical jaw position.