AveoTSD – an anti snoring device.

What is aveoTSD and how does it work?

The aveoTSD is an anti-snoring mouthguard made from soft medical silicone. It works by holding the tongue forward by gentle suction, preventing it from falling against the back of the throat, and keeping the airway open during sleep.

What causes snoring?

Snoring is caused by a narrowed airway during sleep. This can be due to large tonsils, a long soft palate or uvula, or, in people who are overweight, excessive flabby tissue; with all those areas relaxing during sleep. Nasal congestion from allergies or deformities of the cartilage between the two sides of the nose and other internal nasal structures also contribute to a narrowing of the airway.

The most common cause of a narrowed airway is, however, a tongue muscle that relaxes too much during sleep and gets sucked back into the airway with each breath taken. Snoring occurs when air travels faster through a narrow tube than through a broad one. This rapidly moving air causes the relaxed tissues of the throat to vibrate. The sound (vibration) caused by the rapidly moving air is what we know as snoring. However, by keeping the airway open with aveoTSD, air travels slower, reducing the vibrations in the throat, therefore reducing or stopping snoring.

Can snoring be harmful?

Snoring can progress into a medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea - where the tongue is completely sucked against the back of the throat and breathing stops. This airway obstruction causes the heart rate to fall below normal with decreases in blood oxygen levels. The obstruction will not clear until the brain oxygen level falls low enough to partially awaken the sleeper with a release of adrenaline to prevent suffocation. Due to the adrenaline release, the heart rate is now increased above normal. These events may happen hundreds of times a night, not allowing deep restorative sleep, and causing reduced blood oxygen levels.

What are some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

• You awaken frequently with a sensation of gasping, choking or palpitations.
• Your partner has observed that you stop breathing when you are asleep.
• You wake in the morning with a headache.
• You experience reflux and night-time heartburn episodes.
• You are excessively tired during the day.
• You fall asleep at inappropriate times.
• Poor physical and intellectual performance.

What kinds of treatment are there for snoring and sleep apnea?

Mild or occasional snoring and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may be alleviated by lifestyle changes including:

• Losing weight
• Getting regular exercise
• Within 3 hours before bedtime avoid alcohol, heavy meals, and medications that make you drowsy

Other treatment options include:

• Surgery to the nose, throat, tongue, or jaw
• Nasal CPAP ( Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ) is a therapy in which an air compression device is used to force the airway open and aid breathing during sleep (used only under medical supervision ).
• Oral dental devices ( mandibular advancement splints ) are attached to the teeth and are worn at night to keep the lower jaw forward.
• AveoTSD which keeps the tongue from falling against the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep.