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(CNN Spanish) – Spanish researchers have devised a mathematical method for using 3D printing to make an oral appliance that prevents sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which the person stops breathing for a few days. seconds, besides snoring. This was reported by the University of Malaga (UMA), in southern Spain, in a press release on Thursday.
The device aims to advance the habitual position of the jaw while the person sleeps, so it facilitates "the airflow during the hours of sleep," the statement said. the opening of the airways is improved and the snoring is avoided at the same time as the transient suspension of breathing, "notes the note.
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The results of the research, which was conducted by researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the UMA in collaboration with the Ortoplus orthodontic society, were published in the journal Mechanism and Machine Theory.The main contribution of this work, according to the university, is that each device is designed in a personalized way.
To elaborate, an X-ray is made to obtain the morphological data each p This is combined with a kinematic analysis, which studies the jaw and "offers parameters capable of predicting its movement, especially during the rest phases," says the note.
The Oral Device created to prevent sleep apnea occurs in the 3D printer. (Credit: University of Malaga, Spain)
MIRA: "What is lupus?", "How to stop snoring?": The 10 most common health questions in Google in 2017 [19659004] "Data as the measures of advanced or recession of the jaw with the closed mouth respectively, or what is the maximum opening of the mouth, are essential to be able to develop an effective device and with guarantees "says Alex Bataller, UMA researcher and labor manager.
The UMA explained that this device uses two symmetrical parts called cams that aim to let the jaw move as usual and, at the same time, prevent it from receding in the case of Open your mouth while breathing. "In this way, the directed mobility of the jaw is guaranteed," adds Bataller
. This is important because, according to the researcher, it allows the system to not give suffocation or lack of autonomy to patients. "These are some of the major complaints against the current systems that exist on the market by those who use these conventional devices," said Bataller.
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. The tests performed by researchers on patients with sleep problems have been positive. Now scientists are still working on the project looking for biocompatible materials that are alternatives to plastic, the main component used today for this class of devices.
"For use, this compound acquires a yellowish tone and in contact with the mouth, an average of eight hours a day causes accelerated wear, therefore we test with other synthetic materials or Of different organic origin of the plastic that has a longer shelf life and are free of hazards during implantation or in contact with living tissue, in this case the mouth "explains Juan Cabrera, co-author of the work.
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