WO2007049836A1

WO2007049836A1 - Mask for inhibiting mouth opening during the sleep

Info

Publication number: WO2007049836A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/003616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Che-Hub Ha
Original assignee: Che-Hub Ha
Priority date: 2005-10-28
Filing date: 2005-10-28
Publication date: 2007-05-03

Abstract

A mask for preventing a mouth from opening during sleep is disclosed. The mask of the present invention comprises a mask body (100), which has an upper lip support part (180), a lip exposing hole (110) and a lower jaw support part (190), a lower lip support member (200), which is mounted to the mask body (100) to support the lower lip of a user, and a coupling means. The mask having the above-mentioned construction reduces or solves snoring and sleep apnea syndrome. Furthermore, the mask of the present invention may be used as an auxiliary apparatus, which is used to reinforce the weak muscles of the mouth. In addition, because the mask is simply worn on the face of the user in the same manner as a typical mask and is used without a separate additional device and without insertion of a prosthesis into the mouth, the mask is inexpensive and minimizes discomfort when wearing.

Description

MASK FOR INHIBITING MOUTH OPENING DURING THE

SLEEP

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to masks for preventing mouths from opening during sleep and, more particularly, to a mask for preventing a mouth from opening during sleep that includes a mask body, which has an upper lip support part, a lip exposing hole and a lower jaw support part, a lower lip support member, which is mounted to the mask body to support the lower lip of a user, and a coupling means, thus reducing or solving snoring or sleep apnea syndrome. Background Art

[2] Generally, the term "snoring" means abnormal respiration during sleep, producing harsh sounds. Snoring usually begins in one's thirties. According to the development of respiratory tract physiology, snoring has recently come to be regarded as a kind of disease. Snoring is a kind of breath sound that is generated by the vibration of the larynx due to the narrowing of the respiratory tract because of the relaxation of the muscles of the mouth during sleep. That is, snoring is a symptom of breathing difficulty during sleep.

[3] In detail, when a human body breathes, air passes through soft tissues, such as the palate, the uvula, the tonsils, the tongue, etc. Under normal conditions, because the surrounding muscles support them such that they are disposed at the original positions, a sufficiently large air passage is maintained. However, during sleep, because the muscles are relaxed and soft, the air passage becomes somewhat narrowed. Thus, when air passes through this portion, the soft tissues around the portion vibrate. Thereby, snoring sounds are generated.

[4] Moreover, if the air passage is completely closed during sleep by excessive relaxation of the muscles or for other reasons such as obesity, air supply into the lungs is momentarily interrupted. This phenomenon is called sleep apnea syndrome. If this phenomenon is frequently repeated, because the oxygen present in the air cannot normally be supplied into the lungs, the death rate due to strokes or heart failure during sleep is tripled.

[5] There are several causes of snoring during sleep. Interruption of normal respiration through the nose is a representative cause. An investigation institution has presented the results of studies in which 85% of snoring patients open and breathe through their mouths during sleep. In the case of mouth respiration, because a large amount of cold and dry air directly enters the lungs without being filtered, immunity is reduced through infection with bacteria or bacilli. Furthermore, because the discharge of carbon dioxide is too rapid when breathing out, if the rate at which oxygen is absorbed from the air is low, the brain senses this and thus stimulates goblet cells, thus causing phlegm, slowing the breath, and contracting blood vessels. In addition, disorders of the human body, such as xerostomia, sleep disorders, headaches, chronic fatigue, tooth deformation, etc., are caused. To prevent these, nasal respiration is required.

[6] Although many kinds of products for mitigating or solving snoring problems, for example, a nightgown that has a ball attached to the back surface thereof to prevent a user from lying on his/her back during sleep, and a snoring alarm pillow, have been proposed, and although such products have the effects of reducing the snoring problems, they have the disadvantage of disturbing sleep. Furthermore, respiratory support apparatuses (CPAP, BIPAP, etc.) for solving sleep apnea syndrome have been developed and used in advanced nations. Such an apparatus supplies air at a predetermined positive pressure suitable for respiration through an oxygen mask having a gas mask shape, thus preventing the respiratory track from being closed by negative pressure when breathing in. However, the respiratory support apparatus is expensive. Furthermore, because a user must wear the mask on his/her face, there are side effects of a feeling of unease and dryness or obstruction of the nasal cavity. In addition, there is a problem in that portability is very low.

[7] Meanwhile, to induce nasal respiration and to prevent mouth respiration, medical treatment using a surgical operation and medicine, a method of attaching tape to the mouth, a method of tying a band to the head to hold the jaws shut, and a method of inserting a prosthesis into a nose or mouth have been used. However, the above- mentioned methods cause inflammation of the skin or stimulate the head, thus resulting in insomnia. Furthermore, due to the side effects of medicinal poisoning, the medicine noted above cannot be used for a long period. In addition, due to the economic burden and discomfort when wearing, these methods have not become popular. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mask for preventing the a mouth from opening during sleep, which prevents mouth respiration and induces nasal respiration, thus solving problems, such as snoring and sleep apnea syndrome, and which helps reinforce the muscles of the mouth, and, more particularly, includes a mask body, which has an upper lip support part, a lip exposing hole and a lower jaw support part, a lower lip support member, which is mounted to the inner surface of the mask body to support the lower lip of a user, and a coupling means.

Technical Solution

[9] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a mask for preventing a mouth from opening during sleep, including: a mask body having an upper lip support part, a lip exposing hole and a lower jaw support part, the mask body being brought into close contact with the face of a user to thus have a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the shape of the face of the user from the lower jaw to the area under the nose; a lower lip support member mounted to the inner surface of the mask body and supporting the lower lip of the user; and a coupling means for bringing the mask body into contact with the face.

[10] Preferably, two through holes may be formed at opposite positions through the lower portion of the mask body, and fine through holes are formed throughout the entire mask body to increase contact between air and the face.

[11] Furthermore, the lower lip support member, which has an arc shape and is mounted to the inner surface of the mask body, pushes the lower lip upwards to bring it into contact with the upper lip. The lower lip support member may include a mounting means for mounting the lower lip support member to the mask body, and a lower lip support part to support the lower lip exposed through the lip exposing hole. Here, the mounting means may have a position adjustment ridged surface to adjust the vertical position of the lower lip support member. Furthermore, the upper end of the lower lip support member, which is brought into contact with the lower lip, may be covered with an elastic member, which is made of soft material and is rounded, thus preventing stimulation of the skin.

[12] The coupling means may include: two pairs of coupling seats provided on opposite positions of upper and lower portions of the outer surface of the mask body; coupling covers; and holding members made of elastic material. Here, locking slots may be formed in one pair of the two pairs of coupling seats to adjust the length of the associated holding member.

[13] Meanwhile, the material for the mask of the present invention is not limited to any particular material as long as it is harmless synthetic resin. Preferably, the mask is made of medical polypropylene resin or polyethylene resin through an injection molding process. Here, the inner surface of the mask body is preferably coated with natural fibroid cotton, fabric cloth or a soft filter made of velvet to reduce skin irritation due to contact.

Advantageous Effects

[14] As described above, in a mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to the present invention, a mask body has an upper lip support part, which contacts and supports the upper lip of a user, a lip exposing hole, through which the lip of the user is exposed outside, and a lower jaw support part, which supports and pulls the lower jaw to prevent the lower jaw from opening. The mask body and a lower lip support member reliably prevent the jaw and lip from opening during sleep. Furthermore, because the vertical position of the lower lip support member and the lengths of holding members can be adjusted, the mask of the present invention can be used by all persons regardless of the size of the face. In addition, because the mask body is made of soft material such that it can conform with and be brought into contact with the face of the user, the mask of the present invention can be applied to any shape of face. Therefore, the mask of the present invention prevents the mouth from opening during sleep, thus preventing mouth respiration, and inducing nasal respiration, thereby solving problems such as snoring and sleep apnea syndrome. Furthermore, the mask of the present invention may be used for reinforcing weak muscles of the mouth.

[15] In addition, the mask of the present invention is simply worn on the face of the user in the same manner as that of a typical mask and is used without a separate additional device and without inserting a prosthesis into the mouth. Therefore, the mask can minimize discomfort when wearing and is inexpensive to use as an auxiliary apparatus for preventing snoring or sleep apnea syndrome. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIGS. 1 through 3 are views schematically showing an embodiment of a mask body according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1 is a rear view, FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a right side view;

[17] FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing a lower lip support member, which is mounted to the inner surface of the mask body and supports the lower lip of a user to bring the lower lip into contact with the upper lip, according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 4 is a front view, and FIG. 5 is a right side view; and

[18] FIGS. 6 through 8 are views schematically showing an embodiment of a mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep, according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 6 is a rear view, FIG. 7 is a front view, and FIG. 8 is a right side view.

[19] <Description of the elements in the drawings>

[20] 100: mask body 110: lip exposing hole

[21] 120: fine through hole 130: through hole

[22] 140: position adjustment hole 180: upper lip support part

[23] 190: lower jaw support part 200: lower lip support member

[24] 210: mounting hole 220: elastic member

[25] 230: position adjustment ridged surface

[26] 240: position adjustment protrusion [27] 300: coupling means 310a: upper coupling seat

[28] 320a: lower coupling seat 400: fastening means

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[29] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[30] FIGS. 1 through 3 are views schematically showing an embodiment of a mask body

100 according to the present invention.

[31] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the mask body according to the present invention. The mask body includes an upper lip support part 180, which is brought into close contact with and supports the upper lip of a user, a lip exposing hole 110, through which the lip of the user is exposed outside, and a lower jaw support part 190, which supports and pulls the lower jaw to prevent the lower jaw from opening. Thus, the mask body serves to prevent the jaw from opening and the lips from parting. Furthermore, the mask body is made of soft material such that it can be brought into contact with the face of the user in three dimensions regardless of the shape of the face.

[32] Meanwhile, fine through holes 120 are formed through the entire mask body to ensure contact with air and the face. Two through holes 130 are formed at opposite positions through the lower jaw support part. A position adjustment hole 140, which allows a lower lip support member 200 to move upwards and downwards, is formed at a central portion through the mask body. Position adjustment ridged surfaces 170a, which correspond to respective position adjustment ridged surfaces 230 of the lower lip support member 200, are formed on the inner surface of the mask body at positions opposite the vertical movement adjusting hole 140. Therefore, the vertical position of the lower lip support member 200 can be adjusted, so that the present invention can be used regardless of the length of the jaw.

[33] FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask body 100 according to the present invention. The outer surface of the mask body has a shape corresponding to the inner construction of the mask body shown in FIG. 1. Two pairs of coupling seats 310a and 320a are formed on opposite positions of the upper and lower portions of the outer surface of the mask body. Here, each of the lower coupling seats 310a, which are formed at opposite positions on the upper portion of the mask body, includes coupling pins which are used for fixing a holding member 330 to the mask body. Each of the upper coupling seats 320a, which are formed at opposite positions on the lower portion of the mask body, includes locking slots, which make it possible for the position of an associated holding member 330 to be adjusted, at which the holding member 330 is coupled to the associated coupling seat, and thus the present invention can be used regardless of the facial structure of the user. Furthermore, covers 310b and 320b are mounted to the cor- responding couling seats.

[34] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the mask body according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the mask body has an arc shape and is constructed such that it is brought into close contact with the face in three dimensions regardless of the shape of the face from the lower jaw to the area under the nose.

[35] FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively are a front view and a right side view illustrating the lower lip support member 200, which is mounted to the inner surface of the mask body 100 and supports the lower lip to prevent the lip from opening.

[36] In detail, the lower lip support member 200 includes a mounting means, which is disposed between the lower jaw and the lower lip to couple the lower lip support member 200 to the mask body, and a lower lip support part, which supports the lower lip exposed through the lip exposing hole 110. The mounting means includes a position adjustment protrusion 240, which corresponds to the position adjustment hole 140 formed through the mask body 100. A mounting hole 210 is formed through the position adjustment protrusion, so that the lower lip support member is mounted to the mask body 100 using a fastening means 400 inserted through the mounting hole 210. Furthermore, the position adjustment ridged surfaces 230, corresponding to the respective position adjustment ridged surfaces 170a of the mask body, are formed on the lower lip support member 200, so that the vertical position of the lower lip support member 200 can be adjusted with respect to the mask body. The upper end of the lower lip support member serves to bring the lower lip into contact with the upper lip, thus preventing the lip from opening. The upper end of the lower lip support member is covered with an elastic member 220, which is made of soft material and is rounded, in order to prevent skin irritation. Preferably, the elastic member 220 is made of soft material, such as polymer resin, synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, etc.

[37] FIGS. 6 through 8 are schematic views showing the construction of the mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep, according to the present invention.

[38] In detail, FIG. 6 is a rear view of the mask of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the mask of the present invention includes the mask body 100, which is provided both with the upper lip support part 180, which contacts the portion above the lip and supports the upper lip, and with the lower jaw support part 190, which supports and restrains the lower jaw to prevent the jaw from opening. The mask of the present invention further includes the lower lip support member 200, which is mounted at the central portion to the inner surface of the mask body 100 and supports the lower lip. Thus, the mask of the present invention can reliably prevent the jaw and the lip from opening during sleep.

[39] Meanwhile, because the mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to the present invention must directly contact the skin of the user, the mask must be made of soft material such that it can comes into contact with the face in three dimensions, and the mask must be made of harmless synthetic resin. It is preferable that the mask be made of medical polypropylene resin or polyethylene resin through an injection molding process.

[40] Furthermore, it is preferable that the inner surface of the mask be coated with natural fibroid cotton, fabric cloth or a soft filter made of velvet to minimize skin irritation when it contacts the skin, but this is not shown in the drawings.

[41] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 is a front view of the mask for preventing the mouth from opening according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the mask.

[42] The coupling seats 310a and the covers 310b hold the holding members 330, which maintain contact between the mask and the face of the user. The coupling seats 320a having the locking slots and the covers 320b are constructed such that the positions at which the holding members 330 are coupled to the coupling seats 320a can be adjusted, depending on the face type of the user.

[43] Here, the coupling means may be realized by a structure such that the bands are tied around the head of the user, and it is preferable that the coupling means is manufactured into an ear loop structure to reduce stress due to pressure applied to the head during sleep. Furthermore, the material of the holding members 330 is not limited to any particular material as long as it is elastic. Preferably, each holding member 330 comprises a rubber band.

[44] Meanwhile, the fastening means 400 is tightened into the position adjustment hole

140 of the mask body 100 through the mounting hole 210 of the lower lip support member 200. The lower lip support member 200, which is mounted to the mask body 100 by the fastening means 400, can be adjusted in vertical position thereof using the position adjustment protrusion 240 and the position adjustment ridged surfaces 230, depending on the size of the face of the user.

[45] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed with reference to the attached drawings for illustrative purposes, it does not limit the scope and spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, it must be understood that the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned embodiment or the attached drawings, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Industrial Applicability

[46] As described above, in a mask of the present invention, a lower jaw support part prevents the lower jaw of a user from opening due to relaxation of the muscles of the mouth during sleep, and the mask maintains contact between the upper and lower lips of the user to prevent the mouth from opening, thus preventing mouth respiration during sleep, and inducing nasal respiration, thereby solving problems such as snoring and sleep apnea syndrome. Furthermore, the mask of the present invention may be used as an auxiliary apparatus, which is used for reinforcing weak muscles of the mouth. In addition, because the mask of the present invention can be simply worn on the face of the user in the same manner as a typical mask and can be used without a separate additional device and without inserting a prosthesis into the mouth, discomfort is minimized when wearing the mask, and the mask can be efficiently used as an inexpensive auxiliary apparatus for preventing snoring and sleep apnea syndrome.

Claims

[1] A mask for preventing a mouth from opening during sleep, comprising: a mask body having an upper lip support part, a lip exposing hole and a lower jaw support part, the mask body being brought into close contact with a face of a user and taking on a three-dimensional shape corresponding to a facial shape of the user from a lower jaw to an area under a nose; a lower lip support member mounted to an inner surface of the mask body and supporting a lower lip of the user; and coupling means for bringing the mask body into contact with the face.

[2] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 1, wherein the mask body further has a plurality of through holes formed throughout an entire area of the mask body to increase contact between skin and air.

[3] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 1, wherein the lower lip support member comprises mounting means for mounting the lower lip support member to the mask body, and a lower lip support part to support the lower lip exposed through the lip exposing hole.

[4] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 3, wherein the mounting means has a position adjustment ridged surface to adjust a vertical position of the lower lip support member.

[5] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 3, wherein an upper end of the lower lip support member, which is brought into contact with the lower lip, is covered with a rounded elastic member.

[6] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises: two pairs of coupling seats provided on opposite positions of upper and lower portions of an outer surface of the mask body; coupling covers; and holding members made of elastic material.

[7] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 6, wherein locking slots are formed in one pair of the two pairs of coupling seats to adjust a length of holding members.

[8] The mask for preventing the mouth from opening during sleep according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the mask body is coated with natural fibroid cotton, fabric cloth or a soft filter made of velvet to reduce skin irritation due to contact.