Device and method for opening an airway

Abstract

The present invention provides devices and methods for creating and/or maintain patency of the upper airway passage. The device is configured to fit under the chin of a subject at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device includes structural elements designed to optimize comfort, compliance and seal achieved through minimizing the pressure variation along the contact surface of the therapy device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A therapy device configured for the administration of negative pressure upon the external surface of the individual, the therapy device comprising:
 a chamber comprising
 (i) a flange element defining a periphery of the chamber element and adapted to form a sealing surface when mated to the individual, wherein a first surface of the flange element is configured to approximately conform to a continuous contact area on the individual defined by a first location corresponding to a first gonion on one side of the individual's mandibular body, a second location corresponding to the individual's mental protuberance, a third location corresponding to a second gonion on the opposite side of the individual's mandibular body, and a fourth location corresponding to the individual's thyroid cartilage, 
 (ii) a chamber element affixed to the flange element such that an airtight junction is provided between the flange element and the chamber element, wherein the chamber element is configured to define a chamber element overlying the external surface of the individual bounded by the flange element and to apply a force to the external surface of the individual when a therapeutic level of negative pressure is applied within the chamber element, the force sufficient to maintain patency of the upper airway by drawing the external surface of the individual into the chamber element, 
 (iii) one or more first recesses located approximately at a junction formed between the flange element and the chamber element at the second location, the first recesses providing a first hinge region within the chamber element, and 
 (iv) one or more second recesses within the chamber element approximately positioned at a junction formed between the flange element and the chamber element at the fourth location, the second recesses providing a second hinge region within the chamber element, 
 wherein the first and second hinge regions are configured (i) to reduce the transmission of deformational strain within the chamber element relative to and (ii) to reduce point loads where the flange element contacts each of the individual's mental tubercles and the individual's thyroid cartilage when the therapeutic level of negative pressure is applied within the chamber element, the reductions being relative to a chamber element lacking the first and second hinge regions; 
 wherein the flange element varies in thickness such that the first and third locations are substantially thicker than the fourth location; 
 wherein the junction formed between the flange element and the chamber element at the first and third locations are positioned on the flange element such that at least 20% of the width of the flange element is positioned within the interior of the chamber element; and 
   an air pump operably connected to the chamber element to produce the therapeutic level of negative pressure within the chamber element.