Device and method for opening an airway

Abstract

A device and a method for creating and/or maintaining an obstruction free upper airway. The device fits under the chin of a subject adjacent to the subject's neck at an external location corresponding approximately with the subject's internal soft tissue associated with the neck's anterior triangle. The device is capable of exerting negative pressure on the surface of a subject's neck, displacing the soft tissue forward and enlarging the airway.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of forming a therapy device configured for the administration of negative pressure upon an external location of a patient overlying the anterior triangle of the neck, comprising:
 molding a silicone vessel, the vessel comprising an edge and an internal surface, wherein the vessel is configured and arranged to seat against the chin and neck of the patient to define a chamber at an external location approximately at the internal soft tissue of the patient associated with the anterior triangle of the neck, and wherein the edge comprises an elastomeric silicone extension that is external relative to the chamber and that is molded integrally with, and extends away from, the vessel at the patient contact surface thereof; and   connecting the vessel to a vacuum source, wherein the connection is configured and arranged such that the vacuum source creates a partial vacuum within the chamber when energized.