Project Overview

The clinical effectiveness of the Micro-Movable Superelastic Nickel-Titanium Alloy Anti-Snoring Oral Appliance is primarily based on anatomical and physiological principles, with precisely designed structures that help improve upper airway conditions and effectively alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

Specifically, the Micro-Movable Superelastic Nickel-Titanium Alloy Anti-Snoring Oral Appliance can accurately control the positions of the uvula, mandible, and tongue, promoting forward displacement of soft palate and tongue base tissues. This protruding mechanism can: 1. Expand upper airway width 2. Reduce soft tissue airway collapse 3. Lower respiratory resistance 4. Improve airflow passage. The design's working principle involves fine-tuning the mandible position to keep soft palate and tongue base tissues in a tense state, preventing them from relaxing and dropping during sleep. This proactive support mechanism can effectively block airway obstruction, reducing snoring and the number of breathing pauses.

The Micro-Movable Superelastic Nickel-Titanium Alloy Anti-Snoring Oral Appliance represents a breakthrough in non-invasive sleep apnea treatment. This innovative device combines advanced biomechanical engineering with superelastic materials to effectively treat sleep apnea, achieving over 95% effectiveness for mild to moderate cases while eliminating the need for invasive surgeries or cumbersome CPAP machines.

Organisation

Metal Industries Research & Development Centre

Team

Tsai Tung-Lin, Tseng Chun-Chieh, Lin Yu-Sheng, Weng Li-Wen, Chen Bang-Sia, Wang Pei-Hua, Hsu Ming-Sung, Lin Chun-Pin for Design Team

Project Brief

Sleep apnea is far more than just a snoring issue - it's a severe health threat that demands immediate attention. This condition can reduce life expectancy by 10-15 years and doubles or triples the risk of heart attacks and strokes while disrupting cognitive function and metabolic health.

Our revolutionary Micro-Movable Superelastic Nickel-Titanium Alloy Anti-Snoring Oral Appliance emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a non-invasive solution that precisely controls uvula, mandible, and tongue positioning. By integrating medical-grade polymers with superelastic nickel-titanium alloy, we've created a dynamic, adaptive solution that fundamentally transforms sleep apnea treatment, bringing new hope for patients' health and quality of life.

Project Innovation/Need

The device brings several groundbreaking innovations to the market :

1. Precision Engineering: Achieves maximum mandibular protrusion of 3-5mm with bite force resistance exceeding 500 Newtons, enabling optimal airway management.
2. Adaptive Technology: Utilizes superelastic nickel-titanium alloy for dynamic response to patient movement during sleep.
3. Validated Effectiveness: Clinical studies show relief rates over 95% for mild to moderate cases.
4. International Recognition: Earned multiple prestigious awards, including the Red Dot Design Award, IF Design Award, and Golden Dot Design Award.

Design Challenge

The development process faced several critical challenges :
1. Materials Innovation: Creating a perfect blend of medical-grade polymers and superelastic nickel-titanium alloy that could provide both comfort and functionality while meeting strict biocompatibility requirements.

2. Technical Precision: Achieving the precise engineering specifications needed for effective treatment while maintaining user comfort.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting multiple international standards, including ISO 10993, ASTM, and IEC requirements while ensuring the device remained practical for everyday use.

4. Market Adaptation: Develop a solution that would be preferred over existing treatments like CPAP machines and surgical interventions while ensuring it remains cost-effective and user-friendly.

Sustainability

The project embraces sustainability through multiple approaches :

1. Material Selection: Utilizes environmentally friendly, biodegradable polymer materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact at the end of its lifecycle.

2. Resource Efficiency: Prioritizes energy efficiency in both production and usage, minimizing its carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle.

3. Economic Sustainability: Reducing healthcare costs associated with long-term sleep apnea management by offering a non-invasive alternative to surgical procedures.

4. Longevity: Robust design and high-quality materials ensure a longer product lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste.

5. Healthcare Impact: Contributes to sustainable healthcare practices by reducing the burden on healthcare systems while improving patients' quality of life.