| 摘要 |
Provided is a device for preventing mouth opening during sleep including: an upper lip supporter configured to be firmly disposed above an upper lip; a lower lip supporter configured to be firmly disposed below a lower lip; a lower jaw supporter configured to be firmly disposed on a lower surface of a lower jaw and having a protruded fixing unit in a center part, the protruded fixing unit being protruded toward a front side of the lower jaw and bent upward forming a gentle curve along the lower jaw so that the lower jaw supporter does not move toward a neck, and a coupling medium coupling the supporters through coupling holes disposed on both sides of each supporter to maintain a shape of the device, the coupling medium hung on ears when the device is worn so that the device is firmly disposed on a face. According to the device of the present invention, the lower jaw supporter prevents the lower jaw from opening during sleep due to a relaxation of oral muscles, and each of the upper lip supporter and lower lip supporter is disposed above the upper lip and below the lower lip to fix both lips to each other and prevent a mouth from opening. Therefore, when the device is worn during sleep, mouth breathing is inhibited, nose breathing is induced, such sleep disorders as xerostama, stertorous respiration, and sleep apnea are alleviated, and oral muscles are strengthened. In addition, the device minimizes discomfort by minimizing an area of the facial skin which comes into contact with the device when the device is worn. In addition, the device has a simplified structure, is manufactured inexpensively, and may be used as an auxiliary apparatus for alleviating xerostama, stertorous respiration, and sleep apnea.
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