Health Buzz: Can Giving the Tongue Small Shocks Relieve Sleep Apnea?

As a long time innovator of non-invasive treatments for the control of sleep apnea, I was appalled at the idea of a pacemaker for the tongue to keep it taut so it does not relax when the sleeper does as he or she falls asleep. Two of the innovations I pioneered also keep the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. These are without the risk associated with an implant that provides a shock to the tongue muscles Both are at very low cost, and have research proven efficacy. The first is the Tongue Retaining Device an oral appliance, that holds the tongue forward by suction, and has a long history of success over 30 of use. The second, is a position trainer. The first was a beeper worn on the chest at night that would alert the patient to turn over if they stayed on their back more that 15 seconds. A simpler version was a T-shirt with a pocket sewn down the spine to hold 3 tennis balls, or something harder for those overweight. This trained the sleeper to stay off the back quickly. The principle is the same:Don't let the tongue block breathing!!

Rosalind Cartwright of IL 5:49PM December 29, 2010