February 16, 2011

New Anti-Snoring Device... Tongue Suction Device (TSD)

Check out a tongue suction device (aka, tongue sleeve) to help with snoring.

According to the literature, the way it works is by advancing the tongue forward thereby preventing the tongue from falling backward and vibrating against the throat's back wall causing snoring as well as obstructive sleep apnea.

The way the device moves the tongue forward is by literally suctioning the tongue tip into the device and holding it in place by vacuum seal.

The theory behind how this device works is sound and mimics what an oral appliance does as well as several surgical procedures including base of tongue reduction, hyoid advancement, and Repose procedure.

The one caveat I have with this device is that it only resolves snoring due to the tongue. It would not necessarily address snoring that comes from the nose or palate. There are other devices/surgeries that would address those areas (breath-rite strips, Pillar procedure, UPPP, septoplasty, etc).

I lied... there's another caveat... Will the suction vacuum hold all night for a patient??? It does come in several different sizes... but still...

Read more about snoring here.



Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


Banner Map

Pediatric Neck Masses

Adult Neck Mass Workup