Patent ID: 8857439
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for treating a sleep disordered event, comprising: a covering assembly which is sized for placement along an anterior portion of a tongue and having an outer layer and an inner layer disposed within the outer layer and attached to the outer layer along a circumferential periphery, wherein the outer layer is stiffer relative to the inner layer such that the inner layer is movable in a proximal direction relative thereto while remaining attached along the periphery; a pump in fluid communication with a space defined between the outer layer and inner layer; a sensor in communication with the pump for detecting a change in flow or current; and a processor in communication with the pump, whereby the processor is programmed to signal the pump automatically to increase a suction pressure within the space from an initial stable level to a subsequent level higher than the initial stable level when the sensor detects a drop in pressure indicative of the inner layer being urged proximally relative to the outer layer such that attachment of the inner layer is maintained against a tissue surface.