Tackling sleep disorders

Using its state of the art 3D printing and scanning facilities, Ashford Orthodontics will work with ResMed’s Lyon based production facility to supply 3D scans of patients’ mouths, which will enable the company to manufacture its innovative 3D printed Narval CC TM appliances for  the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. People suffering from sleep apnea, of which snoring is a common symptom, can frequently stop breathing during sleep and the condition puts immense strain on major functions of the body.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) provided by ResMed in the form of a face mask and small machine, which uses positive air pressure to maintain an open airway to regulate their breathing, but the Narval CC TM appliance is a small, custom made device that fits comfortably in the patients mouth, which holds the jaw in a forward position, keeping the airways open and preventing the cessation of breathing during sleep. The Narval appliance is ideal for people who do not want or cannot tolerate CPAP but can also be tried first before CPAP if desired. This approach could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds, as many patients needing CPAP are being diagnosed younger and also living longer, so the financial benefits can’t be ignored.