Actuated bed for a closed loop anti-snoring therapy

Snoring is a very common often underestimated sleep disorder, which is caused by a partial blockage of the upper airways. It can easily be treated by changing the sleeping posture of the snorer. However, conventional approaches are often perceived as uncomfortable. In order to increase uptake we propose to use an actuated bed, which is equipped with microphones and controlled in closed loop. The inclination of the part of the bed which is supporting the trunk is increased to open the upper airways, whenever snoring sounds are detected. During snoring-free periods the bed goes back to its original position to allow the user to move freely. The principle has successfully been applied in a proof of concept test. During this test night the bed was able to stop the snorer from snoring in four out of five occasions.