Tongue Pressure Sensing Array Integrated with a System-on-Chip Embedded in a Mandibular Advancement Splint

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition characterized by upper airway obstructions during sleep.
• Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) are oral appliances used as a potential treatment for OSA.
• Accurate monitoring of MAS efficacy in treating OSA requires detailed physiological measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a highly-sensitive pressure sensing array integrated into a MAS.
• To measure tongue pressure distribution for determining the effectiveness of MAS in OSA treatment.
• To create a wearable system-on-chip (SoC) device for sleep monitoring and data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a flexible sensing array using an interdigital electrode pair and conductive polymer films.
• Integration of the sensing array with an SoC for data retrieval, storage, and transmission.
• Patterning conductive polymer films with microdomed structures to enhance sensitivity and reduce response time.

Main Results:

• The developed pressure sensing array demonstrated high sensitivity and a reduced response time.
• Negligible crosstalk effect was observed between individual sensing elements.
• The sensing array maintained minimal sensitivity changes after prolonged water submersion (100 h), indicating robustness.

Conclusions:

• The integrated MAS with a pressure sensing array and SoC is a promising tool for monitoring OSA treatment.
• The device enables objective assessment of tongue pressure, crucial for evaluating MAS efficacy.
• The system offers a sensitive, reliable, and durable solution for sleep monitoring in OSA patients.