Belarusian scientists have made a breakthrough in the fight against snoring by presenting an innovative and easy-to-use device that could be a real lifesaver for millions of people suffering from this widespread and dangerous condition. The special mouthguard, developed at the Belarusian State Medical University (BSMU) in collaboration with the BNTU "Polytechnic" Science and Technology Park, is already being called unique due to its comfort and effectiveness.
As Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Periodontology at BSMU, Yulia Denisova, stated on STV television, the Belarusian mouthguard is worn on the teeth before sleep and gently pushes the lower jaw forward. This seemingly simple mechanism significantly improves breathing during sleep and effectively prevents snoring.
"Together with the BNTU team and Polytechnic, we have developed a snoring mouthguard. This is an intraoral device that gently moves the lower jaw forward so that the patient can increase their breathing capacity during sleep," shared Professor Denisova.
What makes the Belarusian development unique?
Although similar mouthguards already exist on the market, the Belarusian design stands out with its built-in screw. This innovative solution allows for adjusting the lower jaw's position even during sleep, making the mouthguard as comfortable as possible and adaptable to the individual needs of each patient. This feature sets the Belarusian mouthguard apart from its counterparts and ensures its uniqueness.
A mouthguard that changes lives
The new product has already gained recognition not only in Belarus but also beyond its borders. Professor Denisova shared a striking example highlighting the effectiveness of the development:
"Recently, a patient from Khabarovsk approached our department requesting such a mouthguard. Due to snoring, her personal life was falling apart. Now everything has improved – thanks, in part, to the mouthguard helping her get rid of snoring," said the specialist.
This case clearly demonstrates that snoring is not just an inconvenience but a serious problem that can negatively impact quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
An alternative to surgery and a solution for sleep apnea
Experts emphasize that the Belarusian mouthguard could become an effective and safe alternative to surgical intervention for many patients suffering from snoring. Moreover, the development helps to alleviate obstructive sleep apnea – dangerous breathing pauses during sleep – improving sleep quality and overall health.
"This domestic development helps eliminate obstructive sleep apnea in individuals, enhancing sleep quality and life," the developers note.
Availability and prospects
The Belarusian mouthguard is already available to patients, including foreign citizens who apply directly to BSMU. Given the high demand and unique features of the mouthguard, it can be confidently predicted that this innovative device will see widespread adoption both in Belarus and abroad.
The work of Belarusian scientists confirms the high level of domestic medical science and opens new opportunities for treating snoring and related problems.