Exploring novel technology based on material innovation, this project will researches novel interactive modalities by the means of tongue movement. With applications in snoring and sleeep apnea prevention, new design methods for sleep ethnography are the key aspect of this project.
Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle and is essential for human mental health. However, every second person worldwide is affected by sleep-disordered breathing and in more than 30% correlated to a lack of tongue muscle control. With this project, we are developing a personalized and interactive tongue fitness therapy. We will develop a unique ultra-thin pressuresensor as a tactile interface between the tongue and a smartphone app. Integrated into personalized clear aligners, the "TOFI trainer” will be sensitive to the tongue’s position and force. This enables the patient to interact using the tongue. The envisioned interactive myofunctional motor skills training will be able to increase strength and subconscious control of the tongue at night, while also providing motivating and fun interaction. Thus, this project is a significant puzzle piece to prospectively prevent chronic snoring and light sleep apnea ensuring self-esteem and vitality as prerequisites for adolescent’s development and quality of life of adults. At the same time it allows us to develop novel interactive modalities exploring the use of tongue.