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Press, The; Christchurch, New Zealand

A Dunedin orthodontist is returning peace and quiet to bedrooms around the world with a new anti-snoring device.

Dr Christopher Robertson has created the revolutionary Aveo Tongue Stabilising Device (aveoTSD) that prevents the tongue from falling back against the back of the throat keeping the airway open during sleep.

Manufactured in Christchurch by Elastomer Plastics Ltd, the $150 one-size- fits-all device is far cheaper, more effective and less invasive than most of the current treatments.

"It is a simple solution that actually works," says Robertson.

"I have been working with people with sleep disorders since 1988 and have made literally thousands of devices that hook onto teeth and keep the jaw forward.

"By keeping the jaw forward, you keep the tongue forward so that it does not block the airway. So I came up with a device that keeps the tongue forward without the need for anything to be hooked onto the teeth. It is a simple solution that works at the exact location of the problem."

The aveoTSD is made from a soft medical silicone for comfort and fits around the tongue. It has two tabs that remain outside the mouth and, combined with gentle suction, holds the tongue forward.

Unlike oral dental devices, it does not attach to the teeth and does not require specialist fitting by a dental professional. It can be obtained at most pharmacies around Christchurch.

If there is one downside to the product, it is the fact that it is not pretty, says Robertson.

"But when the lights are out, who really cares what it looks like? You can ask any wife of a man who normally snores heavily if she would like her husband to use this. It is a no-brainer," he says.

"More than 40 per cent of the population snores and the social disruption is huge. I have had clients who have had three marriages fail because their snoring was so bad.

"This is a device that is available over the counter or from your primary healthcare provider. It is one-size-fits-all, cost effective and it works. We sold 650 of them in the first months and only three came back. Those three are now being used after it was explained how to use them properly."

The aveoTSD devices are being distributed by the Christchurch- based Ebos Group Ltd, supplier of a range of medical, surgical, retail, dental and scientific products to the healthcare market in New Zealand and Australia.

"We are really excited about the product because we have had such fantastic feedback," says Sara Blackman, marketing manager for Ebos Healthcare. "The health consequences and social consequences of it are fantastic."

International interest in the aveoTSD is huge with clinical studies being carried out in Australia, Canada and Brazil and the US military is carrying out tests at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC.

Middlemore Hospital in Auckland is planning a combined study with the University of Otago.

Elastomer Products Ltd technical director Tom Thomson says he could see the huge potential for the aveoTSD and was further swayed by the enthusiasm of Robertson and his team.

"You don't often see that degree of enthusiasm about a product and it captured our imagination. We could see the possibilities," he says.

"We are very excited to be part of it because it brings a different direction to our company.

"I have several relatives and close friends who have been trialling the aveoTSD and they are very enthusiastic."

* For more information visit www. aveosleep.com

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