Sleeping and breathing are two of the most fundamental human needs. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) poses a serious threat to health by significantly impairing the fulfillment of these needs during sleep. As muscles relax during sleep and gravity takes effect, the soft tissue inside the mouth collapses and temporarily blocks the airway. This blockage occurs repeatedly throughout the night, not only lowering sleep quality but also depriving the body of the oxygen it needs. Common symptoms of the condition include snoring, daytime sleepiness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Although these symptoms may seem tolerable, untreated OSAS can lead to much more severe health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.
Current treatment methods for OSAS often fail to provide adequate comfort, leading many patients to abandon therapy altogether. This lack of adherence can result in worsening health and increased risk of serious complications.
Under the umbrella of Boğaziçi University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, the 3z team has developed an innovative, effective, silent, portable, and comfortable intraoral device intended for the treatment of OSAS. The first-generation prototype, produced using 3D printing technology, was tested in a clinical study based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at Kozyatağı Acıbadem Hospital with volunteer OSAS patients. The study observed up to a 59% increase in airway volume among participants using the device, confirming the potential of this new treatment approach.
Building on this success, the 3z team developed second-generation prototypes made from medical-grade silicone and launched a second clinical study, this time based on Full Polysomnography (Sleep Study) testing.
The core motivation behind the 3z initiative is to transform this innovative idea into a viable product and provide a promising new treatment option for OSAS patients. To achieve this goal, the team is rapidly progressing toward mass production, commercialization of the prototypes, and development of advanced versions of the device.
