Technology

The Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer / Rhinometer system from Sleep Group Solutions is used to test patients nasal and oral airways. The device sends sound waves into the airway and the reflected sound waves are measured by the machine to tell us how big the airway is. The Rhinometer measures the nasal airway and the Pharyngometer measures the oral airway. Both systems are FDA cleared and a highly effective way for us to identify the site and severity of airway collapse as it related to snoring and sleep related breathing problems.

More Details

The Eccovision device uses acoustic reflection technology to accurately map out the size, structure and collapsibility of the oral and nasal airway. The Eccovision is widely used in ENT, Orthodontic and Sleep Disorders Dentistry practices. Orthodontists can use the device to examine the health of the airway before, during and after treatment. It is well documented that a compromised nasal airway is a cause of mouth breathing which is a primary cause behind facial growth and orthodontic problems. It is critical to have accurate airway records and ability to recognize these obstructions. Sleep Disorders Dentists use the Pharyngometer to screen patients prior to diagnosis. A narrow airway reading on the Pharyngometer correlates to higher Apnea Hypopnea Indices once the person is diagnosed. After diagnosis the pharyngometer helps to show us how the airway changes in repsonse to mandibular advancement. It has been concluded that the pharyngometer was accurate in ruling out patients who would not benefit from oral appliances 95% of the time. Data from Pharyngometer & Rhinometer tests is displayed on an easy-to-read graph.

In order to be diagnosed with sleep apnea an overnight sleep test is required. Historically this meant the patient would have to go visit a sleep lab or sleep center for an overnight study in their facility. This was an inconvenient and costly procedure that most people would prefer to avoid.  Many dental practices use the ARES system which patients can take home and wear in the comfort of their own home and bed while being tested.  The device is as easy to wear as a baseball cap and it records detailed information about sleep quality and any sleep related breathing events that may occur. The data is then uploaded from the machine to the physician colleagues who provide medical interpretation and diagnosis.