Case study
Makrolon® 2858 and SmartGuard Rx Inc. helps patients who involuntarily snore get a good night’s sleep
For the latest formulation of its SmartGuard® Anti-Snore product, designed to alleviate snoring, SmartGuard® chose Covestro’s Makrolon® 2858 polycarbonate resin for its combination of strength and biocompatibility.
SmartGuard Rx Inc. was co-founded by dentist Dr. David Spainhower and Brian Larsen in 2010 to market their patented mouthguard that reduces nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism. Spainhower and Larsen recently developed an Anti-Snore Device and needed a material that was also strong enough to withstand the massive pressures teeth-grinding can produce (as much as 10 times the force of chewing) without failing. Makrolon® 2858 fit
From an early age, Dr. Spainhower suffered from the effects of clenching and grinding. The experience motivated Spainhower and Larson to design a night guard, as well as an Anti-Snore Device. The goal was a device that is not only highly effective for a wide range of patients, but also affordable to anyone seeking relief. This required identifying the correct polycarbonate blend to meet all of the devices unique and exacting needs.
The result was the SmartGuard® Anti Snore product. The device offers an adjustable customizable fit for superior comfort, allows the mouth to open while wearing, aids users in achieving a more restful sleep, and ultimately reduces disruption for anyone sleeping nearby.
After researching and testing available options, Dr. Spainhower chose Covestro’s biocompatible, medical grade polycarbonate resin Makrolon® 2858 as the main support material for SmartGuard®. Makrolon® 2858 is lightweight, transparent, and impact resistant with medium viscosity and good hydrolysis resistance.
With their design complete, Dr. Spainhower and Brian Larson needed to find a suitable material for mass production that was to find a biocompatible material strong enough to hold the jaw forward, allow for natural mouth movement and unrestricted airflow, while withstand teeth grinding.
After researching and testing available options, they chose Covestro’s biocompatible, medical grade polycarbonate resin Makrolon® 2858 as the main support material for SmartGuard®. Makrolon® 2858 is lightweight, transparent, and impact resistant with medium viscosity and good hydrolysis resistance.
Our materials are enhancing the quality of life for so many who suffer from involuntary teeth-grinding, and snoring. There is truly nothing more rewarding than seeing our materials positively impact people’s lives. With Covestro’s Makrolon® 2858 polycarbonate, we were able to create a strong material to meet the demand of the SmartGuard® design.
Key Benefits
- Physical strength Strong enough to hold jaw forward.
- Biocompatible Medically safe to be worn in the mouth all night, every night.
- Color options Available in transparent and opaque colors
