‘Shark Tank’ to feature Texas doctor’s ‘instant hiccup relief’ device. What’s HiccAway?
A product that promises to “instantly relieve hiccups” will soon be featured on “Shark Tank” as a Texas doctor pitches the device he invented to investors.
HiccAway was created by doctor Ali Seifi, an associate professor of neurosurgery and the director of the neurological ntensive care unit at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
The episode airs at 7 p.m. CT Friday, Jan. 21, on ABC, where Seifi will be seen trying to convince “The Sharks” to invest in his business. He says HiccAway eliminates the need for “silly remedies” by instantly stopping hiccups.
What is HiccAway?
The HiccAway website describes the product as “a safe, effective, and a reliable way to get rid of hiccups.”
The sipping device, which looks and is used like a straw, is said to instantly cure hiccups by creating enough pressure that will cause the diaphragm to lower and activate the epigloss (the “leaf-shaped flap in the throat”).
When that happens, HiccAway says the two nerves responsible for hiccups will be stimulated, allowing your brain to stop hiccups.
“Sounds complicated but HiccAway will do all the work,” the website says, “all you need to do is sip some water & witness instant hiccup relief!”
In a video of adults and children sipping through the HiccAway straw to cure their hiccups, one woman said it took just one sip to work.
A research letter in the journal JAMA Network Open says a study — of which Seifi was an author — found that out of 249 people, 92% reported their hiccups stopping after using the device.
How was HiccAway created?
The device was invented by Seifi after working with patients who were suffering and uncomfortable from hiccups caused by neurological injuries, according to the product website.
“He realized that there had to be a simple way to relieve this unnecessary discomfort,” the website says. “In his 25 year profession, he had seen solutions and remedies for hundreds of pains, aches and problems, except for one…hiccups. He was determined to create a solution. And after a couple years of testing and countless variations he developed HiccAway!”
This story was originally published January 20, 2022 at 3:59 PM with the headline "‘Shark Tank’ to feature Texas doctor’s ‘instant hiccup relief’ device. What’s HiccAway?."