ABSTRACT
The study objectives were to describe the changes in signs and symptoms of obstructive
sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring using a mandibular protruding device (MPD) and to define
the group of responders. The design of the study was a nonrandomized, open-labeled,
prospective clinical study with a duration of 6 months. The setting was a hospital
sleep laboratory and an ear, nose, and throat and dental outpatient clinic. Patients
included 35 individuals treated: 22 with a diagnosis of OSA and 13 who snored without
apnea.
The intervention before MPD prescription entailed a medical examination, a one-night
somnographic registration, a questionnaire, and a clinical jaw function examination.
All procedures were iterated at the 6-month follow-up. When the patients used the
MPD, the subjective symptoms decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Twenty-four of the 35 patients were classified as responders, i.e., reduced
their symptoms ≥50%. In the groups of OSA patients, the mean peak intensity of the
snoring sound decreased from 71.6 dB to 62.0 dB (p < 0.001) and in the group of snorers, from 63.5 dB to 57.5 dB (p < 0.05). Eighteen of the 22 OSA patients decreased their ODI values by ≥50% (responders).
The mean ODI decreased from 15.4 to 3.5 (p < 0.001) and the blood oxygen saturation, SaO2 nadir, increased from mean 81.9 to 85.7 (n.s.). Most patients with tongue base hyperplasia
were classified as responders to the MPD treatment.
In conclusion, a 6-month perspective shows that the MPD could be an effective treatment
in reducing signs and symptoms of OSA and/or snoring, the compliance was acceptable
and only minor adverse events occurred.
KEYWORD
Snoring - obstructive sleep apnea - mandibular advancement - dental appliance
