Treatment of sleep apnoea using a mandibular advancement splint : an open prospective study

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may cause considerable disturbances, including the development of health problems. This study was performed in order to evaluate the results of treating OAS with a mandibular advancement splint (MAS), and to evaluate the effects of this treatment. This was a prospective open longitudinal study. Ninety patients were randomly selected and included in the study. All 90 patients received an MAS. Forty-eight patients concluded the study, whereas 27 dropped-out and 15 were excluded. The sleep pattern was monitored at home with portable equipment. There was a clear tendency towards a reduction in the apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI) and the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) between the two investigations. Furthermore, there was a tendency towards reduced sleep apnoea; ratings on the Epworth sleepiness scale were lower, indicating a reduction in daytime sleepiness. Treatment with MAS in our study reduced sleep apnoea and snoring, and lowered the values of the Epworth sleepiness scale, indicating a reduction in daytime sleepiness in the majority of the patients. Lifestyle factors are not believed to have affected the results.

Nyckelord

Obstructive sleep apnoea

mandibular advancement splint

snoring

BMI

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