Comparison of adjustable and fixed oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Elastic Bands Improve Oral Appliance Treatment Effect on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: A Randomised Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

Oral appliances (OAs) that limit mouth opening during sleep, such as monobloc appliances, have shown superior treatment effects in subgroups of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. The application of elastic bands on bibloc appliances may resemble these benefits.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to investigate if application of elastic bands to bibloc appliances improves treatment success (> 50% reduction of respiratory event index (REI)), in addition to other subjective variables. Furthermore, we aimed to identify variables predicting the need for elastic bands in OA treatment.

METHODS

Included patients (n = 69) were randomly assigned to OA treatment with or without elastic bands. After 3 weeks, treatment effect was investigated with home respiratory polygraphy and questionnaires. Thereafter, patients changed treatment modality, with identical follow-up regime. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-squared test to investigate differences between the two treatment modalities, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate variables tentatively associated with treatment success.

RESULTS

Based on REI, the success rate with OA treatment was in favour of elastic bands (53.9% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.002). Male sex and larger maximum mouth opening were identified as predictors for increased treatment success with elastic bands. The main benefit with elastic bands seemed to be greater reduction of REI when supine. However, patients seem to prefer OA without elastic bands.

CONCLUSIONS

Elastic bands improved OA treatment effect by reducing the REI in supine position. Patient groups that seemed to benefit from elastic bands in OA treatment were men with large maximum mouth openings.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a custom-made monoblock mandibular advancement device in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a custom-made monoblock MAD for the treatment of OSAHS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a monocentric retrospective observational study including patients with OSAHS (mild, moderate or severe) or isolated ronchopathy from January 2005 to March 2023. The primary objective was to evaluate the overall efficiency of the MAD assessed by the percentage of patients successfully treated. The secondary objectives included the global efficiency of the device in the treatment of snoring, the report of side effects, and the identification of predictive factors for efficacy or failure.

RESULTS

The medical records of 586 patients were collected, and 293 patients (229 OSAHS and 64 isolated ronchopathy) were included in the analysis. After a mean 2.9 years follow-up, 72.5 % of patients were successfully treated by MAD. We observed a significant improvement in ronchopathy, both in terms of intensity and percentage of time per night. Regarding patients with isolated ronchopathy, 87.5 % reported an improvement in their symptoms and satisfaction with their treatment. Finally, 14.0 % of the patients declared side-effects, the dentoskeletal modifications being the most frequent (6.1 % of the patients).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the long-term efficacy and good tolerance of a custom-made monoblock orthosis in OSAHS.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Indications of Different Types of Mandibular Advancement Design for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Indications from Literature Review and Case Descriptions

BACKGROUND

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are considered a primary alternative treatment for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are unable to tolerate or do not respond to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, supported by substantial scientific evidence. While a range of designs and materials for MADs are commercially available, there is a lack of clear diagnostic guidelines to assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate device based on a multidisciplinary evaluation of OSA patients. This narrative review seeks to outline the key characteristics of MADs that clinicians should evaluate during both the diagnostic and treatment phases for patients with OSA.

METHODS

An extensive search of academic databases was conducted to gather relevant studies that address therapeutic and diagnostic recommendations for the design and titration of MADs. The search was carried out across EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2024. From a total of 1445 identified citations, 1103 remained after duplicate removal. Based on the inclusion criteria, the full text of 202 articles was retrieved, and 70 studies were ultimately included in this review. The extracted data were organized to generate clinical insights, aimed at guiding orthodontists in optimizing diagnostic and decision-making processes for treating OSA patients with MADs.

RESULTS

The analysis led to the identification of key clinical questions that can assist orthodontists in enhancing their approach and choosing the appropriate appliance basing on the diagnosis and clinical dento-orofacial characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Bibloc appliances could be preferred over mono-bloc devices due to the possibility of arranging the mandibular advancement according to the patient's clinical condition and orofacial symptoms. Provisional devices could be used as screening tools to verify the patient's adherence to the therapy. Regardless of the MAD design, type and programmed advancement, it must be under-lined that the rule of the orthodontist/dental specialist is secondary to the other sleep-medicine specialists (ORL, pulmonologist) and must be related to (1) a preliminary assessment of MAD usage (dental anatomical conditions), (2) testing a diagnostic MAD usable during a sleep examination (PSG or DISE), (3) final treatment with a definitive MAD.

Effects of Tongue Strength Training on Patients with Mild to Moderate Sleep-disordered Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives

: Several studies have reported that oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy (OMT) reduces the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, because OMT protocols are often complicated, they take time and effort to implement. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of 8 weeks of simple tongue strength training with a training device.

Methods

: Twenty patients with mild to moderate sleep-disordered breathing were randomized to the control group (n=10) or intervention group (n=10). The patients in the intervention group completed 8 weeks of daily tongue strength training using a training device. After 8 weeks, we evaluated each patient for sleep-disordered breathing by portable monitoring. We also evaluated each patient's body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and tongue pressure.

Results

No significant difference was found in the change in apnea hypopnea index (AHI) from baseline to 8 weeks between the control and intervention groups (P=0.44). However, the changes in neck circumference (P=0.02) and maximum tongue pressure (P=0.03) from baseline to 8 weeks were significantly different between the two groups. No significant difference was found for changes in BMI and ESS scores from baseline to 8 weeks between the two groups.

Conclusions

: Tongue strength training in patients with sleep-disordered breathing did not significantly improve AHI as measured by portable monitoring, although significant changes were observed for increased tongue pressure and reduced neck circumference.

Mandibular advancement device: prescription in adult dental sleep medicine - guideline of the German Society of Dental Sleep Medicine

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may result in severe health onditions, reduces quality of live, and affects high percentages of the adult population. Due to recent changes in the German health care regulations, mandibular advancement devices (MAD) will become available as a treatment option for OSA to a greater extent for general dentists and their patients.

METHODS

A guideline development group consisting of nine members representing four German dental and medical organizations was formed, in order to provide critical information and orientation to the main stakeholders (dentists and patients), regarding the use of MAD for the treatment of OSA within dental sleep medicine.

RESULTS

This guideline aims to inform physicians and dentists, particularly those with acquired qualification/specialization in sleep medicine (or in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders), as well as experts, payers, and patients. It delivers recommendations on technical requirements for MAD prescription and fabrication, clinical procedures, maintenance, and follow-up procedures.

CONCLUSION

A MAD should be designed for long-term therapy and must be a custom made, adjustable, bimaxillary retained two-splint system equipped with adjustable protrusive elements. The fabrication in a dental laboratory should be based on dental impressions or scans and three-dimensional registrations of the starting position taken with a bite gauge.

Obstructive sleep apnea: a review for the orthodontist

INTRODUCTION

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects an important part of the population and is characterized by recurrent total or partial obstruction of the upper airway (UA) during sleep, negatively affecting the quality of life of patients in the short and long terms, and constituting an important public health problem for the society. The field of expertise of orthodontists is closely related to the UA, placing them in a strategic position to diagnose air passage failures and intervene when necessary. Orthodontists, as health professionals, must know how to recognize respiratory problems and manage them appropriately, when indicated.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, this paper aims to review and critically evaluate the related literature, to provide orthodontists with updated knowledge on the diagnosis and therapy related to OSA. Science and technology are constantly evolving; thus, the literature was also reviewed considering new technologies available in consumer-targeted applications and devices for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.

Mandibular Torus as a New Index of Success for Mandibular Advancement Devices

BACKGROUND

In obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), treatment with mandibular advancement devices (MADs) reduces patients' Apnoea-Hypopnoea index (AHI) scores and improves their sleepiness and quality of life. MADs are non-invasive alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate traditional continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The variability of responses to these devices makes it necessary to search for predictors of success. The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of mandibular torus as a predictor of MAD efficacy in OSA and to identify other potential cephalometric factors that could influence the response to treatment.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. The study included 103 patients diagnosed of OSA who met the criteria for initiation of treatment with MAD. Structural variables were collected (cephalometric and the presence or absence of mandibular torus). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the existence of predictive factors for the efficacy of MADs.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients who were consecutively referred for treatment with MAD were included (89.3% men); the mean age of the participants was 46.3 years, and the mean AHI before MAD was 31.4 (SD 16.2) and post- MAD 11.3 (SD 9.2). Thirty-three percent of patients had mandibular torus. Torus was associated with a better response (odds ratio (OR) = 2.854 (p = 0.035)) after adjustment for sex, age, body mass index (BMI; kg/m²), the angle formed by the occlusal plane to the sella-nasion plane (OCC plane to SN), overinjection, and smoking. No cephalometric predictors of efficacy were found that were predictive of MAD treatment success.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a mandibular torus practically triples the probability of MAD success. This is the simplest examination with the greatest benefits in terms of the efficacy of MAD treatment for OSA.

Long-term outcomes regarding arterial stiffness and carotid artery atherosclerosis in female patients with rapid eye movement obstructive sleep apnea

Objective

Rapid eye movement (REM) obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events. Arterial stiffness and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) predict these events, but few relevant studies have been conducted. We compared long-term changes in arterial stiffness and IMT between patients with REM OSA and non-REM (NREM) OSA receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oral appliance (OA) therapy.

Methods

Newly diagnosed female patients with OSA received CPAP (n = 6) or OA (n = 7). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid artery ultrasound were performed before and 60 months after treatment.

Results

There were no differences in baseline characteristics (mean age: 56.0 vs. 61.3 years; mean body mass index: 22.6 vs. 21.7 kg/m²) between the REM OSA and non-REM OSA groups. The median apnea-hypopnea index was lower in the REM OSA group than in the non-REM OSA group. Increased PWV (12.92 ± 1.64 to 14.56 ± 2.73 m/s) and deteriorated glucose metabolism were observed in the REM OSA group after treatment. PWV, IMT, and cardiovascular risk factors were unaffected in the non-REM OSA group.

Conclusion

Arterial stiffness and glucose metabolism are deteriorated in patients with REM OSA compared with these parameters in patients with non-REM OSA after CPAP or OA treatment.

Mandibular advancement device treatment and reverse left ventricular hypertrophic remodeling in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities such as left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Whether OSA is an independent etiological factor for this hypertrophic remodeling is yet unknown. Continuous positive airway pressure partially reverses this hypertrophy, but data regarding the effect of mandibular advancement devices on LV remodeling are scarce. The aim of this prospective trial is to evaluate the effect of mandibular advancement device therapy on LV geometry and function in patients with OSA.

METHODS

At baseline and 6-month follow-up, participants underwent a home sleep apnea test, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and a 2-dimensional Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients (age: 49 ± 11 years; body mass index: 27.0 ± 3.4 kg/m²; baseline apnea-hypopnea index home sleep apnea test: 11.7 [8.2; 24.9] events/h) completed the 6-month follow-up visit. Overall, blood pressure values and parameters of LV function were within normal ranges at baseline and did not change under mandibular advancement device therapy. In contrast, the interventricular septum thickness was at the upper limits of normal at baseline and showed a significant decrease at 6-month follow-up (11.1 ± 2.1 mm vs 10.6 ± 2.0 mm, P = .03). This significant improvement is only found in responders but not in nonresponders. There was no correlation between the decrease of interventricular septum thickness and the change in blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

In mildly obese, normotensive patients with OSA we observed significant reverse hypertrophic remodeling after 6 months of successful mandibular advancement device therapy, with maintained normotensive systemic blood pressure. This suggests that OSA is an independent factor in the pathophysiology of LV hypertrophy in these patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Evaluation of the Cardiovascular Effects of the MAS in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02320877; Identifier: NCT02320877.

CITATION

Dieltjens M, Vanderveken OM, Shivalkar B, et al. Mandibular advancement device treatment and reverse left ventricular hypertrophic remodeling in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(3):903-909.

Optimizing Mandibular Advancement Maneuvers during Sleep Endoscopy with a Titratable Positioner: DISE-SAM Protocol

Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are an effective alternative treatment to CPAP. Different maneuvers were performed during drug sleep-induced endoscopy (DISE) to mimic the effect of MAD. Using the Selector Avance Mandibular (SAM) device, we aimed to identify MAD candidates during DISE using a titratable, reproducible, and measurable maneuver. This DISE-SAM protocol may help to find the relationship between the severity of the respiratory disorder and the degree of response and determine the advancement required to improve the collapsibility of the upper airway. Explorations were performed in 161 patients (132 males; 29 females) with a mean age of 46.81 (SD = 11.42) years, BMI of 27.90 (SD = 4.19) kg/m², and a mean AHI of 26.51 (SD = 21.23). The results showed no relationship between severity and MAD recommendation. Furthermore, there was a weak positive relationship between the advancement required to obtain a response and the disease severity. Using the DISE-SAM protocol, the response and the range of mandibular protrusion were assessed, avoiding the interexaminer bias of the jaw thrust maneuver. We suggest prescribing MAD as a single, alternative, or multiple treatment approaches following the SAM recommendations in a personalized design.

Mandibular advancement device design: A systematic review on outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea treatment

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is often treated with Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs). It is unclear whether particular design features are superior to others in terms of OSA alleviation. In order to facilitate clinical decision-making, this systematic review summarizes the objective and subjective outcomes of different available MAD designs. Studies comparing different MAD designs in OSA treatment were searched. After screening 1887 titles and abstracts, 20 original RCTs and six cohort studies were included. 14 articles were systematically reviewed in a meta-analysis. The decrease in AHI was significantly different between some of the MAD designs. The clinical relevance of the observed differences was however limited. Monoblock appliances performed more favorable, compared to bilateral thrust (effect size:-0.37; CI:-1.81 to 0.07). Midline traction appliances performed more favorable, compared to other designs. Custom appliances performed more favorable, compared to thermoplastic appliances (effect size:0.86; CI:-0.62 to 2.35). Furthermore, there were no clinically relevant differences between MAD designs in reduction of ESS, compliance, preference, side effects, and cost effectiveness. With respect to the included trials, presently there is not one superior custom MAD design in OSA treatment regarding the effect on AHI reduction, ESS improvement, compliance, preference, side effects, cost effectiveness, and other disease-related outcomes. We confirm custom MAD designs perform superior to thermoplastic MAD designs.

Gradual reduction in the STOP score in patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing oral appliance therapy

Purpose In the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is not yet a convenient tool for deciding whether a mandibular advancement oral appliance (OA) is adequately adjusted or when to perform post-treatment sleep-testing. We hypothesized that a gradual reduction in the STOP (snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure) score, i.e., fewer Yes responses in the STOP questionnaire, in patients undergoing OA treatment could be an indicator of better OA adjustment and, thus, the best timing for follow-up polysomnography.Methods The STOP score was recorded at every patient visit when the OA was adjusted ventrally as necessary (i.e., STOP group). We considered that the appropriate timing for follow-up polysomnography was when the STOP score stopped decreasing. A historical control group was established from consecutive patients without a STOP score.Results In the STOP group (n=57), the median (interquartile range) of STOP scores gradually decreased with OA treatment, from 3 (2-3) to 0 (0-1) (p<0.05). While the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was improved in both the STOP group (19±10 to 5±4 /hr, p<0.01) and the control group (n=61; 19±7 to 8±7 /hr, p<0.01), there was a significant difference in follow-up AHI between the two groups (p<0.05) after controlling for gender (male), age, body mass index, and baseline AHI: a superior treatment outcome in the STOP group.Conclusions The appropriate timing for follow-up sleep-testing in OSA patients undergoing OA therapy is when the STOP score stopped decreasing. This evaluation using the STOP score partly resolves the current "trial-and-error nature" of OA adjustment and facilitates proper post-treatment sleep-testing.

Health outcomes of continuous positive airway pressure versus mandibular advancement device for the treatment of severe obstructive sleep apnea: an individual participant data meta-analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The impact of therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement device (MAD) has not been directly compared in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The purpose of this individual participant data meta-analysis was to compare the treatment effects of CPAP and titratable MAD on sleepiness, quality of life, sleep-disordered breathing severity, and sleep structure in patients with severe OSA.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included severe OSA patients were identified in order to compare the impact of the two treatments. Individual data from severe OSA patients were extracted from the databases and pooled for analysis.

RESULTS

Of the seven studies identified, three crossover RCT and one parallel-group RCT corresponding to 151 patients and 249 observations (125 in the CPAP treatment arm and 124 in the MAD treatment arm) were included in the analysis. Titratable MAD had a similar impact to CPAP on major patient-centered outcomes (sleepiness and quality of life). CPAP was more effective in reducing AHI and ODI. However, the two treatments had a similar impact on sleep structure with an increase of N3 and REM sleep. Finally, treatment adherence and preference were largely in favor of MAD.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that MAD represents an effective alternative treatment in severe OSA patients intolerant to CPAP or who prefer alternate therapy.

Clinical and Research Solutions to Manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder disease, affects millions of people. Without appropriate treatment, this disease can provoke several health-related risks including stroke and sudden death. A variety of treatments have been introduced to relieve OSA. The main present clinical treatments and undertaken research activities to improve the success rate of OSA were covered in this paper. Additionally, guidelines on choosing a suitable treatment based on scientific evidence and objective comparison were provided. This review paper specifically elaborated the clinically offered managements as well as the research activities to better treat OSA. We analyzed the methodology of each diagnostic and treatment method, the success rate, and the economic burden on the world. This review paper provided an evidence-based comparison of each treatment to guide patients and physicians, but there are some limitations that would affect the comparison result. Future research should consider the consistent follow-up period and a sufficient number of samples. With the development of implantable medical devices, hypoglossal nerve stimulation systems will be designed to be smart and miniature and one of the potential upcoming research topics. The transcutaneous electrical stimulation as a non-invasive potential treatment would be further investigated in a clinical setting. Meanwhile, no treatment can cure OSA due to the complicated etiology. To maximize the treatment success of OSA, a multidisciplinary and integrated management would be considered in the future.

Predictive Factors for Efficacious Oral Appliance Therapy in Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Oral appliances (OAs) are a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). The main objective of the study was to determine the predictive factors of OA efficacy. The secondary objective was to measure the efficacy rates and determine OAs' tolerance and dropout.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Efficacy results of the OAs based on the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) reduction, complications, and dropout rates were retrospectively collected from 347 patients with a moderate to severe OSAHS treated by a retention OA. The procedure was entirely performed by otolaryngologists.

RESULTS

The AHI with OA was more significantly reduced in patients with a higher initial AHI and a higher initial body mass index but reduction was not related to age and not proportional to the degree of mandibular advancement. The 50% AHI reduction rate after OA was 65.2%, the AHI ≤5/hr rate after OA was 26.1%, and the <50% AHI reduction and residual AHI > 10/hr rate was 50.1%. The OA significantly reduced the mean AHI (-14.9/hr, P < .0001). In 7.8% of patients, the AHI increased with OA. Seven patients (1.5%) experienced adverse effects. Thirty-seven (7.8%) patients stopped using OA mainly because of its ineffectiveness. Advancement can be considered beyond the initial maximal advancement. It can be effective sometimes; however, increasing advancement did not significantly reduce AHI.

CONCLUSIONS

OA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for moderate to severe OSAHS. This treatment was effective for reduction of the AHI ≥50% in two-thirds of cases studied and it should be considered in more cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2089-E2096, 2021.

Use of mandibular advancement devices for the treatment of primary snoring with or without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): A systematic review

The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the available scientific evidence on the benefit of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) in the treatment of primary snoring (PS). From 905 initially identified articles, 18 were selected. Papers that provided indirect information regarding obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and/or sleep breathing disorders (SBD) were included. Information was obtained on monoblock and duoblock appliances from the selected studies. The devices were most commonly able to achieve 50%-70% of the maximum mandibular protrusion. The frequently used outcome measurements were the apnea-hypopnea index, Epworth sleepiness scale, and oxygen desaturation index, which all yielded positive post-treatment results. The most common side effects were temporomandibular joint pain and excessive salivation, which improved with time. Our findings indicated that the use of MADs, even with varying designs, improved outcomes in all the reported patient populations (PS, OSAS, and SBD). Despite the lack of studies on PS, the available evidence supports the use of MADs for treatment of PS. Snoring should be treated from a preventive and psychosocial perspective to avoid progression to more severe diseases that could have a significant medical and economic impact.

Efficacy of oral myofunctional therapy in middle-aged to elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with continuous positive airway pressure

BACKGROUND

Oral myofunctional therapy (MFT) is an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in middle-aged patients. However, few reports have described its use in elderly patients with moderate and severe OSA. Moreover, no studies have examined the relationship between changes in tongue pressure with MFT and the severity of OSA.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted an interventional study using MFT to evaluate the effect of MFT on middle-to-senior-aged patients with moderate or severe OSA and compared changes in apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) and tongue pressure.

METHODS

Thirty-two OSA patients (≥45 years) treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were included. MFT was performed in parallel with CPAP. Three days after CPAP discontinuation, polysomnographies were performed and tongue pressures were measured before and after MFT.

RESULTS

Patients were 69.3 ± 1.5 years old. After 6 months of MFT, AHI decreased significantly from 34.7 to 29.0/h (P = .03), while tongue pressure significantly increased from 35.9 to 45.6 kPa (P < .01). Seven patients (22%), including 6 of the 12 patients with moderate OSA (50%), experienced successful CPAP discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

MFT can be a useful intervention even among middle-aged to elderly patients with OSA. Increased tongue pressure may have contributed to the AHI improvement. Clinical trials: Trial registration at www.umin.ac.jp UMIN000027547.

Effectiveness of different mandibular advancement device designs in obstructive sleep apnoea therapy: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials with meta-analysis

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are used to treat patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). To date, there are no data that identify the most effective MAD design for apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the effectiveness of different MAD designs in AHI reduction and oxygen saturation improvement in OSA patients. An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database, Scopus, Web of Knowledge and LILACS. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the reduction of AHI on adult patients wearing MAD for OSA were included. The quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and the risk of bias by the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised controlled trial. The success rate of each study was computed: [(mean baseline AHI - mean AHI after treatment)/mean baseline AHI]. Fifty RCTs were included. The risk of bias resulted with some concerns in most of the studies. The GRADE scores indicated that the quality of evidence was very low. The meta-analysis showed a success rate with mono-bloc and duo-bloc MADs respectively of 0.821 [0.722-0.887] and 0.547 [0.443-0.637]. The mono-bloc compared with duo-bloc better improved the minimum oxygen saturation (10.048 [7.733-12.363] and 3.357 [2.290-4.423], respectively). There is a very low quality body of evidence that mono-bloc MADs are more effective in reducing AHI and improving minimum oxygen saturation compared with duo-bloc MADs. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (n. CRD42019118084).

Respiratory outcomes after a 1-year treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea with bibloc versus monobloc oral appliances: a multicentre, randomized equivalence trial

Objective: The benefit of bibloc over monobloc appliances in treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has not been evaluated in randomized trials. We hypothesized that these types of appliances would be equally effective.Material and methods: In this multicentre, randomized equivalence trial, patients with OSA received one type of bibloc or one type of monobloc treatment. At baseline, a 1-night polygraphy study was done, and this was repeated after 1 year. The outcome was any change in the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and the limits of equivalence between the two devices were set at ±5 AHI units.Results: Of 302 patients, 146 were randomly assigned to bibloc and 156 to monobloc appliances. In 88 and 104 patients, respectively, there were significant reductions in the AHI (p < .001) with a mean change of -16.7 (95% CI -19.4 to -14.1) in the bibloc and -11.8 (-14.9 to -8.7) in the monobloc groups. The proportions of responders defined as having an AHI <10 were 68% and 65% for the bibloc and monobloc groups, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events were mild, transient and the dropouts were more frequent in the bibloc group.Conclusions: Both types of treatments positively and significantly reduced respiratory disturbances, but at the 1-year follow-up, they were not significantly different in treating OSA, with a numerically greater reduction of the AHI value with the bibloc appliance. However, the higher proportion of treatment-related adverse events and higher proportion of dropouts among bibloc users should be balanced against the advantage of a greater reduction in the AHI.

[Oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnoea: What can we expect?]

INTRODUCTION

Mandibular appliances are a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. There are many designs, but in the literature they tend to be grouped into a single entity without considering that efficiency, tolerance, compliance, or side effects are inherent in the design of each of them. A more detailed literature review is therefore warranted for the reader who wants to understand the relative effectiveness of each appliance.

STATE OF KNOWLEDGE

We conducted a literature search using the "oral appliance" and "obstructive sleep apnea" criteria on Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane. This allowed us to compare outcome parameters by appliance class and to highlight the rare studies comparing different appliances.

CONCLUSIONS

Mandibular appliances are not a homogeneous entity. Common use includes only appliances designed for propulsion (with rods and jacks) and retention. However, the few comparative studies available do not identify which are the most effective types or the types with an optimal efficacy/tolerance ratio.

PERSPECTIVES

Further appliance comparison studies are needed to determine the most effective type or with an optimal efficacy/tolerance ratio.

Oral Appliances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy is increasingly prescribed as a non-invasive treatment option for patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. The custom-made titratable mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are the recommended type of oral appliances. Mandibular advancement devices are efficacious in reducing the severity of obstructive sleep apnea, however, only to a lesser extent than standard therapy using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Although oral appliance therapy is known to reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in most of the patients, one out of three patients still show negligible improvement under MAD therapy. Therefore, the selection of the appropriate candidates for this therapy is imperative and several upfront prediction tools are described. Overall, the health outcome of mandibular advancement device therapy is similar to that of CPAP, probably due to the inferior compliance of CPAP compared to MAD therapy, resulting in similar clinical effectiveness.

Remotely controlled mandibular positioning of oral appliance therapy during polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy compared with conventional subjective titration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: protocol for a randomized crossover trial

BACKGROUND

The amount of mandibular protrusion is a key factor in optimizing the efficacy of mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy in an individual patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. This process is called titration and is generally based on resolution of subjective symptoms like snoring and/or daytime sleepiness as a function of protrusion. An objective approach uses a remotely controlled mandibular positioner (RCMP) during a full-night polysomnography (PSG), in analogy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. More recently, the feasibility of RCMP use during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) titration was reported.

METHODS

This randomized crossover trial will compare DISE-assisted titration to PSG-guided titration, as well as with the conventional subjective titration method. The primary outcome is the actual mandibular protrusive position found to be the most optimal for each tested titration procedure. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy will be compared among the different titration modalities using level 1 sleep studies.

DISCUSSION

Currently, the optimal titration of MAD therapy is most often based on 'trial and error'. The conventional method relies on subjective improvement in symptoms, although this may not provide the most accurate indicator for efficient titration. Therefore, relying on objective criteria in the titration process should be advantageous. In analogy with CPAP, titration of the most optimal mandibular protrusion could be performed using RCMP during an overnight titration PSG. Recently, it was shown that titration under direct visualization of upper airway patency and collapsibility is feasible using the RCMP during DISE. However, no clinical results for such a procedure are as yet available. This study is the first to compare the most optimal mandibular protrusive position according to three titration procedures, as well as to compare the therapeutic efficacy of these titration methods.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03716648 . Registered on 23 October 2018.

Update on oral appliance therapy

Oral appliances are increasingly recommended for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and those who do not tolerate nor prefer continuous positive airway pressure. The most commonly used oral appliance advances the lower jaw during sleep, the so-called mandibular advancement device (MAD). Patients seek treatment because of disturbing snoring, daytime symptoms, apnoeas that disturb sleep and the longer term consequences with regard to cardiovascular risks. MADs reduce the apnoea-hypopnoea index, although to various degrees among patients. Effects on daytime sleepiness have been observed mainly among the more severe OSA patients. Blood pressure may be reduced in MAD-treated OSA patients. There is, however, uncertainty about which patients will respond to this therapy in terms of apnoea reductions, decreased sleepiness and other symptoms, and reduced risk for future impaired health. The occurrence of side-effects also remains difficult to predict at present. The majority of sleep apnoea patients suffer from various comorbidities in terms of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and depression. The most recent findings indicate that phenotyping of patients, considering various aspects of this multifaceted disease, will shed more light on the indications for MADs in patients with nightly sleep breathing disturbances. This review summarises the most recent knowledge about MAD treatment.

The impact of oral appliance therapy with moderate mandibular advancement on obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway volume

Purpose

To find out if a moderate protrusion with a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can significantly increase the upper airway volume and, further, what signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be improved by this maneuver.

Methods

There were 58 adults diagnosed with OSA who were referred for MAD therapy. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 19.2 (SD 8.6). Five indicators of signs and symptoms of OSA (AHI, oxygen saturation, snoring, daytime sleepiness, and health-related quality of life) were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months of MAD therapy. Nasal resistance and airway volume and cross-sectional areas with and without the MAD in situ were recorded. Based on AHI reduction, the treatment response was classified as complete, partial, or non-complete. Statistical analyses included the chi-square, t tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and regression analyses (linear and logistic).

Results

Twenty-three patients attained a complete response (residual AHI < 5 events/h) to MAD therapy. In 13 subjects, the response was partial, and in 9 patients, it was non-complete. The complete responders were significantly younger, and they had a deeper overbite than partial/non-complete responders. A convex profile associated positively, but a vertically restricted throat and increased lower facial height associated negatively with the increase in airway volume.

Conclusions

Excellent MAD therapy outcomes were achieved in most patients. Only age and deep bite had some influence on AHI reduction, indicating multifactorial nature in the response to MAD therapy.

Use of bibloc and monobloc oral appliances in obstructive sleep apnoea: a multicentre, randomized, blinded, parallel-group equivalence trial

Background

The clinical benefit of bibloc over monobloc appliances in treating obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has not been evaluated in randomized trials. We hypothesized that the two types of appliances are equally effective in treating OSA.

Objective

To compare the efficacy of monobloc versus bibloc appliances in a short-term perspective.

Patients and methods

In this multicentre, randomized, blinded, controlled, parallel-group equivalence trial, patients with OSA were randomly assigned to use either a bibloc or a monobloc appliance. One-night respiratory polygraphy without respiratory support was performed at baseline, and participants were re-examined with the appliance in place at short-term follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in the apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI). An independent person prepared a randomization list and sealed envelopes. Evaluating dentist and the biomedical analysts who evaluated the polygraphy were blinded to the choice of therapy.

Results

Of 302 patients, 146 were randomly assigned to use the bibloc and 156 the monobloc device; 123 and 139 patients, respectively, were analysed as per protocol. The mean changes in AHI were −13.8 (95% confidence interval −16.1 to −11.5) in the bibloc group and −12.5 (−14.8 to −10.3) in the monobloc group. The difference of −1.3 (−4.5 to 1.9) was significant within the equivalence interval (P = 0.011; the greater of the two P values) and was confirmed by the intention-to-treat analysis (P = 0.001). The adverse events were of mild character and were experienced by similar percentages of patients in both groups (39 and 40 per cent for the bibloc and monobloc group, respectively).

Limitations

The study shows short-term results with a median time from commencing treatment to the evaluation visit of 56 days and long-term data on efficacy and harm are needed to be fully conclusive.

Conclusion

In a short-term perspective, both appliances were equivalent in terms of their positive effects for treating OSA and caused adverse events of similar magnitude.

Trial registration

Registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT02148510).

Ready-made versus custom-made mandibular advancement appliances in obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs) are an increasingly accepted treatment choice in obstructive sleep apnea management. The ready-made MAAs has questioned the need for a customised MAAs, given the former is more accessible and considerably cheaper. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate both objective and patient-centred outcomes in relation to ready-made and custom-made MAAs s. Biomedical electronic databases, clinical trials registers and Grey literature were searched to January 2017, for randomised controlled trials. Meta-analyses of clinical trials were conducted for a range of objective (apnea-hypopnea index, treatment response) and subjective scales (daytime sleepiness; quality of life; patient preference and adherence). The review included three randomised controlled trials, which revealed low risk of bias. Custom-made MAAs s achieved a significant mean difference in the apnea-hypopnea index (-3.2; 95% confidence interval -5.18, -1.22; p = .004), daytime sleepiness (-0.98; 95% confidence interval -1.97, 0.01; p = .05), observed mean difference in Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire scores (0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.14, 1.38; p = .02), self-reported adherence (6.4-7 nights per week and 5-6.3 hr per night) and expressed preference (p ≤ .001) when compared with the ready-made MAAs s. Custom-made MAAs s offer clear definable advantages, demonstrating significant clinical effectiveness, patient preference and adherence.

Alternative technique to transfer jaw relations for custom mandibular advancement devices: A case report

Background: Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea can be helpful in mild and moderate cases. This clinical report evaluates the efficacy of a protocol that predicts an optimal jaw position and describes the response of a young OSA patient to treatment. Clinical Presentation: A 27-year-old woman was diagnosed with moderate OSA and had an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 25.8/hr. In order to fabricate a custom device, an alternative procedure to determine the optimal protrusion and vertical positioning of the jaw was applied. After a follow-up period of 14 months, her apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) significantly decreased from 25.8 to 1.0 per hr with the appliance. The total number of respiratory events decreased from 211 to 8. Conclusion: Improved polysomnographic parameters showed that the oral device was efficient in treatment. The advantages of the device in this study are that it is comfortable, economical, and simple to fabricate.

The use of oral appliances in obstructive sleep apnea: a retrospective cohort study spanning 14 years of private practice experience

PURPOSE

In 2005, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine stated, "Oral appliances are indicated for use in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who prefer them to CPAP therapy, or who do not respond to, are not appropriate candidates for, or who fail treatment attempts with CPAP." However, this recommendation is based upon variable results from only six studies with more than 100 participants. These studies have assessed the effectiveness of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) in specific groups (military populations, academic institutions, or hospital settings) with no large study conducted in a fee-for-service private practice where the majority of patients receive MADs for OSA. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes of a board-certified dental sleep practitioner managing mild, moderate, and severe OSA using customized titratable MADs. We hypothesize that patients will demonstrate a significant reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) scores after adjusting their customized titratable MADs.

METHODS

This is a 14-year retrospective study design with pre- and post-treatment sleep studies. An AHI score < 10 respiratory events per hour with therapy is defined as treatment success. This study was performed by a single private practitioner.

RESULTS

Of 2419 patient records analyzed, 544 (22%) had pre- and post-treatment sleep studies (89% polysomnograms). Of 510 patients with complete data, 459 (90%) revealed a decrease in AHI score < 10 respiratory events per hour indicating treatment success. Only 51 of these patients (10%) had a final AHI ≥ 10 and were considered treatment failures. Among the patients who lacked post overnight polysomnogram, 66/1921 (3%) discontinued the MAD due to adverse effects. Considering these patients as treatment failures as well, and therefore adding their number to the patients with complete sleep study data, the total treatment failures were 117/576 or 20%. Of the treatment successes, OSA was categorized by AHI at baseline as mild in 170 (34%), moderate in 181 (36%), and severe in 138 (28%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with evaluable data, there was an 80% success rate for treatment of OSA using a custom-fabricated adjustable MAD including substantial numbers of patients with moderate and severe disease.

An update on mandibular advancement devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS). However, the high efficacy of CPAP is offset by intolerance and poor compliance, which can undermine effectiveness. This means that alternatives to CPAP are also necessary. In recent years, oral appliances have emerged as the leading alternative to CPAP. There is now a strong body of evidence supporting their use in OSAHS and clinical guidelines now recommend their use in mild OSAHS and in more severe cases when CPAP fails. These devices are by no means a homogenous group as they differ greatly in both design and action. The most commonly used appliances are mandibular advancement devices (MAD) that increase airway diameter with soft tissue displacement achieved by mandibular protrusion. Despite the growing evidence, there are still barriers to MAD provision. Their effectiveness can be difficult to predict and there is debate about the required level of design sophistication. These uncertainties prevent more widespread inclusion of MAD within clinical sleep services. This review will focus on the efficacy, effectiveness, design features, side-effects of and patient selection for MAD therapy. Comparison will also be made between MAD and CPAP therapy.

A systematic review on the effectiveness of titratable over nontitratable mandibular advancement appliances for sleep apnea

Background

Mandibular advancement appliances are being tested for use in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the effectiveness of titration of these appliances does not have conclusive evidence. Systematic reviews help us to compile all available clinical evidence using statistical principles. Hence, the aim of this systematic review is to identify the effectiveness of titratable over nontitratable mandibular advancement appliances in patients with mild to moderate OSA. This review objective is to identify if titration of these appliances produce significant benefits over fixed appliances.

Materials and Methodology

Electronic databases were searched to identify eligible studies based on set inclusion criteria. Data extraction form was created and the data were extracted. The participants were mild to moderate OSA patients who received mandibular advancement appliances. Studies included a comparison between titratable and nontitratable mandibular advancement appliance.

Results

Of the five included studies, three were observational and two were a randomized trial. All these studies were conducted in adults. The outcome attributes were polysomnographic readings and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). A significant heterogeneity was seen between the eligible studies and hence a meta-analysis could not be performed.

Conclusion

The results from this systematic review did not show significant advantages of titratable appliances, although titratable appliances performed better from individual studies as regards to reduction in AHI and polysomnography. The reason is the lack of sufficient clinical trials on the same. More high quality randomized controlled trials comparing titratable and fixed appliances have to be initiated to get to conclusive evidence.

Treating OSA: Current and emerging therapies beyond CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, adherence to CPAP is limited and non-CPAP therapies are frequently explored. Oral appliance (OA) therapy is currently widely used for the treatment of snoring, mild, moderate and severe OSA. The most commonly used and studied OA consists of a maxillary and mandibular splint which hold the lower jaw forward during sleep. The efficacy of OA is inferior to CPAP; however, the effectiveness as measured by sleepiness, quality of life, endothelial function and blood pressure is similar likely due to higher acceptance and subjective adherence. Upper airway stimulation augments neural drive by unilaterally stimulating the hypoglossal nerve. The Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR) study enrolled 126 patients and demonstrated a 68% reduction in OSA severity. A high upfront cost and variable response are the main limitations. Oropharyngeal exercises consist of a set of isometric and isotonic exercises involving the tongue, soft palate and lateral pharyngeal wall. The collective reported trials (n = 120) showed that oropharyngeal exercises can ameliorate OSA and snoring (~30-40%). Nasal EPAP devices consist of disposable one-way resister valve. A systematic review (n = 345) showed that nasal EPAP reduced OSA severity by 53%. The Winx device consists of a mouthpiece placed inside the oral cavity that is connected by tubing to a console that generates negative pressure. Winx may provide successful therapy for ~30-40% of OSA patients. In conclusion, several non-CPAP therapies to treat OSA are currently available.

Tratamiento con dispositivos orales para síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS)

El objetivo de este artículo es mejorar la práctica con dispositivos orales (DO) por parte del odontólogo tratante, al alcanzar una adecuada selección del DO y brindar seguridad y efectividad al paciente. Con el uso de estos, se intenta disminuir la frecuencia o duración de los eventos respiratorios. Los DO están indicados en pacientes con ronquido primario, síndrome de apnea-hipopnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) leve-moderado y SAHOS severo que no quieran o no toleren tratamiento con presión positiva. Además, se clasifican en aparatos de retención de lengua, aparatos no ajustables y ajustables, siendo estos últimos los más recomendados por ser dispositivos de avance mandibular (DAM), pues son hechos a la medida, ajustables y de arco dual. Su mecanismo de acción consiste en protruisión del maxilar inferior, adelantamiento del hueso hioides y apertura mandibular.Los DAM son más eficaces en pacientes jóvenes, con menor índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia de cuello reducida, SAHOS posicional y mandíbula retrognática. Se pueden presentar efectos adversos como salivación excesiva, cambios oclusales y trastornos temporomandibulares. Se ha demostrado que los DAM tienen un impacto en la disminución del índice de apnea-hipopnea (IAH) y somnolencia diurna, mejoría en la oxigenación nocturna, función cardiovascular, calidad de vida y comportamiento neurocognitivo. Asimismo, los DAM son superiores al tratamiento con presión positiva de vía aérea (PAP) en adherencia. Se sugiere que la terapia combinada de DAM con PAP y otros tratamientos es promisoria para aquellos pacientes que responden de manera insuficiente a la monoterapia.

Update on Oral Appliance Therapy for OSA

Purpose of Review

The majority of the adult population is affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to recent epidemiological research. Oral appliance (OA) therapy is increasingly recommended, particularly for patients with milder OSA. This review updates the evidence in favor of OA therapy.

Recent Findings

A high level of evidence shows that OA is effective in the treatment of OSA, but continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is more efficient. Higher adherence with OAs may compensate for this difference. Daytime sleepiness is better treated with CPAP than with OA in patients with severe OSA. In patients with milder OSA, it is unclear whether sleepiness is significantly reduced. The long-term effectiveness of OAs is uncertain because of side-effects and the risk of OSA deterioration.

Summary

OAs are effective, but their efficacy is more variable than that of CPAP. More research is needed about the mechanism of action of OA, subjective effects and long-term health outcomes.

Verifying the Relative Efficacy between Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy and Its Alternatives for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Network Meta-analysis

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common breathing disorder, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy together with its alternatives has been developed to treat this disease. This network meta-analysis (NMA) was aimed to compare the efficacy of treatments for OSA. Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for eligible studies. A conventional and NMA was carried out to compare all therapies. Sleeping characteristics, including Apnea–Hypopnea Index (AHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), arterial oxygen saturation, and arousal index (AI), and changes of blood pressure were selected as outcomes. A total of 84 studies were finally included after rigorous screenings. For the primary outcomes of AHI and ESS, the value of auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP), CPAP, and oral appliance (OA) all showed statistically reduction compared with inactive control (IC). Similar observation was obtained in AI, with treatments of the three active interventions. A lower effect of IC in SaO₂ was exhibited when compared with APAP, CPAP, and OA. Similar statistically significant results were presented in 24 h systolic blood pressure and 24 h DBP when comparing with CPAP. Our NMA identified CPAP as the most efficacious treatment for OSA patients after the evaluation of sleeping characteristics and blood pressures. In addition, more clinical trials are needed for further investigation due to the existence of inconsistency observed in this study.

An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Impact of Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

BACKGROUND

Mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder in adults; however, whether mild OSA has significant neurocognitive and cardiovascular complications is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

The specific goals of this Research Statement are to appraise the evidence regarding whether long-term adverse neurocognitive and cardiovascular outcomes are attributable to mild OSA in adults, evaluate whether or not treatment of mild OSA is effective at preventing or reducing these adverse neurocognitive and cardiovascular outcomes, delineate the key research gaps, and provide direction for future research agendas.

METHODS

Literature searches from multiple reference databases were performed using medical subject headings and text words for OSA in adults as well as by hand searches. Pragmatic systematic reviews of the relevant body of evidence were performed.

RESULTS

Studies were incongruent in their definitions of "mild" OSA. Data were inconsistent regarding the relationship between mild OSA and daytime sleepiness. However, treatment of mild OSA may improve sleepiness in patients who are sleepy at baseline and improve quality of life. There is limited or inconsistent evidence pertaining to the impact of therapy of mild OSA on neurocognition, mood, vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, stroke, and arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence that treatment of mild OSA in individuals who demonstrate subjective sleepiness may be beneficial. Treatment may also improve quality of life. Future research agendas should focus on clarifying the effect of mild OSA and impact of effective treatment on other neurocognitive and cardiovascular endpoints as detailed in the document.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Twin-Block and Fixed Oral Appliances in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of twin-block (i.e., allows mouth opening) and fixed (i.e., maintains mouth closure) mandibular advancement splints (MASs) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2011 to 2013, 23 patients with OSA in the twin-block group, and from 2013 to 2015, 29 patients in the fixed MAS group were included. All patients underwent polysomnography before and after 3 months of treatment. The two sets of polysomnographic and cephalometric variables were compared.

RESULTS

A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in the apnea-hypopnea index before and after MAS treatment in both groups (twin-block group: 20.6 ± 11.5 vs. 14.7 ± 9.4; fixed group: 21.4 ± 15.2 vs. 11.2 ± 9.7). In the twin-block group, 5 patients (21.7%) were complete responders, 9 (39.1%) were fair responders, and 9 (39.1%) were nonresponders; the corresponding figures for the fixed group were 14 (48.3%), 9 (31.0%), and 6 (20.7%) patients. A significant between-group difference was observed in the distribution of responders (p = 0.046). The fixed group showed a significant improvement in the snoring index (p = 0.003), arousal index (p = 0.036), and desaturation rate (p = 0.012). Finally, the change in incisal overjet was larger in the fixed group than in the twin-block group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that fixed oral appliances are superior in treating OSA, based on their ability to prevent mouth opening and reduce incisal overjet.

A Comparison of Different Success Definitions in Non-Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Cardiopulmonary Coupling

STUDY OBJECTIVES

The definition and the criteria for the successful treatment of obstructive sleep apnea vary, depending on the study. This study aimed to compare different success criteria of non-continuous positive airway pressure (non-CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in terms of sleep quality by using cardiopulmonary coupling.

METHODS

We included 98 patients who had been treated with sleep surgery or with a mandibular advancement device at our sleep clinic from January 2011 to March 2013. The success and failure groups were divided by 6 criteria that have been used in the literature. The validity of each of the 6 criteria was evaluated by cardiopulmonary coupling-based sleep quality.

RESULTS

The parameters of cardiopulmonary coupling indicated that sleep quality improved with non-CPAP treatment: low-frequency coupling decreased from 57.4% ± 17.7% to 46.9% ± 16.5%, whereas high-frequency coupling increased from 30.2% ± 17.1% to 37.4% ± 16.7%. In multiple regression analysis, only the criterion of a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index greater than 50% was significantly associated with sleep quality improvement (p = 0.016; 95% confidence interval, 1.008-1.076 in the high-frequency coupling increment; p = 0.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.025-1.099 in the low-frequency coupling decrement).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiopulmonary coupling analysis showed that a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index of more than 50% might be the optimal criterion to determine the success or failure of non-CPAP treatment in terms of sleep quality.

The size and behavior of the human upper airway during inhalation of aerosols

INTRODUCTION

The mouth, the pharynx and the larynx are potential sites of aerosol deposition in the upper airway during inhalation of aerosolized drugs. The right angle bend of the lumen at the back of the mouth, the position of the tongue, the variable size and shape of the lumen in the pharynx and the larynx, and the breathing pattern could increase aerosol deposition in the upper airway and decrease lung deposition. Areas covered: In this review, the anatomy of the upper airway from the oral cavity to the glottis and the impact of mandibular protrusion and incisal opening on the size of the upper airway are highlighted. In addition, the impact of inhalation maneuvers, inhaler mouthpiece geometries and a stepped mouthpiece on the size of the upper airway are discussed. Expert opinion: The structure of the upper airway lumen does not have a fixed cross sectional area and is susceptible to both constriction and distension during inhalation. The size of the upper airway can be enlarged through mandibular protrusion and/or incisal opening which might decrease aerosol deposition in the upper airway and increase lung deposition.

Obstructive sleep apnea treated with custom-made bibloc and monobloc oral appliances: a retrospective comparative study

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this hypothesis-generating retrospective study was to compare the effect of monobloc and bibloc (Narval™) appliances on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the total cost of treatment during the first year of treatment.

METHODS

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) subjects treated with a monobloc or bibloc during two different time periods were identified from medical records and data were extracted. Subjects treated with either of the appliances passed the same primary examination, follow-up visits, and follow-up polygraphic examination. A 1-year clinical follow-up was made on the bibloc group.

RESULTS

The study analysis included 110 monobloc- and 55 bibloc-treated subjects with baseline mean AHI of 23 and 22, respectively. AHI responders (AHI < 10 and/or a ≥50 % reduction of baseline AHI) were seen at follow-up in 61 % of the monobloc group and 56 % of the bibloc group. The improvement of the AHI value was similar in the two groups, with mean declines of 12.7 and 13.8, respectively. The ODI (oxygen desaturation index), lowest SpO₂, longest apnea, and the mean Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) score were significantly reduced by 3.1 (monobloc) and 2.2 (bibloc), i.e., at the same level for both groups. The total direct cost of treatment for a 1-year treatment was 17 % higher for the bibloc-treated subjects than for the monobloc-treated subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the monobloc and bibloc appliances are equally effective but the cost of treatment over 1 year was higher with the bibloc. However, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to adequately test the assumption that the two treatment modalities are equally effective.

Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of oral mandibular advancement devices and continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea (OSAH) causes excessive daytime sleepiness, impairs quality-of-life, and increases cardiovascular disease and road traffic accident risks. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment and mandibular advancement devices (MAD) have been shown to be effective in individual trials but their effectiveness particularly relative to disease severity is unclear. A MEDLINE, Embase and Science Citation Index search updating two systematic reviews to August 2013 identified 77 RCTs in adult OSAH patients comparing: MAD with conservative management (CM); MAD with CPAP; or CPAP with CM. Overall MAD and CPAP significantly improved apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) (MAD -9.3/hr (p < 0.001), CPAP -25.4 (p < 0.001)). In direct comparisons mean AHI and Epworth sleepiness scale score were lower (7.0/hr (p < 0.001) and 0.67 (p = 0.093) respectively) for CPAP. There were no CPAP vs. MAD trials in mild OSAH but in comparisons with CM, MAD and CPAP reduced ESS similarly (MAD 2.01 (p < 0.001); CPAP 1.23 (p = 0.012). Both MAD and CPAP are clinically effective in the treatment of OSAH. Although CPAP has a greater treatment effect, MAD is an appropriate treatment for patients who are intolerant of CPAP and may be comparable to CPAP in mild disease.

Novel Approaches to the Management of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

In the last several years, a variety of novel approaches to the treatment of sleep-disordered breathing have emerged. This new technology holds promise in serving to re-engage with patients who have previously been lost to follow-up due to continuous positive airway pressure intolerance. With more tools at our disposal, in turn more options can be offered to patients' growing demand for alternatives that are tailored to their individual needs. The key to proper deployment of alternative therapies will often depend on identification of certain phenotypic traits that trend toward a reasonable response to a given therapy.

Obstructive sleep apnoea: patients' experiences of oral appliance treatment

Over the past few decades, there has been a pronounced increase in the number of patients being treated by general dental practitioners for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to survey the care and patient experiences and the self-reported effectiveness of OSA treatment with an oral appliance (OA) incorporating mandibular advancement. The design was a retrospective, cross-sectional study, with follow-up between 6 months to 1 year after commencement of treatment. A survey form was posted to 1150 subjects, identified in the regional register over a 1-year period as having been treated with an OA for OSA. The questionnaire comprised 70 questions and assertions in various domains, such as general health/lifestyle, changes in symptoms/quality of life and sleep-related experiences, daytime sleepiness, changes in life situation, evaluation of treatment and the value of treatment. The overall response rate was 64% (n = 738). Treatment with OA gave relief of symptoms in 83% of the respondents. Quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms improved significantly in patients who used the appliance frequently (P < 0·001). Daytime sleepiness decreased significantly (P < 0·001). Treatment satisfaction and willingness to recommend the similar treatment to a friend were high (>85%). OA treatment of OSA by general dental practitioners is a safe procedure. Most of the survey respondents experienced relief of symptoms. Those who used their appliance frequently reported improvement in quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms. Excessive daytime sleepiness was reduced in the majority of the patients under treatment.

Italian recommendations on dental support in the treatment of adult obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS)

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present article is to present a set of proposed clinical recommendations aimed at Italian dentists involved in the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or snoring.

METHODS

With the purpose of creating a study group, some of the most important Italian scientific societies operating in fields relevant to the issue of sleep medicine in dentistry were asked to appoint a representative. Each member of the study group was required to answer questions regarding the clinical management of OSAS and snoring.

RESULTS

Oral appliances can be used to treat: - simple snoring, in patients who do not respond to, or do not appear to be suitable candidates for behavioral measures such as weight loss or positional therapy; - mild or moderate OSAS, in patients who prefer OAs to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or who are not suitable candidates for CPAP, because of its failure or failure of behavioral approaches like weight loss or positional therapy; - severe OSAS, in patients who do not respond to or do not tolerate CPAP and in whom no indication for either maxillofacial or ENT surgery appears applicable.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of oral appliances is highly desirable in cases of simple snoring or mild to moderate OSAS, whereas considerable caution is warranted when treating severe OSAS. It is fundamental to ensure that the patient understands his problem and, at the same time, to present all the various treatment options.