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Published on: December 6, 2016
Randomised cross-over study of oral appliances for snoring
J Maguire1, J G Steele, G J Gibson
1School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Summary
Both mandibular advancement splints and bite raising appliances effectively reduce snoring symptoms in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. No significant difference was found between the two treatment methods for snoring reduction.
Area of Science:
- Dental Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) significantly impact quality of life.
- Oral appliances are a common treatment modality for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) against a control bite raising appliance (BRA) in treating snoring with or without mild OSAS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, two-treatment, cross-over clinical trial was conducted.
- Fifty-two participants with snoring or mild OSAS were recruited.
- Participants used both MAS and BRA for 4 weeks each, with a 3-week washout period, and completed symptom questionnaires (SSI, ESS).
Main Results:
- Both MAS and BRA significantly reduced Snoring Symptoms Inventory (SSI) scores compared to baseline (P=0.013 for MAS, P=0.005 for BRA).
- No statistically significant difference in SSI reduction was observed between MAS and BRA (P > 0.05).
- MAS showed a significant reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) (P=0.02), while BRA did not (P=0.4); however, the difference in ESS change between the two appliances was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Both MAS and BRA appear effective in reducing snoring symptoms in patients with snoring and/or mild OSAS.
- There was no significant difference in the magnitude of snoring symptom reduction between the two types of oral appliances.
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