[nCPAP therapy and maxillary and mandibular osteotomy compared: attention during the day in obstructive sleep apnea]

11 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and maxillary and mandibular characteristics participated. All patients received nCPAP therapy for at least 3 months. The surgical treatment principle consists of 10 mm maxillary and mandibulary advancement. Cardiorespiratory polysomnography (cPSG) control was assessed 3 months after surgical treatment. The daytime vigilance was investigated using a 90-min 4-choice reaction-time test. Patients reports of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) were confirmed by pre-treatment vigilance testing. Accordingly, daytime vigilance, respiratory and polysomnography patterns were improved with nCPAP and surgical treatment in a likewise manner. The tolerance to monotonous situations increased distinctly with nCPAP as well as after osteotomy. Surgical treatment of OSA in carefully selected cases has positive effects on sleep and daytime vigilance. There were no significant differences in the cPSG nor in vigilance tests with regard to nCPAP therapy.