Is treatment of Mandibular Advancement Device acceptable to snorers?

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of MAD on snoring by verifying the changes in indicators related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) after wearing a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and to establish or confirm any correlation. Thirty-nine people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea participated in this study. Apnea and Hypopnea Index (AHI), Oxygen Saturation (SaO 2 ) and Snoring Percent (SnP) are calculated using polysomnography to evaluate OSA, and quality of sleep and hypersomnia in the daytime are examined through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Moreover, to determine whether snoring is correlated with OSA, we conducted a correlation analysis by calculating the rate of change between Snoring Percent (SnP) and other variables. AHI, SaO 2 , PSQI, and ESS, but not SnP, were statistically significant, and no significance was revealed after a correlation analysis between SnP and other variables. Thus, this study proposes that it is necessary to pay close attention to the selection and use of MAD with regard to snoring because other causes aside from snoring may be related to the obstruction of the oropharyngeal airway.