Study, Design and Prototyping of Oral Appliances to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

The purpose of an Oral Appliances (OA) is treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), primary snoring and associated symptoms. OAs is intended to decrease the frequency and duration of apneas, hypopneas, respiratory efforts related arousals (RERAs) and snoring events. Oral appliances (OAs) are devices intended to protrude and help stabilize the mandible mechanically during the night in order to reduce the collapsibility of the upper airway during sleep. A custom OA is fabricated using digital or physical impressions and models of an individual patient's oral structures. It is made of biocompatible materials and engages both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The perfect OA has not yet been designed. For these reasons, the objective of this paper is to present a new customizable and adjustable chairside OA. The device integrates the best characteristics of the previous designs and minimizes inconveniences and possible side effects. The design prerequisites were: effectiveness treatment of OSA and snoring, easy assembly and titration, safety, comfortable and not bulky, good retention, low cost, durable, easy cleaning and adaptable to the shape of adult dental arch.