Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy Research Articles

Effect of mandibular advancement splint therapy on cardiac autonomic function in obstructive sleep apnoea.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy on cardiac autonomic function in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Electrocardiograms (ECG) derived from polysomnograms (PSG) of three prospective studies were used to study HRV of patients with OSA before and after MAS treatment. HRV parameters were averaged across the entire ECG signal during N2 sleep using 2-min epochs shifted by 30s. Paired t-tests were used to compare PSG and HRV measures before and after treatment, and the percent change in HRV measures was regressed on the percent change in apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI). In 101 patients with OSA, 72% were Caucasian, 54% men, the mean age was 56±11 years, BMI 29.8±5.3 kg/m2, and treatment duration was 4.0±3.2 months. After MAS therapy, there was a significant reduction in OSA severity (AHI, - 18 ± 16 events per hour, p < 0.001) and trends towards increased low-frequency to high-frequency ratio, low-frequency power, and reduced high-frequency power (LF:HF, - 0.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.01; LF, - 3 ± 16 nu, p = 0.02, HF, 3.5 ± 13.7 nu, p = 0.01). Change in NN intervals correlated with the change in AHI (β(SE) = - 2.21 (0.01), t = - 2.85, p = 0.005). No significant changes were observed in the time-domain HRV markers with MAS treatment. The study findings suggestthat successful MAS treatment correlates with changes in HRV, specifically the lengthening of NN intervals, a marker for improved cardiac autonomic adaptability.

Innovations in mandibular advancement splint therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea

Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy emerged as an effective therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in the mid 1990s, and is now the leading treatment alternative for OSA. Since its inception, the field has seen a suite of revisions and advances in relation to design and customisation, fabrication, titration methods, response prediction models and the integration of data collection technology. This paper reviews these current and emerging innovations in MAS therapy and their impact upon sleep apnoea management.

Development of a Novel Intra-oral Senor System for Monitoring Nightly Efficacy and Compliance with Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Development of a Novel Intra-oral Senor System for Monitoring Nightly Efficacy and Compliance with Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy.

Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy is the leading alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. A MAS is an oral appliance which advances the mandible in relation to the maxilla, thus increasing airway calibre and reducing collapsibility. Although it is less effective than CPAP in reducing the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), it has demonstrated equivalence to CPAP in a number of key neurobehavioural and cardiovascular health outcomes, perhaps due to increased tolerability and patient adherence when compared to CPAP. However, response to MAS is variable, and reliable prediction tools for patients who respond best to MAS therapy have thus far been elusive; this is one of the key clinical barriers to wider uptake of MAS therapy. In addition, the most effective MAS devices are custom-made by a dentist specialising in the treatment of sleep disorders, which may present financial or accessibility barriers for some patients. MAS devices are generally well tolerated but may have side effects including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, hypersalivation, tooth pain and migration as well as occlusal changes. A patient-centred approach to treatment from a multidisciplinary team perspective is recommended. Evidence-based clinical practice points and areas of future research are summarised at the conclusion of the chapter.

P081 Assessment of Change in Palatoglossus Length with Mandibular Advancement and Relationship to Response to Mandibular Advancement Splint Therapy in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Abstract Background The palatoglossus is a muscle of the soft palate extending from the palatine aponeurosis inferolaterally along the pharyngeal wall inserting at the posterolateral surface of the tongue. Palatoglossal stimulation dilates the retropalatal space in subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Whether there is alteration in palatoglossus length during mandibular advancement and how this relates to Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) outcomes is unknown. Methods Participants with OSA referred for MAS underwent upper airway MRI with and without mandibular advancement. The linear distance between the origin of the palatoglossus muscle at the palatine aponeurosis and its insertion at the tongue was measured to approximate palatoglossus length. The difference in measured lengths with and without mandibular advancement was calculated. Change in palatoglossus with advancement was compared to treatment outcomes. Progress to date 71 participants with mean±SD AHI 26.0±16.1 events/hr were included in our study. Mean±SD palatoglossus length was 49.58±5.74mm. With mandibular advancement, mean±SD palatoglossus length was 51.21±5.46mm this was a significant change in length of mean±SD 1.63±4.3mm. This was a mean±SD 4.79±9.08% alteration in length with mandibular advancement. Treatment response was not significantly related to change in palatoglossus length (p&amp;gt; 0.05). Intended outcome and Impact Our intention was to demonstrate significant length alteration in palatoglossus with mandibular advancement and correlate this to treatment outcome. This may highlight palatoglossus as a target for MAS or other OSA therapies for future clinicians.

P013 A pilot study for ultrasound examination of the pterygomandibular raphe to predict efficacy of mandibular advancement splint therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract Background A lack of predictive indicators for mandibular advancement splint (MAS) efficacy limits their use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The absence of a tendinous pterygomandibular raphe (PMR) in the lateral nasopharynx on MRI may predict MAS efficacy, however MRI is time and resource intensive. We aimed to assess the feasibility of ultrasound in determining PMR absence compared to MRI. Methods 10 healthy participants were recruited to undergo both MRI and ultrasound of the lateral airway. Surrounding anatomical landmarks were examined to establish the presence or absence of the PMR. These results will be compared to MRI to determine parameters on ultrasound which correlate to an absent PMR. Progress to date 8 of the 10 participants have undergone both MRI and ultrasound, of which half were women, mean age 53 years, mean BMI 28 and mean AHI 3. In all 8 participants so far parameters for assessment of the PMR were identified and described, including presence of anatomical landmarks, localisation and width of the PMR space, and presence of a hyperechoic structure within the space. Comparison of these parameters with MRI to determine predictors of PMR presence or absence is currently underway. Intended outcome and impact Validation of ultrasound in the assessment for presence or absence of a tendinous PMR will enable further study of this structure as a predictive marker for MAS efficacy in OSA. This could assist clinicians in identifying suitable patients for MAS therapy.

Reasons for failure of mandibular advancement splint therapy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the reasons for poor adaptation to mandibular advancement splint (MAS) treatment. Methods: The study consisted of 44 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who had unsuccessful MAS treatment. Data were collected on age, body mass index, gender, general and mental diseases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) tryout, usage of occlusal splint, dental overjet, temporomandibular disorders, shortened dental arch, sleep apnea severity, and Apnea-Hypopnea Index. Sixty patients who underwent successful MAS treatment were controls. Results: Patients with missing molars failed significantly more often in MAS therapy than the controls (p = 0.020). Patients with CPAP tryout prior to MAS treatment had a tendency to fail MAS treatment. MAS treatment was more likely to be successful in patients with prior occlusal splint experience (p = 0.050). Conclusion: The study could not identify a single reason for MAS failure.

Comparative effects of CPAP and mandibular advancement splint therapy on blood pressure variability in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with increased blood pressure variability (BPV) and are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess the comparative effects of two OSA therapies, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement splint (MAS), on BPV. MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a previously published randomised crossover trial of one month each of CPAP and MAS therapy. BPV was determined from 24-h-ambulatory blood pressure recordings in 92 patients with moderate to severe OSA at baseline and after one month of optimised treatment with each modality. BPV was assessed by three measures: Standard deviation of the mean (SD), Coefficient of variation (CoV), and the Average Real Variability (ARV) index. ResultsNeither CPAP nor MAS therapy improved BPV, with no difference between treatments. BPV did not change in hypertensive OSA patients, however, there was a reduction in ARV of diastolic blood pressure in the effectively treated compared to ineffectively treated CPAP patients, Δ ARV 24-h-DBP (mmHg), −0.72 ± 2.14, 0.34 ± 1.52, P = 0.02, respectively. There was no difference between effective versus ineffective MAS treatment, Δ ARV 24-h-DBP (mmHg), −0.04 ± 2.4, 0.02 ± 1.9, P = 1.00, respectively. ConclusionsOne month of optimised CPAP or MAS therapy did not improve short term BPV in patients with moderate to severe OSA. The subgroup of patients on effective CPAP showed some improvement in BPV with CPAP but not MAS. Further work on the effect of OSA therapy on BPV following long-term therapy is needed.

Mandibular advancement splint response is associated with the pterygomandibular raphe.

To investigate whether the presence of tendinous PMR could predict treatment outcome and how it affects lateral wall mechanical properties. Mandibular advancement increases the lateral dimensions of the nasopharyngeal airway via a direct connection from the airway to the ramus of the mandible. The anatomical structure in this region is the pterygomandibular raphe (PMR), but a tendinous component is not always present. Whether tendon presence influences treatment outcome is unknown. In total, 105 participants with obstructive sleep apnea completed detailed anatomical magnetic resonance imaging with and without mandibular advancement. The study design was case-control. Variables were compared between participants with and without the tendon present. The amount of maximum mandibular advancement decreased when pterygomandibular tendon was present (4.0 ± 1.2 mm present versus 4.6 ± 1.4 mm absent, p = 0.04). PMR tendon-absent participants had a lower posttreatment apnea hypopnea index (16 ± 12 events/hour tendon present versus 9 ± 9 events/hour absent, p = 0.007) and were more likely to have complete response (63% versus 36%, p = 0.02). However, tendon-absent participants were more likely to not complete the study (χ 2 (3) = 10.578, p = 0.014). Tendon-absent participants had a greater increase in midline anteroposterior airway diameter (1.6 ± 1.7 mm versus 0.6 ± 2.3 mm, p = 0.04). When PMR tendon is absent, treatment response and amount of maximum advancement improve, possibly at the expense of reduced splint tolerability. Tendon presence may help predict a group less likely to respond to mandibular advancement splint therapy.

The use of a passive tongue restraint device with moisture bubble to treat obstructive sleep apnea in a case contraindicated for mandibular advancement splint therapy

The use of a passive tongue restraint device with moisture bubble to treat obstructive sleep apnea in a case contraindicated for mandibular advancement splint therapy

The dose dependent effect of progressive mandibular advancement on snoring with Mandibular advancement splint therapy

The dose dependent effect of progressive mandibular advancement on snoring with Mandibular advancement splint therapy

Dose-dependent effects of mandibular advancement on optimal positive airway pressure requirements in obstructive sleep apnoea.

Implementation of mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy as first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is hindered by inter-individual variability of treatment outcomes and lack of robust patient selection methods. Optimal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) requirement provides an estimate of airway collapsibility severity, and high CPAP requirements predict MAS therapy failure in retrospective studies. Thus, understanding the effects of mandibular advancement on optimal CPAP requirements may enhance optimisation of patient selection for MAS therapy. This study aims to determine dose-dependent effects of mandibular advancement on optimal CPAP requirements in OSA. Prior to MAS therapy initiation, participants with OSA (apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) > 10 events/h) underwent a research polysomnogram in which a remotely controlled mandibular positioner (RCMP) was used to determine dose-response effects of varying mandibular advancement positions (0% 'habitual bite' and 25, 50, 75 and 100% of maximum mandibular advancement, in random order) on optimal CPAP requirements. A separate polysomnography determined treatment outcome. Data are presented as mean ± SD or median (1st-3rd quartiles). Seventeen participants (age = 47 ± 9years, body mass index = 26kg/m2 (23-27), apnoea-hypopnea index = 18 events/h (14-44) and minimal oxygen saturation = 84 ± 7%) were studied. Optimal CPAP requirements were reduced with mandibular advancement in a dose-dependent manner (8.9 ± 2.4 vs. 7.9 ± 2.8, 6.4 ± 1.8, 5.7 ± 1.9 and 4.9 ± 1.8cmH2O; respectively, p < 0.0001). Compared with non-responders, responders to MAS therapy had lower AHI, lower arousal index and greater MinSaO2 at baseline. Optimal CPAP requirements at 0% mandibular advancement (or other positions) were not different between groups. Increasing mandibular advancement lowers optimal CPAP requirements in a dose-dependent manner. This supports prior work indicating a beneficial effect of MAS on upper airway collapsibility.

Mandibular advancement splints for obstructive sleep apnoea – a cautionary tale

Obstructive sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition of increasing prevalence that has a multitude of treatment modalities. The aim of this study was to review the results of patients treated with mandibular advancement splints in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of South Australia to inform ongoing practice in this area. The casenotes of patients who received a splint for obstructive sleep apnoea between January 2008 and June 2014 were audited. Data collection included referral and demographic details, sleep study results, splint type and follow-up details. Three hundred and four patients were identified as having been provided a mandibular advancement splint for obstructive sleep apnoea, of which 82 had diagnostic and splint-in-situ sleep studies available for comparison. It was observed that 27 had clinically significant objective improvement, 40 had no clinically significant change and 15 had clinically worse OSA following MAS therapy. Mean reductions in Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index and Respiratory Disturbance Index were eight events (27%) and 13 events (33%) per hour respectively with treatment. Based on this study, mandibular advancement splint therapy is a viable treatment for a subset of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Protocol driven, multi-disciplinary care with auditing of results is recommended.

Changes in sleep and airway variables in patients with obstructive sleep apnea after mandibular advancement splint treatment.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an extensive public health problem that imposes considerable morbidity. Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy is a well tolerated treatment, but success rates are difficult to predict. Our objective was to investigate the relationship of oropharyngeal airway dimensions, sleep characteristics, patient biometrics, and treatment response within an OSA patient sample. Records of 33 adults were assessed retrospectively with the use of Dolphin 3D and Image J to measure the airway on pretreatment supine cone-beam computed tomography images and derived lateral cephalograms. The patients used Somnodent (Somnomed; Crows Nest, Australia) MAS appliances, which were titrated over 6-8weeks. Appliance titration measurements and pre- and posttreatment polysomnograms were assessed. Respiratory disturbance index (RDI), absolute and percentage changes in RDI, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) RDI, rapid eye movement (REM) RDI, supine and nonsupine NREM and REM RDI, and minimal blood-oxygen saturation variables were evaluated. The associations of measurements from 2D and 3D minimal anterior-posterior linear distance and 3D airway variables with MAS treatment response were estimated. Combined effects of baseline total airway volume, body mass index, neck circumference, location of minimal cross sectional area, and OSA severity were associated with treatment response. Patients with higher initial OSA and more superiorly located airway constriction showed enhanced treatment response to MAS therapy. Airway constriction due to maxillofacial disproportions rather than soft tissue obstruction also showed better treatment response. No significant relationships were found in lateral cephalogram measurements.

Mandibular Movement Analysis to Assess Efficacy of Oral Appliance Therapy in OSA

The respiratory effort index derived from vertical mandibular movements (MM-REI) is a potential marker of increased respiratory effort during sleep. We evaluated the effectiveness of mandibular advancement splint therapy using MM-REI, in comparison with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI). Fifty-six subjects (median age, 47 years) with OSA treated with a custom mandibular advancement splint (Herbst appliance) were evaluated at the end of the titration procedure when snoring was reported absent by the sleep partner. We employed a magnetometer to capture mandibular movements (Brizzy; Nomics). Mandibular advancement splint efficacy was assessed as the percent change from baseline, using Bayesian multilevel models. At the end of titration, all indices of OSA severity decreased compared with baseline: AHI (-48.9%to -71.1%), ODI (-49.5%to -77.2%), with obstructive hypopnea index and MM-REI showing the largest responses (-70.6%to -88.5%and -69.5%to -96.3%, respectively). MM-REI normalization via reductions in both mandibular movement event rate and duration accurately reflected efficacy of the appliance. The reduction of vertical respiratory mandibular movements estimated by MM-REI and sleep respiratory effort duration accompanied the decrease in obstructive hypopneas, AHI, and ODI when snoring resolved in subjects with OSA treated with an optimally titrated mandibular advancement splint.

Prediction of MAS Therapy Response in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients using Clinical Data.

Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is an oral appliance based treatment to Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) patients that is only effective for some patients. We present an investigation to predict MAS treatment response in OSA patients. A unique dataset in a large number (n=543 patients) consisting of convenient measurement such as demographic, anthropometric and Polysomnography (PSG) variables was utilised. Treatment Responders were defined as those with ≥50% reduction in Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) resulting in an AHI of less than 10 after the treatment process. Leaveone-out cross validation results using a Quadratic Neural Network showed an overall accuracy of 63%, with 63% sensitivity and 63% specificity for correctly predicting treatment response which is an improvement on previously published results.

Side effects of mandibular advancement splints for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Occlusal side effects or development of pain and/or functional impairment of the temporomandibular complex are potential reasons for poor compliance or abandonment of mandibular advancement splints treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Objective: This study aimed at providing a comprehensive review evaluating the craniofacial side effects of oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Methods: An electronic search was systematically conducted in PubMed and Virtual Health Library from their inception until October 2016. Only Randomized Controlled Trials whose primary aim was to measure objectively identified side effects on craniofacial complex of a custom-made oral appliance for treating primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea were included. Studied patients should be aged 20 or older. The risk of bias in the trials was assessed in accordance with the recommendations of The Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria. Results: A total of 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After the review process, only 6 met all the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. The most uniformly reported mandibular advancement splint side effects were predominantly of dental nature and included a decrease in overjet and overbite. The risk of developing pain and function impairment of the temporomandibular complex appeared limited with long-term mandibular advancement splint use. Conclusion: The limited available evidence suggests that mandibular advancement splint therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea results in changes in craniofacial morphology that are predominantly dental in nature, specially on a long-term basis. Considering the chronic nature of obstructive sleep apnea and that oral appliance use might be a lifelong treatment, a thorough customized follow-up should therefore be undertaken to detect possible side effects on craniofacial complex. It is also important to provide adequate information to the patients regarding these possible changes, especially to those in whom larger occlusal changes are to be expected or in whom they are unfavorable. Long-term assessments of adverse effects of oral appliance therapy, with larger study samples and recruitment of homogenous patient population are still required.

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy as a selection tool for mandibular advancement therapy by oral device in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea.

SUMMARYNowadays oral appliance therapy is recognised as an effective therapy for many patients with primary snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), as well as those with more severe OSA who cannot tolerate positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies. For this reason, it is important to focus on objective criteria to indicate which subjects may benefit from treatment with a mandibular advancement device (MAD). Various anthropometric and polysomnographic predictors have been described in the literature, whereas there are still controversies about the role of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and advancement bimanual manoeuvre as predictor factors of treatment outcome by oral device. Herein, we report our experience in treatment of mild moderate OSA by oral appliance selected by DISE. We performed a single institution, longitudinal prospective evaluation of a consecutive group of mild moderate patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome who underwent DISE. During sleep endoscopy, gentle manoeuvre of mandibular advancement less than 5 mm was performed. In 30 of 65 patients (46.2%) we obtained an unsuccessful improvement of airway patency whereas in 35 of 65 patients (53.8%) the improvement was successful and patients were considered suitable for oral device application. Because 7 of 35 patients were excluded due to conditions interfering with oral appliance therapy, we finally treated 28 patients. After 3 months of treatment, we observed a significant improvement in the Epworth medium index [(7.35 ± 2.8 versus 4.1 ± 2.2 (p < 0.05)], in mean AHI [(21.4 ± 6 events per hour versus 8.85 ± 6.9 (p < 0.05)] and in mean ODI [(18.6 ± 8 events per hour to 7 ± 5.8 (p < 0.05)]. We observed that the apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) improved by up to 50% from baseline in 71.4% of patients selected after DISE for MAD therapy. In the current study, mandibular advancement splint therapy was successfully prescribed on the basis not only of severity of disease, as determined by the subject's initial AHI, but also by DISE findings combined with results of gentle mandibular advancement manoeuvre allowing direct view of the effects of mandibular protrusion on breathing spaces in obstruction sites, and showing good optimisation of selection of patients for oral device treatment.

A retrospective clinical study of mandibular advancement splint therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea – a 7 year review

Background:Class 3 semaphorins (Sema 3s) are a large group of secreted axon guidance molecules. Increasing studies have shown that Sema3s may act either as tumour suppressor or oncogene in various cancer types. However, little is known in terms of Sema3A in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Objectives: To elucidate the role of Sema3A, an axon guiding chemorepulsant in nerve development, in the growth and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Sema3A was examined in 100 cases of human oral squamous cell carcinoma specimens, 20 cases of normal oral mucosa and cell lines SCC9, CAL27 and HN6 with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. MTT assay, flow cytometry, cell adhesion and migration, and xenografts were used to evaluate biological significance of Sema3A. Results: Sema3A was significantly reduced in oral squamous cell carcinoma tissues comparing with normal oral mucosa. Overexpression of Sema3A resulted in increased apoptosis, reduced proliferation, adhesion to fibronectin, and migratory capability as well as reduced G2-phase population while increased S-phase population. Cyclin D1, D3 and CDK6 expression were also reduced after Sema3A was over-expressed. In mechanism, we found NF-kb pathway was involved in Sema3A induced growth inhibition and impairment of cancer cell invasion. While transfection of siRNA targeting Sema3A in OSCC cells results in a more progressed growth and invasion as well as elevated NFkb signalling pathway. In addition, in transplanted nude mice, Sema3A overexpression exhibited diminished tumorigenesis and increased apoptisis. Conclusions: Endogenous Sema3A acts as a suppressor of the growth and invasion of human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Acknowledgments: This work is supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81402236) and A Project Funded by the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD, 2014-37).

Patient's experience of treatment for sleep apnoea with a mandibular advancement splint

Background and aimsObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a well recognised clinical disorder in which there is narrowing and repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep resulting in the cessation of breathing. Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea are often provided with mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy as a form of first line or definitive treatment. The aims of this audit were to evaluate patient satisfaction and success of MAS therapy. Methods93 patients diagnosed with sleep apnoea and suitable for a splint were recruited prospectively at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead between January 2009 and October 2010. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was developed by health professionals involved in the care of patients with sleep apnoea and assessed for face and content validity and reliability. Participants completed the questionnaire six weeks after the splint was fitted. Results44% who previously experienced snoring now reported no snoring and 47% reported less snoring since wearing the MAS appliance. 69% reported complete resolution of sleep apnoea symptoms. 37% experienced aching teeth and 33% experienced having a dry throat when wearing the appliance. 86% of sleeping partners felt that their quality of sleep was improved following their partners treatment. ConclusionsThe standards set for each criteria in this audit were met. MAS treatment has a key role to play in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea with high rates of patient satisfaction and the majority of patients partners reporting a significant improvement in their own and their partners sleep quality.