Oral Appliances for Severe Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Case Report

Severe positional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (POSAS) is a common clinical respiratory disorder with an incidence of 26.7% to 74.5%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with positional therapy is the gold standard of treatment. However, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied Sciences
Main Authors: Lucia Memè, Sabina Saccomanno, Enrico M. Strappa, Francesco Sampalmieri, Fabrizio Bambini, Gianni Gallusi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-10-01
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/12/20/10570
Description
Summary:Severe positional obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (POSAS) is a common clinical respiratory disorder with an incidence of 26.7% to 74.5%. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) combined with positional therapy is the gold standard of treatment. However, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an effective alternative to CPAP when compliance with CPAP is low or if CPAP is rejected by the patient. A 63-year-old Caucasian male (BMI 26.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) complaining of repeated episodes of daytime sleepiness and heavy snoring was diagnosed with POSAS and treated with a MAD. After two years, polysomnographic (PSG) control analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea episodes per hour (AHI) by 58.9% in the lateral position and 75.5% in the supine position, complete remission of symptoms, a significant reduction in the severity of POSAS, and an overall improvement in quality of life. No adverse events or reduction in compliance were observed during the follow-up period. For severe POSAS, MADs may be an alternative method that is well tolerated by patients and has a good safety profile.
ISSN:2076-3417