Indications and efficacy of oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome evaluated by endoscopy

Abstract

This study examined the indications for oral appliance therapy based on evaluations using endoscopy and the efficacy of oral appliance therapy assessed by polysomnography.
The postoperative apnea hypopnea index significantly improved by oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy was indicated for patients whose cross section of the airway at the tongue base level widened when the mandible protruded. However, oral appliance therapy was not very effective for some patients whose cross section of the entire circumference of the airway at the soft palate level was occluded when snoring.
Endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway at the level of the oropharynx and assessment of the therapeutic efficacy by polysomnography should be performed when using oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.