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

Rationale: 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).

Methods: 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.