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

Introduction: 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.

Association between resting jaw muscle electromyographic activity and mandibular advancement splint outcome in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Introduction: The muscles of mastication are important in positioning the mandible and can therefore affect the patency of the upper airway. The aim of this study was to determine whether resting masticatory muscle activity influences the response to mandibular advancement splint treatment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods: Thirty-eight adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea were recruited for the study.