Pilot study of a semi-flexible intra-oral appliance for the control of snoring.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness and acceptability of an intra-oral appliance in the reduction of snoring, with construction and fitting as a 1-visit process.


METHODS
This was a prospective study. Patients were attending a hospital sleep breathing disorders clinic and appliances were made at a dental hospital. This work was carried out in the UK during 1996 and 1997.


METHODS
Patients were selected from those referred to a sleep breathing disorders clinic with socially disruptive snoring.


METHODS
Patients were assessed by means of limited sleep studies and by questionnaires before and after fitting of the appliances. The sleep studies consisted of monitoring respiratory variables (principally oronasal airflow and nocturnal oxygen saturation). A respiratory disturbance index was assigned. Questionnaires were completed by both patients and sleep partners, with many of the responses being marked on visual analogue scales.


RESULTS
16 male patients, mean age 49 years, were included in the trial. 14 were able to wear the appliance and their level of snoring, as assessed by their sleep partners, reduced from a mean of 8.8 out of 10 to 4.2 out of 10 (P = 0.0003, paired t-test).


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that the semi-flexible intra-oral appliance is effective in the control of snoring.
Cameron
D A
DA
Glasgow Dental Hospital and School.
Lyons
M F
MF
Fox
D L
DL
Banham
S W
SW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012913:Snoring / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D010100:Oxygen