Effect of Mandibular Repositioning Appliance on Nasal Resistance of A Sample of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome Patients

Abstract

Abstract: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea / Hypopnoea Syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with obstruction of the upper airway and occurs as a result of repeated closure of the upper airway during sleep,either by anatomical or patho – physiological factors. The aim of this study is to clinically investigate the changes in nasal resistance of right and left nostrils when a mandibular repositioning appliance (MRA) was used for the treatment of OSAHS and to suggest possible improvement in research technology when using the MRA. A 23 OSAHS white Caucasian male patients aged 26-76 years were randomly selected and evaluated against 23 non-apnoeic subjects aged 26-60 years matched for race and sex from Fife region, Scotland. Anthropometric comparison is done for the body mass index (BMI) and the percentage of predicted neck circumference (PPNC). Rhinomanometer tests were used for the OSAHS patients and control before wearing the appliance and for the OSAHS group before and after wearing the MRA. Significant improvements in reduction of nasal resistance of the right and left nostrils after wearing the MRA.