Therapy for sleep apnea syndrome: Comparison between nCPAP and MAS

Abstract

Improvements in subjective symptoms, changes in the apnea index (AI), and complications were studied in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who were treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) or a mandibular advancement splint (MAS). Subjects: The subjects consisted of 32 patients (30 males and 2 females) with habitual snoring and sleep apnea. Methods: AI was measured using an apnea monitor (APNOMONITOR II®, Chest Co.). Sleep apnea was defined as the cessation of respiration for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. Complications, improvements in subjective symptoms and changes in AI were investigated during and after each treatment. Results: Subjective symptoms improved in 24 of 25 patients undergoing nCPAP treatment. Meanwhile, subjective symptoms disappeared or improved in all patients receiving MAS. AI improved in 21 of 25 patients with nCPAP and in all patients with MAS. As complications of nCPAP, xerostomia was noted in 4 patients, breathing difficulty in 4 and recurrent arousal in 3. In contrast, temporomandibular arthralgia was noted in only 3 patients with MAS. Conclusion: The continuity rate of MAS was high and its efficacy was comparable to that of nCPAP in patients with OSAS.