Abstract
Objective:
To assess the efficacy, the compliance, and the complications of the anterior mandibular positioning (AMP) device in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients.
Material & Methods:
Polysomnographic sleep studies were performed on 38 patients before and two weeks (ยฑ 3 days) after continuous use of the AMP device. Twenty patients also underwent polysomnographic followโup recordings after 1 year.
Results:
The mean apneaโhypopnea index (AHI) before treatment was 35.6 ยฑ 17.7 and decreased significantly to 22.7 ยฑ 15.8 after 2 weeks of treatment (p = 0.01). The mean AHI after 1 year of usage was 25.3 ยฑ 12.9, differing significantly from the pretreatment AHI (p = 0.01). Seventyโone percent of patients used the device for 18.4 months (range 12โ27). Oneโyear clinical evaluation showed preserved dental status, preserved action of the masticatory muscles, and preserved function of the temporoโmandibular joint (TMJ). Eleven (29%) of the patients did not use the AMP device because of TMJ pain and/or unsatisfying results.
Conclusions:
The AMP device is well tolerated in 76% of patient. When tolerated, its compliance and efficiency are preserved across the year without longโterm oral and jaw dysfunctions. Laryngoscope, 119:585โ588, 200