Influence of Vertical Mouth Opening on Oral Appliance Treatment Outcome in Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Study Objectives: The supine sleeping posture can heighten the risk of sleep-disordered breathing events. Patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are characterized by a supine apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) that is at least two times higher than in nonsupine positions. This study aimed to assess the influence of mouth opening on the outcome of mandibular advancement splint (MAS) treatment in patients with positional OSA.