Subjective effects of the sleep position trainer on snoring outcomes in position-dependent non-apneic snorers

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a new-generation positional device, the sleep position trainer (SPT), in non-apneic position-dependent snorers. METHODS: Non-apneic position-dependent snorers with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 5 events/h were included between February 2015 and September 2016. After inclusion, study subjects used the SPT at home for 6 weeks. The Snore Outcome Survey (SOS) was filled out by the subjects at baseline and after 6 weeks, and at the same time, the Spouse/Bed Partner Survey (SBPS) was filled out by their bed partners. RESULTS: A total of 36 participants were included and 30 completed the study. SOS score improved significantly after 6 weeks from 35.0 ± 13.5 to 55.3 ± 18.6, p < 0.001. SBPS score also improved significantly after 6 weeks from 24.7 ± 16.0 versus 54.5 ± 25.2, p < 0.001. The severity of snoring assessed with a numeric visual analogue scale (VAS) by the bed partner decreased significantly from a median of 8.0 with an interquartile range (IQR) of [7.0-8.5] to 7.0 [3.8-8.0] after 6 weeks (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that positional therapy with the SPT improved several snoring-related outcome measures in non-apneic position-dependent snorers. The results of this non-controlled study demonstrate that this SPT could be considered as an alternative therapeutic option to improve sleep-related health status of snorers and their bed partners.