Patients’ perceptions of the importance of improvements and side effects from mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

ABSTRACT

Objective

To assess which improvements and side effects are considered most important by patients with OSA treated with a MAD.

Methods

A specific questionnaire consisting of 20 questions, including 10 questions on improvements and 10 on side effects, was developed and mailed to all subjects (54).

Results

42 patients, participated in the survey by answering the questionnaire. The results showed that patients placed greater importance on the positive outcomes of treatment, with the most significant being the reduction in snoring and improvement in sleep quality. On the other hand, the side effects of difficulty speaking with the device, tooth mobility, and foreign body sensation were considered important.

Conclusions

The advantages perceived by the patients appear to outweigh the disadvantages, especially the reduction of snoring, increased productivity, and improved social and intellectual life. Most significant side effects are reversible and short-term, while occlusal changes, is not considered important by patients.

KEYWORDS:

• OSAS
• side effects
• individualized medicine
• MAD

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.