Obstructive sleep apnoea: patients' experiences of oral appliance treatment.
Over the past few decades, there has been a pronounced increase in the number of patients being treated by general dental practitioners for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to survey the care and patient experiences and the self-reported effectiveness of OSA treatment with an oral appliance (OA) incorporating mandibular advancement. The design was a retrospective, cross-sectional study, with follow-up between 6 months to 1 year after commencement of treatment. A survey form was posted to 1150 subjects, identified in the regional register over a 1-year period as having been treated with an OA for OSA. The questionnaire comprised 70 questions and assertions in various domains, such as general health/lifestyle, changes in symptoms/quality of life and sleep-related experiences, daytime sleepiness, changes in life situation, evaluation of treatment and the value of treatment. The overall response rate was 64% (n = 738). Treatment with OA gave relief of symptoms in 83% of the respondents. Quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms improved significantly in patients who used the appliance frequently (P < 0·001). Daytime sleepiness decreased significantly (P < 0·001). Treatment satisfaction and willingness to recommend the similar treatment to a friend were high (>85%). OA treatment of OSA by general dental practitioners is a safe procedure. Most of the survey respondents experienced relief of symptoms. Those who used their appliance frequently reported improvement in quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms. Excessive daytime sleepiness was reduced in the majority of the patients under treatment.
['Nordin|E|E|', 'Stenberg|M|M|', 'Tegelberg|Å|Å|']
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D003729:Dental Care D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D019186:Mandibular Advancement D008875:Middle Aged D009765:Obesity D017090:Occlusal Splints D010349:Patient Compliance D017060:Patient Satisfaction D011788:Quality of Life D012189:Retrospective Studies D057566:Self Report D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive D013548:Sweden D016896:Treatment Outcome
treatment effectiveness follow-up questionnaire PROM dentistry