The Simultaneous Use of Positive Airway Pressure and Oral Appliance Therapy With and Without Connector: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Study Objectives: Information on the efficacy of the combination therapy (CT) of positive airway pressure (PAP) with oral appliance (OA), and the connection between PAP mask and OA in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is lacking. The goal of the study was to clarify the efficacy of CT with and without connector regarding self-reported side effects and sleepiness. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with OSA who had previously experienced both solo-PAP and OA therapy were allocated to either CT of PAP and OA with connector (Connected-CT) or CT of PAP and OA without connector (Disconnected-CT). Participants reported the frequency of 17 different types of side effects, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and short version of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10), both at baseline and at the 2-month follow-up. PAP data such as respiratory event index, PAP pressure, and mask leak were obtained from devices at t follow-up, and compared with those during solo-PAP therapy.