Long-term benefits of a new oral appliance on adult snoring: a trend analysis

Abstract

Background Snoring constitutes a worldwide public health concern that may be associated with daytime fatigue, endothelial dysfunction, vascular injury, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes among female patients. This study explored the effects of the so-called Lin Oral Appliance (LOA) on Taiwanese adults’ snoring rates. Methods A time series analysis was conducted to examine the associations between LOAs’ tongue compressors of different lengths, and snoring rates were calculated using the SnoreClock app. The LOA comprises 2 components: custom- made dental braces and tongue compressors of adjustable lengths; different versions had different-length compressors. Results Our multiple linear regression time-series model revealed the effects of the LOA on snoring rates. The results indicated the following: i) LOA tongue compressor lengths of 1 and 2.5 cm (LOA-1 and LOA-2.5, respectively) were associated with reduced snoring rates; ii) sleep durations of 5.5-7.5 h and daytime sleepiness were associated with increased snoring rates; and iii) among participants with snoring rates above 10%, the snoring rates observed 1-7 days before a given day constituted a significant factor influencing snoring rates on the given day. Conclusions We discovered that the LOA could reduce snoring rates and that the 2.5-cm compressor length in the LOA produced the best results.