The effects of a nonsurgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The tongue-retaining device

R. D. Cartwright and C. F. Samelson

The tongue-retaining device (TRD) was designed to increase the unobstructed dimension of the nasal breathing passage during sleep. Twenty male patients with diagnoses of sleep apnea syndrome, primarily of the obstructive type, confirmed by clinical polysomnography, were fitted with the device. The TRD holds the tongue in a forward position by negative pressure. Fourteen patients have been tested before and after this treatment, and ten of these have also completed two follow-up recordings four to six months after being trained in the use of this device. There was significantly improved sleep and significantly fewer and shorter apneic events on all nights when the device was worn. On the first night of wearing the TRD for a half night only, there was a significant reduction in the number of obstructive and central apneic episodes. The mean apnea plus hypopnea index while wearing the TRD is comparable with the rate reported for patients who have been treated surgically by either tracheostomy or by uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, although the tracheostomy group contained more severe cases.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

An Evaluation of a Titration Strategy for Prescription of Oral Appliances for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Krishnan et al.
Chest 2008;133:1135-1141.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

EFFICACY AND CO-MORBIDITY OF ORAL APPLIANCES IN THE TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA-HYPOPNEA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Hoekema et al.
CROBM 2004;15:137-155.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Cephalometric Analysis in Obese and Nonobese Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Yu et al.
Chest 2003;124:212-218.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

An Individually Adjustable Oral Appliance vs Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Mild-to-Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome*
Randerath et al.
Chest 2002;122:569-575.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Mandibular advancement oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea: effect on awake calibre of the velopharynx
Ryan et al.
Thorax 1999;54:972-977.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Surgical Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Reply
Zohar
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1994;120:679-679.
ABSTRACT  

Diagnosis and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Part II
Moran and Orr
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1985;111:650-658.
ABSTRACT  

Predicting Response to the Tongue Retaining Device for Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Cartwright
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1985;111:385-388.
ABSTRACT