The anterior mandibular positioning device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: experience with the Serenox (R)

Anterior mandibular positioning devices are seldom used at present in the t reatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficiency, the side-effects and the patient compliance with one type of device made in Switzerland, the Serenox(R). This device i s designed to keep the mouth closed with the mandible forward, avoiding the vibration of the soft palate. Between January 1996 and October 1997, 15 pa tients with OSAS were treated using a Serenox(R). One of them stopped using the device after 6 weeks due to the persistence of temporomandibular joint pain. Serenox(R) was successful in 13 of the remaining 14 patients. The me dian pretreatment apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) of 36.25/h was decreased to 5.5/h after treatment (P < 0.002). Snoring and daytime sleepiness were nota bly reduced. The side-effects were frequent but mild and disappeared after a few weeks of adaptation. In conclusion, 87% (13/15) of the patients were treated successfully. Indications for the use of a mandibular positioning d evice include snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome and light to mild O SAS without severe obesity.