Objective: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness, compliance, and side effects of tongue stabilizing devices (TSDs).
Methods: Thirty-nine patients were followed up after 12 and 30 months. The subjective effectiveness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Functional Outcomes Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ-10), the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ), and a sleep-related quality of life questionnaire (QoL). Compliance and side effects were assessed.
Results: At 12-months, 35.9% of patients confirmed continuing the therapy, compared to only 15.4% of patients at 30 months. At 30 months, a significant average improvement of ESS (2.0 ± 2.8) was observed compared to baseline levels in six patients. Six patients demonstrated an average increase in blood pressure. The most frequently reported side effects were mouth dryness and excessive salivation. The 3D analysis revealed small tooth movements.
Conclusion: The TSD therapy demonstrated a good long-term subjective effectiveness against OSA but had a relatively low treatment acceptance rate.
Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea; blood pressure; compliance; side effects; three-dimensional computer-assisted study cast analysis; tongue stabilizing device.