RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Long Term Oral Appliance Therapy Effectiveness for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This study is investigating the long-term effectiveness of oral appliance therapy for people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While oral appliances are a common treatment alongside CPAP machines, there's not much research on how well they work over many years. This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers want to see if using an oral appliance for a long time helps manage OSA and if it has any effects on heart and blood vessel health. It's hoped the findings will help more people get the most suitable treatment for their sleep apnea.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Apr 2018

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

What is this study about?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you're asleep. This happens because your throat muscles relax too much and block your airway. People with OSA often snore loudly, wake up feeling tired, and can have other health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes.

There are two main ways to treat OSA: one is using a CPAP machine, which provides a continuous flow of air to keep your airway open. The other is using an oral appliance, which is like a custom-fitted mouthguard that gently pushes your jaw or tongue forward to prevent your airway from collapsing. While both treatments are approved and effective, oral appliances are sometimes overlooked even though they are easy to use, quiet, and don't involve surgery.

This study wants to learn more about how well oral appliances work for people with OSA over a long period. Researchers are particularly interested in whether long-term use of these mouthguards can improve or affect health issues related to the heart and blood vessels, which are often linked to OSA. By understanding the long-term benefits, the study hopes to help doctors and dentists provide the best possible care for people with sleep apnea.

Key takeaways

This study explores the long-term effectiveness of oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea.
It aims to understand the impact of oral appliances on heart health over time.
Participants must already be using an oral appliance for their sleep apnea.
The study seeks to improve treatment options and knowledge for sleep apnea patients.
Oral appliances are a non-surgical option for sleep apnea, often overlooked for long-term study.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must already be using an oral appliance (the special mouthguard) to treat your sleep apnea. You also need to be at least 18 years old.

Unfortunately, you cannot participate if you are under 18, if you don't speak or understand English well enough, or if you decide not to give your permission to be part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you currently using an oral appliance for your sleep apnea?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you understand and speak English?
Are you willing to sign a consent form to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The details of what taking part involves are not fully described in this summary. However, clinical studies usually involve regular check-ups, questionnaires, and possibly tests to monitor your health and how well your treatment is working. It's important to understand that you would continue using your oral appliance as prescribed. The study aims to look at the long-term effects, so participation would likely involve follow-up over an extended period. The full duration of the study or how many visits would be needed isn't specified here.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part could include contributing to a better understanding of how oral appliances help people with sleep apnea over time, which could ultimately improve treatment for many. You might also receive careful monitoring of your condition. While specific risks aren't listed, generally, studies involving medical devices can have minor side effects such as temporary discomfort from the appliance. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an oral appliance?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted mouthguard that helps keep your airway open while you sleep, preventing sleep apnea.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because your throat muscles relax too much and block your airway.

Are oral appliances a new treatment?

No, oral appliances are an approved and established treatment for sleep apnea, often used alongside CPAP machines.

Will this study provide me with an oral appliance?

The study description suggests you need to already be prescribed and using an oral appliance to take part.

What kind of results are they hoping to find?

Researchers want to understand how effective oral appliances are in the long term, and if they affect heart health in people with sleep apnea.

How to find out more

Fernanda Almeida, DDS,PhD

falmeida@dentistry.ubc.ca 604-822-3623 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.