Comparative Effects of Two Oral Appliances on Upper Airway Structure in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
These two devices were compared in this recent Sleep journal study published April 2011. The paper points out the growing evidence toward adopting oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In this paper the authors reviewed the airway characteristics of persons using a tongue stabilizer and those using a mandibular advancement device. They found no real difference in response rates (success of treatment judged by sleep study) between the two groups, however the tongue-stabilizing device seemed to physically open the airway slightly more.
Oral appliance therapy is quickly becoming a viable and well-studied treatment alternative for mild and moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Validity of the tongue stabilizing device adds another treatment option for apnea patients to consider.