Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Solutions

Provide solutions for Snoring to your patients

By offering solutions for Snoring, you can dramatically improve the quality of life for your patients - and their bed partner. This brings the added bonus of expanding the private services of your practice with proven treatments.

The Stats

  • 45% of the UK adult population suffer from snoring
  • It is most prevalent in males aged 40-60
  • 42% of people who snore, or whose partner snores, have not heard of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
  • An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are thought to be suffering from OSA. Of these, 85% remain undiagnosed.

What is a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS)?

The role of the MAS in the treatment of Snoring is widely recognised (SIGN guidelines, 2003) and works by posturing the lower jaw forward - keeping the airway open. Also known as Mandibular Advancement Appliances or Devices (MAA/MAD), these devices are a key product of ours and we are proud to be the exclusive providers of Sleepwell - the most clinically proven MAS for snoring and mild to moderate OSA (Barnes et al, 2004).

Introducing Sleepwell

The Sleepwell is our key product for the treatment of Snoring and mild to moderate OSA and is a an adjustable, two-piece device. Design benefits include:

  • Splint design allows lips to close around the device
  • Full lateral movement, reducing likelihood of dislocation
  • Patient can adjust up to 9mm to ensure the mandible is in the optimum position
  • May help to mitigate potential TMJ stress
  • Soft inner lining for patient comfort

To manufacture a Sleepwell appliance, all we need are upper and lower impressions. In most cases, a bite is not required.

Sleepwell Results

Until the introduction of Mandibular Advancement Splints as a viable treatment option, the only solution for sufferers of OSA was Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). CPAP remains the ‘gold standard’ for sufferers of severe OSA, however lack of compliance is a major limitation – 20-50% discontinue use within a year.

A recent study into the efficacy of MAS appliances as a treatment alternative to CPAP showed a 96% compliance rate with MAS therapy – a stark contrast to CPAP compliance. To view the study in question, please see below.

Other MAS Appliances

Dorsal

The Dorsal appliance, named for its shark-fin appearance, is a two-piece device that allows patients to advance the mandible in small increments with the use of an appliance key.

Silensor

The Silensor is a semi-adjustable MAS, where the upper and lower splints are connected using two interchangeable plastic arms, which can be replaced to further advance the mandible.

Negus

The Negus is a one-piece, non-adjustable, appliance that can be created in various materials. The appliance is set with the mandible in a forward position, with the aim of maintaining the airway.

Panthera Classic

This small and lightweight appliance is manufactured using one material and has a small vertical opening for optimum patient comfort. The device also features interchangeable arms.

Panthera X3

Strong and lightweight, this device features no metal parts and instead uses an easy clip-on titration system. There is no posterior contact, which offers TMJ protection.

Clinical Lead: Professor Ama Johal

BDS, MSC, PHD, FDS RCS [ENG], FDS RCS [EDIN], MORTH RCS [ENG], FDS [ORTH], RCS [ENG], DMS, PG CERT, FHEA.

We are delighted to have worked with Professor Ama Johal for nearly 20 years in the development of the Sleepwell appliance.

Professor Johal has established an international reputation in the field of dental sleep medicine. He is regarded as a leading authority on the management of Snoring and OSA using MAS appliances, and has also completed a PhD in the subject.

He actively works with sleep doctors and has been involved in both clinical treatment, development, and research in this field for over 20 years and has presented this work at meetings around the world. He is also the lecturer for our ECPD seminar, Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – a Role for the GDP.

Clinical Studies into the Efficacy of MAS Therapy

Barnes et al. 2004

Efficacy of Positive Airway Pressure and Oral Appliance in Mild to Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Johal et al. 2016

The Efficacy of Mandibular Advancement Appliances as a Treatment Alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Moderate OSA