Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are commonly worn by persons with obstructive sleep apnea. The purpose of the device is to increase the total volume of the upper airway. Wearing a mandibular advancement device may increase mouth breathing during sleep. This study investigated the wearing of an adhesive mouth strip alongside MAD, to help prevent mouth breathing during sleep.
Results showed that 76% of individuals using both MAD and adhesive mouth strips achieved an Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) of less than 10 events per hour, versus 43% when the device was not accompanied by mouth taping. Furthermore, the effect was similar in moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. (greater than 15 events per/h) The conclusion is that wearing an adhesive mouth strip and MAD, is more effective therapy than MAD alone.
Labarca G, Sands SA, Cohn V, Demk o G, Vena D, Messineo L, Gell L, Hess L, White DP, Wellman A, Azarbarzin A. Mouth Closing to Improve the Efficacy of Mandibular Advancement Devices in Sleep Apnea. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2022 Jul;19(7):1185-1192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35254967/
