Intraoral electrical muscle stimulation for the treatment of snoring

Introduction:

The tone of the pharyngeal dilator muscles in the upper airway is a crucial factor in the aetiology of snoring. With an increase in muscle tone via an electrical stimulation a reduction of snoring intensity may be achieved. Aim of the study was to assess the effects of day time intraoral electrical muscle stimulation on night time snoring.

Material und Methods:

In this prospective bi-centric study 22 patients with snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnoea (AHI< 15, BMI< 34) were included. After initial outpatient assessment, snoring was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0 – 10) for 2 weeks (baseline). This was followed by a 6-weeks treatment period with daily muscle stimulation for 2 × 25 min with a newly developed intra-oral muscle stimulator. During and for 2 weeks after treatment, snoring intensity (VAS), regular use and potential side effects were assessed.

Results:

9 patients terminated the study for technical reasons. With the remaining 13 patients (11 m/2f, BMI 26.9 ± 3.2, AHI 9.3 ± 4.5) a per-protocol analysis was performed. Mean snoring score was reduced from 5.4 ± 2.0 at baseline to 3.1 ± 2.4 after treatment and was stable for the following 2 weeks 3.4 ± 2.4. In 5 patients (38%) a reduction in snoring scores for > 50% was documented. Relevant side effects were not detected.

Discussion:

These initial results suggest beneficial effects of daytime intraoral electrical muscle stimulation in the treatment of nocturnal snoring. Further (controlled and larger) studies are needed to identify potential influencing factors such as patient selection and technical aspects of stimulation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)