OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA SYNDROME

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a disorder characterized by excessivc snoring and periodic breathing with repetitive apneas, hypopnoeas and arousals leading to interrupted sleep. This disorder migth cause cardiovascultir and emotional problems. It is associated with a poor quality of life and impaired work performance. OSAS is progressive disorder that may worsen by time. The risk factors of the development of OSAS are obesity, maxillolacial abnormalities, age and masculine sex. Polysommography in a sleep laboratory is the cold standard for confirming the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment not only removes the symptoms but also decreases the risk of mortality. There arc several treatment options. Continuous positive airway pressure offers the most effective treatment of OSA, but frequently encountered with patients intolarance. Oral appliances used for the treatment of OSA reduce the collaps by increasing the dimension of the upper airway. Oral appliances are simple and effective alternative to the other treatment.