Evaluation of upper airway collapsibility in obstructive sleep apnea patients presenting with complaints of snoring

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate diagnostic method for the detection of the site and configuration of obstructed regions for the successful management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 patients with snoring complaints who underwent septoplasty surgery followed by polysomnography. Evaluation was made in respect of age, gender, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, bodymass index (BMI), modified Mallampati scoring, Muller's maneuver, and sleep endoscopy data. Patients with collapse of >50% in Muller's maneuver and sleep endoscopy were considered as serious obstructions. Results: No significant difference was observed between the assessments of Mallampati scoring and sleep endoscopy in the laryngeal region. In the comparison of sleep endoscopy and Muller's maneuver, significant differences were observed in the lateral band, uvulapalatal region and tongue base. Conclusion: Sleep endoscopy is increasingly preferred since it enables the observation of important changes during sleep. The data of the current study support the view that sleep endoscopy is a more advantageous method at the upper levels as useful information is provided for upper airway evaluation.