Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Frequency Adjustment in Functional Electrical Stimulation on Genioglossus Muscle Activity

This single-group interventional study investigates the safety and physiologic effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied to the tongue and submental muscles in adults at high risk for sleep apnea. Participants will receive five stimulation frequencies (15, 25, 35, 45, and 75 Hz) in randomized order during a single visit. Ultrasound and tongue pressure (IOPI) measurements, as well as subjective assessments of discomfort and perceived effects, will be conducted before, during, and after stimulation. The primary objective is to evaluate changes in muscle thickness, length, and tongue strength across different stimulation frequencies. Secondary objectives include assessing participant discomfort, safety, and subjective treatment effects.

The Impact of Technology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Myofunctional Therapy

This is a study to test if performing airway exercises to improve snoring and sleep apnea using a mobile phone app is better than using a hardcopy guide.

IOA Preventing Occlusal Changes With MAD Use

This study is evaluating two standard-of-care strategies used to prevent bite changes (occlusal changes) in patients treated with a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) for sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While MAD therapy is effective, it can lead to changes in how the teeth fit together, including the development of a posterior open bite. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two standard-of-care approaches: using an interocclusal aligner each morning after removing the MAD, or performing daily jaw exercises. Both methods aim to reduce the risk of occlusal changes. The study will follow participants over a 3-month period and includes dental evaluations, 3D oral scans, and short daily surveys. Findings from this research may help guide best practices for preserving occlusion during MAD therapy.

Study to Examine the Effect of Silicone Mouth Tape on Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea.

Snoring is a common problem caused by vibration of tissues in the throat region during sleep. Although snoring is sometimes dismissed as a minor nuisance rather than a medical disorder, several studies indicate that snoring can disrupt sleep quality of the snorer, as well as the snorer's bed partner. Snoring also might lead to problems such as dry mouth, bad breath, dental problems, and even cardiovascular disease. Current treatments for snoring include lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, side-sleeping, and avoidance of evening alcohol intake. In some cases, invasive surgeries, dental devices, or even CPAP are recommended for snoring. These interventions have mixed effectiveness and may be difficult to use. It may be possible to treat snoring by fostering nasal breathing, while avoiding mouth-breathing during sleep. Breathing through the mouth reduces the airway diameter and contributes to snoring. Several studies show that nasal breathing can reduce snoring volume and improve airflow. Recent studies have shown that covering the mouth during sleep with adhesive patches or tape can improve snoring volume without adverse effects. However, these studies were performed in a small number of patients and did not fully measure the impact of the intervention on sleep quality, sleep architecture, or the experience of the bed partner, who is often the overlooked "victim" of the snoring. In this interventional study, the investigators will examine the safety and efficacy of mouth tape for snoring, focusing on subjective and objective snoring/breathing metrics of both the snorer and bed partner. Snoring is sometimes also a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If OSA is ruled out with a sleep study, patients are considered to have "simple" snoring. When OSA is mild (apnea hypopnea index 15), treatments can include the same interventions as snoring (e.g. weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, side-sleeping) or can be more aggressively treated with devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP may be challenging to use, expensive, and associated with side effects such as mouth dryness and skin irritation. Alternative, inexpensive, and well-tolerated interventions are needed for mild OSA. For this reason, the investigators include patients with snoring and mild OSA in this study.

Improving Sleep Quality During Pregnancy Using an Oral Appliance

Many pregnant women suffer from poor sleep quality and snoring. Evidence shows an increasing association between (1) sleep disordered breathing and (2) maternal cardiovascular disease and in-hospital death. Snoring is a variant of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and OSA during pregnancy is associated with higher risks for cesarean delivery, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and preterm delivery. It may also impact fetal outcomes negatively. The purpose of this study is to determine whether sleep quality can be improved in pregnant women who snore by means of an oral appliance that opens the airway. Sleep quality is evaluated objectively using an un-intrusive home sleep test system.

Smart Pillows for Enhancing Sleep Quality

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of smart pillows on the sleep quality of individuals who experience a snoring issue and/or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as their sleep partners. Furthermore, this study will explore whether enhancements in sleep quality positively influence depressive symptoms, physical activity, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and cognitive functions.

Validation of a Snoring App Against Commercially Available Applications and PSG

This study will compare the output of a new snoring application against another commercially available application and polysomnography (either home or in-laboratory).

Different Forms of OMT as Methods for Reducing Snoring and Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea

Objective the present project aims to assess the impact of 1) oral screen training, group training, and the use of neuromuscular electrical training (NMES) as orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) methods for reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) among adults with mild to moderate sleep apnea and 2) if these different training methods can reduce snoring and affect the level of sleepiness and quality of life. Study design The study will use a prospective randomized open-blinded endpoint (PROBE) design with baseline measurements, intervention phase, and follow-up measurements. Methods 141 consecutive adult subjects, 71 men and 70 women referred to hospital, due to symptoms of snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea will be randomized, included, and examined at three different sites, Umeå(Sweden), Lund(Sweden) and Köge(Denmark) One hundred-five of them, 35 in each treatment group, will receive one of the three different forms of training and the final 36 persons serving as controls, age/AHI matched (18 in Köge resp Umeå). Participants in Umeå will be randomized to either training with IQoro® or serving as controls. Participants in Köge will be randomized to either training with Exciteosa®, group training, or controls. The primary outcome is a change in AHI before and after three months of training with the different methods according to overnight ambulatory sleep apnea recordings. The secondary outcomes are change in snoring frequency, sound level dB (A) according to a questionnaire, the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire (BNSQ), daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), change in quality of life using the short form -36 (SF-36) and muscle strength in tongue before and after treatment.

LinguaFlex Tongue Retractor (LTR) for the Treatment of OSA and Snoring in Adults

The LinguaFlex™ Tongue Retractor (LTR) is an investigational medical device that is inserted into the tongue to lessen its backward movement during sleep. This helps to keep the airway open during sleep so that the tongue doesn't block the airway causing obstructive apnea or narrow it enough to cause snoring. This study will monitor the effectiveness of the LTR device in the reduction of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring over the course of a one-year treatment period.

Tolerance and Benefits of Mandibular Advanced Device for Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Evaluation of the Tolerance and Benefits of Mandibular Advanced Device (MAD) for Snoring and Sleep Apnea in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer (OPC): Mixed Design Study.