When titrating Mandibular Advancement Devices, integrating AHI monitoring with a device like the Belun Ring, can result in a faster and more precise outcome.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and serious sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) are an effective treatment option, especially for those who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. However, the titration process – where the device is adjusted to find the optimal advancement that effectively reduces the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) – can be time-consuming and challenging.
The Challenge: Slow Titration Process
Traditionally, the titration of MADs has relied on periodic sleep studies or follow-up appointments, often spaced weeks or months apart. During this time, patients may continue to experience poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and associated health risks due to insufficient control of their OSA. The intermittent nature of monitoring makes it difficult for dentists to quickly determine if adjustments are effectively lowering the AHI, leading to a prolonged titration period and delayed therapeutic outcomes.
The Solution: Daily AHI Monitoring
Integrating AHI monitoring into the treatment process can revolutionize the titration of MADs, offering a faster and more precise approach. By utilizing Belun Ring, the advanced home sleep monitoring device, which can track AHI on a nightly basis, dentists can obtain real-time data on the effectiveness of the current MAD settings.
Key Benefits of AHI Monitoring
- Real-Time Feedback: Dentists can access AHI data, allowing them to make timely adjustments to the MAD. This continuous feedback loop accelerates the titration process by quickly identifying the optimal device settings.
- Increased Patient Engagement: Patients become active participants in their treatment by monitoring their own AHI. This engagement can improve adherence to therapy and encourage patients to report back on their comfortability and any residual symptoms.
- Reduced Time to Optimal Therapy: By identifying the correct titration settings sooner, patients can achieve therapeutic AHI levels more quickly, reducing the duration of ineffective treatment periods. This leads to faster symptom relief and improved overall health outcomes.
- Customized Treatment Plans: Daily* monitoring allows for highly individualized treatment. Dentists can fine-tune the MAD to each patient’s specific needs, improving the overall treatment outcomes.
- Improved Clinical Efficiency: For the dental practice, daily* AHI monitoring reduces the need for frequent in-person follow-up visits solely for MAD adjustments. This efficiency allows for better resource allocation and more focused patient care.
- Mobile app BelunPro X*: To collect the daily AHI data, Healthcare professionals make the decision if the optional mobile app will be used to get the data remotely. BelunPro X is available at both Apple App Store or Google Play.
Conclusions
AHI monitoring is a game-changer in the management of OSA with MADs. Data empowers dentists to accelerate the titration process, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment in the shortest possible time. This approach not only enhances treatment outcomes but also improves the overall efficiency of OSA management in dental practices across the U.S.
Adopting Belun Sleep System in the titration process of MAD treatment could mark a significant advancement in the standard of care for OSA patients, offering a faster path to better sleep and health.
* Daily monitoring requires the use of the BeluPro X mobile app.