Dental Appliances for Central Sleep Apnea

Q: Can a MAD improve CSA as opposed to OSA?

Dr. Smith: Yes, there is more and more literature coming out showing that not only can mandibular advancement devices improve obstructive sleep apnea, but they can have a positive effect on central sleep apnea as well.

From articles like this one, it becomes clear that a) Obstructions that create a decrease in respiratory motor output will b) decrease respiratory drive, leading to c) CSA. Therefore, anything that removes obstructions, such as a MAD, can improve CSA.

Additionally, OSA leads to arousals, which leads to hyperventilation, which leads to hypocapnia, which leads to a decreased respiratory drive, which leads to CSA. So, control OSA with a MAD, and you can lessen the likelihood of CSA manifestation.