First comparison of the Velumount® palatal device with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), repetition effect in neuropsychological tests, and comparative study factors

Data of 18 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on therapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (with good efficacy) and with the Velumount® device were collected by respiratory polygraphy, blood pressure measurement, questionnaires, and neuropsychological tests to compare for the first time the effects of the Velumount® device to the one of CPAP therapy. Number of side effects (p < 0.001), oxygen saturation (p < 0.01), and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05) significantly decreased with the Velumount® device. Compliance, therapy satisfaction, and apneahypopnea index significantly (AHI; p < 0.01) increased with the Velumount® device. There was no significant difference in the proposed compliance adjusted AHI. Average improvements in neuropsychological performance lay within the range of the repetition effect. Alternatives to CPAP therapy (such as the Velumount® device) should be individually adapted to OSAS patients. The proposed comparative study factors should be considered in required follow-up comparative studies.