NightBalance announced the publication of a study comparing its Sleep Position Trainer (SPT) to oral appliance therapy in mild to moderate positional obstructive sleep apnea over a 12-month period. In this study SPT compared favorably to oral appliance therapy. The study demonstrated equally good clinical outcomes, and SPT scored better on ease of use and showed fewer side effects.

The article, entitled “Durability of treatment effects of the Sleep Position Trainer versus oral appliance therapy in positional OSA: 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial,” is published in the peer-reviewed journal Sleep and Breathing (e-published Sept. 15).

NightBalance’s SPT is worn in a strap around the chest, and gently prompts patients not to sleep on their back (supine) to prevent positional obstructive sleep apnea. As such it is non-invasive, and leads to improved therapy adherence and patient comfort.

“This is the first ever long-term, randomized controlled trial comparing positional therapy using the SPT with OAT for the treatment of POSA,” says Nico de Vries, MD, PhD, principal investigator of the study, in a release. “Given these clinical outcomes, fewer device-related complaints, and better economics, I believe the SPT is a strong contender to become a more comfortable, natural, and affordable solution for a large number of sleep apnea sufferers.”

“We are pleased with the positive results of the study,” says Eline Vrijland-van Beest, CEO of NightBalance. “These results add to our continuously expanding clinical data set of more than 80,000 nights in published research to date, demonstrating the ease of use and efficacy of the Sleep Position Trainer. Our focus on the generation of strong clinical data in collaboration with leading sleep disorder scientists and clinicians offers invaluable support for our interactions with patients, sleep specialists, regulatory bodies, and payors.”