[Dutch national guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in adults].

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive upper airway obstructions during sleep. This sleep-related breathing disorder is associated with excessive daytime sleepiness and increased cardiovascular risk. Recently, the national multidisciplinary guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of OSAS in adults have been thoroughly revised. In the guidelines an important place has been created for mandibular repositioning appliances. With these devices, which resemble activators, a widening of the upper airways is produced during sleep by advancing the mandible. According to the guidelines therapy with repositioning appliances should be considered a first-line treatment for patients with mild to moderate OSAS.