A comparison continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement devices (MADs) showed that each produces a modest reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure rates in patients with sleep apnea, according to Swiss researchers.

“CPAP and MADs not only reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea such as sleepiness, but also lower blood pressure,” said lead researcher Dr Malcolm Kohler, chair of respiratory medicine at the University Hospital of Zurich. “Both treatments have similar positive effects on blood pressure, but the treatment effect of CPAP seems to be larger in patients who have more hours of sleep.”