How Mandibular Advancement Devices Improve Airway Patency During Sleep #3847833 (License: Personal Use)

The image illustrates two cross-sectional views of the human upper airway during sleep. On the left, the tongue and soft tissues collapse inward, narrowing the pharyngeal passage and restricting airflow-common in obstructive sleep apnea. On the right, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) holds the lower jaw forward, pulling the tongue base away from the posterior pharyngeal wall and restoring patency. Arrows indicate airflow direction and volume, emphasizing the therapeutic mechanism.

This image is commonly used on sleep medicine, dental sleep therapy, or CPAP-alternative web pages to explain non-invasive treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. It serves educational and clinical decision-support purposes for patients researching oral appliance therapy.