Evaluation of criteria for uvulopalatoplasty (UPP) patient selection using acoustic analysis of oronasal respiration (SNAP testing).

This study was designed to evaluate the acoustic parameters of sleeping oronasal respiration as determined by the SNAP system, to identify those that might aid in identifying appropriate candidates for uvulopalatoplasty (UPP). Eighteen UPP patients who completed preoperative and postoperative SNAP testing and assessment interviews were analyzed. Significant multiparametric changes subsequent to UPP were identified. These parameters were then correlated with subjective outcomes and predictive parameters were defined that may aid in the identification of patients who would be the most appropriate candidates for UPP. Predictive correlation with relief of snoring was noted when the relative loudness of velum-like snoring was greater than 12 dB and the snoring distribution was dominated by low-frequency (velum-like) snoring (> 85%). Objective and more accurate UPP candidate selection may be possible using SNAP testing.