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Nasal obstruction may worsen OSA indicators

Increases in apnea-hypopnea events were greatest among patients with an elevated baseline index, while evidence supporting mouth taping remained preliminary.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • September 11, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Nasal obstruction is associated with worsening obstructive sleep apnea indicators, including increased Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).

  • 2

    The meta-analysis included 15 studies with 304 participants, showing a mean AHI increase of 13.78 events per hour due to nasal obstruction.

  • 3

    Nasal obstruction led to a mean Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) increase of 7.45 events per hour, though this increase was not statistically significant.

  • 4

    Mouth taping studies showed median AHI reductions, but neither study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in oxygen saturation.

  • 5

    The authors noted limitations in the evidence base, including the observational nature of most studies and inconsistent definitions of hypopnea.

Original Source(s)

Nasal obstruction may worsen OSA indicators

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • September 11, 2026

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