American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Evaluating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often requires observing the patient's airway dynamics and their ability to maintain patency during different body positions. The recommended position of supine with the tongue positioned forward without emitting sound is critical for this assessment.

In this position, the tongue being forward helps to keep the airway open, which is particularly important in evaluating the mechanics of the throat and the potential collapse of the airway that can occur in OSA. This positioning allows for an effective assessment of the anatomical areas most likely to contribute to airway obstruction.

Additionally, this method can simulate conditions during sleep, providing valuable insight into how the patient might present during episodes of apnea. By ensuring the tongue is forward, clinicians can observe if the obstruction is resolved without sound transmission, indicating less resistance and a more open airway.

Other positions such as sitting upright, lying on the side, or lying supine with the head turned do not simulate the sleep state effectively or allow for the same level of airway assessment as the supine position with the tongue forward. Thus, the chosen position assists in accurately diagnosing and understanding the patient's specific airway issues related to OSA.