# SnoreLab Application in the Assessment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Pilot Study
###### Abstract
Furthermore, it provides comprehensive information on various snoring remedies and factors influencing snoring, thereby empowering users with knowledge crucial for informed decision-making regarding their sleep health. SnoreLab does not serve as a diagnostic tool for OSAS; however, as stated on their website, _\"some users have discovered sounds in their recordings that indicate apnea events, and then found them useful in subsequent medical consultations\"_. Also, the app may be beneficial in capturing evidence of sleep apnea, such as _\"to identify risky periods using the tell-tale sign of silence followed by gasping or choking\"_ [[[https://www.snorelab.com/](https://www.snorelab.com/)]([https://www.snorelab.com/](https://www.snorelab.com/)) sleep-apnea-screening-testing-and-treatment/ (accessed on 27 April 2024)]. These data can prove valuable when shared with an otorhinolaryngologist or trained sleep apnea specialist to optimize treatment strategies. According to a previous systematic review published by our group [5], SnoreLab received a MARS score of 3.7, with the highest scores according to aesthetics and function. Despite its remarkable popularity, SnoreLab's validation has not been extensively reported in the literature, and the published reports are scarce. Only two clinical trials [7; 8] and one case report [9] have assessed its accuracy or utilized SnoreLab in a clinical setting. [PERSON] et al. [7] evaluated the accuracy of the SnoreLab smartphone app in monitoring snoring compared to full-night PSG. The results show the app's acceptable accuracy values in measuring snoring >50% per night: 94.7% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, and 94.1% specificity. However, it fails to detect obstructive events. Best agreement was observed when comparing loud and epic snoring ratios with total snoring ratio. Therefore, the SnoreLab app is deemed suitable for measuring heavy snoring, but not obstructive events. In the randomized trial by [PERSON] et al. [8], SnoreLab was used to assess the effect of myofunctional therapy (MT) on snoring in obese patients. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of MT in treating habitual snoring in obese patients. Despite subjective improvements reported in the experimental group, assessment via the SnoreLab app showed no significant effect of MT on snoring variables compared to the control group. Additionally, neck circumference and sleep quality worsened after treatment, suggesting that MT may not be effective in managing habitual snoring in this population. The case report by [PERSON] et al. [9] aimed to assess the consistency of snoring measurements using the SnoreLab app across three different smartphones, intending to validate its use in studies on snoring treatment effectiveness. While overall measurements showed strong correlation, significant differences were noted among smartphones in assessing various snoring parameters. This suggests challenges in utilizing the SnoreLab app across different devices for research purposes, but highlights its potential for individual treatment monitoring. The primary objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between the results derived from the SnoreLab scoring system, which is predicated on the recording of patients' snoring, and the parameters obtained from overnight, in-hospital PSG [10]. By juxtaposing the outcomes of SnoreLab against those of PSG, we sought to provide insights into its utility and efficacy as a diagnostic tool for evaluating sleep-related disorders. Through this comprehensive examination, we aimed to contribute valuable information to the ongoing discourse surrounding the clinical use of SnoreLab, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of its diagnostic capabilities, and facilitating informed decision-making in clinical practice. The overarching aim was to elucidate the potential strengths and limitations of this promising tool within the realm of sleep diagnostics.