BACKGROUND: The obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is complex and multifactorial, but it is relatively common and is of interest to a number of specialists. Airflow interruption in the upper airway for more than 10 s can cause several problems, including daytime drowsiness, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmias. The condition can thus lead to major public health problems and so early diagnosis and treatment are justified. PURPOSE: To analyze the facial features of 35 patients diagnosed with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. CONCLUSION: The facial analysis revealed an overall trend toward a convex profile, with retroposition of the maxilla and/or mandible, a vertical facial growth tendency (obtuse gonial angle), increased facial anteroinferior height, decreased retropalatine and retrolingual spaces, and decreased throat length.