In 2012, A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The results indicated that myofunctional therapy alone can reduce apneas by about 50%.
The study involved 30 patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, who demonstrated minimal changes in BMI but reported significant improvements on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Additionally, patients noted a reduction in all measureable symptoms associated with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing.
A sleep study conducted before and after myofunctional therapy confirmed the changes reported by the patients. The AHI (Apnea Hyponea Index), The Arousal Index, and time snoring all decreased.
Myofunctional therapy can achieve subjective and objective improvements in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Nevertheless, the requirement for a CPAP machine might still be essential based on the specific needs of the patient. By decreasing apneas with myofunctional therapy, you could potentially access a wider range of treatment alternatives, like an oral appliance. As you advance through therapy and the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue start working in unison, your CPAP machine may also become more comfortable to use.
It’s important to discuss any changes with your healthcare providers and explore all available treatment options.
To review the full research article, click below.
Baz H, Elshafey M, Elmorsy S, et al. The role of oral myofunctional therapy in managing patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Pan Arab J. Rhinol. 2012; 2 : -.
Available at: https://pajr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol2/iss1/5
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