Adherence
Myofunctional therapy (MT) significantly reduces the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) in adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) by approximately 50% and in children by 62%, while also improving lowest oxygen saturation, snoring, and subjective sleepiness.
If you have OSA, myofunctional therapy involves specific tongue and throat exercises that can significantly reduce your apnea events and improve sleep quality. While protocols vary, consistent daily practice (often multiple times a day) for several months is required. It is not a replacement for CPAP for everyone but can be a valuable adjunct, especially for those who struggle with other treatments or want to improve their condition further.
Current literature demonstrates that myofunctional therapy decreases apnea-hypopnea index by approximately 50% in adults and 62% in children. Lowest oxygen saturations, snoring, and sleepiness outcomes improve in adults.
Why this rating
The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis, but includes heterogeneous studies with small sample sizes and varying quality (case series, RCTs).
Source
Myofunctional Therapy to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Macario Camacho et al. · SLEEP · 2015
DOI 10.5665/sleep.4652
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