Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy Exercises For Use With The DNA Appliance

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises intended to strengthen the muscles of the tongue, mouth and upper throat and help maintain the airway during sleep, improving obstructive sleep apnea. At the end of this talk, Dr Singh answers a question about myofunctional therapy by saying that it should be part of the DNA appliance treatment protocol. A literature review found that myofunctional therapy can reduce AHI by 50% in adults with moderate sleep apnea and could serve as an adjunct to other obstructive sleep apnea treatment. (more…)

By Graham Stoney, ago

Exercises For Improving Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a number of factors all combining to create an airway that collapses during sleep. Given the many underlying causes involved, it makes sense that the optimal treatment will also be multifactorial. At the end of this talk, Dr Singh answers a question about myofunctional therapy by saying that it should be part of the DNA appliance treatment protocol.

In addition to myofunctional therapy, I’ve come across several other exercises which may be helpful in getting the most out of my RNA appliance. Here is a summary: (more…)

By Graham Stoney, ago

Maxillary Expansion For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resource Bookmarks

This is a list of online resources I found helpful when researching palate expansion options for potentially curing my obstructive sleep apnea. The number of links reflects the amount of research I did on each option; those I explored in more detail have their own pages and are compared in this article.

To understand how and why this treatment approach works, read what really causes obstructive sleep apnea. Most options here are non-surgical or require only minimal surgical assistance; for surgical options see Surgical Options For Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resource Bookmarks.

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By Graham Stoney, ago

Sleep Apnea: Mandibular Advancement Device, Didgeridoo Practise, Vocal Training, Nose Cones and Throat & Neck Exercises

I’ve been using a combination of a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD), Vocal Training and Didgeridoo practice to treat my severe sleep apnea for about 4 months now and I thought it was time for an update.

I wear the MAD all night every night, and most of the times that I have the occasional afternoon nap. During this time I have gradually adjusted it out by 6mm, when I hit the point where my temporomandibular joint (on which the lower jaw pivots) started to ache too much. I don’t find the MAD particularly uncomfortable to wear during the night.

It took about a week or so to adjust to sleeping with a chunk of plastic in my mouth but after that I didn’t really mind. I use the repositioner that came with my Somnomed device each morning to reposition my jaw. I notice some pain in my teeth eating crunchy foods particularly in the morning, but figure it will be worth it if it restores my health.

I’m definitely never getting laid again.

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By Graham Stoney, ago