@article{10.37349/emed.2026.1001396,
abstract = {Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome characterized by episodes of complete cessation of breathing (apnea) or inadequate breathing (hypopnea) during sleep. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Lilacs databases was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We identified 1,532 records; after screening, 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published between 2009 and 2020, met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 698 participants aged 5–75 years. Results: Nine randomized trials (n = 698; 2009–2020) showed that myofunctional therapy (MFT), alone or as an adjunct, for example, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal washing, reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) versus control in adults and children. Snoring intensity improved in trials that measured it; several studies reported gains in oxygen saturation and mouth-breathing reduction. Protocols targeted the soft palate, tongue, and facial muscles with daily home exercises. Discussion: MFT appears to be a promising non-invasive treatment for reducing AHI, especially in pediatric patients. Its benefits extend beyond AHI reduction, supporting orofacial function and nasal breathing. However, its clinical integration remains limited due to a lack of standardized protocols and inconsistent reporting of patient adherence. Most studies also have short follow-up periods, which makes it difficult to assess long-term efficacy. To advance evidence-based use of MFT, future research should adopt standardized outcomes, monitor adherence systematically, and include long-term follow-up.},
author = {Saccomanno, Sabina and Valeri, Cristina and Palermiti, Mario and Salvati, Simone Ettore and Inchingolo, Francesco and Ferrante, Laura and Inchingolo, Alessio Danilo and Palermo, Andrea and Isola, Gaetano and Dipalma, Gianna and Inchingolo, Angelo Michele},
doi = {10.37349/emed.2026.1001396},
journal = {Exploration of Medicine},
elocation-id = {1001396},
title = {Myofunctional therapy in sleep disorders: a systematic review},
url = {https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/em/Article/1001396},
volume = {7},
year = {2026}
}