Myofunctional Therapy

What it is

Myofunctional therapy is a set of exercises for the muscles of the mouth, throat and upper airway, built around speaking, breathing, blowing, sucking, chewing and swallowing. It mixes isotonic and isometric exercises [1].

What the research says

Snoring. A 2018 review of nine studies with 211 adults found snoring intensity on a visual scale fell 51% (80 patients), Berlin questionnaire intensity fell 36% (34 patients) and time spent snoring fell 31% (60 patients), all from before-and-after comparisons [2]. A 2025 randomised trial of 125 people found snoring scores 2.3 points lower than with finger-coordination exercises, but sleep-test measures did not differ significantly [3]. The Cochrane review found snoring intensity probably slightly lower than with sham therapy, and little to no effect on snoring frequency (very uncertain) [1].

Sleep apnea in adults. A 2024 review of 7 randomised trials (310 patients) found a lower apnea-hypopnea index (mean difference -10.2) and less daytime sleepiness than with sham or no therapy [4]. CPAP was the most effective for reducing breathing pauses in a network meta-analysis of 55 trials, with exercises a viable alternative for people intolerant of CPAP [5]. In the Cochrane review's head-to-head trial, apnea scores were 9.6 points higher with exercises than with CPAP [1].

Children. Randomised trials found no statistically significant change in the apnea-hypopnea index, and no evidence supports these exercises as first-line treatment [6].

Doses used in studies

Trials in the Cochrane review lasted two to four months [1]. The snoring trial used six weeks of tongue and mouth exercises against finger-coordination exercises [3].

Safety and interactions

The Cochrane review looked for adverse events, but none of its trials reported any data on them [1]. In the one pediatric trial in a 2024 review, compliance was poor, below 50% [4]. The abstracts we read give no data on medicine interactions or pregnancy. Snoring with pauses in breathing or daytime sleepiness can signal sleep apnea, which needs a doctor's assessment [1].

Caveats and open questions

Most snoring data are before-and-after comparisons with no control group [2]. The Cochrane review rated certainty moderate to very low because assessors were not blinded, some data were missing and trials were small [1]. Long-term effects and compliance need more study [4].