Reinforcement of Upper Airway Muscles in Patients With OSAS

Non-invasive Reinforcement of the Upper Airway Dilator Muscles as an Alternative Approach to Treat Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This study will investigate the effectiveness of a simple and quick myofunctional reeducation protocol of the tongue in reducing the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) severity.

This is a randomized controlled study. Participants with moderate OSAS severity will be either allocated to receive a myofunctional reeducation protocol (study group) or a sham protocol (control group). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) will be measured before and at the end (6 weeks) of the protocol. Participants from the study group will follow an upper airway reinforcement regimen using the IOPI (Iowa Oral Performance Instrument) device over 6 weeks while participants from the control group will perform a sham reeducation protocol using an "EMT threshold" at minimal resistance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (AHI between 15 and 30 events per hour)
• Poor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (< 4h per night)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Craniofacial malformation
• Use of hypnotic medication
• Had stroke in the past
• Present a concurrent neuromuscular or severe obstructive nasal disease