Improvement in tongue pressure endurance by myofunctional therapy using gummies and its association with obstructive sleep apnoea

Purpose Myofunctional therapy (MFT) may improve obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Nonetheless, adherence is often limited by inconsistent techniques and limited engagement. We aimed to evaluate whether a novel sheet-shaped gummy could facilitate MFT and improve tongue function and OSA severity.Materials and methods In this prospective, interventional pilot study, 10 patients with OSA underwent 12 weeks of MFT using a sheet-shaped gummy attached to the hard palate to guide tongue positioning and promote elevation exercises. Adherence, tongue pressure (maximum and sustained), genioglossus muscle (GM) activity, resting tongue position, respiratory event index (REI), and pharyngeal obstruction (VOTE classification) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.Results Participants completed the training programme at an 83.4% average rate. Maximum tongue pressure did not change significantly, but sustained pressure and GM electromyographic activity improved post-MFT. Seven participants exhibited improved tongue posture. Based on a ≥ 100% increase in the integral value of sustained tongue pressure > 20 kPa, participants were divided into improvement (n = 6) and non-improvement (n = 4) groups, with the former exhibiting a significantly lower post-treatment REI. Endoscopic findings demonstrated reduced velum and oropharyngeal wall obstructions in the improvement group. Sustained tongue pressure negatively correlated with post-MFT REI (r = –0.700, p = 0.043).Conclusion In this pilot study, MFT using a sheet-shaped gummy was associated with improved tongue pressure endurance, muscle activity, and pharyngeal patency, particularly in participants with greater tongue pressure gains, while promoting adherence through a practical guide. This method may serve as a promising adjunct non-invasive therapy for OSA.