Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patient with Oropharyngeal Exercise

Abstract

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea is a common pathologic condition which implicates in serious biophysical  and psychological effects and reduces quality of life. The standard treatment is using continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Oropharyngeal exercise is an alternative or adjunctive therapy with other methods. It is a  simple, safe and inexpensive method. It acts by increasing the strength and tone of the oropharyngeal muscles for maintenance of the upper airway patency. This modality of treatment significantly decreases of Apnea  Hypopnea index, increases oxygen saturation during sleep, decreases daytime sleepiness and increases quality of life.