Ergonomics in Sleep Medicine: Interfacing Myofunctional Therapy with Orofacial Muscular Balance and Sleep Posture

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder marked by recurrent episodes of upper airway obstruction during sleep, resulting in intermittent hypoxia and disrupted sleep architecture. Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), which targets oropharyngeal muscle tone, has shown promise as a non-invasive therapeutic approach in mild-to-moderate cases. However, the influence of sleep ergonomics—particularly body posture and pillow support—on OMT outcomes remains insufficiently examined. This study aimed to assess whether ergonomic interventions could enhance the clinical efficacy of OMT in adults with mild-to-moderate OSA. In a 12-week prospective cohort design, 60 adults received structured OMT exercises including tongue elevation, lip seal training, and soft palate strengthening. Sleep posture was documented using infrared monitoring, and ergonomic guidance on optimal sleep position and pillow use was provided. Significant reductions in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) were observed, alongside improvements in orofacial muscle tone, sleep quality, and daytime alertness. Participants who consistently followed ergonomic recommendations demonstrated more pronounced improvements than those who did not. These findings suggest that ergonomic optimization may act synergistically with OMT, offering a cost-effective adjunct to conservative OSA management and potentially improving adherence and long-term outcomes.