Oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy for obstructive sleep apnea

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED NON-INFERIORITY TRIAL TO ANALYZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OROPHARYNGEAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY IN MILD-MODERATE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA IN THE GENERAL POPULATION

PHASE3 · Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla · NCT06681974

This study tests if a 20-week exercise program using oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy can help people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea breathe better while they sleep.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorInstituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla (other)
Locations1 site (Santander)
Trial IDNCT06681974 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy (OMT) as a conservative treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will engage in a 20-week exercise program based on OMT, or a control group that will receive standard hygienic-dietary measures. The study aims to assess changes in the apnea-hypopnea index and other relevant variables through respiratory polygraphy before and after the intervention. The trial seeks to provide insights into the efficacy of OMT in improving OSA symptoms and overall patient health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with a diagnosis of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who are not suitable for CPAP or other treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea, craniofacial malformations, or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a non-invasive treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for similar conservative treatments in managing obstructive sleep apnea, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acceptance and signature of the informed consent
* Diagnosis of OSA with mild-moderate AHI without criteria for treatment with CPAP and/or other treatments (DAM).
* Patients who refused CPAP, were not candidates and/or refused DAM.
* Age \> 18 years and \< 70 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Craniofacial malformations. Severe developmental delay. Intellectual disability.
* Diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease.
* Limited tongue mobility/presence of ankyloglossia as well as Temporo-Mandibular Joint pathology.
* Regular use of hypnotic medications
* Bulbar pathologies
* AHI of central origin above 50% of the total sleep time.
* Obesity grade II or more.
* Severe cardiovascular, neuromuscular or pulmonary pathology or chronic domiciliary oxygen use. Hypoventilation-obesity syndrome.
* Refuse to participate in the clinical trial despite fulfilling the inclusion criteria and not presenting any exclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Santander

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Oropharyngeal myofunctional therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.