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Neutral supporting mandibular advancement device with tongue bead for passive myofunctional therapy: a long term
Yu-Shu Huang1, Li-Chuan Chuang2, Michèle Hervy-Auboiron3
1Department of Child Psychiatry and Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Craniofacial Research Center and Sleep Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Insights
Compliance remains a significant challenge for myofunctional therapy (MFT) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Passive MFT devices demonstrated better adherence and positive outcomes compared to active MFT.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Orthodontics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Myofunctional therapy (MFT) is a recognized complementary treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Patient compliance with MFT regimens presents a significant challenge in pediatric OSA management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and compliance of traditional myofunctional therapy (MFT) versus a passive MFT device in children with OSA.
- To evaluate the impact of both MFT approaches on polysomnography (PSG) and cephalometric parameters.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 110 children aged 4-16 years with OSA.
- Participants were randomized into two groups: active MFT (n=54) and passive MFT device (n=56).
- Assessments included clinical evaluation, PSG, and cephalometric X-rays at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- The active MFT group exhibited very low compliance, with only 10/23 participants compliant at 6 months and none at 12 months.
- The passive MFT group showed high compliance (48/56 completing the study) and significant improvements in PSG and cephalometric measures.
- Children using the passive MFT device achieved nasal breathing during sleep at 1 year with no noted adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Compliance is a critical barrier to the effectiveness of traditional MFT for pediatric OSA.
- Passive MFT devices offer a more promising alternative, demonstrating better adherence and positive clinical outcomes.
- Continuous parental involvement is essential for active MFT, while potential adverse effects of passive devices require ongoing monitoring.
Backgrounds:
Myofunctional therapy has been reported to be a valid adjunct treatment to OSA, but compliance was mentioned as an issue. We performed a prospective study on age matched randomized children submitted to myofunctional therapy (MFT) or to a functional device used during sleep (passive MFT).
Methods:
110 children 4 to 16 were recruited for the study, 54 children were in the MFT group [A] while 56 were in the "nocturnal device" group [B]. Clinical evaluation, polysomnography and cephalometric X-Rays were performed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months, with clinical follow-up at 3 months.
Results:
MFT group show very important absence of compliance, at six months only 23 subjects participated and only 10/23 had been compliant with treatment. None came back for research investigation at 12 months. 48/56 of passive MFT children ended the research protocol at 12 months. Comparison of baseline to 6 and 12 months data showed that all children with passive MFT improved (PSG and cephalometrics) and had nasal breathing during sleep at 1 year, and no negative effect of device were noted. The 10 children compliant with MFT showed clear improvement of sleep related breathing with also changes at cephalometric -X-rays.
Conclusion:
Compliance is a major problem of MFT, and MFT will have to take into consideration the absolute need to have continuous parental involvement in the procedure. Passive MFT gives many more positive results, but potential negative effects of device on other jaw will have to be continuously evaluated.
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