The Tongue’s Role in Airway Stability

Lingual factors supporting airway collapsibility: A dysfunctional tongue is unable to maintain a stable position at the front of the palate. When the tongue rest position is low, it is pulled back with the mandible. This position promotes mouth breathing, reduces the retrolingual pharyngeal space, and can contribute to airway collapse during sleep.

Factors affecting muscle responsiveness: A dysfunctional tongue may function inefficiently: it may be either overworked or insufficiently active. In both cases, this leads to muscle fatigue and decreased endurance. During sleep, especially during an obstructive episode, the tongue may not produce sufficient and sustained force to keep the airways open or limit obstruction.

The Value of Objective Measurement

Assessing tongue strength and endurance helps identify neuromuscular factors that may impact SDB endotypes during sleep.

TPMD in Clinical Evaluation

TPMD enables:

• Objective assessment of tongue force and endurance
• Identification of functional risk profiles
• Monitoring of combined treatment strategies that include rehabilitation with a retraining device (TRP) or Myofunctional Therapy