BACKGROUND: Snoring often limits sleep quality and quality of life of the affected person. Effective therapies for snoring are scarce. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized, controlled study aims to investigate the efficacy of an orolingual myofunctional therapy for the treatment of snoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 125 participants with history of snoring were included in this single center study. Participants were randomized to orolingual (treatment) or finger coordination exercises (control) for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was a subjective snoring score derived from visual analogue scales for snoring qualities. The secondary endpoints included snoring index, -time and apnea-hypopnea index determined by home sleep apnea test and sleep questionnaires. RESULTS: 92 patients reached final analysis (51 experimental, 41 controls). In analysis of covariance, the snoring score at follow-up was 2.3 scale points lower in the treatment group, compared to the control group (95% CI 0.6 to 3.9, p = 0.007). Explorative analysis suggested that older participants benefit more than younger. Secondary parameters did not differ significantly. RESULTS: 92 patients reached final analysis (51 experimental, 41 controls). In analysis of covariance, the snoring score at follow-up was 2.3 scale points lower in the treatment group, compared to the control group (95% CI 0.6 to 3.9, p = 0.007). Explorative analysis suggested that older participants benefit more than younger. Secondary parameters did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Results of this study indicate that orolingual myofunctional therapy improves subjective snoring score with respect to the bed partner compared to control.

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