Overview
A 42-year-old male presented to Enticare Sleep Health with chronic fatigue, loud snoring, and morning headaches. Despite sleeping 8 hours nightly, he felt unrested. His oral exam revealed a scalloped tongue and poor tongue posture—both classic indicators of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Challenge
The patient was unaware that tongue shape and position could contribute to sleep issues. His previous physician treated him for insomnia without addressing the airway blockage caused by his tongue.
Diagnosis
Through a comprehensive sleep study and tongue posture evaluation, Enticare’s specialists confirmed moderate OSA linked to macroglossia (enlarged tongue) and low tongue posture.
Solution
Enticare designed a tailored treatment plan including:
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Myofunctional therapy to strengthen tongue and throat muscles
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Custom oral appliance to reposition the tongue and open the airway
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Sleep hygiene coaching to reduce mouth breathing and improve oxygen flow
Results
After 10 weeks:
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Snoring was reduced by 80%
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Daytime fatigue improved significantly
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Sleep study showed normalized oxygen saturation levels
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Patient reported better focus and mood during the day
Key Takeaway
Identifying tongue-related sleep apnea allowed Enticare to deliver targeted, non-invasive treatment—restoring both sleep quality and overall health.