A clinical trial of measuring tongue pressure in patients with sleep apnea requiring CPAP

Abstract

Tongue pressure is a useful parameter of oral function generated by the tongue and palate, and is a component used to assess the deterioration of oral function. Tongue pressure is also a prognostic factor for systemic frailty and a parameter of swallowing function. On the other hand, in some cases of obstructive sleep apnea （OSA）, the pathogenesis of OSA is derived from tongue narrowing and base of tongue level. However, there have been few studies on the relationship between tongue pressure and OSA. Therefore, we measured the tongue pressure of OSA patients requiring continuous positive airway pressure （CPAP） and compared the results with those of a control group. Tongue pressure was reduced in OSA patients who were elderly or not obese. Oral functional failure, including low tongue pressure, may contribute to the pathogenesis or progression of OSA.