Learn the Science

The Science of REMplenish: Understand the Benefits of Our Revolutionary Tool

Let's talk airway health, snoring, and myofunctional therapy.

So why do we snore?

Snoring is a sound produced by the vibration of the soft tissues of the upper airway during sleep.
Nasal
Plugged nostrils results in high pitched snore.
Mouth
Soft palate relaxes and vibrates from air flow.
Tongue
Tongue relaxes, falls back, and decreases airway size, resulting in a louder snore.
Throat
Relaxation of the pharyngeal muscles causing the airway to decreases in size.

If snoring is loud and habitual it may indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition where the airway collapses and breathing is stopped for a period of time that is sufficient to disrupt sleep. Here are common indicators of Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Excessive daytime tiredness.
Waking up with a headache or fogginess in the morning.
Waking up numerous times throughout the night.
Gasping for air while sleeping.
*We strongly recommend anybody that has suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to consult with their physician on the best course of action. If you receive improvement in tiredness or any of the OSA indicators from device use, you may be at risk of having OSA.

About Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy is targeted exercise of the muscles in the upper airway, face, mouth, and tongue in order to promote proper function and positioning.

The Goals of Myofunctional Therapy Are:
- Keep lips sealed together with light pressure at rest.
- Train you to swallow correctly.
- Ensure the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth.
- To help you breathe through your nose both during the day and at night.

Importance of Nasal Breathing and Proper Tongue Position:

Breathing through your nose filters, regulates the temperature of, and humidifies air before it reached your lungs. When you breathe through your mouth, your tongue is forced into a lowered position where your muscles are not being properly activated.

To prevent this, it is important to breathe through your nose while at rest. Mouth breathing should only be for when you are talking or exercising.

When you breathe through your nose you should keep both the front and back of your tongue lightly suctioned to the roof of your mouth with the tip of your tongue resting ~1⁄4” behind your front teeth.

The Proper Swallow

Correcting swallowing irregularities can provide a great, long-lasting benefit.

Are you swallowing properly?

Here's how to tell.

Grab a glass of water and take a sip. Pay close attention to where the tip of your tongue is relative to your teeth and the glass when you swallow.

If your tongue is behind your bottom teeth, touching the glass, floating in your mouth, or pushing against your top teeth – it’s likely being done incorrectly.
Proper swallowing involves pressing the tip of your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth (1/4 behind your front teeth) as you initiate the swallow. See graphic for visual.

The back of your tongue should raise to the roof of your mouth, propelling the food or liquid down your throat. See graphic for visual.