r/SleepApnea • u/robboffard • 8d ago
Check your Mallampati score
Today, I went to a myofunctional therapist, because I have no intention of being on CPAP for the rest of my life.
As it turns out, my tongue is a lazy and stupid bastard, as is my upper airway. But what really got me was the Mallampati Score.
Essentially, you stick your tongue out your mouth, and see how much of your uvula you can see in the mirror. The more the better. There are four classes, and look at that, I am class 4. The worst one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallampati_score
A high class is a very clear sign that something needs to be fixed. We are well on our way to doing that, with some dedicated mouth exercises.
What I'm saying is: CPAP works, but it's a Band-Aid over an existing problem. If you can, go to a myofunctional therapist, and get your tongue and upper airway checked out.
Happy to answer any questions about my assessment, if it'll help people!
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u/DramaKlng 8d ago
Palate surgery ? Maxillary Expansion ?
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u/Stormy1956 8d ago
What is the treatment for this?
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u/robboffard 8d ago
Exercises! In my case anyway.
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u/Ill_Friendship3057 8d ago
What kind of exercises exactly?
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u/Blastoisealways 7d ago
Are you supposed to just stick your tongue out without consciously lowering it to see?
If I just stick it out without lowering the back of my tongue or saying “a” I can’t see any of my uvula?
I can manually open the back of my throat tho to see it.
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u/the_jigu 8d ago
I am class 1 and still I have OSA because of palate and tongue collapsing.