About Airway Sleep Therapy
At Airway Sleep Therapy, we provide personalised therapy and treatment to address sleep-disordered breathing in children. I’m Claire, a Myofunctional Therapist and Occupational Therapist, who firmly believes that sleep and breathing are the cornerstones of a child's health. Having seen firsthand with my own child the benefits of a better airway and sleep, I know how profoundly these factors impact every aspect of a child’s well-being. I am particularly passionate about early intervention and the critical role that orofacial dysfunction plays in a child's behaviour, sensory system, immunity, allergies, and cognitive development. Our treatments include assessments and evaluations, muscle training exercises, nasal breathing improvement, tongue posture correction, tongue thrust swallow correction, orthodontic support, pre- and post-tongue tie release care, and specialised myofunctional therapy for sleep disordered breathing. We work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care and provide thorough patient education to empower families.
"To breathe and sleep well is the foundation for a healthy future"
Airway Sleep Therapy
Our Services
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)
OMT is a specialised treatment aimed at improving the function of the oral and facial muscles, this leads to better breathing while a child sleeps. It addresses issues related to improper tongue placement, mouth breathing, swallowing disorders, and lip seal. Through a series of targeted exercises and techniques, OMT helps to retrain the muscles to function correctly, promoting better breathing, chewing, swallowing, and sleeping. Our therapy sessions are designed to be interactive and enjoyable. This can be done virtually.
Breathing Retraining
Our Breathing Retraining program aims to improve breathing patterns and reduce the symptoms of sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea or snoring. We will assess your breathing patterns and develop a personalised plan to improve your breathing and promote better sleep. This can all be done virtually.
Patient Education and Counseling
Patient education and counselling are essential to achieving long-term success in treating sleep-disordered breathing and orofacial disorders. This can be a confusing area for parents! We will provide you with the knowledge and tools to help work out steps needed to manage the condition and improve overall well-being. You might be surprised at how many issues a child might have that can be resolved with better sleep and breathing. This can be done virtually.
Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy
Enhancing Nasal Breathing:
Many children develop the habit of mouth breathing due to allergies, enlarged adnoids/tonsils, or other issues. Myofunctional therapy includes exercises that encourage nasal breathing, which is healthier and supports proper facial growth and development. By nasal breathing, children can improve their sleep quality, concentration, immunity and nervous system
Preventing Sleep Disordered Breathing
Myofunctional therapy can help in identifying and correcting habits that contribute to sleep disordered breathing, such as snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome and sleep apnea. By promoting proper muscle function and encouraging correct tongue posture, children can experience better sleep quality and have a positive flow on affect to all aspects of their lives.
​
Supporting Orthodontic Treatment:
Myofunctional Therapy complements orthodontic treatment by addressing the function of the oral and facial muscles. It helps to ensure that the teeth remain in their corrected positions after braces are removed, reducing the likelihood of relapse. Or that the tongue can work as the natural expander when a palate expander is removed. This approach supports long-term orthodontic success and stability.
Correcting Swallowing Patterns:
Children with improper swallowing habits, such as tongue thrusting, can develop dental issues and misaligned teeth. Myofunctional therapy trains the child to adopt correct swallowing techniques, ensuring the tongue rests in the proper position. We also check for tongue/lip ties. This supports overall oral and whole body health.
Facilitating Proper Facial Development:
Proper muscle function and correct oral habits contribute to balanced facial development. Myofunctional therapy helps in ensuring that the muscles and bones of the face develop correctly, which can prevent issues such as a recessed chin or elongated face.
