What Is UARS?

Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder where the airway narrows enough to create resistance during breathing—yet not enough to cause full pauses (apneas) like in obstructive sleep apnea. People with UARS often experience disrupted sleep, frequent awakenings, and daytime fatigue, even though standard sleep tests may appear “normal.” Left unaddressed, UARS can progress into obstructive sleep apnea and contribute to long-term health concerns.

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep

  • Frequent nighttime awakenings

  • Daytime sleepiness or brain fog

  • Morning headaches or jaw tension

  • Increased stress, anxiety, or difficulty concentrating

How Myofunctional Therapy Helps

Myofunctional therapy focuses on strengthening and retraining the muscles of the tongue, lips, and airway to support better breathing and sleep. At KenmoreMyo, we use evidence-based exercises to restore proper oral function, reduce airway resistance, and promote healthier breathing patterns—both day and night.

Therapy may help by:

  • Improving Tongue Posture: A low or weak tongue can collapse backward, narrowing the airway. Training the tongue to rest on the palate helps open and stabilize the airway.

  • Supporting Nasal Breathing: Many UARS patients are chronic mouth breathers. Myofunctional therapy promotes nasal breathing, which filters and humidifies air, optimizes oxygen use, and reduces airway collapse.

  • Enhancing Airway Muscle Tone: Exercises strengthen the upper airway muscles, reducing vibration and resistance during sleep.

  • Reducing Stress on the Jaw & Neck: By correcting dysfunctional swallowing and breathing patterns, therapy relieves tension and improves overall comfort.

Our Approach at KenmoreMyo

We understand that UARS can be frustrating—especially when symptoms persist despite “normal” test results. At KenmoreMyo, we take a comprehensive approach, collaborating with sleep physicians, ENTs, orthodontists, and other airway-focused providers. Myofunctional therapy can be a stand-alone intervention or part of a larger treatment plan that may include dental appliances, breathing retraining, or medical management.

Our process includes:

  1. Thorough Assessment – We evaluate breathing patterns, tongue posture, swallowing, and sleep-related symptoms.

  2. Customized Exercise Plan – Step-by-step therapy designed to strengthen and retrain oral and airway muscles.

  3. Collaborative Care – Coordination with your healthcare team for the best long-term outcomes.

  4. Ongoing Support – Regular sessions to guide progress and ensure lasting results.

What happens if I don’t treat my UARS?

Leaving Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome untreated doesn’t just mean restless nights—it can gradually affect many aspects of your health and quality of life. Because UARS often flies under the radar, many people suffer for years without realizing their airway is the problem.

Possible long-term consequences include:

  • Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog – Poor-quality sleep leaves your body in a constant state of exhaustion, making it harder to focus, work efficiently, or enjoy daily activities.

  • Increased Stress & Anxiety – Interrupted sleep raises stress hormones, which can worsen anxiety, mood swings, and even depression.

  • Headaches & Jaw Pain – The strain of mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, and airway resistance often contribute to tension headaches and TMJ discomfort.

  • Cardiovascular Strain – Over time, UARS can progress into obstructive sleep apnea, increasing your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and metabolic issues.

  • Reduced Overall Wellness – Untreated UARS impacts immune health, emotional well-being, and long-term vitality.

Our Approach at KenmoreMyo

We understand that UARS can be frustrating—especially when symptoms persist despite “normal” test results. At KenmoreMyo, we take a comprehensive approach, collaborating with sleep physicians, ENTs, orthodontists, and other airway-focused providers. Myofunctional therapy can be a stand-alone intervention or part of a larger treatment plan that may include dental appliances, breathing retraining, or medical management.

Our process includes:

  1. Thorough Assessment – We evaluate breathing patterns, tongue posture, swallowing, and sleep-related symptoms.

  2. Customized Exercise Plan – Step-by-step therapy designed to strengthen and retrain oral and airway muscles.

  3. Collaborative Care – Coordination with your healthcare team for the best long-term outcomes.

  4. Ongoing Support – Regular sessions to guide progress and ensure lasting results.

A Path Toward Restful Sleep & Better Health

If you struggle with fatigue, restless sleep, or unexplained health challenges, UARS could be part of the picture. Myofunctional therapy offers a safe, non-invasive approach that addresses the root cause of airway resistance, helping you breathe easier and sleep more deeply.

At KenmoreMyo, we help patients move from exhaustion to restoration—one breath at a time.