Endoscopic Evaluation of Upper Airway While Playing the Didgeridoo

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder caused by not only an impaired upper airway anatomy (i.e. anatomically narrow/ collapsible airway), but also by several non-anatomical factors. There are diverse types of treatments. Upper airway stimulation associated with the playing of specific musical instruments may provide an effective alternative method of treatment for persons diagnosed with OSA, particularly those with mild to moderate forms of OSA, for which CPAP may be ineffective or inappropriate. We have performed an endoscopic view of the upper airway can be seen while a musician is playing the didgeridoo, performing circular breathing. To our knowledge this is the first paper showing how a rhythmic sound is achieved through the movements of the lateral walls and of the soft palate, and muscles of the tongue, cheeks and lips that can be seen in the video.

Breathing Re-Education and Phenotypes of Sleep Apnea: A Review

“…Approaches involving BRE that have been investigated for OSAHS all incorporate some type of breathing modulation and/or control. Methods have included wind instrument playing, orofacial myofunctional therapy and didgeridoo playing (which is known to strengthen the pharyngeal muscles) [70,71], singing exercises, respiratory muscle strengthening exercises, diaphragmatic breathing pattern training and the Buteyko Method [4].…”