Answer: A strong starting point is training on tethered oral tissues (TOTs), plus practical coursework focused on teaching nasal breathing and understanding how the sensory system can impact daily routines (including sleep).
If you’re looking for courses for mouth breathing and sleep apnea, especially when snoring and disrupted sleep continue even after tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, targeted continuing education can help you understand what to assess and how to build practical strategies at home and in therapy.
The question
I’m a speech pathologist from Oman. I have a 9-year-old boy who exhibits mouth breathing, sleep apnea, and snoring. Despite undergoing adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy last year, there has been no improvement in his sleep and breathing patterns. I am seeking guidance on suitable online courses to address these concerns. Can you recommend a course that may assist me in addressing my son’s breathing and sleeping issues?
Therapist answer
A strong starting point is training on tethered oral tissues (TOTs), plus practical coursework focused on teaching nasal breathing and understanding how the sensory system can impact daily routines (including sleep).
I think taking Lori Overland and Robyn Merkel-Walsh’s Functional Assessment & Remediation of TOTs course may be a great place to start.
You may also check out:
- Teaching Nasal Breathing For Increasing Quality of Life
- The Superpowers of the Sensory System (with Occupational Therapist Jen Ray)
Hope these recommendations help! – Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®
Courses for mouth breathing and sleep apnea: a simple learning path
Below is an easy order to follow if you want a step-by-step plan (and you want the courses for mouth breathing and sleep apnea to feel immediately useful in real routines).
1) Start with tethered oral tissues (TOTs)
Functional Assessment & Remediation of TOTs is designed to build your foundation for understanding tethered oral tissues and how oral function can relate to breathing patterns and airway-focused clinical decision-making.
2) Add a nasal breathing course for practical strategies
Teaching Nasal Breathing For Increasing Quality of Life focuses directly on nasal breathing vs. mouth breathing and includes actionable tools (including an evaluation checklist) to help you start teaching nasal breathing skills in a structured way.
3) Include sensory regulation to support routines (including sleep)
The Superpowers of the Sensory System connects sensory processing to daily routines and self-regulation, with resources and templates you can apply across environments—an important support when you’re trying to make breathing changes stick consistently.
Quick takeaways
- Start with TOTs training to support clinical decision-making around airway/oral function concerns.
- Use a course on nasal breathing to build practical strategies and programming.
- Consider the sensory system’s role in routines that can include sleep and regulation.
FAQ
Which course should I take first for mouth breathing + sleep concerns??
Which course focuses most directly on nasal vs. mouth breathing?
Teaching Nasal Breathing For Increasing Quality of Life is specifically centered on nasal breathing and how to begin teaching it.
Why include a sensory course for breathing and sleep patterns?
The Superpowers of the Sensory System connects sensory processing to daily routines, including sleep and self-regulation.