FaceFormer® training: basics for correct use

Basics · before your first training session

for everyone
applies to every module

Before you start the exercises: this is how to insert the FaceFormer correctly, and this is the basic posture that applies to every module. Take a few minutes for this the first time, ideally in front of a mirror.

The starting position is already trainingTongue reference position, head balance and nasal breathing are the basis of all exercises. The tongue reference position is what many people search for as “tongue resting posture”. The tongue does not have a true resting position; it is constantly involved, but keeps returning to this spot. With every training session they become a little more of a habit, until they are right without thinking, in everyday life and also during sleep.

The starting position in 3D

Tongue tip on the papilla behind the upper front teeth

Insert and align the FaceFormer

Stretch the neck, head in balance

Breathe through your nose

The starting position in five steps

Insert the FaceFormer
The membrane lies in the oral vestibule, i.e. behind the lips and in front of the teeth. The lip wedge points outwards and is horizontal.
The lips rest relaxed around the lip wedge.
Tongue tip in its place
The tongue tip lies on the palate a few millimetres behind the upper front teeth. There you can feel a small bump. The tongue tip does not touch the teeth.
After the first swallow, the whole tongue settles against the palate. After a few weeks, the tongue tip finds its place by itself.
Teeth and lower jaw
The upper front teeth are in front of the lower ones. The lower jaw stays in its usual position and is pushed neither forwards nor backwards.
When swallowing, you bite down in your usual bite position.
Raise the head upright
The head is upright, the neck stretched, the gaze straight ahead.
This keeps the head in balance, and that affects your whole posture.
Breathe through your nose
Breathe through your nose throughout the training. Make it a habit to breathe through your nose as much as possible at other times too.

How the training is structured

Weeks 1 to 2Module 1Basic exercise
3× daily

from week 3+ Module 2Pull exercise,
module 3 at night

from week 6Modules 7–11extended training
by arrangement

Train spread over the day, at least two to three times. The repetitions increase gradually. Every exercise is combined with the basic exercise. You start with the softer FaceFormer ZERO. After a few weeks, adults switch to the FaceFormer ONE for daytime training, while children up to 10 years train with the ZERO throughout. At night, the ZERO is always used. If you train with a practice, they will adapt the plan to you.

Points to note

Everyone has their own FaceFormer.
After training, rinse the FaceFormer under warm water and keep it in the hygiene box.
At home you can sterilise it in boiling water for about 20 seconds.
Let the FaceFormer app guide you. It reminds you of your sessions and records your progress.

If it is still difficult

At first, some things feel unfamiliar

The training changes long-established patterns. Unfamiliar sensations usually subside quickly with regular practice. If you have pain, pause and talk to your practice or give us a call.

My gums are irritated

This happens above all if you have breathed through your mouth for a long time. Massage your gums two to three times a day with a moistened soft toothbrush. Coat the membrane thinly with cooking oil before training.

The skin inside my mouth is irritated

Temporarily reduce the training to 8 repetitions, two to three times a day. A little lip balm on both sides of the membrane helps.

I wear braces

The FaceFormer ZERO and ONE can be used together with orthodontic appliances. Discuss the procedure with your practice.

My nose is often blocked

Check before training whether your nose is clear. If it is permanently blocked, have this checked by a doctor first.

Knowledge on this topic

Detailed articles on complaints in which this exercise plays a role.

Tongue and swallowingTongue resting posture Tongue and swallowingSwallowing and swallowing disorders Body and postureNeck and back Nose and breathingNasal septum

All topics at a glance

Questions about the training?

QuestionsFrequently asked questions PlanningCourse and duration of the therapy ExperiencesExperience reports from users

Continue training

Next1 Basic exercise

The FaceFormer app trains with you

It guides you through the basic exercises, counts along, reminds you of your sessions and records your progress. Free of charge.

App Store Google Play

FaceFormer training aims to readjust the basic functions of breathing, swallowing and head balance physiologically, with mouth closure and the tongue reference position, thereby creating the conditions for complaints to improve. It does not replace a medical assessment. You can also train on your own with the app and these pages. If you are not making progress, if complaints need to be investigated or if you would like support, you will find practices in the practitioner directory. If you feel pain, stop the training.