A mouthpiece for sleep apnea treats the symptoms of the disease by repositioning or reshaping the lower jaw to prevent obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. A sleep mouthpiece apnea can also promote relaxation and reduce snoring to support respiratory function. It is important to follow the instructions for using a mouthpiece for sleep apnea to get the best results.

Choosing the Right Mouthpiece for Sleep Apnea

Traditional OSA treatment focuses on pneumatically splinting open the upper airway with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via a mask worn over the face during sleep. This is highly effective in preventing upper airway collapse, but is not widely accepted or tolerated due to discomfort and side effects. An alternative to CPAP is the use of oral sleep apnea appliances such as mandibular advancement devices (MADs).

MADs are designed to prevent the tongue from obstructing the airway by positioning it forward. A variety of designs and materials are used in MADs, including thermoplastics such as acrylates or nylon that can be molded and rinsed at home using a boil-and-bite process. Some of these thermoplastic appliances are available in online marketplaces without a dentist consultation; however, research indicates high rates of device failure and user abandonment due to poor fit and comfort.

Other MADs are custom-made in the laboratory of a dental professional and are more comfortable than their pre-molded counterparts. These are often more expensive than a commercially available appliance and may require periodic adjustments by a trained dental professional to ensure long-term effectiveness. One example of a premium oral sleep apnea appliance is the SnoreRX, which uses an innovative thermal matrix material that softens when heated for a simple and easy “boil-and-bite” process at home. It is a more comfortable alternative to other MADs and is an excellent choice for patients who cannot or will not wear a CPAP device.