If you struggle with sleep apnea, you know how frustrating it can be to get a restful night’s sleep.
One treatment option is using a mouth guard… But are these oral appliances truly effective for improving sleep quality and reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea?
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of mouth guards people use for sleep apnea, their pros and cons, and how they compare to other treatments.
So, if you’re considering a mouthpiece to treat sleep apnea, this guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you!
Types Of Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards
Mouth guards or oral appliances come in different types, but the main aim is to help keep the airway open while you sleep, which may improve sleep apnea symptoms. Here are the most common types:
Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
MADs are the most popular mouth guards for sleep apnea. They work by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward, preventing your tongue and throat muscles from collapsing and blocking your airway.
They’re often considered more comfortable than a CPAP machine, making them a preferred treatment option for people seeking an alternative to bulky equipment.
These devices are best if their custom-fitted by a dentist and are commonly used for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
You can also get over-the-counter “boil and bite” devices but they might not be as effective as a mouth guard made specifically for your unique mouth.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
Unlike MADs, tongue-retaining devices (TRDs) focus on keeping your tongue in place while you sleep. By holding your tongue forward, they prevent it from falling backward in your mouth and obstructing your airway.
TRDs are typically used for individuals who find MAD devices bulky or comfortable but still need some relief from snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
TRDs are pretty straightforward and simple to use. However, they may require some time to adjust to wearing them every night.
Hybrid Oral Appliances
Hybrid oral appliances combine elements of both MADs and TRDs. These types of mouth guards offer additional stability, making them suitable for those with moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
They are usually customized to the shape of your mouth and teeth, ensuring they fit properly to help your airway stay more open throughout the night. This might lead to fewer disruptions in breathing, as seen with sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.
Benefits Of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards can make a big difference in easing some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Here are some of their key benefits:
- Improved sleep quality: Keeping the airway open reduces snoring and breathing interruptions during sleep.
- Comfortable alternative to CPAP: Many people find that mouth guards are easier to wear and maintain than CPAP machines, which can be really uncomfortable and noisy.
- Portable and easy to travel with: No bulky equipment is required, making it ideal for those who are on the go.
- Custom-fitted for your mouth: When choosing a custom-fitted mouth guard, this proper fit can help to ensure better effectiveness and comfort throughout the night.
- Non-invasive: No surgery is required, making it a safe option for many individuals.
Cons Of Mouth Guards
While mouth guards for sleep apnea have may have many advantages, like most treatments they aren't without their downsides too. Let’s take a look:
- Uncomfortable adjustment period: It’s to be expected that many people trying a mouth guard for the first time might need a few weeks to get used to wearing them.
- Might cause jaw discomfort: Mandibular advancement devices in particular can cause soreness in the jaw or teeth if they aren’t properly fitted.
- Less effective for severe sleep apnea: Mouth guards often won’t provide the same level of relief from sleep apnea as a CPAP machine would.
- Frequent dental visits: Custom-fitted appliances might require various adjustments and regular check-ups with a dental professional.
- Not a cure-all for most people: While helpful, mouth guards don’t work for everyone and may need to be used alongside other sleep apnea treatments.
Learn more here in our article: Do Mouthguards Help With Snoring?
How To Choose Your Mouth Guard
Selecting the best mouth guard for sleep apnea requires careful consideration so it’s always best to consult with a dentist or sleep specialist to determine the severity of your condition and the right treatment option.
You’ll want to make sure the mouth guard device you’ve chosen allows your airway to stay open while you sleep without causing any excessive pressure on your jaw. Therefore, look for custom-fitted oral appliances instead of the over-the-counter options for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
For the best results, focus on devices recommended for your specific severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
Also, remember that it might take some time to find the right mouth guard that works for you and your unique needs and preferences. For example, some people may start with a MAD device and then transition to a TRD if they find it creates jaw discomfort.
Best Alternatives for Mouth Guards
For some people with sleep apnea, mouth guards just won't be the right fit. Perhaps you’ve tried them with no success in sleep apnea symptom relief, or you just find them to be too uncomfortable.
The good news is that there are other options to explore! Let’s take a look:
Mouth Tape
According to research, mouth taping can be an effective solution to reduce some of the breathing disruptions associated with sleep apnea. (1)
By encouraging healthier nasal breathing, mouth tape can reduce snoring and the resistance in your airways that negatively impacts breathing while you’re sleeping.
This simple technique can enhance your sleep quality and even boost your well-being by supporting cardiovascular health, oral health, and more! (2) (3)
To get your hands on the best mouth tape for sleeping and the best mouth tape for sleep apnea, choose Dream Recovery. Made from luxuriously soft organic bamboo silk and hypoallergenic adhesive, Dream Recovery Mouth Tape is unbelievably comfortable, eco-friendly, and sensitive skin friendly.
Learn more here about the awesome benefits of mouth taping for sleep.
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CPAP machines to treat sleep apnea
CPAP machines remain the gold standard for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
They include a motor that produces pressurized air, a hose that carries the air, and a mask worn over the nose or mouth (sometimes both!).
The CPAP machine draws in air from your room and then filters this air before delivering it through the mask at a specific pressure intended to prevent the collapse of soft tissues in the throat (which can partly obstruct breathing during sleep).
While these machines are effective at treating sleep apnea, some people find wearing a CPAP uncomfortable and their partners might struggle with the noise but there are more good CPAP alternatives for sleep apnea.
Positional Therapy
Positional therapy is a fancy way to describe adjusting your sleeping position to reduce airway obstruction and improve your breathing.
For sleep apnea, positional therapy encourages side sleeping. This is because lying on your back can cause your tongue and soft tissues to collapse into your airway, leading to snoring, as well as worsening sleep apnea.
Specialized pillows or training devices can help to gently prompt you to stay on your side throughout the night.
By promoting better airflow, it might help reduce some symptoms of sleep apnea, improve sleep quality, and serve as a supportive method to other treatments like CPAP therapy.
FAQ
Do mouth guards actually work for sleep apnea?
In some cases, mouth guards might work for sleep apnea by helping to reduce breathing difficulties. They do this by reducing the chance of your tongue and the soft tissues in your throat from collapsing, which can lead to breathing obstructions during sleep.
Which is better CPAP or mouthguard?
CPAP machines are the most effective treatment for sleep apnea compared to a mouthguard. However, for people who are unable to sleep with a CPAP machine, a mouthguard might be a useful option to help reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
What is the best device for sleep apnea?
The best device for sleep apnea is a CPAP machine, as this is considered the gold standard of treatment for this disorder. However, there are other effective options when a CPAP machine is an unsuitable choice, such as mouth tape, mouth guards, and positional therapy.
Final Thoughts on Using a Mouth Guard for Sleep Apnea
Choosing the right oral appliances for sleep apnea or exploring alternatives can make a world of difference in not only your sleep quality but also your overall health.
Whether you go with a mandibular advancement device, mouth tape, or a CPAP machine, finding a treatment option that fits your lifestyle and severity of symptoms is really important.
Transform your sleep quality with Dream Recovery Mouth Tape.
References:
- Lee, Yi-Chieh et al. (2022) The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
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Watso, Joseph C et al. (2023) Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology.
- Tamkin J. (2020). Impact of airway dysfunction on dental health. Bioinformation.