Do Stop Snoring Mouthpieces Actually Work?

Have you accepted the fact yet that you may be such a heavy snorer you are in danger of being thrown out of your bedroom in the middle of the night? If so, there are solutions on hand to help you and one such solution is a stop snoring mouthpiece.

Firstly, you need to ascertain what causes you to snore. For example, are you a "tongue based snorer" where your tongue slips back and obstructs the airway or perhaps a "mouth breather" where the air being sucked in can create a lot of vibration; which may, or may not be because of an abnormality in the construction of the nasal passages or small nostrils that would force you to breath through the mouth. Stop snoring mouthpieces are one option that may work if vibration is the problem.

Intially, the mouthpiece needs to be fitted/moulded to your mouth and when worn, it acts by keeping the mouth and tongue in the correct position to stop the vibrations. There are two types of stop snoring mouthpieces, one you can mould to fit yourself and the other has to be fitted by a dentist. This "mandibular advancement device" actually moves the jaw and tongue forward by between 0 and 12mm depending on the specific device and raising the soft palate to prevent any blockage of the airways that could lead to pronounced snoring.

If you have false teeth, gum disease or any mandibular joint dysfunction you should always take professional advice first. If buying a self-fitting device watch for whether or not any sideways movement is accommodated, and/or the ease of any possible mouth breathing as this is not possible with all devices.

Stop snoring mouthpieces are just one option and there are other possibilities such as anti-snoring pillows, nasal and throat sprays, other medications and exercises, or perhaps changes to the diet before you even have to consider surgery.

The remedy that works for the individual will differ according to how and why you snore. It is perhaps wise to consult a medical practitioner before you start buying any products. If you don't like the thought of putting a stop snoring mouthpiece device into your mouth all night, why not think about one of the anti-snoring pillows or another option is to consider the use of specific exercises.

By: Sophie June Hayes

Sophie has lived with a profound snorer for years! See Sophie's story at No More Snore. Find out what worked for her partner here.