Snoring can be uncomfortable and troublesome both to the person afflicted and the people around them, especially at home. The loud noises at night can make it hard to get quality rest, which can be a problem in the long run. Also, snoring can be a sign of underlying health conditions such as nasal problems, obesity, and sleep apnea. Furthermore, it can negatively impact other aspects of one’s health and lifestyle.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to look for solutions and treatments as soon as you recognize symptoms of a snoring problem. Here are some of them:
- Loud and labored breathing during sleep, disrupting other people in the room
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
- Frequent headaches
- Chest pains
- Lack of focus and difficulty concentrating
- Sore throat after waking up
- Poor sleep quality
- High blood pressure
- Irritability and mood swings
Many treatments can help eliminate snoring, one of which is using a snoring mouthpiece. A snoring mouthpiece is a device placed directly in the mouth to allow better breathing during sleep. It’s considered to be one of the most convenient yet effective ways to stop snoring at night, and it’s becoming more popular because of this.
What’s An Anti-Snore Mouthpiece?
When people sleep, the tender and muscular parts of the mouth relax. These include the tongue, the throat, and the soft palate. As the muscles relax, they may constrict the airway, making a vibrating sound that comes through the mouth and the nose. The more obstructed the airway is, the louder the snores become.
An anti-snore mouthpiece is a mandibular advancement device (MAD) used to keep the airway open and unrestricted as the mouth relaxes during sleep by keeping the lower jaw forward. It prevents airway constriction, which effectively eliminates the vibrating sound in the throat. With the device in place, the air can pass through with ease, allowing more comfortable breathing and better sleep quality.
VitalSleep, a popular anti-snore mouthpiece, uses the same jaw advancement system medical professionals use for snoring treatments. This technique is believed to be effective on the first use and can be considered a long-term solution for snoring.
If you’d like to know how an anti-snore mouthpiece works, here’s a quick guide you may find helpful:
- Purchase Your Mouthpiece
In the past, people afflicted with snoring problems needed to consult with a doctor or a dentist to have a custom-made snoring mouthpiece designed to match their teeth impressions. It guarantees an accurate fit to help them secure the device in the patient’s mouth during sleep. A good fit also helps the patient feel more comfortable while wearing the mouth guard.
Nowadays, you can also find snoring guards sold online or over-the-counter. These devices are usually ready to use and easy to custom-fit on your own. Also, most over-the-counter mouthpieces are designed to fit both men and women, so you can easily purchase one that’ll fit you perfectly. However, it may also be helpful to consult with your doctor regarding snoring and other sleep disorders to see if there are other treatments you may need.
- Mold The Mouthpiece To Your Teeth
Before using the mouthpiece for the first time, you’ll have to custom fit it first according to your teeth impressions. It’ll help make you feel more comfortable wearing it and lessen the risk of falling out as you sleep. To do this, you have to soak the mouth guard in hot water for a minute and let it cool down for a few seconds before inserting it in your mouth.
Once inside, gently bite down to create custom teeth impressions on the upper and lower surfaces. You can repeat the process until the mouthpiece fits you perfectly.
- Wear And Adjust As Needed
Before going to bed, wear your mouthpiece by inserting it in your mouth and adjusting it as needed to ensure that you can breathe comfortably. Depending on the brand, some devices have jaw adjustment mechanisms that allow you to adjust the lower jaw advancement depending on how much you snore. Since the device is designed to remove the air obstructions, you can adjust the lower jaw accordingly and see which setting allows you to breathe more comfortably.
You can also explore different sleeping positions and see which suits your needs best. While it may take time to get accustomed to having a mouthpiece as you sleep, finding a comfortable sleeping position can help you feel more at ease with it while keeping it in place. Also, some positions can disrupt airflow, which may not be ideal when trying to eliminate snoring. With proper and regular use, you’ll find it easier to relax and rest at night while wearing your mouthpiece.
- Usage And Maintenance
You can use your anti-snore mouthpiece every night to make it easier for you to get used to it over time. Since it’s small and portable, you can conveniently bring it with you during travel, allowing you to have a relaxing and comfortable sleep anywhere you go.
The device is also easy to clean and store. You can gently scrub the surface using your toothbrush and toothpaste or soak it in water with denture tablets or special cleaning solutions. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions accordingly regarding cleaning and storage of the device to prevent damage.
Conclusion
Using an anti-snore mouthpiece is an effective and long-term solution to alleviate snoring symptoms. It can provide instant relief from first use, and it can significantly improve your sleep quality as well. You can also avoid the risks associated with having poor, inadequate sleep and other serious health conditions through this device.
To maximize the effects of using a snoring mouthpiece, you can also consider adopting healthy habits that could help you eliminate snoring altogether. These lifestyle changes would be beneficial in combating snoring problems and improving your overall health and wellness in the long run. Some of these include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption before bed, and practicing good sleep hygiene.
While you may need to try various treatments before finding out what suits you, many experts recommend combining solutions with positive lifestyle choices to achieve ideal results.