What kind of mouthpiece do you use for sleep apnea?

These devices, which must be fitted by a dentist or orthodontist, and worn in the mouth at night include: Mandibular advancement device (MAD). The most widely used mouth device for sleep apnea, MADs look much like a mouth guard used in sports.

How do I stop my tongue from falling back when I sleep?

Sleep on your side When relaxed, your tongue can fall back into your throat and cause your airway to become smaller, leading to snoring. Sleeping on your side can help prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.

What does a sleep apnea mouthpiece do?

How does the sleep apnea mouthpiece work? The mouthpiece is designed to shift your lower jaw forward – and this is to create just enough space towards the back of your throat so that there is no airway obstruction. This shifting of the jaw will create extra space for your tongue at the back of your throat.

Is a mouthpiece as good as a CPAP machine?

As reported by the NIH, studies increasingly show that MADs are an effective alternative to CPAP. However, patients who are obese may get less benefit from a mouth guard and may require treatment with a CPAP. MADs tend to be more effective in mild to moderate sleep apnea cases, according to the NIH.

Can mouthpiece replace CPAP?

Mouthpieces can also be used as an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea treatment. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, if untreated, can lead to heart disease and stroke. Sleep apnea mouth guards are custom made by dentists using a plastic-like mold to form to the specific shape of the patient’s teeth and mouth.

What position should my tongue be when sleeping?

So, what exactly is proper tongue positioning? Simply put, proper tongue positioning occurs when someone gently rests their tongue on the roof of the mouth and away from the teeth. During rest, the lips should also be closed, and the teeth slightly parted.

When I sleep my tongue blocks my airway?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. When these muscles relax, your airway is narrowed or closed, and breathing is momentarily cut off.

Can a mouthpiece help severe sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea mouthpieces are not suitable for all patients. They are generally more effective in mild to moderate sleep apnea cases, although they may be recommended to patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.

What kind of mouthpiece is used for sleep apnea?

An example of this kind of sleep apnea mouthpiece is the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP). Tongue retaining devices are another type of sleep apnea mouthpiece. These oral devices for sleep apnea use a splint that keeps the tongue in place to ensure that the airway remains open during sleep.

Do you need a mouth guard for sleep apnea?

If you also suffer from snoring, you may find that your sleep apnea mouth guard also reduces airway turbulence. Sleep apnea mouthpieces are not suitable for all patients. They are generally more effective in mild to moderate sleep apnea cases, although they may be recommended to patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Can a mouthpiece be used to treat snoring?

Snoring is another common ailment that can be treated with a mouthpiece. Many have found relief using these snoring appliances, as have their sleep deprived partners. There are a variety to choose from and can be purchased without prescription. Mouthpieces can also be used as an alternative to CPAP for sleep apnea treatment.

Can a dental splint be used for sleep apnea?

A dental splint, on the other hand, usually doesn’t cover the gums. A sleep apnea mouthpiece may also be called a sleep apnea mouth guard—this is correct. What’s incorrect is to simply use the term “mouth guard”, because there are different kinds for specific uses.