Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that disrupts breathing at night, leaving many people tired, disoriented, and at risk for health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure. For many, a comfortable and non-invasive treatment option can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.

A sleep apnea mouth guard is one such treatment that has received wide acceptance for use in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. This guide explains how sleep apnea oral appliances work, what you might gain, and when it’s worth considering them as part of your treatment.

What is Sleep Apnea?

An episode of stopping breathing when one is asleep is called 'apnea' and may range from a few seconds to a minute. Sleep Apnea may lead to poor sleep quality, resulting in sleepiness and fatigue during the day. The following are the two major types of Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA is the more common form of sleep apnea. It occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, blocking your upper airway. This blockage can last for several seconds, causing interruptions in breathing and lowered blood oxygen levels. As a result, people with OSA often experience loud snoring, choking, or gasping for air during the night. These sleep interruptions can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and poor concentration throughout the day.

For many individuals with moderate OSA, a sleep apnea mouth guard can be a non-invasive solution to help address sleep apnea by keeping the upper and lower teeth in a forward position, which helps prevent airway collapse. Oral appliances such as mandibular repositioning devices are a popular choice for reducing symptoms like snoring and sleep-related breathing difficulties.

If you’re looking for a non-invasive solution to improve your sleep and overall health, Cheeky’s custom mouth guards provide a comfortable, effective solution for sleep apnea. Say goodbye to restless nights and daytime sleepiness, and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.

Central Sleep Apnea

Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. This type is less common and is usually associated with other medical conditions, such as heart disease or neurological disorders. Treatment for central sleep apnea often involves sleep medicine or other specialized therapies, which differ from those used for OSA.

If you're struggling with moderate OSA, a sleep apnea mouth guard may be the right choice. It provides a simple and effective solution for quality sleep, reducing the interruptions caused by airway collapse during the night.

How Can a Mouth Guard Help?

Oral appliances for sleep apnea address underlying structural issues often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, such as a small lower jaw and a tongue that tends to go back to rest in the throat. A mandibular advancement device keeps the person's airway completely open by repositioning the upper and lower guard of the mouth, improving sleep quality, and reducing the need for more invasive treatments, such as CPAP therapy.

Designed for use during sleep, these devices offer a non-invasive solution to treat sleep apnea. Unlike CPAP therapy, which requires a machine and a mask, a mouth guard is small, portable, and easy to use, making it a popular choice for many individuals who find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate.

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are a widely accepted solution in oral appliance therapy, especially for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea. But why would a mouth guard be the best sleep apnea treatment for you? Here are a few explanations:

1. Non-Invasive and Comfortable

A sleep apnea mouth guard is a simple, non-invasive treatment. Unlike CPAP therapy, which involves wearing a mask and being hooked up to a machine, a mouth guard is discreet, portable, and comfortable. Most people find them easy to use and an ideal alternative to CPAP therapy, which can be difficult to tolerate.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

One of the main reasons people use sleep apnea oral appliances is to improve their sleep quality. These devices can help you get deeper, more restful sleep by preventing airway collapse. Improvement in sleep quality leads to better daytime energy, decreased daytime sleepiness, and overall improved health. For instance, research conducted by Okuno et al. (2024) in the Journal of Prosthodontic Research found that individuals who continued wearing the mouth guard reported better sleep quality, with less snoring and daytime sleepiness.

3. Reduced Snoring and Daytime Sleepiness

If you snore heavily or experience excessive daytime sleepiness, mouth guards can make a significant difference. A sleep apnea mouth guard can lead to more peaceful sleep for both the user and their bed partner. It minimizes snoring, reduces daytime sleepiness, and helps individuals feel more rested and focused throughout the day by keeping the airway open. Read our Does a Mouth Guard Help with Snoring blog for more insights on how these dental appliances can improve your sleep quality.

4. Portable and Travel-Friendly

Mouthguards are considered one of the most portable forms of treatment for sleep apnea. Unlike other sleep solutions, such as a CPAP machine, a sleep apnea mouthguard doesn’t require a power source. This makes it a great tool for traveling. You can fit a sleep apnea mouthguard in a small space because it weighs less than a pound.

5. Affordable and Cost-Effective

Another major advantage of using mouth guards for sleep apnea treatment is affordability. Using a CPAP machine can be costly due to a combination of factors, such as the price of the equipment. A custom-made mouth guard may be more economical for some. There are only a few associated ongoing expenses once you purchase one.

Are Mouth Guards Effective for Everyone?

Although apnea mouth guards are effective for most patients, not all patients can use them. Apnea mouth guards are most beneficial for those who have mild to moderate OSA. People who have severe OSA would require a CPAP machine to ensure a constant air flow that would keep their airway open. Seeking a professional opinion can help you decide if you need a mouth guard or a CPAP machine based on the severity of your apnea. As a baseline, sleep experts often recommend using either a mouth guard or a CPAP machine for at least four hours per night for OSA therapy.

Care and Cleaning

Most manufacturers, like Cheeky, also recommend cleaning the mouth guard daily as part of your typical morning hygiene routine. Use the recommended cleaning solution and brush, then rinse, dry, and store according to the instructions. For more insights, read our guide on How to Clean a Mouth Guard for freshness and longevity.

Potential Limitations of Mouth Guards:

• Jaw Pain or TMJ Pain: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort is common in some users due to the repositioning of the jaw during use. This side effect is temporary and can be addressed by adjusting the equipment. However, for persistent cases, consult a healthcare provider to rule out TMJ disorders.

• Tooth Shifting: In some cases, the pressure from the mouth guard can cause slight changes in tooth alignment. Sometimes, these changes help reduce overbite or overjet, which is when the upper teeth bend forward at an angle over the bottom teeth. This is why having a custom mouth guard is important for a proper fit. It ensures the device is comfortable and effective, preventing tooth movement while improving sleep quality.

• Dry Mouth or Mouth Breathing: Some people experience dry mouth or increased mouth breathing while using the device. These side effects are usually manageable with a properly fitting mouth guard. Using a special device and cleaning solution to keep the mouth guard clean can also help prevent discomfort caused by dry mouth.

• Less Effective for Severe Cases: Mouth guards are less effective for severe OSA. This is because a mouth guard doesn’t provide sufficient airflow for addressing severe sleep apnea. In these cases, CPAP therapy or other medical treatments may be more effective.

If you find that a sleep apnea mouth guard is not the right solution for you, consult a sleep specialist. They'll help assess your condition and recommend a tailored treatment plan based on a comprehensive sleep study.

Alternatives to Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea

Although oral appliances such as mouthguards can be very effective for mild to moderate OSA treatment, the following are some of the treatment alternatives for sleep apnea:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

CPAP therapy uses a machine to deliver continuous positive airway pressure through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. CPAP therapy contributes to better airflow, reducing breathing interruptions. According to Pragmatic and Observational Research conducted by Hooper (2020), nearly twice as many people completely treat OSA with CPAP compared to those who use a mouth guard. However, some people find CPAP therapy uncomfortable, which is why mouth guards offer a more user-friendly alternative for those who find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate.

Surgery

In more severe cases of OSA, surgery may be considered to remove the tissue in the throat region or advance the jaw. Typically, surgery is only considered when other methods, such as using a CPAP machine and a mouth guard, have failed. In such cases, surgery can be a successful treatment option for addressing sleep apnea.

Lifestyle Changes

In some cases, lifestyle changes can help lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea. For example, losing weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and sedatives before sleep may help ease mild and moderate OSA symptoms and lower systolic blood pressure. Positional therapy may also be effective for some individuals who sleep in a supine position.

Tongue Retaining Devices

For individuals with tongue-based obstructions, tongue-retaining devices can be an effective alternative to mouth guards. These devices help keep the tongue forward during sleep to prevent airway collapse. Many people find oral appliances, such as MADs and tongue-retaining devices, useful for keeping the airway open and addressing sleep apnea.

Consulting a Sleep Specialist

Before initiating any treatment for sleep apnea, consult a sleep specialist for professional advice. A sleep study can be beneficial for a proper assessment of your condition and planning a course of treatment. A specialist will ensure that you receive the most suitable care for your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Successful is a Mouth Guard for Sleep Apnea?

A sleep apnea mouth guard, also known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD), is effective for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These devices reposition the upper and lower jaw forward to keep the airway open, reducing shallow breathing, snoring, and sleep disturbances. Many people find mouth guards effective in improving sleep quality, reducing snoring sounds, and daytime sleepiness. However, people with severe OSA might require more intensive treatments like CPAP therapy.

How to Treat Sleep Apnea During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related sleep apnea requires careful management. For mild OSA, changing habits such as sleeping on one's side with a head elevation and avoiding heavy meals before sleeping can be effective. Nevertheless, consulting a sleep specialist to establish a treatment strategy based on one's needs would be a much more advisable approach. Using a CPAP machine might be uncomfortable for most women with sleep apnea while pregnant. Options with fewer risks include using oral appliances if the doctor deems them appropriate.

What Is the Best Device for Sleep Apnea?

The best device for sleep apnea relief depends on the severity of the sleep apnea. For mild to moderate OSA cases, an oral appliance, such as a sleep apnea mouth guard or a mandibular advancement splint, would be considered most effective. This treatment would involve using a device to move the upper and lower teeth forward. In severe cases, a CPAP machine is the most effective. Mouth guards can also complement CPAP therapy, particularly for those who struggle to tolerate CPAP therapy.

Is There a Way to Address Sleep Apnea without CPAP?

Yes, you can address sleep apnea without CPAP therapy, especially if you have mild to moderate OSA. Mouth guards are a non-invasive, effective alternative that works by shifting the upper and lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. Other non-CPAP solutions include lifestyle changes such as weight loss, sleeping on your side, and avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed. Tongue retaining devices can also be an option for some individuals, helping to move the tongue forward and keep the airway open. However, consult a sleep specialist to help determine the best approach.

Conclusion: So, Can a Mouth Guard Help with Sleep Apnea?

Mouth guards are an effective treatment for many individuals with moderate OSA, helping to address sleep apnea by shifting the jaw to keep the airway open. If you have severe OSA, CPAP therapy or other treatments may be necessary.

However, mouth guards aren't suitable for everyone. They're most effective for those with mild to moderate OSA and may not help in cases of severe sleep apnea. A sleep study and consultation with a sleep expert will ensure the best approach to treating your sleep apnea and improving sleep quality.

References

• Okuno, K., Masago, A., Himejima, A., & Takahashi, K. (2024). The efficacy of occlusal appliance with a moisturizing gel pocket on sleep quality in patients with nocturnal xerostomia: A case series. Journal of Prosthodontic Research, 69(2), 308-312.

• Hooper, R. G. (2020). CPAP therapeutic options for obstructive sleep apnea. Pragmatic and Observational Research, 67-76.