Stethoscope pulled open around the word Sleep apnea highlighting spotlight on MADs

Oral Appliances for Snoring: Spotlight on Mandibular Advancement Devices

Ed Salazar Sleep Consultant and CEO

Ed Salazar

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Ed Salazar is a trusted sleep consultant and esteemed writer for the Good Night Blog. His medically-reviewed work and profound expertise make him a go-to resource for achieving quality sleep. Let Ed Salazar guide you on a transformative journey to restful nights and rejuvenation. 

Are you part of the 45% of adults who snore occasionally, or even worse, among the 25% who are habitual snorers? The disruptive, often deafening, sounds of snoring not only disturb the tranquil sanctity of sleep but could also hint at potential health hazards like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular disease. Finding a viable solution in the vast landscape of anti snoring devices can be daunting. That's where we aim to help.


This article provides a focused analysis of a scientifically proven, highly effective solution for snoring: the Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). Through this comprehensive guide, you'll delve into the causes of snoring, its potential health risks, and the transformative impact a MAD could have on your sleep quality.


So, if you're ready to silence the sleep-stealing culprit of snoring, finally, continue reading and discover how you could reclaim your nights and revitalize your days.

Understanding Snoring: A Deeper Dive

The mechanism behind snoring is pretty simple. It occurs due to a partial closure of the upper airway during sleep. When the throat muscles relax, the tongue falls back, leading to a narrow airway, and the vibrating soft tissues result in the stereotypical snoring sound.


Various factors contribute to snoring, including age, nasal and sinus problems, being overweight, alcohol, smoking, and certain sleep postures. Also, numerous health risks are associated with chronic snoring, including a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.


Beyond that, frequent waking from sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, reduced productivity, mood swings, and concentration issues. Moreover, the link between snoring and sleep issues such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is well-established, further highlighting the need for effective solutions.

Current Snoring and Sleep Solutions: Overview and Limitations

While lifestyle changes such as weight loss, reducing alcohol consumption, and changing sleep positions can help reduce snoring, they are often not enough for chronic snorers. Common interventions include the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and oral appliances.

Exploring Different Types of Oral Appliances for Snoring:

When it comes to mitigating snoring, various oral appliances have emerged as popular choices due to their convenience and non-invasive nature. Understanding the functionality and efficacy of these devices is crucial for individuals seeking relief from persistent snoring.


Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) have emerged as a highly effective tool in managing snoring. As their name implies, these devices work by advancing the lower jaw, or mandible, forward during sleep. This strategic repositioning prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat and causing airway obstruction, which is a primary cause of snoring.


Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Devices

Custom-made MADs fitted by a Dentist are typically crafted from durable, molded plastic that is designed to fit snugly over your upper and lower teeth. They often feature metal hinges and adjustable screws that allow for customization of the degree of jaw advancement, ensuring the device's efficacy. This adjustable feature is a significant benefit as it allows the device to be precisely tailored to the individual's needs. These devices require a prescription and often cost thousands of dollars.


However, it's worth noting that the effectiveness of MADs can be significantly influenced by the fitting process. According to several research studies, people using MADs reported a significant reduction in snoring and experienced enhanced sleep quality. These outcomes underscore the importance of proper device fitting and individualized treatment.


Over-the-Counter Mandibular Advancement Devices

Over-the-Counter MADs share some commonalities with Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) since they both aim to reposition your lower jaw to facilitate better airflow. They often offer individual customization through a unique process called the "boil and bite" technique.


In this method, the device is submerged in hot water to soften its plastic structure. The user then bites down on the softened device, creating a personalized mold of their teeth. While this approach might not offer the precision of a professionally crafted dental impression, it does provide a cost-effective solution that is just as comfortable for many users.


Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRD)

Contrary to MADs and mouth guards, which concentrate on adjusting the jaw, tongue-retaining devices target the tongue directly. These types of devices employ a gentle plastic splint that encircles your tongue, keeping it positioned forward and preventing it from retracting into your mouth throughout the night.


This prevents the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway, hence reducing snoring. However, users of TRDs often report increased mouth dryness and discomfort, which can affect compliance and overall effectiveness.

Acquiring and Using a Mandibular Advancement Device

It's important to ensure these anti snoring devices fit snuggly to ensure optimal comfort and efficacy. Many MADs featuring the boil-and-bite process allow individual's to take a second impression by boiling the device up to three times. It is important to note that it can take several days to become accustomed to the lower jaw advancement. If snoring is not reduced, the individual should use a setting that advances the jaw further.


Daily cleaning of the device and allowing it to dry before use is essential to maintain hygiene. Regular dental check-ups can help identify any potential long-term changes in teeth alignment or jaw issues early.

Future of Snoring Solutions: Premium Mandibular Advancement Devices

With the advancements in dental technology, premium mandibular advancement devices are becoming an attractive solution. Offering a superior fit and increased comfort, these devices take snoring reduction to another level while remaining affordable snoring devices.


It's noteworthy that the oral appliances sector is projected to lead the Global Anti-Snoring Device Market. The competitive pricing of these devices, as opposed to cost-intensive surgical interventions, plays a crucial role in this dominance.


It's safe to say that the enhanced comfort and improved sleep quality offered by these devices make them a wise and beneficial investment.


Data Chart: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Anti-Snoring-Device-Market-By-Product.png

Global Market Analysis Report: Anti-Snoring Device Sector

Final Thought!

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) and other oral appliances offer a compelling, scientifically supported solution to snoring and its associated health implications. Each device comes with its unique set of features, benefits, and considerations, much like different treatments in the wider healthcare landscape.


As you delve into this realm, remember the importance of individual assessment and professional guidance. Like every medical condition, each case of snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is unique, and what may prove effective for one individual may not for another.


Therefore, consulting with a certified dentist or sleep specialist is crucial to ensuring the most appropriate, effective, and comfortable solution for you.


SnorelessNow is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our own line of Over-the-Counter Mandibular Advancement Devices, promising to deliver exceptional comfort and efficacy.


Stay tuned for the latest addition to our comprehensive sleep aid range, designed to empower everyone for a quieter, restful sleep.


SnorelessNow: Empowering you for a quieter, restful sleep.

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