How does an Apnea Mouth Guard Differ from a Snoring Mouthpiece?

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How does an apnea mouth guard differ from a snoring mouthpiece? 

It is estimated that more than 50% of those who try CPAP either cannot tolerate it or quit using it in less than 12 months.  If they are referred to a dentist for a sleep apnea appliance (apnea mouthpiece), often treatment is not initiated due to the high cost and low insurance reimbursement rates. 

Another option available is a specialized type of anti snoring device.  But only a couple of the snoring devices available online can function as an apnea mouthpiece.

A mouth guard that helps control or stop sleep apnea basically functions the same as an anti snoring mouthpiece.  Both move your lower jaw and tongue forward, which is also referred to as mandibular advancement.  By moving your tongue forward and away from the soft palate and back wall of the airway, the airway opens and becomes unblocked. 

Mouthpieces used to control sleep apnea move the lower jaw forward in small increments.  This is important as it allows you to find the optimal position where the airway has the most opening.  Anti snoring mouthpieces that are lab fabricated by dentists function the same way and have an excellent success rate. 

However, most anti snoring mouthpieces that you can buy online are a one-size-fits-all type device and are not adjustable for jaw and tongue position.  These devices only place your lower jaw forward in one position and have lower success rates for stopping snoring.  Usually they are set to move your lower jaw forward about 50% of your maximum forward position.  This position only completely stops snoring for about 35-40% of the people who use it.  Consequently, not being adjustable, these devices could not be used to treat sleep apnea. 

There are two exceptions when searching for anti snoring devices online.  Both of these products, the Somnoguard AP and the Ultimate Stop Snoring Solution move the lower jaw forward in small increments similar to a sleep apnea mouth guard or a lab fabricated snoring mouthpiece.  The Ultimate Stop Snoring Solution however, is less than half the cost of the Somnoguard AP, plus it is made in the USA.

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