Boil & Bite vs Custom Mandibular Advancement Splints June 3, 2026 Boil & Bite vs Custom Mandibular Advancement Splints If you snore or have been told you might have sleep apnea, you've probably come across mandibular advancement splints (MAS) as a treatment option. These devices work by gently holding your lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping your airway open and reducing the tissue vibration that causes snoring. What's worth knowing is that MAS devices come in two main forms - over-the-counter boil and bite versions, and custom-fitted devices made by a sleep dentist - and there are some meaningful differences between them. What's the Difference? Both types aim to do the same thing: reposition your jaw to help maintain an open airway while you sleep. The distinction lies in how precisely they achieve that. Boil and bite devices are softened in hot water and moulded at home. They take a one-size-fits-all approach, whereas custom MAS devices are created from digital dental scans and fitted by a clinician, meaning the device is shaped specifically around your jaw structure and bite. Does Fit Actually Matter? The clinical evidence suggests it does. On average, custom-made devices reduce apnea events by 23% more than boil and bite alternatives in people with mild sleep apnea.1 Patients in studies also reported feeling less sleepy the following day after using a custom device compared to an over-the-counter option.1 Compliance is another factor worth considering. Research shows custom device users wear their appliance for an average of 6.5 hours per night, compared to 5 hours for boil and bite users.1 Since consistent use is central to how well these devices work, that difference has real implications for treatment outcomes. Furthermore, comfort plays a significant role here too. Boil and bite devices tend to be bulkier and less precisely fitted, which can cause jaw discomfort or disturbed sleep over time. A study shows 74% of patients prefer custom oral appliances, which are made from higher grade materials and shaped to suit the individual wearer.1 Are There Any Risks with Boil and Bite Devices? For occasional or trial use, boil and bite devices are generally considered safe. However, because they aren't fitted to your individual bite, prolonged use can sometimes place uneven pressure on the jaw and teeth. Unlike custom devices, they typically can't be adjusted much as your treatment progresses. Which Option Is Right for You? For someone wanting to trial a device before committing to a custom fitting, a boil and bite option can be a reasonable starting point. For those with confirmed sleep apnea or persistent snoring, a custom-fitted device tends to offer better clinical outcomes and is what most sleep specialists recommend for long-term treatment. If you're regularly waking up tired, snoring heavily, or experiencing other symptoms that are affecting your sleep, it's worth speaking with your GP or a sleep health professional. Sleep apnea is a manageable condition, but getting the right assessment first is an important step toward finding the most appropriate treatment for you. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. MAS is intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. To find out if MAS is suitable for you, speak to your doctor. References 1. Johal, Ama, and Bahn Agha. “Ready-Made versus Custom-Made Mandibular Advancement Appliances in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Sleep Research, vol. 27, no. 6, 6 Feb. 2018, p. e12660, https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.12660. Accessed 23 Aug. 2019.
