Can a Mouthguard Help Sleep Apnea?

Can a Mouthguard Help Sleep Apnea?

If you've been told you snore like a freight train or you've woken up gasping for air more times than you'd like to admit, you've probably started digging into treatment options. Somewhere in that search, you've likely come across the idea of a "mouthguard" for sleep apnea. It sounds almost too simple, doesn't it? But there's real science behind it, and for plenty of people, it genuinely works.

What Are We Actually Talking About?

The "mouthguard" in question is properly called a mandibular advancement splint, or MAS for short. It's not the same kind of guard you'd wear playing footy. Instead, it's a custom-made device, fitted by a dentist, that you wear in your mouth overnight. Its job is simple: gently hold your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep.

Why does that matter? When you fall into a deep sleep, the muscles in your throat relax. For some people, that relaxation causes the airway to narrow or even collapse, which leads to snoring and, in more serious cases, the breathing pauses that define obstructive sleep apnea. By nudging the jaw forward, a MAS helps keep that airway open, so air can keep flowing more freely all night.

Does It Actually Work?

For snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the answer is generally yes. Research has shown that for people in this category, mandibular advancement splints can deliver results comparable to CPAP therapy, the more well-known machine-and-mask treatment.¹ If your symptoms extend beyond simple snoring, however, your doctor may still recommend CPAP as the most appropriate treatment option.

It's worth being upfront: for severe obstructive sleep apnea, CPAP is still generally considered the gold standard.¹ A MAS may not provide the same level of airway support in more severe cases. That said, if CPAP isn't tolerated or isn't suitable, a mandibular advancement splint is often considered a better alternative than leaving obstructive sleep apnea untreated.

Who Is It Suited To?

Because a MAS relies on your teeth and jaw for support, your dentist will want to assess factors such as your gum health, jaw stability, and whether you have any conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain before fitting one.

Many people also appreciate the convenience. Unlike CPAP therapy, there's no machine, no mask, and no power supply. A mandibular advancement splint is compact, quiet, travel-friendly, and for many people, easier to incorporate into their nightly routine.

Worth a Conversation

Obstructive sleep apnea isn't something to ignore. Repeated interruptions to your breathing can affect your heart health, concentration, mood, and overall quality of life.

If you're experiencing loud snoring, restless sleep, witnessed pauses in breathing, or persistent daytime fatigue, it's worth speaking with your doctor or a qualified sleep professional. A sleep study can help determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and whether a mandibular advancement splint, CPAP therapy, or another treatment is the most appropriate option for you.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 90 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and Treatment Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. MAS is intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study, MAS, or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used to replace medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before making changes to your sleep or health routine.

References:

1. “RACGP - Mandibular Devices for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.” RACGP, 2018, www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/device/mandibular-devices-for-obstructive-sleep-apnoea.