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Anti snoring mouthpiece: how they work and how to get the right one

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-13.

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How a snoring mouthpiece works

Snoring often happens when the tongue and soft palate relax and fall back toward the throat during sleep. A mouthpiece changes that position.

The FDA regulation for these products describes intraoral devices worn during sleep to reduce snoring and treat obstructive sleep apnea by increasing how open the airway stays and reducing turbulence and obstruction. It names three types:

The NHS describes the mandibular advancement device as one of the treatments used when the tongue partly blocks the throat. It also lists a vestibular shield, a mouth device that encourages breathing through the nose, for people whose mouth falls open in sleep.

Why a clinician should be involved

These devices are FDA Class II, which brings special controls. Cleveland Clinic describes the usual path: a sleep study first, then, if your sleep specialist thinks an oral appliance is a good option, a referral to a dentist, who takes impressions or a 3D scan and fits a custom device. Boil-and-bite models are sold without a prescription, but Cleveland Clinic says research shows custom-made appliances offer the best results for sleep apnea.

Mayo Clinic says a dental specialist adjusts the fit and a sleep specialist checks that the device is working. It recommends dental visits at least every six months in the first year, then at least once a year.

The main reason for this care is that snoring can hide sleep apnea. The NHS says that if your breathing stops and starts during sleep, you make gasping or choking noises, or you feel sleepy in the day, you may have sleep apnoea, which can be serious if not treated. A mouthpiece bought without that check can quiet the snoring and leave apnea unrecognized.

Choosing the best mouthpiece for you

There is no single best anti snoring mouthpiece. The right one depends on your teeth, jaw, and whether you have sleep apnea. Questions to raise with your dentist:

• Device type: a mandibular advancement device usually grips the teeth, so the health of your teeth matters. A tongue retaining device works on the tongue instead.
• Adjustment: ask how the fit will be adjusted over time. Mayo Clinic says a dental specialist adjusts the fit.
• Custom or ready-made: a custom device is made from impressions or a scan of your teeth; ask why your dentist recommends one design over another.
• Follow-up plan: who checks your bite and whether a sleep test is needed after fitting. Cleveland Clinic says one may be recommended once the device is fitted.

For other snoring devices, see our anti-snoring device guide.

Side effects and who may not be suited

Mayo Clinic lists excessive saliva, dry mouth, jaw pain and facial discomfort as possible side effects. Cleveland Clinic adds gum irritation and pain in the teeth or jaw joint (TMJ), which usually improve as you get used to the device. Less common long-term effects it lists are changes in your bite, teeth movement or loose teeth, and changes in the jaw muscles or TMJ, which is why regular dental checks matter.

Cleveland Clinic says oral appliances are not the right choice for:

• People with central sleep apnea, which oral appliances cannot treat
• Children
• People with severe obstructive sleep apnea, where relying on an oral appliance alone can be dangerous

Because the device works through your teeth and jaw, tell your dentist about any jaw joint, tooth or gum problems before fitting.

Looking after a mouthpiece

1. Clean it exactly as your dentist instructs. Cleveland Clinic says the dentist gives you cleaning and care instructions, and materials differ between devices.
2. Let it dry and store it in a case between uses.
3. Bring it to every dental appointment, as Cleveland Clinic advises, so the fit and your bite can be checked.
4. Tell your dentist promptly about jaw pain, loose teeth or a change in your bite.

While you wait for an appointment, the steps in our how to stop snoring naturally guide, like side sleeping and skipping alcohol before bed, are safe to try.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What is the best anti snoring mouthpiece?

The one that fits your mouth and your diagnosis. A custom device made by a qualified dentist, after a doctor checks for sleep apnea, is the most reliable route.

Do anti snoring mouthpieces work?

They can reduce snoring by holding the jaw or tongue forward. For sleep apnea, they are one treatment option, and a sleep specialist should confirm the device is working.

Do I need a prescription for a snoring mouthpiece?

Boil-and-bite models are sold without one, but Cleveland Clinic says custom-made appliances offer the best results for sleep apnea. For those, you have a sleep study and your sleep specialist refers you to a dentist.

What are the side effects of a mouthguard for snoring?

Mayo Clinic lists excess saliva, dry mouth, jaw pain and facial discomfort, and Cleveland Clinic adds gum irritation and, less often, bite changes or loose teeth. See your dentist if they persist.

Is a mouthpiece better than CPAP?

Not for most people with sleep apnea. Mayo Clinic calls CPAP the most reliable and effective treatment; a mouthpiece is an option your doctor may suggest in some cases.

Sources

• 21 CFR 872.5570 Intraoral devices for snoring and intraoral devices for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (ecfr.gov), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (U.S. National Archives)
• Snoring - Diagnosis and treatment (mayoclinic.org), Mayo Clinic
• Snoring (nhs.uk), NHS
• Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea: Benefits and How They Work (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic

Sources checked 2026-10-13.