SnoreMedic Review

What is the SnoreMedic Mouthpiece?

Snoring is caused by constriction of the airway in the throat. During sleep, the tongue and soft palate relax, causing this constriction and producing the vibrations we know as snoring. The SnoreMedic is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) that holds the lower jaw in a forward position, preventing the airway from narrowing during sleep. This device can lessen or eliminate snoring.

What is a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)?

Mandibular Advancement Devices are dental devices for the treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). These devices are also known as oral appliances or dental sleep devices.

There are several different kinds of MADs. They all hold the lower jaw, also called the mandible (hence the Mandibular in MAD!) in a forward position which in turn raises the soft palate and keeps the airways open during sleep. Of all the different varieties of MADs, the two most important categories are those your dentist fits you for, and those you can fit yourself.

A MAD that is custom made for you at your dentist’s office is going to be far more expensive than an over the counter (OTC) device. Most of the over the counter devices fall into the “boil and bite” category. They come with extensive instructions on how to obtain a custom fit. Many of them also offer videos on the company’s website or on YouTube. It is IMPERATIVE you follow the instructions to the letter. At best, an improper fit can render the appliance totally ineffective. Worse, an improper fit can result in a very painful experience, including TMJ.

Design and Materials

Some of the MADs on the market come in two pieces that are hinged (kind of like the chattering teeth that you find at novelty stores). The lower section is sometimes adjustable. The SnoreMedic is designed as a single piece, and resembles a sports mouth guard. The lower jaw is held forward, but not too far. The result of this positioning is that some users may find it more comfortable to wear.

The appliance has a hole in the front, between the upper and lower halves, allowing the user to breathe through their mouth. This may not appear to be much, but when you have a cold or allergies and cannot breathe through your nose, you can still wear the device. When you are congested, you are more likely to snore, even if you are not a habitual snorer.

When you take the SnoreMedic out of the package, there is a plastic plug in the hole in the front of the appliance. This is used when molding the device (so the air hole doesn’t get blocked during fitting). Once the device is molded, you can discard the plug.

The SnoreMedic appliance is made from thermoplastic. This allows the wearer to customize it by the boil-and-bite process. The specific type of plastic is not disclosed.

How to Use the SnoreMedic

Before you fit the SnoreMedic, brush your teeth. It’s also a good idea to read the instructions thoroughly and watch the YouTube video. I could not find any information about whether the SnoreMedic can be re-fitted, so I’d err on the side of caution and make sure to fit it correctly the first time.

When fitting the SnoreMedic hold your lower jaw forward. This device does not automatically advance your lower jaw, so its effectiveness depends on being fitted correctly.

To fit the appliance, you will need a pot of boiling water, a spatula, a timer, and a bowl of cold water. Here’s what you do:

• Insert the air hole plug into the appliance (make sure you do not place the plug-in upside down).
• Bring the pot of water to the boil. Let it sit for 20 seconds.
• Submerge the SnoreMedic in the boiling water for 17 seconds.
• Remove the SnoreMedic from the boiling water with the spatula. Let it cool for 5 seconds.
• Place the SnoreMedic in your mouth and bite down firmly. With your fingers, mold the outer portion of the device between your gums and cheeks / lips.
• Remove the appliance from your mouth and submerge in the cold water for about a minute to solidify the fit.
• You’re good to go!

Cleaning the SnoreMedic

As with any dental device, clean it every morning. Do this with a toothbrush and a non-whitening toothpaste. Once a week, soak it in denture cleaner. Once it has air dried store the SnoreMedic in its case.

When do I Replace My SnoreMedic?

The SnoreMedic should be replaced every 8 to 15 months, according to the manufacturer. Wearers who grind their teeth should replace the device at 8-month intervals. SnoreMedic has a replacement program where they will automatically replace your device every 8 months at a discounted price.

Side Effects of Using MADs

There are three possible side effects to using any mandibular advancement device. They include:

• Tooth discomfort – Caused by pressure exerted on the teeth by the oral appliance.
• TMJ and muscle soreness – TMJ causes pain in the jaw joint. Since MADs hold the jaw in a forward position, muscle soreness and TMJ can occur. If you suffer from TMJ, talk to your dentist before using any oral appliance.
• Tooth movement – This is caused by the pressure of the dental appliance on your teeth over a prolonged period. This can change your bite. There are some jaw exercises you can perform every morning that can prevent this from happening.

Summary

The SnoreMedic is a pretty good product, but it is not as good as other MADs that are adjustable. It is similar to Airsnore. The company is a newcomer to the market and is based in Utah.

Snoring is a complex condition. All snorers are different, and they will respond differently to various types of treatments. Low-cost MADs are worth a try, and SnoreMedic is inexpensive and offers a 30-day guarantee, so if nothing else is working for you, it pays to give it a try.

Pros and Cons