Snoring Mouthpiece vs. CPAP

Finding the right snoring solution can be exhausting, especially when it comes to determining the right treatment and the right features that fit your lifestyle. That’s why the ZQuiet team is always working to provide our customers with accurate and up-to-date information about all of your options for snoring relief.Two types of popular snoring solutions you should know more about are snoring mouthpieces and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. Snoring mouthpieces, also known as oral appliances or snoring mouth guards, are placed in the user’s mouth to help open their airway passage and reduce soft-tissue vibrations in and around the throat, which is the primary cause of snoring. CPAP machines work to reduce snoring by forcing positive air pressure through the snorer’s airway using a face mask or nose cannula.Many people choose their snoring solution based on the severity of their snoring, the number of times they stop breathing per night, and what “type” of snoring they suffer from, such as nasal snoring versus mouth or throat snoring. Whether you’re considering an oral appliance like a mouthpiece or a CPAP device, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each approach and help you find the solution that will kick snoring out of bed.

Snoring mouthpieces are one of the most common type of oral snoring solutions. Mouthpieces come in two different forms, mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and tongue stabilizing devices (TSD). Both types of mouthpieces uniquely address a key problem that contributes to snoring. When you sleep, your throat relaxes, allowing air to vibrate against the soft tissue at the back of your throat. This is what causes the sound of snoring. MAD snoring mouthpieces, like ZQuiet, treat this by slightly adjusting your lower jaw into a more forward position, which widens the airway and effectively reduces the sound of snoring. TSD snoring mouthpieces treat snoring differently by preventing your tongue from sliding to the back of your throat when you sleep, which can also contribute greatly to the sound of snoring.

Different snoring mouthpieces can come with many different features, so depending on your preferences, you might find some mouthpieces work better for you. Many mouthpieces out there require some preparation to help it form to your mouth and dentition — requiring you boil, mold or otherwise adjust to better fit your mouth. These types of mouthpieces require the user to go through the inconvenience of having to prepare the mouthpieces or test different adjustments so they fit more comfortably. Moldable mouthpieces have a hard outer shell with a layer of moldable material inside, which creates a bulky device that can be quite a mouthful to wear all night. Sometimes the moldable material breaks away from the hard outer shell, trapping saliva in between which can promote bacteria growth. ZQuiet offers a different way to enjoy a comfortable fit. With its Living Hinge technology and 2-Size Comfort System, ZQuiet’s snoring mouthpiece allows you to skip the prep work while still providing a comfortable fit that is low profile and conforms to your mouth in any sleeping position.Many mouthpieces also restrict breathing through the mouth in order to keep the jaws clenched and the device in place. ZQuiet’s unrestricted open front and hinged design allows you to move your jaw more freely and also gives you the ability to open, close, and breathe easily through your mouth.

Although many snoring mouthpieces are very effective in treating snoring, they’re not for everyone. Mouthpieces like ZQuiet are indicated for snoring and not intended to treat sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. Snorers with certain dental challenges, such as dentures or oral prostheses, missing or loose teeth, or strong overbites, might also find difficulty with snoring mouthpieces. Consult your dentist to decide whether your dentition can support a snoring mouthpiece and your teeth can handle the mouthpiece pressure without issues.Want to learn more about snoring mouthpieces? See our full breakdown and reviews for all the major brands and types of snoring mouthpieces here.

So what is a CPAP device, and how does it differ from a snoring mouthpiece? A CPAP device helps treats snoring, sleep apnea, and other breathing disorders. But it looks and acts radically different than snoring mouthpieces. CPAP machines treat snoring and sleep apnea by generating a continuous stream of airway pressure – generated by the machine and delivered through a mask or (nose cannula) worn over your face – that keeps your throat open so there is less soft-tissue vibration and less snoring.While CPAP machines are generally considered an effective treatment method – especially for more severe breathing disorders like sleep apnea – the noisy sound of the CPAP device and the awkwardness of the mask can contribute to ongoing physical discomfort and interrupt restful sleep. Some of the common issues with CPAP machines include wearing the wrong-sized mask, difficulty getting used to the forced air pressure, the bothersome noise, general claustrophobia, and difficulty falling asleep. The relatively high cost of a CPAP device can also prevent budget-conscious snorers from pursuing this snoring treatment option. Some CPAP users keep an anti-snoring mouthpiece on hand for the convenience of travel, napping, or for occasions when electricity isn’t available for their CPAP machines.

Ultimately, only you can answer this question based on your preferences, needs, priorities, and medical advice. While there are some hurdles involved with the adoption and regular use of CPAP machines, they are commonly accepted as one of the best ways to treat severe sleep apnea, which is a distinct advantage over mouthpieces. Someone might be prescribed or otherwise opt to use a CPAP machine for this purpose or to reduce moderate snoring. But when it comes to snoring in general — not sleep apnea — snoring mouthpieces are comfortable, cost-effective, and provide instant results.Although mouthpieces are a great option for those who want to treat snoring effectively, be careful about the types of mouthpieces and their distinct features. Getting your best night’s sleep should start with a comfortable and effective mouthpiece like ZQuiet.Want to learn how ZQuiet delivers a better night’s sleep? See why it works here.