Specially designed mouthpieces can help stop the soft tissue collapse that produces snoring. These appliances can be purchased generically on the Internet or at your local pharmacy, or they can be custom fitted by an otolaryngologist, commonly referred to as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor, or by a dentist.
Step 1
Try an inexpensive generic trial device. If you feel the cost for a fitted appliance will be exorbitant, or if you feel your snoring problem is minor, you can try a less-expensive device available at most pharmacies or over the Internet. The soft plastic piece is placed in hot water, which softens it so that you can bite into it. It will then custom mold to your jaw as it cools.
Step 2
Discuss your snoring problem with your ENT or dentist if the trial device needs to be made permanent. Your dentist may suggest a fitted soft plastic dental appliance, or your ENT might recommend a mandibular device. Either of these appliances will bring your lower jaw forward or lift your soft palate to stop the snoring.
Step 3
If the less expensive "boil and bite" appliance does not do the trick, have a custom mouthpiece fitted by your dentist or your ENT if one is prescribed. Sleep Pro's "Put an End to Snoring" website, cites studies in Switzerland and the U.K. that found such fitted mouthpieces to be highly effective in reducing snoring, with only mild side effects such as dry mouth, excess salivation or tooth discomfort.
