It is estimated that about 50% of New Zealanders snore at least some of the time, and that 25% snore ‘habitually.’ It is also theorized that as many as one half of people who snore loudly have probably developed Obstructive Sleep Apnea, at least to some degree. But there are also other risk factors at work, specifically in New Zealand, that may put some people at a greater risk for the problem than others.
For example, Maori are 4.3 times more likely to have a Respiratory Distress Index greater than 15… which makes them much more susceptible to snoring than the non-Maori population. Men in New Zealand, both Maori and non-Maori, are also much more likely to snore than women, though this is not just true in New Zealand. All over the world, men have a more difficult time dealing with this problem than women.
But what can be done about it?
We all know that snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are big problems. Sleep Apnea can be especially damaging to your long-term health and wellness, as it can contribute to a lot of larger medical problems later on in life.
But Mouth Guards, used to treat snoring and Sleep Apnea, can sometimes help. And on this page, we will discuss this potential treatment option in greater detail.
Here is what you need to know about Stop Snoring Mouth Guards.
How Do I Know That A Snoring Mouth Guard Will Help?
Figuring out if a particular type of snoring remedy will help you based on the type of snoring that you are experiencing may be important. So first things first, you need to figure out if a stop snoring mouth guard will even help you. Here is some information that might help you to decide if a stop snoring mouth guard is potentially the right choice for you.
If you tend to snore through your mouth, then you are probably suffering from a problem called ‘soft palate vibration.’ This occurs when the soft lining of the upper airway falls in and restricts your airflow as you breathe.
If you are a mouth-snorer, then a mandibular advancement device or tongue stabilization device (the two basic types of stop-snoring mouth guards) will probably help you. Granted, there are some differences between these two types of devices. But for the most part, the causal factors that lead to mouth snoring are helped a great deal by both types of guards.
So if you are a mouth-snorer, you may definitely want to try a stop snoring mouth guard, as there is a pretty good chance that it will help you.
If you are a nasal snorer, then there is a chance that your snoring problem is actually coming from your nostrils instead of the upper airway (This is not always the case, however. Sometimes, nasal snoring can also be caused by soft-palate vibration). If your snoring is being caused by nasal congestion, than a mouth guard may not actually help you all that much.
In such cases, you would find better results with products like nasal dilators or nasal strips.
But—with that being said, a mouth guard may help you if your snoring is actually originating in the soft-palate, but manifesting through your nose.
It can be hard to tell for sure what is going on when this happens. But if you aren’t sure, you could always try one type of device to rule out that possibility, and just move forward with different devices until you find one that does work for you.
These options (stop snoring mouth guards) are certainly more expensive than nasal strips or nasal dilators in most cases, but they also tend to be far more effective for any kind of snoring that centers around (or originates from) the mouth.
Snoring Mouthpiece Advantages Over Other Snoring Solutions
Stop snoring mouthpieces, such as the MAD and the TSD, are among our favorite types of stop snoring devices, and for good reason. We believe that they boast a lot of advantages over other options in the market. And while each brand, type, and model is a bit different, we still believe that the general idea behind these devices is more useful than the ideas behind most other stop-snoring products.
Here are some of the biggest advantages that MADs and TSDs have over other snoring solutions.
First of all, they just work better. But this is no accident. The thing about MADs and TSDs is that they make small mechanical adjustments to your jawline and/or tongue very near the point of contact for snoring. This means that they are acting directly on the part of the body where snoring originates, while other devices do not usually get so close to this ‘source’ point.
Next, they are proven with more scientific research than most other snoring solutions. Not every type, model, and brand has been tested in a clinical setting, of course—but those that have been tested show every sign of being more effective than a lot of other snoring treatments available.
And third, we like them better because they last longer. They do not usually require a prescription, they are sometimes adjustable, they come in a range of different prices, and yes—you can usually keep them for months, or even years, before you need to buy a replacement.
These advantages make them difficult to overlook for people who are looking to really make some headway in solving their snoring problems.
The Best Snoring Mouthpieces Available In New Zealand Online
Here is a list of the snoring mouthpieces that you can get in New Zealand that, we think, represent the best choices available online.
VitalSleep
The VitalSleep, available on Vitalsleep.com, is a stop snoring mouthpiece that is not only made in the USA, but that is also FDA cleared for the reduction of snoring.
It contours to your mouth, features a flexible frame, and is equipped with ‘hinge’ technology that still allows you to open and close your mouth while using it—which is pretty awesome.
Here are some of the more prominent features of this device that we thought are important to mention…
- Made from FDA-approved components
- Is BPA and Latex free
- Has helped over 200,000 snorers to-date
- Is adjustable thanks to the included Accu-adjust system
- Sells for $59.95 for 1, or $99.95 for 2
If you are looking for a truly awesome stop snoring mouthpiece that has been in the game for quite some time, this MAD from VitalSleep is sure to give you a good run for the money. It has been FDA approved and on the market for over 7 years now, so you can be sure that all of the ‘bugs’ have been worked out of this one!
Our VitalSleep ReviewVisit Official Website
Good Morning Snore Solution
The Good Morning Snore Solution is an FDA approved TSD that actually takes the cake as one of our favorite devices on the market right now.
It was originally invented in Canada, but is now made in the USA. It is cleared by not only the FDA, but also by Health Canada, the EEA, and the ARTG.
The company also has an A+ rating with the BBB, and has been around for quite some time now—making this one of the more ‘tried and tested’ products on the stop-snoring market, in our opinion.
Here are some facts about the Good Morning Snore Solution that you should know if you are thinking about taking a look at it.
- It is less invasive than an MAD
- Often said to be ‘more comfortable’ than MADs
- Was clinically tested in a randomized, controlled crossover study in 2008
- The results of the clinical study were published in the Journal of Sleep And Breathing in May of 2008
- Sells for $104.94 for 1 device, or $159.94 for 2
- Comes with a 90 day satisfaction guarantee
Granted, the Good Morning Snore Solution is a bit more expensive than some other devices on the market, but that is really its only downside. We’ve loved this device since the day it came out, so you should really consider taking a look at it if you are in the market for a quality TSD that could potentially help you with your snoring problems.
Our Good Morning Snore Solution ReviewVisit Official Website
AirSnore
The AirSnore MAD is one of our favorite MADs on the market right now for a lot of reasons.
Ironically, it was one of the earliest devices we ever tested—but it is still near the top of our list of favorite MADs.
This device uses boil-and-bite technology to achieve a custom fit, is made from high-quality ingredients, and is manufactured in an FDA approved facility to exceptionally high standards.
Here are some of the vital facts that you will need to know about the AirSnore.
- Comes with a 60 day guarantee
- Sells for just $49.95, with free shipping
- Can be purchased in conjunction with the AirSnore Drops (made from essential oils), to create a stop snoring combo for just $89.95.
- Uses a slight bit of jaw advancement to ensure that your airway opens up more while you are sleeping
If you are looking for a stop snoring device that is actually very affordably priced, then you may really want to at least consider looking at the AirSnore. As one of the lower-priced products on the market, we love this option for people who don’t want to drop a ton of money right away on a stop snoring device that they are not sure they will like.
Our AirSnore ReviewVisit Official Website
SnoreMeds
SnoreMeds is a type of MAD that actually comes in two sizes.
There is a larger device for men, and a smaller size for women. Priced at just $46.95 for one mouthpiece, this company offers another very budget-minded alternative to more traditional stop snoring MADs, albeit without sacrificing any of the quality.
The company has been in business for over a decade, so there is a lot of positive feedback for their mouth guard out on the marketplace.
Here are some details that you might like to know about their product.
- Manufactured from a high quality anti-allergenic thermoplastic.
- Materials are FDA approved for medical use, BPA free, and Latex free.
- Utilizes boil and bite technology to achieve a custom fit
- Recommended by many doctors and dentists
- Comes with a 45 day product guarantee
If you are looking for an MAD solution that will not only give you exceptional value, but also a low starting cost, then SnoreMeds might be the perfect option for you.
Our SnoreMeds ReviewVisit Official Website
SnoreRX
SnoreRX is one of the more expensive MADs on our list—but don’t let that deter you.
The quality that this product delivers is truly awesome.
If you are looking for an amazing MAD that offers both the ability to set the level of advancement and boil and bite technology, then you should certainly take a look at this one.
Here are some of the key features you should know about.
- Cleared by the FDA for the reduction of snoring
- Designed, engineered, and manufactured in California
- All of the components are made from premium copolymer materials
- Latex free
- Sells for $99 for 1, or $154 for 2
Granted, this one is a bit pricier when compared to some of the MADs on our list, but we consider it a premium offering because of how well it is made. The ability to custom-set the level of adjustment is also quite useful and impressive.
If you’re looking for a world-class MAD that will absolutely give you a shot at ending your snoring problems for good, then the SnoreRX is most definitely a device to check out.
Our SnoreRX ReviewVisit Official Website
Things You Need To Know About Stop Snoring Mouth Guards
The first thing that you need to know about stop snoring mouth guards is that they are not normal, protective mouth guards. Many people hear the term ‘mouth guard’ and think of the mouth guards that athletes wear, but stop snoring mouth guards are very different.
These devices are not designed to protect your teeth from external impact. Instead, they are designed to shift either the lower jaw or the tongue forward and hold it there during sleep. This ‘advancement’ helps to create more room in the airway, and gives you more space to breathe through during the night.
Another important thing to know about anti-snoring mouth guards is that they can be broken down into two basic categories.
- Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
- Tongue Stabilization Devices (TSDs), or Tongue Retention Devices (both terms represent the same type of device, and are often used interchangeably)
We will talk more about what these individual devices do a bit further down on this page, but these are the two basic types of stop snoring mouth guards available on the market today.
Another thing that you need to know is that these devices are best known for being more likely to work in preventing snoring and OSA than most other types of stop snoring devices. But—they also come with a cost. They are a bit more invasive than other types of devices—and some people are not very crazy about them because they must be kept inside the mouth during the course of the night to help. For some people, this can be uncomfortable and a bit too much to get used to.
Stop Snoring Mouthpiece Classifications
Next, we will discuss stop snoring mouthpiece classifications. Sometimes, the terms used to describe what an anti-snoring device is can be confusing. Here is some information to help clarify exactly what is usually meant when one of these terms are used.
As briefly stated above, the term ‘mouth guard’ is usually used to describe either a mandibular advancement device or (less often) a tongue stabilization device. Neither of these devices are actually ‘mouth guards’ in the traditional sense. Rather, they are ‘mouth pieces’ that are used to help keep the individual from snoring.
But more often than not, the term ‘mouth guard’ is used to refer to mandibular advancement devices.
The term ‘snoring devices,’ or ‘anti-snoring devices,’ is usually used to refer to any type of product that can be used to mechanically treat snoring, in any way. This could mean an MAD, a TSD, a nasal strip, a stop snoring chin-strap, or even a stop snoring pillow, etc.
‘Snoring devices’ is a term that is used pretty broadly, in most cases—so if you hear the term being used to describe a type of anti-snoring remedy, it may be important to get further clarification as to the exact type of device being described, as devices that fall into this ‘category’ can be defined very broadly.
The Two Main Different Types Of Stop Snoring Mouth Guards
In this section, we will talk about the two main types of stop snoring mouth guards… MADs, and TSDs.
MADs
MADs, also known as Mandibular Advancement Devices, are stop snoring devices that you wear in your mouth very similarly to how you would wear a traditional mouth guard. But unlike a regular mouth guard, this type of snoring mouthpiece usually utilizes an ‘advancement’ mechanism to slightly advance the lower jawline. It is worn while the user is asleep, and helps to keep the upper airway open to allow for easier airflow through the respiratory system.
TSDs
TSDs, also known as Tongue Stabilization Devices, or Tongue Retention Devices, are stop-snoring devices that you also wear in your mouth—but they are not shaped like a regular mouth guard. They usually consist of a small ‘shield’ that you place in front of your teeth, to hold it in place, and a ‘suction mechanism’ that you place your tongue into before you fall asleep.
The suction mechanism works to keep your tongue pulled forward while you sleep, and in so-doing, also helps to keep the airway clear by preventing the tissue of the tongue from blocking the airway.
How Do I Know Which Mouth Guard I Need?
Figuring out exactly what type of mouth guard you need is a pretty important part of the whole process of buying an anti-snoring device. But for people who have never purchased one before, this can certainly be a tough hurdle to get past. After all, a lot of these devices do cost a bit of money—so buyers certainly don’t want to throw their money away on the wrong thing.
We actually recommend doing a few quick ‘tests,’ to see if you can figure out exactly which type of stop-snoring mouthpiece would work best for you. These tests are easy, can be done in just a few seconds—and could possibly, very easily, help you to figure out exactly what kind of product you need.
The Tongue Test
This test will help you to figure out if your tongue is causing your snoring problems. To conduct this test, follow these simple steps.
- Pull your tongue forward as far as possible
- Hold your tongue forward using your teeth (don’t squeeze hard enough to injure your tongue, obviously)
- Try to snore. If snoring is a lot more difficult now, your tongue is likely a culprit!
This may mean that you are suffering from what they call ‘tongue-based snoring,’ and means that you will probably see the best results with a TSD (tongue stabilization device) or tongue retention device.
The Open Mouth Test
This test helps you to figure out if you might be snoring because of how your jaw or mouth rests while you sleep. To perform this simple test, follow these simple steps.
- Open your mouth
- Try to make a snoring sound (remember to completely relax your muscles)
- Now, close your mouth and try to make the same snoring sound
If it was easier to make the snoring sound while your mouth was open, there is a very good chance that you are suffering from soft-palate vibration. If this is indeed your problem, then you are probably going to see a lot more value in a mandibular advancement device or something like a stop-snoring chin strap.
The Nasal Snoring Test
This is a test designed to help you figure out if your nasal passages are to blame for your snoring problem. To conduct this simple test, follow these steps.
- Keep your mouth closed for the entire test
- Using one of your fingers, press in on one nostril to keep it closed, while keeping the other open
- Inhale and exhale through the open nostril several times
- Repeat the test with the opposite nostril
If you found that you make snoring sounds when one of your nostrils is collapsed, then there is a good chance that you are suffering from nasal snoring. To fix this problem, you may want to use nasal strips or nasal dilators.
Obviously, you may be suffering from more than one type of snoring at once—so finding one product, or a combination of products, that will solve at least most of the problem is going to be the goal.
Clinical References And Proof That Snoring Mouthpieces Work
As with anything involving health and wellness, it is important to know that the methods you are pursuing to make your life better (and to achieve a better night’s rest) have been proven to be true in a clinical setting. There is a lot of pseudoscience out there—and while some alternative methods of treatment may indeed work, it is always better to go with something that has been tried, tested, and proven.
Because of this, we have taken it upon ourselves to look into some of the most compelling evidence supporting stop snoring devices, and to provide links to this evidence as a resource for our readers.
Here are links to some of the most compelling studies regarding anti-snoring remedies.
Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of oral mandibular advancement devices and continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5378304/
Efficacy of mandibular advancement device in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A randomized controlled crossover clinical trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4598931/
Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: an update.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24533007
CPAP vs Mandibular Advancement Devices and Blood Pressure in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26624827
A crossover randomised controlled trial of oral mandibular advancement devices for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea (TOMADO)
http://thorax.bmj.com/content/69/10/938
Note: We also recommend that you research any product that you plan on buying before buying it, to see if it has been used in any clinical trials or studies. We always prefer products that have been tested in a clinical setting, and certainly believe that checking in on this is super important to getting the best product for your needs.
Which Is The Best Snoring Mouth Guard For Women?
Thankfully, not all snoring devices are quite the same. Some are more specifically formulated for women, and for good reason. Women tend to have smaller jawbones, and in-general, usually require a ‘smaller’ mouthpiece than their male counterparts.
For this reason, we actually recommend the VitalSleep Mandibular Advancement Device for women who are looking for the perfect anti-snoring device for their own personal needs.
The VitalSleep comes in two different sizes. A larger size for men, and a smaller size for women. But that’s not all. It was also designed to be comfortable, flexible, and re-adjustable. You can easily custom-fit it with boil and bite technology, and wear it while you sleep to help keep your airway open and clear, thereby avoiding the ‘soft palate vibration’ responsible for most cases of snoring.
This device also sells for just $59.95, which is pretty affordable.
Top 5 FAQs About Anti-Snoring Mouth Guards
Here are some of the top FAQs that we get about snoring products on this page, along with our answers to them.
A: MAD stands for ‘mandibular advancement device,’ and TSD stands for ‘tongue stabilization device.’ Both of these products are very similar, but they do also have some differences. MADs are shaped more like full mouth-guards, while TSDs are smaller and designed just to keep the tongue pulled forward, not the entire jaw.
If you don’t like the idea of a larger product, then a TSD may be better for you. But some people see better results with MADs because they actually hold the entire jaw forward, not just the tongue… so they may tend to be a bit more effective.
A: Our biggest tip that we try to communicate to our readers is to buy a product that comes with a satisfaction guarantee. There are so many products out there nowadays that it can be tough to find the right one on the first try. But buying a stop snoring product that comes with a satisfaction guarantee can really help to minimize your risk of wasting money, because you can simply return it and get a refund if it doesn’t end up working out.
And yes, it can be a bit time consuming to get items returned—but it is better to have the option than to just throw money away on an item that isn’t going to work for you.
If you have benefited from any of the snoring mouth guards that we have reviewed on this page, or perhaps from other snoring devices you purchased in New Zealand, we’d love to hear your feedback so do leave a comment.
