I have got so many emails of people asking me questions about this mouthpiece. This might be due to the manufacturers claims of it being “the best anti-snoring device”. People want to know, does it really live up to these standards? Does it have any unique features that alienate it from all the other more regular mouth guards? Well, read on to find the answer to these questions and concerns.
In this Guide
About Snore Doc
Made of a thermoplastic material, SnoreDoc is a Mandibular Adjustment Device that aims at holding the lower jaw in front of the upper jaw when you are sleeping. This is aimed at making the airway obstruction free, and therefore airflow can be unrestricted and doesn’t cause a vibration in the tissues of the throat muscles.
There are two options of using this gadget. The first is to customize it by fitting using the boil-and-bite technology. However, you can also choose to use it right from the package. It is designed with a breathing hole and so is appropriate for those who breathe by their mouth either due to nasal polyps, sinus issues, a deviated septum, allergies, cold or any other condition. Also, it gives you the allowance of freely moving your mouth and therefore enhances the comfort achieved.
Although the manufacturer has advertised this product as an effective sleep apnea solution, sleep apnea is actually a rather delicate case and therefore requires you to consult your doctor, dentist or sleep therapist before using any gadget. It is however cleared by FDA as an appropriate snoring solution for the long term snore management.
How to get a perfect fit with Snore Doc
According to the products official site, you can use this product right out of the box. I however advocate for a custom fitting to attain more satisfaction from your gadget. If you are not so familiar with the boil and bite technology you might get a little nervous, but it’s really an easy process. Besides, you can repeat the process in the event that you don’t attain a perfect fit on your first try. So don’t feel overly pressured.
The package of the original SnoreDoc contains:
- A hard case
- Popsicle stick
- Instruction booklet
For this procedure, you will need a small pot, tow bows or mugs, a pair of tongue or something that works the same way and water.
Steps
- Pour 2 cups of water in the pot and bring to boil.
- As you wait for the water to boil, insert the Popsicle stick that was provided into the air hole in the front. Ensure you don’t push it too far since this will interfere with the fit.
- Once the water is completely boiled, pour it into one of the mugs or bowl, on the other pour ice cold water.
- Leave the water for about 20 minutes to cool then insert the mouthpiece for about 18 seconds.
- Carefully remove it using the pair of tongue and run it under a cold water tap for a few seconds.
- Test for the temperature of the mouthpiece using the back of your hand then place it in your mouth with the curved side near the roof of your mouth.
- Bite into the device ensuring that your lower jaw is extending beyond your front upper teeth. Hold this position for close to one minute to leave an impression of your teeth on the material.
- Remove the device from your mouth and dip it in the bowl or mug with ice cold water to enable it to quickly harden.
- Remove the mouthpiece from the water and remove the Popsicle stick. Put it on to confirm that it’s fitting you comfortably. If not, repeat the process from the beginning.
2 Weeks of SnoreDoc on Trial
As usual, to verify the manufactures claims (more of, to add to my list of reliable mouth guards), I decided to give snore guard my usual two week trial. When my package arrived, I immediately removed the device and did the boil-and-bite process. This wasn’t as complicated for me as I’m kind of used to it by now. I achieved a perfect fit on the first take.
The morning after, I had a good feeling that the device had worked seeing that I woke up in great moods and fully rested. My suspicion was confirmed by my hubby who said he didn’t hear a whisper of snore and actually woke up in the middle of the night to confirm that I was still alive. However, my jaws felt sour, but this was expected since the MAD stretches the jaws in unnatural position. The soreness was significantly reduced by the 3rd day as my jaws started getting used to the new position.
The design of this gadget is similar to other mouthguards I’ve tried before like the SleepPro Standard and the RipSnore. It is also as comfortable as the two.
However, I felt that the air hole was not well designed as it does not allow enough air to flow through which would be limiting for someone who can completely not breathe through their nose. The space that air flows though is somewhat the size of a straw.
SnoreDoc Review
As with most products, there are users who were totally happy with the product (a majority), a few who had an unpleasant experience and users who feel that some features could be improved on. The most common complaint was that the air hole produces a whistling sound that’s so pronounced it can interfere with your bed partner in case you are sharing a bed with someone. There are also customers who noted that the gadget does not remain in place the whole night and will probably fall off as you toss and turn.
SnoreDoc Price
In comparison to other mouth gadgets, SnoreDoc is actually on the lower price scale. The total price of the gadget, which comes in a sturdy storage case, is 44.99$, and this is inclusive of shipping. The company also gives 100% 30-day money back guarantee.
Advantages and Disadvantages
This anti-snoring mouth guard is relatively effective and would make a great consideration for someone searching for a fairly priced mouthpiece. However, I felt that some of the features could be improved on. You should therefore weigh the advantages and disadvantages before making your ultimate purchase decision.
Pros
- It is made of a thermoplastic material that’s mild and smooth on the gums.
- Costing only 49.99$, this gadget is quite affordable.
- You can use it right from the box or custom fit it using the boil-and-bite technology.
- It has gotten the UFA clearance.
- It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
- According to the manufacturer, this product has a 95% satisfaction rate, a claim that only an individual user can confirm.
Cons
- The air hole provided for this gadget is tiny and can pose as a disadvantage for mouth breathers.
- In comparison to other mouthpiece gadgets, this device somewhat bulky and might therefore be less comfortable.
- This product has not yet been clinically tested which might bring questions over its safety.
- The gadget will tend to leave your jaws very sour. Many people have complained of the discomfort that results from this, they say it does not fully go away even after a long period of use.
- It does not give freedom for adjustment of the jaw positioning.
Verdict
If you find relief in using MADs, then the Original Snore Doc can be an excellent option as it gives similar results as most of the other over the counter mouthpieces. It is also more affordable but will obviously be less comfortable than the more expensive mouthpieces.
Conclusion and Recommendation
If you want a more effective mouthpiece, and money is not a problem, then you should try Vital Sleep. This mouthpiece also uses the boil-and-bite technology but comes in two sizes. Another advantage of Vital Sleep is that it gives you freedom of adjusting the lower jaw thereby enhancing comfort and effectiveness. It has a bigger air hole which makes it easier to breath. The product is manufactured in USA and is cleared by FDA. Moreover, on purchase the manufacturer will offer you a full year free replacement.