Yes, tongue-retaining devices may reduce snoring for some people, but they do not stop it for everyone. These mouthpieces use gentle suction to hold the tongue forward, which can leave more room for air to move through the throat. Evidence for these devices specifically is limited, especially for sleep apnea, so persistent or disruptive snoring should be assessed before relying on a device.
How does a tongue-retaining device work?
A tongue-retaining device, also called a tongue-stabilizing device, is a small mouthpiece worn during sleep. It has a soft suction bulb that holds the tip of the tongue forward. This position helps keep the tongue from moving backward into the space behind the mouth, where it could narrow the airway and contribute to snoring.
Snoring occurs when air passes through narrowed areas of the upper airway, causing nearby tissues to vibrate. According to Cleveland Clinic, tongue-stabilizing devices move the base of the tongue forward to help open the airway. Their purpose is to change the position of the tongue during sleep, rather than to supply air through a mask or alter the way the lungs work.
Are tongue-retaining devices effective at stopping snoring?
They may help when the tongue contributes to the narrowing that causes snoring. However, the amount of improvement can differ from person to person, and a device may reduce snoring without eliminating it completely. Its usefulness depends partly on whether tongue position is an important contributor to the problem.
The evidence for tongue-retaining devices specifically is more limited than the evidence for oral appliances as a broader group. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, in their 2015 clinical practice guideline, recommend oral appliances for adults seeking treatment for primary snoring without obstructive sleep apnea. However, the guideline found insufficient evidence to determine how effective tongue-retaining devices are for treating obstructive sleep apnea in adults. This uncertainty does not mean these devices never help, but their effectiveness should not be assumed.
It is also important to distinguish a reduction in noise from effective treatment of a sleep-related breathing disorder. A person might snore less while still experiencing interruptions in breathing. When sleep apnea is a concern, the success of treatment needs to be evaluated beyond whether the snoring becomes quieter.
How is a tongue-retaining device different from a mandibular advancement device?
Both devices are worn in the mouth during sleep, but they work differently.
- Tongue-retaining device: Uses suction to hold the tongue forward without needing to push the lower jaw forward.
- Mandibular advancement device: Fits over the teeth and positions the lower jaw forward, which also helps move the tongue forward and create more space at the back of the throat.
A tongue-retaining device may be considered when moving the jaw forward is not a suitable option. For adults being treated for obstructive sleep apnea with an oral appliance, the clinical practice guideline favors a custom-made, adjustable device over a noncustom device. The most appropriate design depends on the person's clinical assessment, dental health, and treatment needs.
Who might benefit from a tongue-retaining device?
These devices may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional when the tongue contributes to airway narrowing during sleep. They are not equally useful for every cause of snoring. For example, nasal blockage or other narrowing in the upper airway may require a different approach.
The NHS guidance on snoring explains that the tongue, mouth, throat, or nasal airways can contribute to the vibrations that produce snoring. This is why selecting a device based only on the sound of the snoring may not lead to the best result. A healthcare professional can assess possible causes and help determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate.
What side effects can tongue-retaining devices cause?
Keeping a mouthpiece in place during sleep can feel uncomfortable, particularly when someone first starts using it. The tongue-retaining design may also be difficult for some people to tolerate. Comfort and fit matter because a device that cannot be used consistently is unlikely to provide its intended benefit.
For oral appliance treatment generally, Cleveland Clinic describes possible short-term effects such as extra saliva, dry mouth, gum irritation, and pain involving the teeth or jaw. Some of these effects are associated with appliances that fit over the teeth, so they should not all be assumed to occur with every tongue-retaining device. Any persistent discomfort, irritation, or difficulty using a device should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Do not force yourself to continue using a device that causes significant discomfort. A professional can help assess whether the design is suitable, whether another option would be more comfortable, and whether further evaluation is needed.
When should snoring be evaluated before trying a device?
Snoring is common, but it can sometimes occur alongside obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes partly or completely blocked during sleep. A tongue-retaining device should not be used as a substitute for assessing possible sleep apnea when concerning signs are present.
The Mayo Clinic guidance on obstructive sleep apnea recommends medical evaluation when snoring is loud enough to disturb sleep, breathing pauses occur during sleep, someone wakes up gasping or choking, or there is excessive daytime sleepiness. These experiences are not proof of sleep apnea by themselves, but they are reasons to seek assessment rather than relying on a mouthpiece alone.
A healthcare professional may review the person's sleep history, medical background, and reported symptoms. When sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be needed to evaluate breathing during sleep. MedlinePlus explains that sleep studies can help evaluate sleep-related breathing problems and inform treatment decisions, including whether a dental device or another therapy may be appropriate.
This assessment is particularly important if snoring continues despite trying a device or if daytime tiredness and disrupted sleep persist. For someone already receiving treatment for sleep apnea, any change to the treatment plan should be discussed with the treating clinician rather than based solely on reduced snoring.
What else can help reduce snoring?
A tongue-retaining device is only one possible approach. Depending on the cause of snoring, practical measures may also help:
- Sleep on your side: Snoring can be more noticeable when sleeping on the back.
- Limit alcohol near bedtime: Alcohol can contribute to snoring in some people.
- Address excess weight when relevant: Weight management may help reduce snoring for some people who are overweight.
- Review nasal blockage: Treating a nasal problem may be more useful than a device that only changes tongue position.
- Review medicines with a healthcare professional: Do not start or stop medicines for snoring without appropriate advice, particularly if you use medicines that affect alertness or sleep.
These steps may help reduce snoring, but they are not substitutes for prescribed treatment when sleep apnea has been diagnosed. Persistent symptoms may require another approach, such as a professionally fitted oral appliance or prescribed positive airway pressure therapy.
How should you decide whether to try a tongue-retaining device?
The most useful first step is to consider whether the goal is simply to reduce uncomplicated snoring or to address a possible sleep-related breathing problem. A tongue-retaining device may reduce snoring for some people, but the evidence specific to these devices is limited, and a quieter night does not necessarily mean that breathing during sleep is normal.
Discuss persistent or disruptive snoring with a healthcare professional before choosing a device, especially when there are signs of interrupted breathing or daytime sleepiness. Children who snore need age-appropriate assessment; an adult oral appliance should not be used for a child unless the child's healthcare professional recommends it. For adults, a suitable device and appropriate follow-up can help determine whether treatment is effective and tolerable.