Snoring Mouthpiece vs. Chin Strap: Which Is Better?
Snoring might not be a problem for you, but it would be a matter of concern for your bed partner. Therefore, you need to think about trying some ways to address your snoring issue.
A few of the options that are commonly used by some people include a snoring mouthpiece and a chin strap. Both these devices have their pros and cons, yet they offer some sort of relief from snoring.
To make a viable decision while choosing between snoring mouthpieces and chin straps, just continue reading.
Snoring Chin Straps
As the name suggests, a snoring chin strap is a piece of equipment that is made of fabric and appears to be a strap. It supports the jaw to help a person keep his/her mouth close while sleeping.
When the mouth is closed, the person starts to inhale air through their nostrils. A snoring chin strap is usually referred to as the first line of action against snoring. It is highly affordable and easy to use.
Unlike other available options like nasal dilators or mouthpieces, chin straps don’t feel uncomfortable as they are worn externally. Moreover, a chin strap is considered to be less invasive.
Snoring Mouthpieces
Technically speaking, a snoring mouthpiece is a device that helps to keep the lower jaw at a forward position. As a result, an open airway is available for the air to enter into the lungs.
Depending on their design, there is a wide range of snoring mouthpieces, and some of them are discussed below.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD)
These are the devices that hold the tongue in a forward direction to create a vacuum. TRDs resemble pacifiers and are quite effective in treating snoring issues.
Prefabricated Mandibular Advanced Devices (MAD)
This device serves as an affordable alternative to other oral appliances. It usually resembles a sports mouthguard.
Oral Appliances
Physicians and dentists usually prescribe oral appliances. These devices help patients deal with snoring and sleep apnea.
Pros of Chin Straps
Generally speaking, a chin strap is made of neoprene material, which makes them elastic. A few of the chin straps come with Velcro, which helps you to adjust its stretching power.
Furthermore, a chin strap is easy to install and remove, making it an ideal option for those who don’t want to an extra hassle just for relieving themselves from snoring.
You can easily wrap it around the chin and fasten it with the crown.
Some of the options also come with a loop design, which doesn’t require you to fasten it. This makes the installation process extremely easy.
Moreover, chin straps are highly affordable, too, as the average product costs somewhere around $20. While inexpensive, they can work really well for some people. Chin straps have proven to be effective against snoring.
It would serve as a viable option for mouth snorers. Such people snore only when their mouth is open.
In some cases, a chin strap also helps to prevent dry mouth by keeping the mouth close.
Cons of Chin Straps
Apart from so many advantages, chin straps also have some downsides. To start with, they don’t help to treat the most common type of snoring that relates to the airway.
This type of product isn’t backed by medical research. Therefore, most physicians don’t recommend chin straps to treat snoring.
Pros of Snoring Mouthpieces
One type of snoring mouthpiece, as mentioned above, is known as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). These devices have proven to be quite effective when it comes to treating snoring. In some cases, you can also treat sleep apnea with such devices.
These devices prove to be highly impressive if the cause of snoring is a partially obstructed or narrowed airway.
It works by holding the jaw forward, which helps to stretch the muscles around the airway, and areas close to the lower jaw are stretched.
As a result, the airway is opened for the air to pass through. The tissues around the airway don’t collide, and the sound of snoring is stopped immediately.
There are a wide range of companies that offer snoring mouthpieces that are simple and cost-effective.
Mouthpieces also have air holes, which serve the purpose well if you are a mouth breather. With these large holes, you can breathe easily.
A few mouthpiece designs also allow you to make necessary adjustments.
Most companies make mouthpieces with a thermoplastic material. Therefore, these devices appear to be pliable when slightly heated in hot water. After heating a mouthpiece, you can place it into your mouth.
Snoring mouthpieces were invented after thorough research. As a result, these devices have proven their efficiency in treating snoring or sleep apnea.
The reason behind the impressive performance of a snoring mouthpiece is that it handles the issue from where it originates.
Cons of Snoring Mouthpieces
It usually takes several days for a person to get accustomed to a snoring mouthpiece. This is the reason that some people give up and stop using them before even getting the initial results.
Furthermore, custom made mouthpieces can cost hundreds of dollars which can be beyond some people’s budgets.
Which One to Choose?
No doubt, snoring mouthpieces are considered the better option. On the contrary, snoring chin straps serve as an affordable choice for those who are on a budget.
A chin strap can serve as a great option under the following circumstances:
- If you are wearing bridges or dentures
- You don’t like to wear a mouthpiece as it feels uncomfortable
On the other hand, you would prefer a snoring mouthpiece under these conditions:
- When you are looking for a reliable and thoroughly researched product to stop snoring
- If you want to be able to breathe through your mouth
Final Thoughts
If you are still wondering which snoring aid would turn out to be the best option for you, you need to ask yourself if you think you would be comfortable wearing a snoring mouthpiece. If you’re open to trying one, go for it.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a simpler, less expensive way to treat snoring, a chin strap might be worth trying first.
Snoring Devices Australia is dedicated to providing detailed product reviews of anti-snoring devices available in Australia. We also regularly research and publish timely information about snoring and sleep from around the world – to help you and your loved ones achieve a better night’s sleep.
