Empire State Today

Michelle Sands, Sleep Apnea Director at Silent Night Therapy, said that their custom-fitted snoring appliance offers a range of benefits.

"We evaluate each patient carefully to ensure there isn't an underlying medical condition, like sleep apnea, that needs to be addressed before using a snoring appliance," said Sands. "Over-the-counter snoring devices can pose a choking hazard and often cause discomfort, which is why a custom-fitted appliance made by a professional is far safer and more effective. Many patients notice not only reduced snoring but also improved breathing and better overall sleep quality after using the Silent Night appliance."

Sands explained how the Silent Night Snoring Appliance differs from over-the-counter products. "The Silent Night appliance is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth, and gently moves the jaw forward to stop snoring by preventing airway blockages," she said. Patients often seek treatment when snoring affects their quality of sleep or disturbs their partner’s sleep.

According to MedPark Hospital, snoring appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), are custom-fitted oral devices designed to reduce snoring by adjusting the position of the jaw during sleep. This helps prevent airway blockages caused by soft tissue collapse in the throat. By maintaining an open airway, snoring can be significantly reduced. Studies show that these appliances can be a simple yet effective solution for people struggling with snoring, especially if other factors like sleep apnea are not present.

Sands mentioned that over-the-counter devices may not be as effective or comfortable as professionally fitted appliances. "These products often cause discomfort or come loose during the night, posing a choking hazard," she said. The custom appliance ensures a secure fit and minimizes risks while offering significant improvements in sleep quality. "It is also very easy to clean and maintain," Sands added.

For those seeking long-term snoring relief, snoring appliances provide a non-invasive treatment option. According to the Sleep Foundation, these devices have been shown to enhance sleep quality by preventing airway blockages and improving breathing during sleep. They note that there is no cure for snoring, but the best snoring aids will significantly reduce symptoms. The issue affects roughly 90 million adults nationwide, and for more than one-third of these sleepers, snoring is a chronic issue.

According to the Silent Night Therapy website, Sands entered the practice in 2011 with over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Currently, she holds the position of Sleep Apnea Director and focuses on a holistic approach to sleep apnea aimed at helping patients achieve complete recovery by improving sleep quality.