somniTreatment, without the mask.
Oral appliance therapy treats sleep apnea with a custom-fit mouthpiece — no machines, no hoses, no masks. Discreet, comfortable, and clinically proven for mild-to-moderate cases.
Understanding OAT
How oral appliance therapy works
The device
A custom-fit mouthpiece
A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) looks similar to an orthodontic retainer. It’s custom-made from dental impressions by a dentist trained in sleep medicine for a precise, comfortable fit.
The mechanism
Jaw repositioning keeps your airway open
The device gently holds your lower jaw in a slightly forward position. This prevents the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward and blocking airflow during sleep.
The experience
Quiet, discreet, and easy to use
No machines, tubes, or electricity required. Just place it in your mouth before bed. Most patients fully adapt within one to two weeks.
average reduction in AHI events with MAD use
patient preference over CPAP for comfort
typical adjustment period
Sources: AASM position papers, peer-reviewed sleep medicine literature
Built for comfort, designed for life
Oral appliance therapy fits your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Comfortable to wear
Custom-molded to your teeth for a snug, natural fit. Most patients forget they’re wearing it after the first week.
Travel-friendly
Fits in a small case that goes in your pocket or bag. No power cords, water chambers, or bulky equipment.
No electricity needed
Use it anywhere — camping, flights, hotels — without worrying about outlets or batteries.
Silent operation
No motor hum, no airflow noise. Your partner won’t even know you’re wearing it.
Adjustable over time
Your dentist can fine-tune the jaw advancement incrementally. As your needs change, the appliance adapts.
FDA-cleared
Prescribed and supervised by licensed professionals. FDA-cleared medical devices you can trust.
OAT vs. CPAP at a glance
Both are clinically validated. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and preferences.
Your physician and care team can help determine which treatment is right for you. Learn about CPAP therapy →
OAT Process
Our Process
Get started with a few questions
Tell us about your symptoms, sleep habits, and preferences so we can guide your next step.
Assessment · Quiz · Personalized
Complete an at-home sleep test
If needed, we'll guide you through a simple at-home sleep test so a provider can review your sleep data.
At-Home · Convenient · Simple
Diagnosis & prescription
Get results in 1–2 days. A licensed provider reviews your test and includes a prescription if treatment is needed.
Provider Review · 1–2 Days · Rx Included
Custom oral appliance
If you qualify, you’ll get matched to a dental provider to create a custom-fit oral appliance—and a plan for follow-ups and adjustments.
Custom Fit · Dental Partner · Adjustments
FAQ
Common questions about oral appliance therapy
A MAD is a custom-fitted mouthpiece that gently repositions your lower jaw forward during sleep. This keeps the airway open by preventing the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward. It looks similar to an orthodontic retainer and is the most commonly prescribed type of oral appliance for sleep apnea.
OAT is most effective for patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be prescribed for patients with severe sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, as determined by their physician. A sleep test and diagnosis are required before treatment.
Yes. Oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea requires a prescription based on a sleep test reviewed by a licensed physician. The appliance itself is then custom-fabricated and fitted by a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine.
Most patients fully adapt within one to two weeks. You may experience mild jaw soreness or excess saliva during the first few nights, which typically resolves quickly as your mouth adjusts to the device.
Yes. Oral appliances are effective for both sleep apnea and primary snoring. By advancing the jaw forward, the device opens the airway and reduces the vibration of soft tissues that causes snoring.
Prescription oral appliances are custom-made from dental impressions by a sleep-trained dentist. They offer precise jaw positioning, superior comfort, and clinically validated effectiveness. OTC mouthguards are one-size-fits-all and are not FDA-cleared for treating sleep apnea.
Somni provides educational information and helps connect you to next steps. This is not medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
Find out which treatment fits you
Take our free quiz to assess your sleep apnea risk and explore your treatment options.
Take the Sleep Apnea Quiz