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Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy

Treatment, without the mask.

Oral appliance therapy treats sleep apnea with a custom-fit mouthpiece — no machines, no hoses, no masks. Learn how it works, who it's for, and how to get started.

  • FDA-cleared for mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Custom-fitted by a dentist trained in sleep medicine
  • Silent, travel-friendly, no electricity required
Woman holding a mandibular advancement device
Side view diagram of a mandibular advancement device

How It Works

Understanding oral appliance therapy

01

A custom-fit mouthpiece

A Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) is custom-made from dental impressions by a dentist trained in sleep medicine for a precise, comfortable fit.

02

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.

03

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.

Benefits

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.

The Somni Process

A guided path from symptoms to the right oral appliance.

1
Start with a few questions

Start with a few questions

Tell us about your sleep and snoring

Share how you feel during the day

Quick, guided screening

2
Take your sleep test at home

Take your sleep test at home

Simple, guided setup

One-night test from the comfort of home

No clinic visit required

3
Get your results reviewed

Get your results reviewed

Your test is reviewed by a licensed physician

Understand what may be affecting your sleep

Get clear answers, not guesswork

4
Move forward with treatment

Move forward with treatment

Get matched to the right next step

Personalized treatment direction

Confidence in what comes next

Comparison

How does OAT compare to CPAP?

Both are clinically validated. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and preferences.

Oral Appliance
CPAP
How it works
Repositions jaw forward
Delivers air pressure via mask
Best for
Mild to moderate OSA
All severities
Form factor
Mouthpiece worn in mouth
Mask + tubing + machine
Power required
None
Yes (electricity or battery)
Portability
Fits in a pocket
Portable with travel models
Noise
Silent
Low hum from motor
Adjustment period
1–2 weeks
1–3 weeks
Fitted by
Sleep-trained dentist
Sleep equipment provider

Your physician and care team can help determine which treatment is right for you. Learn about CPAP therapy →

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.

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