Oral appliances

Oral appliances are simply popped into the mouth at night to hold the lower jaw in a position that reduces the collapse of the airway and expands the space behind the tongue, to help prevent apnoea and snoring. 

These devices go by several names: mandibular advancement devices, intraoral devices, oral appliances, and mandibular repositioning devices (MRDs) are the most common. We at ResMed call ours a mandibular repositioning device; it goes by the name of Narval CC™*.

Clinical research proves oral appliance effectiveness^1,2,3

Thanks to a wealth of clinical research, oral appliances have gained recognition over the last decade as an effective solution to snoring, as well as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in cases of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).^1,2,3  

At ResMed, we are conducting a five-year study ­- the largest of its kind - among 365 users, and found the regular use of ResMed’s Narval CC MRD led to a full disappearance of loud snoring in almost 8 out of 10 users.⁴ It also reduced OSA levels by 50% in almost 8 of 10 users.⁴

Two types of MRDs: custom and off-the-shelf

You’ll find two types of MRDs on the market: custom-made ones like Narval CC, and thermoplastic ones that you’ll need to fit yourself. A recent comparative study demonstrated that a custom-made oral appliance is twice as effective in reducing snoring than non-custom, thermo-plastic MRDs.⁵  It has a higher compliance rate - 94% over 69%² - and patients are more likely to prefer it (82%).⁵

It’s always best to see a sleep physician prior to making the decision to get an MRD. We at ResMed believe in helping patients find optimal solutions for their particular sleep disorder.