Cheap Devices that Reduce Sleep Apnoea by 53%: A Review of Tongue Retaining Devices

Tongue retaining devices are not to be confused with Mandibular Advancement Devices (which are also known as mouth guards or splints). Tongue retaining devices are used to pull out your tongue so you spend the whole night poking out your tongue. Although this isn't particularly easy to tolerate, if you are trying to avoid a CPAP mask and can't tolerate a mandibular advancement device, then this is a very cheap (about £5-£15) device that reduces your snoring and sleep apnoea by 53%.

In this video I speak about the device, explain the research, and try the device out on myself.

I hope you find this video useful.

Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:08 What is a Tongue Retaining Device?
0:20 What is a Mandibular Advancement Device?
0:43 Clinical Evidence: Mandibular Advancement Devices Vs Tongue retaining devices
1:05 How to use a tongue retaining device
1:22 Practical demonstration of using a tongue retaining device
1:48 Side effects of tongue retaining devices
2:07 Clinical evidence: Do Tongue Retaining Devices help sleep apnoea?
2:59 Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy
3:17 How much do Tongue Retaining devices cost?
3:30 Conclusion

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Tongue retaining devices sold on Amazon

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** Disclaimer - The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional. **

[roseforeuropa]

Unbelievable quality. You're really setting a new standard. Instead of boring 45 minute powerslides, you keep it short, you have your video timeline subdivided, and you even have links to 3 different variations.

I really thank you for doing the extra work on editing. You're giving me hope that I can avoid the CPAP machine since I only have mild sleep apnea, which is still wrecking my quality of life in every way, something I never expected for me being underweight and in my 30s.

[mirshadist]

Thank you very much! sir Two years ago, I saw this video and tried the same device. The results were good - my sleep problems were largely alleviated, including reduced snoring and more energy upon waking without headaches. I used to weigh 96kg, but now I'm at 78kg with no health issues (all checks are good in my blood tests) I believe this device has been very effective for me.
thankful for you

[matthewtreby]

This device has been a life saver for me. Although to begin with it was very uncomfortable to wear and I did not get much sleep and a very sore tongue a persevered with it as nothing else (nose dilator’s, mouth guards, throat sprays, nose spray’s) worked. But a stuck with it and have now been using it for 5 months. This is the only device that cut down my snoring significantly to a level that now does not disturb me or my wife at night. The only side effects I get are a funny shaped shaped tongue in the morning and dried saliva on my lips. But after a morning wash and freshen up both go and I can get on with my day. The device is very easy to clean and had no other issues. If you are a snorer and tried everything else but not this give this device a go. By the way I don’t have sleep apnoea (have had the test) don’t smoke or overweight or drink just snore very loudly. I do have a referral to ent specialist but been waiting 12 months and I still have no appointment date set. Hope this honest review helps someone with the same issues. Thanks Vic for this video

[bunkymunky]

I have spent many years trying to figure out my sleep apnea. I have tried CPAP, Mandibular advancement devices and tongue stabilizers, I've had multiple sleep studies. After surgery on my deviated septum, i have now settled on the followong combination. An aveotsd which i have been wearing for at least 4 years, a side sleeper backpack to prevent me from back sleeping, a tall firm pillow and an O2 sleep ring to monitor my SPO2 drops at night. For you sleep apnea sufferers who know its tongue related and have a higher AHI score sleeping on your back this combo may give you some relief. Best of luck.

[edc]

Doctor I watched this video, I had tried mouth guard and I have a sleep apnea machine and i got this item and is actually worked for me.

[ericholgate]

I have been using one for the past 5 years. I did find that a certain amount of discomfort was discernible for a short period of time. The results were very good, no more heavy snoring and better sleep.

[lennysap]

Ive been using this device for a couple weeks now after i watched your video ive been using cpap for about 20 yrs and recently had problems with mouth dryness also waking up with cold like sneezing all day i found this device to really work i tried the mouth pieces that move your jaw forward but they were hurting my jaw the tongue sleeve has been easy to use comfortable and im able to sleep normally all night it does take about a week to get used to but after that its great thanks for your videos i would never have known about it without that thanks

[joelbrown]

FINALLY a good advice video for a tsd snoring device with some science and real review behind it THANK YOU

[Jorgeldaz]

The tongue sleeve works well for me. I use it with a humidifier since I have nasal congestion and I sleep very well. Saved me from extremely bad bruxism as well.

[maz]

so interesting to learn that getting up in the night to the loo is connected to snoring and not the bladder!

[metalmister]

Hi, I have a very expensive sleep apnoea machine that works well. It is bulky and can be uncomfortable if i have a slight beard or longer hair. I have used this particular device and it does work. Takes abit of getting used to, but it does work. Easier to carry around when I travel. I recommend the product.

[katiecuttle]

Hi, I'm waiting for a diagnosis for OSA and just found your channel. I already found this for the tongue on Amazon a few weeks ago. It's not the most comfortable thing to use but it does have a bearing on how I feel if I don't use it for a few nights. I have really bad problems with my sinus so know when I eventually see the consultant that is the first thing that needs addressing. I'm so pleased you think this is a good device to help with the symptoms. I will try the throat exercises too and hope I get an appointment soon as I'm now off work as I am finding it so hard to function and have very bad mood swings. You're videos are giving me hope and please keep the info on them. It's really helped. Thank you

[felixthecat]

Thanks for the video and honest review. I have been using this as my tongue constantly falls to the back and stops my breathing. I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and have tried the ResMed sleep apnea machine it is too much for me as I tend to roll from side to side at night. The device takes a while to get used to while wearing it, but once I did that I was pleasantly surprised at how it worked.

[archerrunner]

I’ve been using this for 2 years. Can’t sleep without it. Helps keep tongue from blocking airway

[amyl]

Thank you for your videos! I thought you and your viewers would want to know that the lips only go up to the notches (like a pacifier), rather than having the silicone bumps inside your lips. This makes it a little easier to use and the tongue actually can stick out further. Look for images of people wearing it under Zenguard. It wouldn't allow me to add a picture

[aeroengines]

I commend you on the fantastic content and exceptional presentation. Thank you!

I was diagnosed with OSA, following a home sleep study, with an AHI of 12. I commenced CPAP therapy but could not take to it despite various different approaches, component changes, multiple attempts and a great deal of good will on my party. I found it basically had the effect of wiring me awake and I would just lie there for hours. I called it the caffeine effect. My fidgeting and continual adjustments also disturbed my wife's sleep routine so I eventually had to move to a spare bedroom which I wasn't at all happy about and is a problem I did not have have before OSA diagnosis OSA - my wife said I rarely snored or woke her and if she did happen to hear it was quiet.

I did not voluntarily quit the therapy, rather, time was called on it for me by my insurance provider (I'm in the USA) since I was not demonstrating the required usage. I also wondered if I wasn't a severe enough case of OSA, hence not tired enough, since I did not have the typical hallmarks of fatigue and tiredness that many patients get. My OSA was actually an incidental finding because of resistance to BP medication but I have since found a solution to that problem - but a finding nonetheless.

It was noted by an ENT on a prior examination that I do have a deviated septum with a consequential enlarged turbinate and also a very elongated uvula. I was wondering which devices I could give consideration to in light of CPAP intolerance and an AHI in the mild category. I did try a dental device (purchased online privately) but found I was waking up with dental pain and hated the drooling side effect. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated from anyone. Thanks again.

[spongedebfatpants]

This thing really works to stop snoring. But OMG is it awful to wear! It made my tongue extremely sore and swollen, and I drooled like a dog looking at a steak.
🐶🥩😪

[newby]

So can I confirm one thing? If you stop snoring you wont have or suffer from sleep apnea? After watch your videos and trying different things It appears my snoring has stopped. The main change was eating a main meal at lunch time and only a small meal in the late afternoon. Thank you for being so invested in your work. Great videos

[bluegrasstrain]

I tried the tongue retaining device - but my tongue is quite sneaky - it slips out as I relax - I tried relaxing my tongue and then slipping it on - but still my tongue found a way to free itself. My problem is actually due to not having enough room for my tongue after teen braces - they took out 4 teeth to do the braces but it left me with a mouth too small for my adult tongue. So I’ll try the other device as I believe I need my jaw brought forward along with my tongue.

[MJPLAYZ-eqkm]

Amazing content. I am going to try your exercises, and this looks interesting. Havent taken the CPAP dive yet but i think i need to soon. I end up falling asleep in Zoom meetings at the moment and just always always tired (40 years old). Also heard you mention the constant getting up to pee at night may be related which i thought was something unrelated. Top work doc. AJ in London.