The tongue retainer device is an over the counter device which is simple to use. This device holds your tongue forward and out of your mouth to keep your airway open as you sleep. This is commonly used if you are unable to use a mandibular advancement splint. While this is an inexpensive appliance which works well in treating sleep apnoea, patients can find it unpleasant to use.

The Mandibular Advancement Splint (or MAS) appliance helps by bringing your lower jaw forward during sleep, which opens your airway to improve your breathing as well as reducing any snoring present. These appliances are created by your dentist who ideally has further training on treatment and management of obstructive sleep apnoea. It is important that the device is regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure that side effects are kept to a minimum and your sleep apnoea is properly treated.

The ‘gold-standard’ treatment of sleep apnoea is an Australian invention known as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (known as a CPAP). This pushes air into your lungs at a specific pressure to ensure you breathe effectively at night. While this works extremely well at resolving sleep apnoea, some patients struggle to adapt to wearing the device at night and find it uncomfortable.