THANKS

Now, keep in mind that I’m not a dentist or orthodontist and that everyone’s situation is different. The study was published in the 2006 issue of Sleep and you can find it here: http://www.aasmnet.org

The study found that “minor adverse effects were frequent whereas major adverse effects were uncommon.” If you read the comments from other users, you already know that most people have minor issues getting used to the device. The report went on to say that “minor tooth movement and small changes in the occlusion developed in some patients after prolonged use but the long-term dental significance of this is uncertain.”

The plan fact is that these devices are not designed to be a permanent fix for snoring. How long you can use one without suffering permanent effects is not really known.

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve got periodontal disease so I have to see my dentist every 3 months anyway. This acts as a “built in” check for me. If you’re concerned that wearing the PureSleep device might affect your prior dental work, you might consider seeing your dentist more often as well.

Hiram

I’ve been battling periodontal disease for years. Whereas most people get their teeth cleaned once a year, I get to go every 3 months. So right off the bat I was worried about the device either “trapping” bacteria against my gums, or because it traps saliva (the source of my constant drooling), I worried about it creating an environment that encouraged bacteria growth.

So what I started doing was rinsing the device with Listerine every morning after I had cleaned it. My exact “procedure” was after I had brushed my teeth, I’d rinse the PureSleep under running water and brush it with my tooth brush (and whatever toothpaste was still on the brush) to make sure all the surfaces were clean; I’d then take the bottle of Listerine, pour a little on the device making sure it was completely covered; and then shake off any excess liquid and allow it to air dry. I’d put it back into its case but would not completely close the cover so that it would have good air circulation and continue to dry.

I never seemed to have any problems and my periodontal disease didn’t seem to get any better or any worse.

I originally wondered whether the alcohol in the Listerine would affect the plastic but it didn’t seem to create any problems. If you don’t like Listerine, I’m sure Scope or any other type of mouthwash would be just as effective.

Another thing I thought of (but DIDN’T try) was to treat the PureSleep device the way people treat a pair of dentures – letting it soak for a while in some sort of cleaning solution. Again, I didn’t try this and hard dentures are not the same as soft plastic so some of the stuff sold for dentures might be too harsh for the PureSleep device but I think you get the idea.

I don’t think PureSleep addresses this issue in their literature (I don’t remember seeing it) but cleaning the device and “disinfecting” it in some way after every use (and maybe even BEFORE each use) should be standard practice for anyone using it, IMO.

Hiram

Hope your symptoms eventually go away.

Hiram

I used the Pure Sleep device on only three widely spaced camping occasions; the first for 3 nights, then 2 nights, then only 1 night.

About a day after the first occasion I began to notice an increasingly severe burning sensation on the tip of my tongue and the inside of both lips. Hot food & liquids, mouthwash, toothpaste, and soda pop, were just some of the common things that increased the burning sensation to the point where I avoided them. I suffered with this for 2 weeks before the burning calmed down to the point that it was not so bothersome. I did not know what caused the burning at the time.

On the second occaision, I noticed the burning upon awakening after the second night. It was then that I suspected the device. The burning increased, and did not subside until after 3 weeks. It also did not subside as much as the first occasion.

To confirm my theory, I used the device for only one night, 6 weeks after the second occasion. After using it for only one night, I suffered through another 3 weeks of severe burning mouth, and when it subsided it was at a level higher than the second occaision.

It is now 13 weeks after I last used the Pure Sleep device and the inside of my lips remain sensitive to the same heat, alcohol, and carbonation. I still experience a burning irritation, although it is tolerable. I am afraid that I may have this condition for the rest of my life.

I don’t understand why I’m so allergic to the plastic of the Pure Sleep device. I have never been allergic to any substance or material. I just hope that I’m the only one, as I would not want anyone to suffer from this condition.

Hiram

Hiram

I appreciate your careful and considered review of this device. I have used the mouthguard for over 2 years now and have no problem recommend it to anyone who snores (or more importantly, lives with a snorer).

I also experienced some jaw pain in the mornings which dissipated over time, and yes, drooling a little is an unfortunate side effect. But those negatives are hugely off-set by waking refreshed next to my girlfriend (rather than her sleeping in the next room). Please feel free to contact me about my experiences.

Thanks again
Scott

Although devices like PureSleep definitely do help, a much better way to reduce or eliminate snoring is to learn how to sleep on your side (eee my post “The Fastest Way to Stop Snoring” for more details). This eliminates all of the sore teeth, sore gums, and drooling problems associated with oral devices.

Hiram

Think of it the same way you do weightlifting. You don’t go to the gym and work the same muscles every single day. You alternate muscle groups so they get a chance to rest and get stronger. Same applies to your gums. The only way they get accustomed to the PureSleep device is if you give them a chance to recuperate every once in a while.

What I do is to use the device for 2-3 days, skip a day or two, then go back to using the device for another couple of days. My sore gum problems went away after about 2 weeks.

Hiram

However, you do bring up the fact that PureSleep is a “one size fits all” type of device. What that means is that there are going to be some people who will not be able to use the device because of the size and/or shape of their mouth and the alignment of their teeth. As some of my dentist friends have pointed out, these types of people need a custom device fitted by a professional.

In general, before you consider purchasing the PureSleep device (or any similar type of device), talk to your dentist. They should be able to tell you whether or not the device is likely to work for you based on your dental structure.

If you do purchase the device, keep all receipts. If you decide to return the device, make sure to do so well within the 30-day return period and follow all return instructions.

Hiram