While searching for a stop snoring device several months back I came across a product that was like no other. This device was called the “Good Morning Snore Solution” and unlike several other products that I was familiar with, this one required no fitting and did not work by advancing the lower jaw. So how the heck does this thing work?
I knew from past experience that traditional mandibular advancement devices worked fantastic when it came to controlling even my heaviest snoring but I must admit, the tongue stabilizing device was a completely new concept to me. After reading over the manufactures explanation on exactly how this device works, I was still unclear so I decided to do some research in order to fully understand what makes the GMSS work.
What makes the GMSS work?
Understanding the anatomy of the airway
In order to fully understand how the GMSS works, you must first understand how the airway can effect snoring. As we sleep, the muscle mass in the airway tends to relax which often results in a partial blockage of this already narrow area of the throat. In some cases, the narrowing can completely cut off the flow of oxygen. This potentially dangerous condition is known as sleep apnea and should be diagnosed and treated by a sleep medicine specialist. In other cases, the loose muscle and tissues in this area flap against each other as we breathe in and out. The “flapping” of these tissues is often cited as the source of the sounds associated with snoring.
You may be wondering why some snore while others do not. For most who snore, the area just behind the tongue combine with the uvula are responsible for the vast majority of snoring. What factors play a role in determining whether or not a person snores? Here are a couple of the most common contributing factors.
You genetics. Snoring may simply be caused by your genetics. Physical features that cause snoring could have easily have been passed down from your mother, father or both parents. Individuals who have a malocclusion (overbite) have a jaw that’s naturally recessed which can ultimately cause a narrowing airway. It’s also possible that something as simple as the shape of your airway is to blame for a snoring problem.
Being overweight. Here’s one that you may not have expected but being overweight can cause snoring issues. Having a few extra pounds means that extra fat deposits tend to accumulate around the neck and while laying down the fat pushes against your airway, causing a partial collapse or complete closure in some cases. The effects can be heightened depending on the position of your head.
So how does it work?
It turns out that there are actually two clinically proven types of mouthpieces that can be used to prevent snoring. The traditional mandibular advancement device or MAD works by tightening the muscles inside the throat where the airway often becomes narrow by holding the mandible in the advanced or forward position. Doing so also pulls the muscles which surround the airway tight. With the tongue stabilizing devices such as the GMSS, the tongue itself is held forward, not the jaw. This method actually packs a one-two punch as it not only opens up the airway but also prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat which is yet another cause of snoring for some people.
The overall success rate of the GMSS is greatly dependent upon the source of your snoring. If the source comes from the back of the throat, behind the tongue then there is a good chance that this device will work great. The good news is that this is the most common area where snoring occurs for most people.
The Good Morning Snore Solution attaches to the end of your tongue using a suction bulb. The tongue is held forward between the teeth and the lips. Holding the tongue forward also stretches the muscles in the airway as we discussed earlier. Muscles are stretched – the airway tightens up and open – tissue no longer flaps around – problem solved!
So how can you tell if this device will work for you? The best way is to simply try it out. One thing that I like about the company behind this product is that they offer a money back guarantee so if you don’t like it simply return it for a refund. However, you can try this right now to get an idea of how it may work for you.
- Imitate the snoring sound while awake. Go ahead, look around and make sure no one watching.
- As you imitate the sound of snoring, stick out your tongue and hold your tongue in place with your thumb and index finger.
- Listen closely. Did the sound of snoring lessen or completely stop? If so then a tongue stabilizing device such as the GMSS may be a good choice for you.
Success rate of the device
One nice thing about this device is that it’s one of the few that have actually clinically tested and proven to work. The creator Dr. Leslie Dort published a study in the Journal of Sleep and Breathing in 2008. The study concluded that 70% of subjects confirmed that this tongue stabilizing device did, in fact, work for them. The success rate of this device is comparable to the success rate of the tried and true mandibular advancement device.
The conclusion?
This anti snoring device is just as effective as most MAD’s on the market. In addition, it offers several distinct advantages over other devices. First, the product does not actually go in between the teeth. This frees up room inside the mouth, preventing the feeling of a bulky mouthpiece. In addition, there is no fitting process involved. Almost all MAD’s require that you heat them in order to create an impression. Others require that you trim or stretch the device in order to create a custom fit. With the GMSS these steps are not necessary or even suggested. Simply rinse off and attach to the end of your tongue.
Still looking for more info?
If you are interested in learning more about this device I have created a detailed review of this product which also includes a short video where I talk about my experience using this device. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website using the link below to find out more information including clinical data.
Which mouthpiece should I buy?
The anti-snoring mouthpiece is one of the most highly effective stop snoring solutions available. With over 100 different products to choose from, deciding which one to buy can be challenging.
As a snorer and product reviewer, I have tried many of these devices and created a list of recommended devices that will help to make this decision much easier.
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