VitalSleep vs SnoreMeds

VitalSleep and SnoreMeds are both boil-and-bite mandibular advancement mouthpieces. You soften each one in hot water, bite into it so it takes the shape of your teeth, and wear it at night to hold your lower jaw slightly forward. Both are aimed at people whose snoring starts in the jaw or mouth.

Where they differ is what they prioritise.

VitalSleep is built around adjustment. After moulding, you can change how far forward your lower jaw sits in small increments. That's useful because the right amount varies from person to person: too little and the snoring continues, too much and your jaw aches. Being able to fine-tune it gives you more chances to find the sweet spot.

SnoreMeds is built around size. It's a low-profile design, and it comes in a smaller size intended for women and people with smaller jaws. If you've tried a mouthpiece before and found it too bulky to sleep with, a smaller device may be the difference between wearing it and leaving it in the drawer. The trade-off is that it isn't adjustable once moulded, so the fit needs to be right the first time.

A good rule of thumb: if you're not sure how much jaw advancement you need, start with something adjustable. If you already know that bulk is what put you off before, start with something small.

Either way, expect an adjustment period of a week or two, possible jaw soreness in the first few mornings, and talk to a dentist first if you have crowns, implants, loose teeth, gum disease or jaw joint problems. And if you have any signs of sleep apnea, see a doctor before trying either one.