The Pros and Cons of PureSleep
Oct 1st, 2008 | By Hiram | Category: Featured, Fitness
I’ve been getting a lot of questions from friends and neighbors since I mentioned that I’ve been using the PureSleep anti-snoring device (www.PureSleep.com) so I decided to post what I see as the pros and cons of the device. Hopefully, any questions you might have will be answered here as well.
So let’s get started:
The Pros
1. The Device Reduces or Eliminates Snoring. This is, of course, the biggest positive point since snoring can create, or worsen, a lot of other problems. PureSleep pulls the lower jaw forward significantly reducing, or completely eliminating, snoring. There is a gap between the upper and lower mouthpiece which allows you to breath through your mouth.
2. The Device Helped Reduce My Blood Pressure and Sleep Apnea. As I reported in a related post, using the PureSleep device to get a full night of really restful sleep apparently helped to reduce my blood pressure as well as reduce the mild case of sleep apnea I was beginning to develop. NOTE: the PureSleep device is not a cure nor a treatment for sleep apnea or high blood pressure. If you suffer from either of these, you need to see your healthcare provider.
3. Your Spouse Gets a Good Night’s Sleep. Nothing improves a relationship more than a well-rested spouse. Need I say more?
4. You Enjoy Deeper Sleep. I seem to sleep deeper, more restfully, and for longer periods with the PureSleep device than I do without it.
5. I Wake Up Less Often During the Night. Without the PureSleep device, I usually wake up 2-3 times a night, turn over, and then drift back off to sleep. With the device, I tend to sleep the entire night through in most cases.
6. You Wake Up Feeling Alert and Well Rested. After a night of sleeping deeply and not waking up as many times as usual, I wake up feeling alert, well rested, and ready to start the day. Without the PureSleep device, I tend to wake up tired and groggy – like I didn’t get enough sleep, which I probably didn’t.
7. Kids Don’t Make Fun of Your Snoring. One of my early childhood memories is getting a tape recorder for Christmas and using it to tape my uncle “sawing logs” during one of his naps. My cousins and I played that tape over and over again laughing at every snore. Ah, kids!
8. Easy to Use and Clean. The PureSleep device is easy to fit to your mouth, easy to use, and easy to keep clean. I scrub mine with my toothbrush using warm water in the morning after brushing my teeth. You can also disinfect it with Scope or Listerine (but avoid anything that contains harsh chemicals).
9. Relatively Inexpensive. I first thought PureSleep was pretty pricey at close to $70. However, similar devices prescribed and sold by dentists can run more than twice that making the PureSleep device a pretty good deal. Note that the device has an expected lifespan of about a year.
The Cons
1. Drool, Drool, Drool. Wearing the device causes your mouth to salivate. It’s size and shape also tends to keep my lips parted once my face relaxes and I doze off (see item 4 below). The end result is that you drool, drool, drool. This will probably be more of a problem for people with small faces and mouths that it will for others. However, be prepared to change your pillow cases often.
2. Uncomfortable to Wear at First. Depending on the size of your mouth, the device may be uncomfortable to wear at times. At first, the device tended to induce my gag reflex and I had to leave it out for a while before trying again. After a couple of days, having it in my mouth stopped bothering me.
3. Impossible to Cough or Yawn. The device pretty much fills your entire mouth so you can’t cough or get in a good yawn when wearing the device.
4. Tends to Keep My Mouth Open. The device essentially fills my entire mouth. I feel like I have to “stretch” my lips in order to get them to close. As I start to doze off, my face relaxes and my lips naturally pull back leaving my mouth open. This leads to drool (see item 1 above) as well as a dry throat, dry lips, and a strong “cotton mouth” feeling in the morning.
5. Sometimes Hurts My Gums. PureSleep is constructed of soft plastic held inside of a hard plastic shell. There are times that I wake up in the morning with sore gums from the device having pushed against my teeth during the night.
6. Feels Like It’s Moving My Teeth. There are also times that I wake up in the morning feeling like the device has been pushing (or pulling) my teeth. However, I think this is related to my occasional sore gums and is probably the result of a firm spot on my pillow pushing the PureSleep device against my gums and/or teeth.
7. Sore Jaw In the Morning. Until you get used to wearing the device, your lower jaw, especially the jaw hinge, may feel sore in the morning. The PureSleep instruction booklet recommends gently massaging the jaw hinge which helps the jaw muscles to relax.
8. PureSleep Is Not For Everyone. According to the PureSleep website, people with asthma or other respiratory diseases; people with central sleep apnea; people who have loose teeth, abscesses, or severe gum disease; people with TMD (a problem with the jaw hinge); or people with dentures or who are undergoing orthodontic treatment should not use PureSleep.
Note that all pros and cons are based on my personal experience or on information on the PureSleep website and/or instruction booklet. I am neither a doctor nor a dentist so please consult with your healthcare provider if you have medical or dental questions.
Despite the “cons,” this device has worked as advertised for me and I’ve been happy with it. I hope this information as well as the related posts will help you decide whether or not PureSleep is right for you.
Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy
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Was just wondering if you are still able to breathe out of your mouth. Have to breathe out of my mouth or I feel I am suffacating.
Sure. The upper and lower mouthpieces are separated by a piece of plastic providing an opening of about 1/4 inch. This allows you to “mouth breathe.”
Hiram
Hiram you are correct about the drooling but I\’ll take that. I am sleeping through the night and my wife stays in bed with me. What a lifesaver!
Dan – changing out the pillow cases more often is a small price to pay! Glad to hear that the device is working for you.
Hiram
I bought the PureSleep device. Took about 3 weeks to get in. Once I got it, I fitted it to my bite and set it on the middle setting (depends on your natural overbite). Every single night, the device falls out of my mouth. Virtually defeats the purpose of even having it, much less paying $70 for it.
John – sorry to hear the device isn’t working for you. Once I went through the procedure of fitting the device to my mouth (I had to redo it 3 times before I finally got it to feel right), it was pretty secure inside of my mouth with almost a “vacuum seal” in places.
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
Hiram, my experience with this device has been almost identical to yours. It seems to have stopped my snoring, so my wife is extremely happy. I also seem to be sleeping more restfully. My only concern is that even after almost a month, my teeth and jaw still ache every morning. Have there been any studies about the long term effects on the jaw, teeth or gums of usage of this device?
Joe – from what I’ve been able to research, the sore gum problems are supposed to go away after 2-3 weeks. Like any type of device, if the problems persist, I’d discontinue use of the device for a couple of days and then try again.
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
this really works, wife is happier, makes me happy! It does cause sore gums, teeth moving?? I’ll keep using it, it is worth letting my wife get some rest!
There’s no doubt that PureSleep works for most people. However, it’s still a “crutch.” For most us, the main problem causing snoring in the first place is that we’ve trained ourselves to sleep through most of the night on our back. The bigger your body size, the more likely this is the case.
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
Hi Hiram:
I am the balding guy in the PureSleep ad. Just so everyone is clear, aside from receiving a couple free devices, I haven’t been paid a dime for being in their commercial, though considering how often it plays, I wish I had.
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
Thanks for your comments, Scott. So far, everyone seems to agree that the side effects (ie: drooling, jaw pain, etc) are minimal and far outweighed by the benefits of getting restful sleep.
Hiram
I PURCHASED THE DEVICE. IT DID HELP ON THE SNORING BUT LEFT MY MOUTH DRY AND MY TEETH HURT FOR DAYS AFTER USING ONE DAY. IT MADE MY TOP TEETH GET TOO TIGHT FROM THE CONSTANT PULLING I CAN NOT EXCEPT THAT. SO AM OUT THE MONEY FOR ANOTHER PRODUCT NOT GOOD FOR ME.
Sorry things didn’t work out Karen. You might want to check out the anti-snoring devices that fit underneath your chin in order to keep your mouth closed while you sleep. See my post called “A Resource List of Anti-Snoring Devices.”
Hiram
Apparently, I am allergic to the hard plastic used for the base of the device. As such the device is useless to me.
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.
Tom – thanks for your comment. People need to know that there are risks involved with using any kind of device, including this one.
Hope your symptoms eventually go away.
Hiram
Tom,
You are by no means not the only one. I have EXACTLY the same experience. It started up after about a year of using the device. Now it’s pretty painful and affecting my enjoyment of food, etc. I don’t have any real science to back this up, but I think the way the device is constructed allows for bacteria to grow in between the hard plastic and the soft bits that form fit to your teeth. In my theory, this bacteria then causes the thrush mouth-like sensations (burning tongue, sores, dry mouth). Re-boiling and refitting the device helps, to an extent, with the burning feeling. I think it must kill the bacteria. But this has the negative effect of degrading the device after multiple heating and cooling sessions, basically ensuring that you have to buy a new one. I’m totally stuck on this one. I need it for the sake of being able to sleep in the same bed with my wife, but I’m not into ruining my mouth for this. If there’s a wash or rinse that can be used, I’d love to hear about it.
Ray
Ray – you bring up a very good point. I don’t remember if I talked about it elsewhere or not.
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
This device does work for my snoring but I’ve VERY concerned about how it may affect my jaw in the long term. I’ve had braces so am very familiar with how pressure can rearrange things. I’m scared to death of creating an overbite and eventually looking deformed. Has anyone consulted with an orthodontist about the possibility? I know PureSleep hasn’t been around that long, but perhaps other products that create the same effect?
Vicky,
Your concerns are valid. However, unlike braces, the PureSleep device is not designed to be worn all the time. According to the manufacturer, as well as a pretty major study I’ve seen, any effects of wearing the device during the night should go away the next day when you’re not wearing the device and your jaw has full range of motion.
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 have just gone 3 nights without snoring for the first time in 10 years. This product really works and the pros and cons listed in this article are very accurate.