Does PureSleep Really Work?
Ever since I did a review on the PureSleep anti-snoring device (see Reviews section), I’ve been getting asked whether or not the thing actually works. Well, to answer that question, I performed an informal test to see whether or not using the device would have any affect on my blood pressure. After religiously measuring my blood pressure at the same time of day for a couple of weeks, I’m ready to report some preliminary results.
Backgound
First, a little background on my particular situation. I’m a 56 year old male that tries to live a healthy and fit lifestyle. The only time I go to the doctor is when I’m actually sick, which is not that often. However, the last time I went to the dentist, they mentioned that my blood pressure was a little high. Sure enough, it was.
About a year ago, I also began to snore at night. Most of the time it was no big deal but occasionally, my wife told me it was so bad that it kept her awake. The real scare was when she told me that on several occasions, she had woken up afraid that I had actually stopped breathing. She said that just about the time she was going to try to wake me, I would start breathing again - the beginning signs of sleep apnea.
After reading that sleep apnea can be a cause high blood pressure, I decided to take action. First step, stop the snoring and then see if my blood pressure came down.
The Results
After being alerted that my blood pressure was “a little high,” I purchased one of those home testing kits from the local drugstore and began keeping track of my pressure. Each reading was taken at the same time (first thing in the morning) in a seated position.
The first two columns (days 1 through 18) were baseline measurements, taken while I was waiting for the PureSleep device to arrive in the mail. As you can see, the average of these readings was 127/90, right inside the hypertension danger zone (”normal” pressure should be below 80 for the lower reading).
On day 19, the PureSleep device arrived and I started using it. According to my wife, the snoring stopped almost immediately. I also started waking up feeling rested and more energized. But did it help reduce my blood pressure?
The last two columns (days 19 through 33) show the results of sleeping with the PureSleep device in place. After using the device for about two weeks, my average blood pressure has dropped to 118/85. That’s a drop of 5 points on the Diastolic reading (the bottom number) - a definite step in the right direction!
|
Day
|
BP
|
Day
|
BP
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
128/94
|
19
|
108/82
|
|
|
2
|
137/87
|
20
|
119/86
|
|
|
3
|
136/87
|
21
|
112/86
|
|
|
4
|
122/88
|
22
|
129/87
|
|
|
5
|
118/87
|
23
|
123/86
|
|
|
6
|
124/91
|
24
|
127/85
|
|
|
7
|
115/87
|
25
|
112/81
|
|
|
8
|
120/96
|
26
|
117/84
|
|
|
9
|
123/92
|
27
|
115/84
|
|
|
10
|
117/88
|
28
|
117/84
|
|
|
11
|
125/91
|
29
|
112/82
|
|
|
12
|
124/93
|
30
|
124/88
|
|
|
13
|
133/86
|
31
|
119/86
|
|
|
14
|
134/88
|
32
|
112/88
|
|
|
15
|
133/90
|
33
|
124/84
|
|
|
16
|
139/94
|
|||
|
17
|
146/86
|
|||
|
18
|
119/88
|
|||
|
AVG
|
127/90
|
AVG
|
118/85
|
My Conclusion
My conclusion is pretty obvious - the PureSleep device works. First, it stopped my snoring by pulling my jaw forward and preventing the soft tissue on the back of my throat to vibrate, which is what creates the snoring noise. Significantly reducing or completely eliminating the amount of snoring has given me a number of other benefits including:
- I no longer wake up several times during the night in “mid-snore” feeling like I’m choking. As a result, I get a full night of sleep and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
- My wife gets a full night’s sleep as well since she doesn’t have to spend most of the night trying to get me to roll over and stop snoring.
- My heart is apparently also getting a full night of rest since my blood pressure appears to be coming down.
In short, the device is working for me and I’d recommend it to anyone with similar problems.
There are some drawbacks, however. First is the price. I mentioned this in my review (see Reviews section) but I can’t help bringing it back up and thinking about it every time I see a $2 mouth piece at the sporting goods aisle of the local Walmart.
Second, wearing it does take some getting used to. Even after using it for more than 2 weeks, my jaw still feels sore some mornings and my teeth are sometimes sensitive and feel like they’ve been moved back and forth. This gets less and less noticeable as your mouth gets used to the device.
Third, when you sleep with the device, your mouth tends to stay open for most of the night. This created a nice pool of drool on my pillow the first couple of nights. This does tend to go away as you get used to wearing it.
Lastly, since the device is actually a mouthpiece, it traps saliva so you’ll more than likely wake up with a case of morning breath that will drop a horse. This also means that you have to take extra care to keep the device clean and dry when not in use.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I’d still highly recommend the device because it works.
Where to get the PureSleep Device
As far as I know, the PureSleep device is only available direct through their website at www.PureSleep.com. I haven’t checked but you can probably also get comparable devices prescribed through your dentist.
Finally, I purchased the PureSleep device for my own use and do not receive any kind of compensation or benefit from the manufacturer (so I can’t quit my day job).
Snoring is more than a minor nuisance. It’s a problem that can lead to more serious health problems such as sleep apnea and hypertension. If you can’t get a good nights sleep due to snoring, you owe it to yourself to check out this device.
Hiram
The Balanced Health Guy
Technorati Tags: blood pressure, hypertension, puresleep, sleep, snoring, snore, rest
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Comments
Yours is the second review of the PureSleep device that I’ve seen so far, after only a few minutes of searching. Both reviews seemed to rate the device as effective, yet both complained about the price.
This strikes me as a bit funny to complain about this small amount, given the obvious benefits. Additionally, the price is a bare fraction of other devices on the market.
One such other device is the “Full Breath Solution” (www.cpapalternative.com). This is a similar device, except it also has a little “finger” which reaches back and down and keeps the tongue from dropping back. That is another recognized contributor to snoring / sleep apnea. Needless to say, that device requires several office visits for fitting adjustments, which contributes to the astounding $5,100.00 price tag.
The “Full Breath Solution” is FDA approved, and will be all or partially paid by various insurances. Unfortunately, even after a lengthy grievance process, Kaiser is not one of those who will pay.
In any case, thanks for your review, and keep in mind that cost is relative…
Ron-
You’re 100% correct, price IS relative. My initial reaction to the price was more of a perception issue. If the device had been constructed of stainless steel or some other type of “expensive looking” material, the price probably wouldn’t have upset me as much. My first thought was “70 bucks for a piece of plastic is a bit much.”
However, you’re still correct to point out that the problem is all in my head. The PureSleep device, assuming it works for you - and for me, it does - is a fantastic bargain when you compare it to other alternatives. Cost really is relative.
Hiram
Hiram:
Have you tried a mouthpiece from the sporting goods store to see if it will work? I plan to get one this afternoon and will let you know how it goes.
Relative or not, the PureSleep device is overpriced. The price of the other device mentioned is just plain ludicrous. Our insurance industry needs a HUGE overhaul.
Hello Mary. No, I haven’t actually tried a sports mouthpiece, although I have thought about it. The problem is that most devices designed for sports are single pieces, designed to protect your upper teeth. The ones that do have two pieces are not aligned properly to move your lower jaw forward.
In my opinion, here’s what you would need:
First, you need two of the single mouth pieces, one for the upper and one for the lower sets of teeth.
Second, you need some sort of spacer between the two so that you can breathe through your mouth with the device in place.
Third, you need some way to attach it all together in a way that the lower piece is slightly forward of the upper. Obviously, you don’t want to use glue that can leach toxins into your mouth or metal fasteners that are not comfortable.
Once you get that figured out, let me know! I’ll buy a couple!
Hiram
Thank you for the information posted. Have you heard about the
Dr. Brux mouthpieces at $49 from Italy? The website was not functional.
I have sleep apnea and have tried Resmed and Innomed nasal devices -
both clumsy, leaking, and terribly uncomfortable. I must have relief or, my neurologist says, I will have brain dysfunction. I am going to order the Puresleep prosthesis now, and will let you know how it works. I just saw it advertised on TV this afternoon.
If you have any other suggestions, please advise. Cordially, Fran
Hi Frances,
No, I haven’t heard about the mouthpieces from Italy. I do know that most of the other non-prescription “solutions” that are out there (nasal strips, sprays, etc) just don’t work for me.
The nasal strips provided a little relief but the adhesive so irritated my skin that I couldn’t (wouldn’t) wear it anymore.
The throat sprays have a nice minty flavor but don’t last more than about half an hour — when I wake up in mid-snore again.
For me, the PureSleep device was a good balance between comfort, cost, and effectiveness. I hope it works as well for you.
Hiram
IT may work but the gagging effect is overwhelming so it is not effective in trying to sleep without snoring. This is after months of trying. BY THE WAY. THe company is so difficult to deal with that they refused to take the product back. I was gone for months in the summer and 30 days after we returned I started to try the product. BAD RESULTS and BAD COMPANY. SORRY
Doug - sorry things didn’t work out for you. However, I do appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. In order to get a balanced picture, we need to know the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Hiram
My name is Scott and I am actually the guy in the commercial who says “It works like a charm.” I have been using the device for about a year and a half now. I don’t get paid for being in the commercial aside from receiving a free device.
The thing really has worked for me very well. It took a few days to get used to, but now I feel weird sleeping without it. The reduction in my snoring is profound, I sleep better and perhaps more importantly, so does my girlfriend.
I have had previous surgery (a septoplasty) to try and deal with my snoring, but it didn’t work. I was actually considering laser surgery on my throat when I participated in the focus group for this device. I was really skeptical, but gave it a try and found out how well it works. I recommend it to anyone who has problem snoring. It really made a huge difference in my life.
I tried it for One night and I recorded myself for three hours with the mouth piece. I did not snore at all. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea beased on RERAs and not apneas/ hypopneas.When I prepared the device and fitted it, it did not fit perfectly okay. I do not know if I can melt it again and readjust it. The hard plastic (base) seems to press against my tooth loer right side 6th tooth. I have not noticed the effect of it on the raspiratory disturbance I am having.
I also used SnoreGuard and it also stopped snoring. I noticed feeling better and more energetic during the day and did not have foggy head and headache as well.
Note, people talk about not being able to close their mouth while sleeping with the device. I put a little tape on me mouth just ot get used to closing my mouth.
From the two the PureSleep is thinner and so easier to close my mouth
John:
Yes, you can re-heat the PureSleep device and re-mold it in order to get it to fit better. The instructions say you can do this up to 3 times (and I used all 3). However, I found that each time you do this, you tend to squeeze out more and more of the soft, mold-able plastic in the center of the mouthpiece so it gets thinner and thinner.
I’m not sure if there’s anything you can do about the hard plastic pushing against a particular tooth or part of your mouth. I’d see no problem with trying to trim the area down for a better fit.
If there are any dentists reading this, I’m sure they would point out that this is exactly why they recommend having an anti-snoring device fitted by a professional. That way, you get a custom fit that takes into account the shape and structure of your mouth.
Hiram
I am leaning towards buying this but I am fearful of the gagging problem. I had a horrible time as a kid with my retainer and didn\’t wear it very much. I was lucky that the little bit I did wear it was good enough. I am also worried that the device will harm my bite. The last thing i want is to have to repeat orthodontics as a 50 year old
Any advice? Thanks
Elaine:
Sure, wearing the device does trigger the gagging reflex when first using it. When I first got mine, there were times I literally had to spit it out because I felt like I was gagging and going to throw up.
It took a while but little by little, I was able to finally wear the device for an entire night. It took me about 10 days of putting it in, taking it out a couple of hours later, putting it back in, taking it out, and so on. Each time I put it back it, I was able to keep it in a little bit longer.
Don’t kid yourself, this IS going to be an issue and it’s going to take some time and some effort on your part to get used to sleeping with the device in place. But consider the alternative - snoring to the point that you can’t get a good night’s sleep, waking up tired, etc.
It’s a little bit of discomfort but it pays big dividends down the road.
Hiram
Hi;
I really appreciate all of the various thoughts and comments. I received my PureSleep 8 days ago and it has made a huge difference in how much less tired I feel in the morning! I\’m sure my wife, who was putting up with sleepless nights while I was snoring feels the same way. This device is amazing, and has worked better then I could have expected. When you purchase the device they ask you if you want a second one for half price. Not being sure that it would work, I just ordered the one. I have since called them back and they will sell the second one at the discounted rate, plus shipping, which I thought was fair. This way I will have one for traveling and one that stays at home. I feel fortunate that I feel into the 80% that it works for! Well worth a try.
Thanks again!
Bob
Bob - glad to hear that it has worked for you. Getting enough restful sleep is a critical component of good health. Devices like this make a difference.
Hiram