Sleep apnea | Symptoms, causes and a mandibular advancement device

Medically reviewed by Gordana Čižmek, dr. dent. med., spec. · Last updated: July 2026

Sleep apnoea (also spelled sleep apnea) is a breathing disorder during sleep in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes. This can cause short pauses in breathing, poorer oxygen supply to the body and frequent awakenings that the person often does not even remember.

It is most often noticed through loud snoring, restless sleep, morning headaches, a dry mouth and daytime tiredness. Because the problem happens during sleep, it is often first noticed by a partner.

At OrthoDental we help patients who have problems with snoring or confirmed obstructive sleep apnoea with a custom-made SomnoDent® mandibular advancement device. The device is worn during sleep and helps keep the airway more open.

If you snore, wake up tired or already have confirmed sleep apnoea, book an examination. Together we will check whether a mandibular advancement device is the right solution for you.

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What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a disorder in which there are repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last a few seconds or longer and can occur many times an hour.

The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea. In this form, the upper airway partly or completely closes during sleep. The body therefore has to respond several times a night to re-establish normal breathing.

This affects more than just the quality of sleep. Long-term untreated sleep apnoea can also be linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, type 2 diabetes and problems with concentration.

Sleep apnoea is not just snoring

Snoring can be a harmless problem, but it can also be one of the signs of sleep apnoea. In sleep apnoea the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, so the body briefly does not get enough air. The person is often unaware of this and feels the consequences in the morning or during the day.

Sleep apnoea may be indicated by:

• loud, repeated snoring,
• pauses in breathing during sleep,
• waking with a feeling of choking,
• morning headaches,
• dry mouth,
• tiredness despite enough sleep,
• daytime sleepiness,
• poorer concentration,
• irritability.

If your partner tells you that you stop breathing for a moment during sleep, or if you often wake up tired, it makes sense to check whether it is sleep apnoea.

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The most common symptoms of sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea does not show the same in everyone. Some patients have pronounced snoring, others mainly wake up tired even though they slept long enough. The most common symptoms are:

• loud snoring,
• pauses in breathing during sleep,
• restless sleep,
• frequent waking,
• a feeling of choking or gasping for air,
• morning headache,
• dry mouth or sore throat in the morning,
• marked daytime tiredness,
• sleepiness while driving or working,
• concentration problems,
• low mood,
• irritability.

It is important to know that the absence of pronounced snoring does not always mean there is no sleep apnoea. If you often wake up tired or your loved ones tell you that you stop breathing during sleep, it makes sense to seek a professional opinion.

Who is at greater risk of sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea can occur in a wide range of people, but the risk is higher in certain groups. It is more common in people who have:

• excess body weight,
• a larger neck circumference,
• narrowed upper airways,
• a smaller or set-back lower jaw,
• a family tendency to sleep apnoea,
• high blood pressure,
• type 2 diabetes,
• frequent snoring problems,
• a habit of drinking alcohol before sleep,
• a smoking habit.

The risk also increases with age, but sleep apnoea is not only a problem of older people. It can also occur in younger adults and, in some cases, in children.

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Why is it not good to ignore sleep apnoea?

Many people treat snoring as something ordinary. The problem arises when snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing, restless sleep and daytime tiredness. If sleep apnoea goes unrecognised, it can affect:

• the quality of sleep,
• energy levels during the day,
• concentration and memory,
• mood,
• safety while driving,
• work performance,
• relationships,
• cardiovascular health.

Sleep apnoea is not just about someone sleeping poorly. It involves repeated breathing disturbances during sleep that can put a long-term strain on the body. That is why the problem should not be tackled only by looking for a quick fix for snoring; it is important to check whether a breathing disorder during sleep also lies behind it.

How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?

Sleep apnoea cannot be reliably confirmed on the basis of snoring or tiredness alone. Diagnosis requires appropriate sleep studies. According to the NHS, obstructive sleep apnoea is usually confirmed with an overnight sleep study rather than from symptoms alone. The two most commonly used are:

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a comprehensive sleep study usually carried out in specialised sleep centres. During the study, breathing, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, body movement and other parameters are monitored.

Home sleep testing

In some patients, basic data on breathing during sleep can also be monitored with home-use devices. Such testing is less extensive than polysomnography but can help assess whether there are breathing disturbances during sleep.

If you do not yet have a diagnosis, we can point you towards appropriate diagnostics at your examination. If you already have your results, bring them with you so we can assess whether a mandibular advancement device is a sensible option for you.

Sleep apnoea treatment options

Treatment of sleep apnoea depends on the type of apnoea, its severity, the patient’s health and the cause of the airway closure. Common options include:

• lifestyle changes,
• weight loss where needed,
• avoiding alcohol before sleep,
• sleeping in an appropriate position,
• CPAP therapy,
• a mandibular advancement device,
• specialist treatment for selected anatomical causes.

For some patients a CPAP machine is most appropriate. For others, a custom-made mandibular advancement device can be a good option, especially in milder and moderate forms of obstructive sleep apnoea or when CPAP therapy is not well tolerated.

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When is a mandibular advancement device suitable for sleep apnoea?

A mandibular advancement device can be suitable for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, mainly milder and moderate forms or when CPAP therapy is not well tolerated.

The device is worn during sleep. It gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, which helps reduce closing of the upper airway. In suitably selected patients this can ease breathing during sleep and improve sleep quality. A device may be an option if you:

• have confirmed obstructive sleep apnoea,
• have snoring problems,
• find a CPAP mask unsuitable,
• are looking for a smaller, quieter solution,
• want a device that is custom-made,
• have teeth and gum tissues in suitable condition.

Suitability is not decided on symptoms alone. An examination of the teeth, bite, jaw joint and existing results is required.

CPAP or a mandibular advancement device: what is the difference?

A CPAP machine delivers air under pressure during sleep and is one of the most common forms of sleep apnoea treatment. It works very well for some patients, but not everyone tolerates it equally. The mask, the feeling of pressure, dry mouth, machine noise or a feeling of discomfort during sleep can cause problems.

A mandibular advancement device works differently. It does not deliver air but helps keep the airway more open by controlling the position of the lower jaw. It is worn in the mouth, similar to a dental splint, and is made to measure.

The most important difference is this: CPAP is an air-delivery device. A mandibular advancement device is a custom-made oral appliance that influences the position of the lower jaw during sleep.

A mandibular advancement device is not a replacement for CPAP in every patient. It can, however, be a suitable option in selected patients, especially when sleep apnoea is milder or moderate, or when CPAP therapy is not acceptable.

An anti-snoring device and a sleep apnoea device are not always the same

Many people first look for a solution to snoring. However, snoring and sleep apnoea are not the same thing. Snoring is caused by vibration of the soft tissues in the upper airway. Sleep apnoea means the airway partly or completely closes during sleep, causing pauses in breathing.

A mandibular advancement device can help with snoring when the snoring is related to the position of the lower jaw and narrowing of the airways. But if sleep apnoea is suspected, reducing snoring alone is not enough. It is important to find out whether breathing also stops during sleep. That is why, at OrthoDental, we do not treat snoring only as a nuisance for a partner, but also check whether additional sleep apnoea diagnostics are needed.

The SomnoDent® mandibular advancement device at OrthoDental

At OrthoDental we use custom-made SomnoDent® devices, intended for patients with snoring and selected forms of obstructive sleep apnoea.

The SomnoDent® device is made to measure and designed to be worn during sleep. It helps keep the lower jaw in a position that reduces airway closure. Because it is individually made, the fit is more precise than with universal devices. Before it is made, we check whether the device is suitable for you, taking into account your symptoms, results, dental condition, bite and jaw joint.

How does the examination for a mandibular advancement device work at OrthoDental?

The examination for a mandibular advancement device is intended to determine whether such a solution is suitable for you. At the examination we check:

• the condition of the teeth,
• the condition of the gums and periodontal tissues,
• the bite,
• the position of the lower jaw,
• the jaw joint,
• any existing sleep apnoea results,
• your problems with sleep, snoring and tiredness.

If you do not yet have a sleep apnoea diagnosis, we will refer you to appropriate diagnostics if needed. If you already have results, bring them with you to the examination. The goal of the examination is not just to make a device, but to determine whether a mandibular advancement device is the right choice for your case.

How is a custom mandibular advancement device made?

A mandibular advancement device for sleep apnoea is not a universal aid from a pharmacy or online shop. It must be made to measure, as it has to suit your teeth, bite and jaw position. The process usually involves:

1. examination and assessment of suitability,
2. capturing the condition of the teeth and bite,
3. determining the position of the lower jaw,
4. making the individual device,
5. fitting and instructions for use,
6. a check-up and any adjustments.

A good fit is important because the device is used for several hours a night. If it is not comfortable or stable, patients often do not use it regularly.

Why do we not recommend universal anti-snoring devices?

Various universal anti-snoring devices can be found online. These are not made to measure and do not take into account your bite, jaw joint, dental condition or possible sleep apnoea. With sleep apnoea this can be a problem, because the wrong solution may only reduce snoring without addressing the underlying breathing problem during sleep. A custom-made device has several advantages:

• better fit,
• greater comfort,
• more stability during sleep,
• the ability to make adjustments,
• professional supervision,
• consideration of the bite and jaw joint.

If you suspect sleep apnoea, it is safer to choose a professional examination than to buy universal aids on your own.

Who is not a suitable candidate for a mandibular advancement device?

A mandibular advancement device is not suitable for every patient. Before it is made, it is necessary to check whether the teeth, gums, bite and jaw joint are in good enough condition. The device may not be suitable if you:

• have too few stable teeth,
• have advanced periodontal disease,
• have pronounced jaw joint problems,
• have certain bite forms that do not allow safe use,
• have a severe form of sleep apnoea requiring different therapy,
• have not had appropriate diagnostics.

That is why an examination before the device is made is essential. Good therapy is not the fastest, but the one that is correctly chosen.

Sleep apnoea and dental health: why a dental examination matters

With a mandibular advancement device, the teeth and bite play a key role. The device rests on the teeth and influences the position of the lower jaw during sleep, so it must be clear before use that the teeth and periodontal tissues are stable enough. A dental or orthodontic examination is also important because, in some patients, long-term use of the device can affect the bite. Regular check-ups help to notice changes in time and adjust the device if necessary. This is one of the reasons why individual treatment is more important than a quick, universal solution.

A device for snoring

A mandibular advancement device is often also referred to as an anti-snoring device. In some patients it can help reduce snoring, because it gently holds the lower jaw during sleep in a position that allows better airflow through the upper airway. However, it is important to understand the cause of snoring. If it is only occasional snoring, the approach can be different from a patient who, along with snoring, also has pauses in breathing, morning headaches and marked daytime tiredness. That is why it is good to have an examination before choosing a device.

What can you do yourself?

With sleep apnoea and snoring, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce problems, especially when symptoms are linked to body weight, sleeping position or bedtime habits. It can help to:

• maintain a healthy body weight,
• be physically active regularly,
• avoid alcohol before sleep,
• avoid smoking,
• sleep on your side rather than on your back,
• keep a regular sleep rhythm,
• treat a blocked nose or nasal breathing problems in good time.

These changes do not replace diagnosis or treatment when sleep apnoea is involved, but they can be an important part of a holistic approach.

When should you book an examination?

It makes sense to book an examination if you:

• snore loudly,
• often wake up tired,
• are told by your partner that you stop breathing during sleep,
• wake at night with a feeling of choking,
• have morning headaches,
• are sleepy during the day,
• have confirmed obstructive sleep apnoea,
• find a CPAP machine unsuitable,
• are considering a mandibular advancement device,
• want to check whether an anti-snoring device is suitable for you.

If you have sleep apnoea results, bring them with you so we can better assess at the examination whether a mandibular advancement device is a suitable option.

A mandibular advancement device for sleep apnoea in Ljubljana, Maribor, Novo Mesto, Celje and Kozina

For an examination and advice on a mandibular advancement device, you can book at the OrthoDental clinics in Ljubljana, Maribor, Novo Mesto, Celje and Kozina. This is suitable for patients looking for a mandibular advancement device in Ljubljana, an anti-snoring device in Ljubljana, a sleep apnoea solution in Maribor, a device examination in Novo Mesto, snoring treatment in Celje or an anti-snoring device in Kozina.

If you have confirmed sleep apnoea, bring your results to the examination. If you do not yet have a diagnosis, we will assess at the consultation whether additional diagnostics make sense.

Frequently asked questions about sleep apnoea and mandibular advancement devices

Can a dental device help with sleep apnoea?

In certain patients a mandibular advancement device can help with obstructive sleep apnoea. It works by holding the lower jaw during sleep in a position that helps keep the airway more open. Suitability depends on the diagnosis, the severity of the apnoea, the bite and dental condition.

Does a mandibular advancement device stop snoring?

In some patients it can reduce snoring, especially when snoring is related to narrowing of the upper airway. If snoring is accompanied by pauses in breathing, tiredness or morning headaches, the possibility of sleep apnoea should also be checked.

Is a mandibular advancement device better than a CPAP machine?

Not necessarily. CPAP is a frequently used therapy for sleep apnoea, while a mandibular advancement device can be a suitable option in selected patients. The advantage of the device is that it is smaller, quieter and mask-free, but it is not suitable for all forms of sleep apnoea.

Do I need a diagnosis before the device is made?

If you suspect sleep apnoea, diagnosis is important. If you already have a diagnosis, bring your results to the examination. If you do not yet have one, we can refer you to an appropriate specialist or diagnostics.

How long does it take to get used to a mandibular advancement device?

Some patients get used to it quickly, others need several days or weeks. Because the device is made to measure, the goal is the best possible fit and comfort during sleep.

Can I use a device if I have implants or crowns?

This depends on the condition of the teeth, implants, prosthetic work and bite. An examination is therefore needed before the device is made.

Is a mandibular advancement device suitable for severe sleep apnoea?

In severe sleep apnoea, another form of therapy such as CPAP is often needed. A mandibular advancement device may be suitable in selected patients, but this is decided on the basis of the diagnosis, results and examination.

Can I buy an anti-snoring device without an examination?

Universal devices are available without an examination, but they are not made to measure and do not take into account the condition of the teeth, bite or jaw joint. If you suspect sleep apnoea, an examination is especially important, as reducing snoring alone does not necessarily mean the breathing problem during sleep is solved.

What should I bring to the examination?

If you have sleep apnoea results, bring them with you. Information about snoring, tiredness, night-time waking, CPAP use and any problems with your teeth, gums or jaw joint is also useful.

Book an examination for a mandibular advancement device

If you snore, wake up tired or already have confirmed sleep apnoea, book an examination for a mandibular advancement device. At OrthoDental we will check whether a custom-made SomnoDent® device is suitable for your case.

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