Snoring is one of those problems that’s easy to dismiss – until it starts affecting your sleep, your partner’s sleep, or both. If you’ve reached the point of seeking a solution, you’ve probably already tried a few things that haven’t worked. The Somnowell is a custom-made oral device that has helped thousands of people reduce or eliminate snoring. Here’s what it is, how it works, and whether it might be right for you.
Why Do People Snore?
Snoring happens when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax during sleep, partially blocking the airway. As air is forced through the narrowed space, it causes the tissues to vibrate – and that’s the sound you hear.
Several factors can make this more likely: the natural anatomy of your jaw and airway, sleeping position, weight, alcohol consumption, and age all play a role. For some people, snoring is also a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) – a condition where the airway becomes repeatedly blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start.
What Is the Somnowell?
The Somnowell is a mandibular advancement device (MAD) – an oral appliance that fits over the upper and lower teeth and gently holds the lower jaw in a slightly forward position during sleep, maintaining an open airway. It’s a mechanical solution to a mechanical problem.
Tailor-made from a medical super alloy, the Somnowell Chrome is a lifetime solution and the most slim-line, comfortable, and hygienic device of its kind. Unlike plastic devices, which many patients find bulky and difficult to tolerate, the Somnowell Chrome is precision-cast from a cobalt chrome alloy – exceptionally durable, easy to keep clean, and designed to fit with a high level of precision.
How Effective Is It?
Mandibular advancement devices are among the most well-researched and proven methods for controlling snoring and sleep apnoea. The Somnowell has reported success rates of 93–96%. For many patients, the reduction in snoring is significant from the first night of use, though it typically takes a short period of adjustment to find the optimal jaw position.
Results depend on the cause and severity of the snoring, as well as how precisely the device has been fitted and adjusted – which is why the experience of the clinician fitting it matters.
The Somnowell and Sleep Apnoea
The Somnowell is also a highly effective long-term treatment alternative for those who are intolerant to CPAP for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea. By holding the lower jaw forward during sleep, it maintains an open airway throughout the night. Treatment is non-invasive and reversible, and because every Somnowell is tailor-made to the individual – taking into account jaw alignment, jaw shape and size, and tooth structure – it can be an extremely comfortable and effective option for patients with OSA.
If your snoring is accompanied by gasping, choking, or waking unrefreshed – or if a partner has noticed that you stop breathing during sleep – sleep apnoea may be a factor, and it’s important this is properly assessed before any treatment begins.
Why See a Specialist Orthodontist?
The Somnowell needs to be fitted by a trained clinician, and the precision of that fit has a direct bearing on how well it works. A specialist orthodontist has an in-depth understanding of how the teeth, jaw, and bite work together – which means the device can be customised with a level of accuracy that reflects both clinical expertise and detailed knowledge of your individual anatomy.
At the London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic, Dr Asif Chatoo brings together expertise in orthodontics and sleep medicine – which means patients receive a genuinely thorough assessment and a high standard of care from fitting through to follow-up. You’ll see Dr Chatoo and the same small, experienced team throughout.
Could an Oral Appliance Help?
If snoring is affecting your quality of life, Dr Chatoo offers consultations at our Harley Street practice. He’ll assess your case and talk you through the options that might work for you.
