What is a tongue retaining device for sleep apnea?

Video Overview

What is a tongue retaining device for sleep apnea? It's a soft, plastic bulb that you squeeze and stick your tongue into and it creates suction and pulls your tongue forward, out of the mouth, creating a seal with your lips so you can breathe through your nose and have a more open airway at nighttime. This type of device comes in a small, medium or large so you need to be fitted by your dentist for comfort. This type of device is also very good to use for folks that don't have enough teeth to hold the intra-oral mandibular advancement devices that are used to also treat obstructive sleep apnea. There are some side-effects so it's important that you talk with your dentist about the pros and cons of the tongue retention device.