ZQuiet vs SnoreRx: how the two mouthpieces differ

Who this is for, and who it isn’t

This page is for adults who snore, have healthy natural teeth, and have narrowed their choice to these two brands. Both are jaw-advancing mouthpieces Strong. That group has strong evidence for snoring, though the AASM favors custom devices fitted by a dentist over store-bought ones.

Both are FDA-cleared only as an aid in reducing snoring in adults 18 and older. Neither is cleared for sleep apnea. Skip both, and talk to a physician or dentist, if any of these apply:

• You’re under 18.
• You have, or might have, sleep apnea, including central sleep apnea.
• You have loose teeth or gum disease.
• You wear dentures or braces.
• You have jaw joint pain, clicking or locking.
• You’ve had implants placed or major dental work done recently.

The who shouldn’t use a snoring mouthpiece page explains each one.

How we’re testing

Testing is under way, and there are no results yet. This comparison uses what each maker states and what each FDA file says. It also covers what a dentist would check.

For each mouthpiece we’ll record:

1. Fitting time, from opening the box to a finished fit.
2. How far it moves the lower jaw forward, measured in millimeters with calipers.
3. Comfort over 7 nights of wear.
4. Morning notes on jaw soreness and how the bite feels.

The full method is on how we test.

The options

At a glance

	ZQuiet Advance	SnoreRx Plus
FDA file	K213088, cleared June 2022	K170825, cleared August 2017, filed as “SnoreRx”
Cleared use	Aid in reducing snoring, adults 18+	Aid in reducing snoring, adults 18+
Fit	Boil and bite	Boil and bite
How it adjusts	Swap the side straps	Adjust where the two trays meet
Steps, per maker	Starting strap, then +2, +4 and +6 mm	1 mm steps
Most advancement, per FDA file	Up to 6 mm	Up to 6 mm
Return window, per maker	60 nights	30 nights

Prices are in the comparison table on this page.

ZQuiet Advance: straps and a little movement

ZQuiet Advance has separate upper and lower trays. Each has a rigid shell lined with material you soften in hot water and bite into. Semi-rigid straps on the sides join the trays, and the strap length sets how far your jaw sits forward.

Its FDA file describes three forward positions, up to 6 mm in total. The maker lists four straps: a starting strap, then +2, +4 and +6 mm. The file says the design holds the jaw forward while still allowing small forward-back and up-down movement.

• Suits: people who want a few simple settings and a design that lets the mouth open slightly.
• Skip it if: you want fine control. Each change moves your jaw about 2 mm at once.

Its FDA label also lists missing teeth, a poorly aligned bite and limited hand dexterity as conditions that affect safe use. Swapping small straps takes some finger work.

SnoreRx Plus: small, measured steps

SnoreRx has two trays that fit separately over your upper and lower teeth. They meet at the front of the mouth, and that joint is what you adjust. You fit the trays with the boil-and-bite method.

The FDA file describes advancement of up to 6 mm and calls the adjustment slight, set to your comfort. The maker says it moves in 1 mm steps.

• Suits: people who want to start with a small jaw shift and move forward only as needed.
• Skip it if: you’d rather not fiddle with settings.

One note for accuracy: the FDA clearance (K170825) is filed under the name SnoreRx. The maker now sells the model as SnoreRx Plus. The FDA file also describes a usability study meant to show buyers could fit and adjust it without a dentist’s help.

Side effects and fit

The two share the same side-effect risks, because they work the same way. FDA guidance tells makers of these devices to warn about:

• Tooth movement or changes in how your teeth meet.
• Sore gums or teeth.
• Pain or soreness in the jaw joint.
• Blocked mouth breathing.
• Extra saliva.

Step size matters here. An expert panel of dental sleep specialists advises moving the jaw forward conservatively. It notes side effects can rise from about half of your maximum forward reach.

With 1 mm steps, you can stop closer to the least advancement that works. With 2 mm steps, each change is a bigger jump for your jaw muscles and joints. See snoring mouthpiece side effects for what’s normal and when to stop.

How to choose

1. Rule yourself out first. If sleep apnea is possible, get tested before you buy either one.
2. You want fine control over the jaw position: SnoreRx Plus, with its 1 mm steps.
3. You want a hinged feel and a few simple settings: ZQuiet Advance, with its strap sizes.
4. You want the longer return window: the makers list 60 nights for ZQuiet Advance and 30 nights for SnoreRx Plus. Check the current terms before you buy.
5. Your jaw is sore or clicks already: neither. See a dentist, and read about jaw pain from a snoring mouthpiece.

If you’re still snoring after a few weeks at a comfortable setting, see a physician. A custom appliance from a dentist trained in dental sleep medicine is a different option; see over-the-counter vs custom.