Snoring is disruptive and annoying, and around a quarter of adults do it on a regular basis. Aside from the inconvenience factor, however, there are numerous health risks brought on by snoring. You owe it to yourself to make it a part of your past, and there’s no shortage of products on the market to do just that.
With so many options, how do you decide on just one? Today, we’re going to help you find one that’ll work best for you as we compare VitalSleep vs. PureSleep. These two mandibular advancement devices have a lot in common, so I understand how coming to a decision can be difficult. We’ll delve into those small differences that can help make the choice more clear.
I’m not a doctor, but my sleep partner suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. We’ve tried out well over a dozen of some of the most popular devices on the market. With our experience combined with guidance from my sleep partner’s doctor, we have some valuable information to share, so let’s get to it!
How do MAD’s Stop Snoring
Also known as MADs, mandibular advancement devices are mouthpieces that move, or advance, the lower jaw (mandible) forward. Yes, the name says it all, albeit in a fancy way with big words.
But, why is the lower jaw moved forward? When you fall asleep, your muscles relax, and this can cause your tongue and soft tissue to block the airway. When your lower jaw is moved further forward, it puts more tension on these muscles, causing them to be more taut and keeping them from falling backward as far.
In my sleep partner’s experience, MADs have proven most effective in stopping snoring. All we have tried have stopped snoring, but we have had issues with fitting. Keep reading to see our VitalSleep vs. PureSleep fitting analysis.
Boil-and-Bite Customization- PureSleep Limitations
Both of these products allow you the chance to customize to fit your mouth shape through the boil-and-bite customization process. This is a very popular method with MADs, and the general process is as follows:
- Bring enough water to submerge the device to a boil
- Place the device in boiling water for specified period of time
- Remove device and bite down for specified period of time
- Put the device in water to set the dental impression
The Trouble with PureSleep
We have found this method to be excellent in personalizing the device and increasing overall comfort and effectiveness. However, PureSleep does have a limitation that we haven’t seen with any other boil-and-bite MAD. With most devices, you can re-customize if the first process is unsuccessful. However, you only get one chance to get it right with PureSleep.
It’s crucial that you follow the customization instructions very carefully with PureSleep. We’ve gone through it many times with various products, and it’s really not that hard when you follow every step that’s included.
Which Stops Snoring?
I am excited to let you know that both of these products were able to eliminate my sleep partner’s snoring. Being the primary goal, this is great news indeed! I think if you’re a female, you’ll have the most success in long-term snore relief with VitalSleep. On the other hand, PureSleep could be more accommodating for men or those with larger jaws as even the male version of VitalSleep was a little smaller than other devices we’ve tried out.
VitalSleep vs. PureSleep Fitting Analysis
Let’s take a moment to discuss how these products fit in terms of comfort. Both of these products are designed to fit the average jaw. For me, they were a little big, but they were much more comfortable than other products I’ve tried.
It’s important to keep in mind that most snorers are men. From a marketing standpoint, it makes sense that mouthpieces would be designed to accommodate their larger mandibles and advanced chin protrusion. However, if you’re a woman, many products don’t make considerations for your needs.
If you’re a man, I think you’ll find both of these products to be as comfortable as an MAD can be. However, if you’re a female, it’s worth noting that VitalSleep offers sizes for both men and women. Although you’re asked when you order PureSleep whether you’re a male or female, it appears there is only one size. However, the first thing you’ll do when you order VitalSleep is choose “small” for females and “regular” for men.
Initial Discomfort is Normal
With each product, it’s completely normal for you to experience initial discomfort. This usually comes in the form of jaw soreness when you wake up. I can’t stress enough the importance of not giving up. This soreness usually lasts no more than a week. You’re not used to sleeping with something in your mouth, and it just takes a little getting used to. We found that chewing some gum after waking up can help.
Best Pick for Mouth Breathers
Both of these products make accommodations for mouth breathing. However, if you have a serious need to breathe through your mouth when you sleep, you may be better off with VitalSleep. It offers hinge technology the allows for 25 degrees of mouth movement. Furthermore, while PureSleep does offer mouth holes, the holes on VitalSleep are larger.
Others may be better off with PureSleep. For starters, there are health benefits of sleeping with your mouth closed. It can also help reduce problems like drooling. If you’re trying to make it a habit to sleep with your mouth closed or notice that snoring is exacerbated when your mouth is open, I think PureSleep could be the better choice.
Lower Jaw Advancement Customization
Many MADs permanently set the lower jaw advancement. However, some people need more or less advancement to put a stop to their snoring. Both VitalSleep and PureSleep offer the ability to adjust the degree of advancement, each in their own way:
VitalSleep
- Use the included hex key to move the lower tray back and forth
PureSleep
- Pick one of the three available positions that feels right for you and make sure you are certain since, once you set it, the decision is permanent
- Snap the upper and lower pieces together
- Proceed to the boil-and-bite customization process
It’s very important to note that the lower jaw adjustment with PureSleep is done before you go through the boil-and-bite customization process. Once you customize, your choice is permanent. You may want to practice using it in different positions before setting to ensure you get the right adjustment.
PureSleep- Developed by the Snoring Dentist
Who better to develop an anti-snoring device than a dentist who snores? That’s how PureSleep was born. The inventor’s snoring was so bad that his wife would often go sleep somewhere else. It took him several years to develop the final product, and he still uses it today.
Note to Denture-Wearers
If you wear dentures, you may be giving up hope in finding an anti-snoring mouthpiece. Many of them restrict your use. However, there is hope with VitalSleep. It is VitalSleep’s claim their device can be used with dentures.
My sleep partner doesn’t have dentures, so I have no way of knowing how they actually work in this situation. Therefore, I’d check with your dentist before buying. However, this is an option worth looking into.
VitalSleep vs. PureSleep- Durability vs Cost Breakdown
Although it shouldn’t be your primary considering factor, cost is something you’re definitely going to want to think about as you make your purchasing decision. However, don’t let a low price alone get your attention. You need to understand how long you can expect the product to last. Let’s compare:
At an initial price-glance, PureSleep looks pretty attractive. Not only is it buy one, get one free, but you’re only charged $9.95 upfront. Let’s read between the lines.
Due to silicone wear and tear, durability of PureSleep is low. Since you receive two devices and they usually wear in about 2 ½ months, this means you pay around $13.97 per month. Furthermore, if you do decide to keep it, you’ll have to be sure not to forget that your credit card will be charged again.
If you go with VitalSleep, you can expect to pay around $8.33 monthly considering durability.
VitalSleep vs. PureSleep Comparison
| VitalSleep | PureSleep |
|---|---|
| Accu Adjust System allows for a higher degree of customization | Developed by a dentist who suffered with snoring |
| Hinge technology allows for 25 degrees of movement | 30-day trial period with the full money-back guarantee |
| Offers versions for men and women | 100% made in the USA |
| Longer trial at 60 days | Upper and lower pieces join together in three settings for lower jaw advancement customization, but you can only set it once |
| Mouth breathing through large hole at front of device | Allows mouth breathing with hole in front |
| Slightly less expensive when factoring in durability | If you don’t keep it after 30 day trial, initial $9.95 payment is lost |
| One year of free replacements | Can only go through the customization process once |
| Durability expectations higher | Helps keep mouth closed for those who drool or snore more when mouth is open |
| Can be cleaned with toothpaste | Have had complaints with the BBB |
| Can be used with dentures | FDA-approved |
| FDA-approved |
Conclusion
Both products are capable of stopping snoring. However, in our books, VitalSleep is the clear winners. Let’s review the reasons why:
- Offers sizes for both men and women
- Can be used with dentures
- Can go through the boil and bite method more than once
- Can make lower jaw advancement adjustments more than once
- Better overall value when considering both cost and durability
- Longer trial
Everyone has their own unique needs, however. Although we think VitalSleep is the better option for the average shopper, there are circumstances in which PureSleep could be right. For instance, you may be someone who drools a lot and wants to train yourself to sleep with your mouth closed. It can also provide a better fit if you have a very large jaw as even the male version of VitalSleep was a bit small for my sleep partner. If you find your snoring is primarily evident when your mouth is open, PureSleep could be a better fit for you.
If you’re really not sure, I’d definitely start with VitalSleep since they offer a 60 day trial. If you’re not happy, send it back and try out PureSleep. If, however, you’re on a very tight budget, you may prefer to start off with PureSleep. Their trial is only 30 days, but you’re only charged $9.95 upfront. Just make sure you remember you’ll be automatically charged the remainder of the balance if you don’t send the product back.
It can be hard to make the final decision, but I think the trial period makes things a little easier. I hope we’ve helped steer you one way or another. However, if you have any thoughts or concerns, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below, and we’ll be happy to get in touch!