First of all, let me say this device is awesome. I wish I were being paid or given free replacements in exchange, but unfortunately, I'm paying for it myself. I've been on a quest to end my chronic snoring. I've been convinced I've had sleep apnea for years, but I've taken a sleep lab test and home study tests and have never been diagnosed. I've lost weight and am currently very thin. I decided to really start exploring mouthpieces. I started with SnoreRX, which was an okay device, but I found it hard to keep in at night, and it didn't eliminate snoring; plus, it dried out my lips terribly. Next, I tried Difiniy, which did not really help with snoring at all. The fit isn’t tight enough, plus it’s really hard to close your mouth around, and it fell out every single night for nearly 30 nights. I was about to give up my efforts, but I decided to buy this SmartGuard product. When I first got it, opening the box felt a little overwhelming. If you've used other mouthguards, this one has a lot of pieces in the box, and the mold for the mouthguard looks different. However, I watched their YouTube video, and it was pretty straightforward. But I can quickly give the steps.1. Boil water, preferably in the microwave, and you'll need a good bit, like 2 cups (about 5 minutes or so).2. While the water is in the microwave, place the upper mouthguard on the tray; this will help you adjust it to your arch.3. When the water finishes boiling, put the mouthpiece (both top and bottom) in the water and start a timer for 1 minute.4. Take a quick drink of cold water, swishing it around your mouth.5. Pull out the upper mouthguard with the tray, let it drip for a few seconds, and place it in your mouth, using the tray to adjust it to your arch. Once you have it positioned, bite down and suck while pressing your tongue against the inner portion of the mouthguard.6. After about 30 seconds, pull out the bottom mouthguard (the top is still in your mouth) and place it in.7. Do the same steps as 5, except without the tray. Align it to your arch, then bite down and suck while pressing your tongue against the inner part.8. Set a timer for 2 minutes and keep sucking and pressing your tongue against the mouthguard, ensuring it's tight against the teeth; it's important for retention.9. After the timer runs out, remove the mouthguard and toss it into some cool water.10. Place the correct spacer on the guard. I have a nearly one-tooth overbite, but I had to start with the #1 setting, even though they recommend a #2 for starting. I have worked my way up to the #2 now.I will say that with the spacers attached, it does seem a little delicate to handle; however, it's pretty easy to pop them back in. Also, it isn't an issue when it's in your mouth.The first night I wore this device, I managed to keep it in all night, plus I didn't wake up at all. It really holds your jaw firmly forward and even makes your face look a little distorted (my iPhone sometimes won't recognize my face when I have it in). I typically follow my evening water flosser, mouthwash, and brushing routine and then put in the mouthpiece about 30 minutes before bed. You can sleep with your mouth open or shut (although shut is challenging the larger the spacer you use). However, I have kept this in every single night and slept until my alarm goes off without fail since the first time (granted, I was already used to wearing a mouthpiece from other companies for some time before trying this one). I can say that I've been told I no longer snore at all; in fact, with the mouthguard in place, I can't even make a snoring sound. Perhaps that should be a check for whether you have it spaced correctly or not, I do not know.Next comes the hygiene portion of this. This is a temporary device, but it's $70, and you want it to last. The little travel case you get with it doubles as a cleaning reservoir. I bought their cleaning product, which is pretty cheap. There is a small water fill line; I used hot water initially to help the solution dissolve. You fill it up to the line, pour in the powder, and let it dissolve. You may need to stir, then drop in your mouthguard and fill it with water until the mouthguard is completely submerged. I just leave mine in there all day (which it says you can do) and pull it out after I complete my evening teeth routine, rinse it off, and place it in a separate case from one of the other, ineffective mouthguards I had until I'm ready to wear it.Pros:- Stopped my snoring- Fits tightlyCons:- A little delicate to handle when not in your mouth- Can leave your teeth and/or jaw a little sore in the morning, but it goes away after a few hours, and I'll gladly trade a sound-free, restful night’s sleep for a little soreness in the morning.Overall: This is a buy; try it out. I'm certain the company will honor their warranty for a refund if it doesn't work for you, so there’s really nothing to risk here if snoring is an acoustical problem in your household or if you just aren't getting enough sleep.Again, I'm not being paid or compensated in any way, although I'd love a couple of free mouthguards to ensure that I remain snore-free for years to come!
