Seeking a simple and effective solution to heavy mouth breathing [especially during sleep] has been a major concern for a large number in our society. Snoring has become an everyday occurrence. It is much more common than many care to admit. With the extension of the original Nose Breathe to the lower jaw, the lip seal pressure increases sufficiently to reduce or completely eliminate heavy mouth breathing during sleep in even the most stubborn cases. There are two special versions of Nose Breathe: Nose Breathe with Oral Shield (NB/OS) and Nose Breathe for Heavy Mouth Breather (NB/HMB). If you breathe through your mouth, you could be intimidated. You could feel like not enough air is coming through your nose. I recommend training yourself to breathe through your nose, and you can do so with the original Nose Breathe. If you already breathe through your nose, you are ready for the Nose Breathe with Oral Shield and Nose Breathe for Heavy Mouth Breather. Surprisingly, many of our clients have adapted well to using the NB/OS and NB/HMB as initial appliances. The research study, "Snoring Control Using a New Tongue-Retaining Oral Appliance" by R. Cartwright, S. Sue*, J. Cygan, M. Smith, F, Diaz, R. Wenzel conducted at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago and * Private Practice in Hawaii concluded that, nasal breathing can effectively reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea. The study was presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) 18th Annual Convention at Philadelphia, June, 2004. The abstract was published in the Journal of Sleep, Vol. 27, 2004, 412. A small percentage (less than 15%) of heavy snorers is nose breathing. Often, the tongue is in the neutral position: forward, directly back of the two upper front teeth, and pressed against the roof of the mouth. This is excellent! Nose breathing snorers are less likely to suffer from sleep apnea. The average, loud, noisy snorers are the mouth breathing type (greater than 85%). This is the group that is more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. Controlling snoring at the early stage of sleep apnea is significant because recent studies are showing that snoring is progressive and within six years: heavy snorers will develop high blood pressure, likely to suffer from a stroke, and/or their snoring has progressed to moderate and severe sleep apnea. Whatever path one chooses [CPAP, surgical technique, oral appliance, drugs, herbal remedies, dieting, weight loss, exercise,]; to be successful, one has to start with nasal breathing. Achieving proper breathing is foundational! Nose Breathe for Heavy Mouth Breather (NB/HMB) Nose Breathe with Oral Shield (NB/OS) The Nose Breathe with Oral Shield and Nose Breathe for Heavy Mouth Breather function similarly to the original Nose Breathe. The difference is a stronger lip seal. Understanding the idea of lip seal is key to understanding the uniqueness of the Nose Breathe mouthpieces. The lip seal is fundamental, almost invisible, and occurs naturally. It is found only in nose breathing! Zen masters since ancient times have known the secret. When the tongue is placed at the roof of the mouth, it prevents the tongue from falling into the back of the throat. The tongue is held forward and away from the back of the throat by the naturally occurring lip seal and a forward "tongue suction". Deepak Chopra, M.D., author, makes a simple and profound statement, "Breathing is the link between the biological and spiritual elements of our nature." When one is in a meditative state, one is nose breathing. Through correct breathing and a more focused and centered-living, one may recognize the opportunity of beginning a journey of self discovery to ones true inner nature. Dr. Sue's INTERVIEW: as published in Dentaltown, a professional magazine that goes to all the dentists and dental hygienists in the US. Steven K. Sue, D.D.S., M.S., Inc. Honolulu, HI USA Tel. (808) 949-8876