Frequently Asked Questions
Product Details
Where is MouthShield made?
Both the MouthShield and its packaging are manufactured in Minnesota, USA.
How is MouthShield sized?
MouthShield measures 1.5" high by 3.75" wide. That size keeps it in front of your teeth and continues to block airflow even if your mouth opens partially during sleep. If it feels too large at first, use it as-is for a week before trimming — and trim only one segment at a time, since over-trimming makes it more likely to fall out.
Is MouthShield BPA-free?
Yes. MouthShield is made from 100% medical-grade silicone and is free from BPA.
What is MouthShield made of?
100% medical-grade silicone — soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and BPA-free. The same material grade used in many implantable medical devices.
Compatibility
Can MouthShield be used with a night guard, retainer, or bruxism device?
Yes. MouthShield sits between your lips and your teeth, while night guards and retainers sit on your teeth — they don't compete for the same space. Our founder uses MouthShield nightly alongside a teeth-grinding mouth guard. If your dental device is unusually bulky, you can trim MouthShield slightly for a comfortable fit, one segment at a time.
Can I use MouthShield with dental work such as braces, implants, or veneers?
Yes. MouthShield rests between your lips and the front of your teeth, so it's compatible with most dental work, including braces, implants, crowns, and veneers. If you have specific concerns about your dental situation, check with your dentist first.
Is MouthShield safe to use if I have TMJ?
MouthShield doesn't reposition or advance your jaw — it only helps to create a gentle barrier to prevent air flow through your mouth. That's a key difference from mandibular advancement devices, which can aggravate TMJ. If you have an active TMJ flare or are under treatment, check with your dentist before adding any oral device.
Can MouthShield help with teeth grinding?
No, MouthShield isn't designed to treat bruxism, but it can serve as an additional barrier alongside a night guard. If teeth grinding is your primary concern, check with your dentist for the best way to help.
Can I use MouthShield if I have nasal congestion or a cold?
No, we don't recommend using MouthShield when your nasal passages are blocked, since it requires clear nasal breathing to work.
Can MouthShield be used by people with asthma?
While the MouthShield is designed to promote nasal breathing, individuals with asthma should consult with their healthcare provider before use to ensure it is safe and suitable for their condition.
Can children use MouthShield?
No, MouthShield is designed for adult use only. Consult a pediatrician or dentist before considering any oral sleep device for a child.
Can I use MouthShield while exercising or during sports?
The MouthShield is specifically designed for use during sleep. It is not recommended for use during physical activities or sports.
Risk-Free Trial & Support
What's your return policy?
MouthShield comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, try it risk-free. We encourage you to try and use it for at least 14 days since most people need a week or two to fully adapt. If it's not working for you after that, reach out to start a return and you'll receive a full refund - minus any discounts and the initial $5 shipping charge occurred on our end if you select standard shipping.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, a 1-year limited warranty. If your MouthShield degrades from normal use within that period, send it back and we'll replace it free of charge.
When will my MouthShield ship?
Orders ship within 2 business days. USPS delivery typically takes another 3–7 business days, occasionally up to 10 business days depending on your location. You'll receive tracking info as soon as your order ships.
Can I take MouthShield when I travel?
Yes. MouthShield is compact, doesn't need batteries or power, and packs into a small case.
What kind of customer support do you offer?
We're a small US-based team and respond to most emails within one business day. If MouthShield isn't working as expected, reach out before initiating a return so we can try and help!
Care & Storage
How long will MouthShield last?
With proper care and cleaning, MouthShield lasts several years. Replace it if you notice cracks, tears, or significant material wear. Our 1-year limited warranty covers degradation from normal use — if it wears out within that window, send it back and we'll replace it.
How should I store MouthShield when not in use?
Keep it in a clean, dry place.
How do I clean MouthShield?
Rinse with warm water and mild soap each morning, then air dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or boiling water — these can degrade the silicone over time.
Safety & Adjustment Period
What happens if my nose gets blocked while I'm using a MouthShield?
MouthShield isn't sealed to anything — there's no adhesive, no strap, no clamp. If your nose gets blocked, you can open your mouth and breathe normally, and the device will fall out on its own or come out with a finger in a second. This instant reversibility is one of the main reasons people choose MouthShield over mouth tape — nothing has to be peeled, cut, or fought with if you need to breathe.
Is MouthShield a choking hazard?
The MouthShield is designed and sized to be used safely as directed. At 1.5" high by 3.75" wide, the device is intended to rest comfortably between the teeth and lips during sleep. When used as directed by adults, the product's dimensions make inadvertent ingestion highly unlikely. As with any oral device, MouthShield should be used only as directed and kept out of reach of children. If you have specific health concerns, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
Why am I experiencing excessive saliva when using MouthShield?
This is normal — and actually a good sign. If you've been a mouth breather, your body has likely been overproducing saliva for a long time to compensate for the dryness mouth breathing causes. Now that MouthShield is keeping your mouth closed, your body hasn't caught up and is still producing that same excess saliva. It takes a little time for production to recalibrate to the new, healthier environment.
Will the extra saliva go away?
Yes, very likely. As your body adjusts to consistent nasal breathing, saliva production normalizes on its own. The key is sticking with it — the more regularly you wear MouthShield, the faster your body learns the dry-mouth environment it was compensating for no longer exists.
What should I do if I experience discomfort or irritation?
If you experience discomfort or irritation, try adjusting the fit or trimming the MouthShield as recommended. If the problem persists, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare provider.
How MouthShield Compares
How is MouthShield different from mouth tape?
MouthShield sits between your lips and your teeth creating a seal to prevent air flow through your mouth while allowing your jaw to relax in a natural state. There's no adhesive on your skin, nothing to peel off in the morning, and you can remove it instantly if you need to cough, sneeze, or breathe through your mouth. It's also reusable for years, where mouth tape is a recurring expense since you throw it away every time you use it. It's a particularly good fit if you've tried mouth tape and disliked the adhesive feel, get skin irritation, or feel anxious about being "sealed shut." It's also great for those that have a beard and can't use mouth tape.
Why use MouthShield instead of a CPAP chin strap?
A chin strap holds your jaw closed from the outside; MouthShield creates an air barrier with your lips from the inside. That means no headgear flattening your hair, no Velcro pressure points, and no pulling on your jaw or TMJ. MouthShield is best for nasal CPAP users who breathe well through their nose but lose pressure through air leaks out of their lips.
How does MouthShield compare to other anti-snoring devices?
Most anti-snoring devices either reposition the jaw forward (mandibular advancement devices) or hold the mouth closed externally (chin straps, mouth tape). MouthShield does neither — it works by creating a gentle air barrier while it comfortably sits between your teeth and lips helping to prevent mouth breathing without changing your jaw position or applying anything to your skin. That makes it best suited for people who can't tolerate jaw advancement or external straps.
How does MouthShield compare on cost to mouth tape?
Mouth tape can run up to $50 a month since you need to throw it out each morning. MouthShield is reusable for several years with proper care, which works out to a few cents per night over its lifespan. The upfront cost is slightly higher; the cost per night is lower. Can you really put a price on a better night's sleep?
Comfort & Fit
Is MouthShield comfortable to wear?
MouthShield is made from soft, 100% medical-grade silicone designed for nightly use. Most people adapt within 3–7 nights — it feels noticeably present at first, the way a retainer or night guard does, then becomes unobtrusive.
Does MouthShield feel bulky or trigger gagging?
MouthShield sits in between your lips and teeth, not back near your throat, so it doesn't typically trigger a gag reflex. It does feel noticeably present for the first few nights — most people adapt within a week. If it feels too large initially, give it seven days before trimming, and trim only one segment at a time. Over-trimming makes it more likely to fall out.
I get skin irritation from mouth tape. Will MouthShield work for me?
MouthShield doesn't touch the skin around your mouth — it sits in between your lips and teeth. There's no adhesive, no residue, and nothing to irritate your skin. Sensitive-skin tape intolerance is a common reason people switch from mouth tape to MouthShield.
Will MouthShield work if I have a beard or facial hair?
Yes. Because MouthShield is intraoral — sits between your lips and teeth — facial hair doesn't matter. There's no adhesive that needs a clean surface to stick to, and no strap that gets caught.
What if MouthShield feels too big for me?
This is normal at first. Use it as-is for at least one week before making adjustments. If it still feels too large after that, you can trim it — but only one segment at a time. Trimming too much makes it more likely to slip out of your mouth during sleep and reduces its efficacy to create a barrier.
What should I do if MouthShield falls out during the night?
Learn to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth. This is the single most important thing you can do. Use a little suction to hold it there — not too much, just enough to feel slight resistance if you try to lower your jaw. With practice, it happens automatically without even thinking about it. Be patient and keep trying, it can take up to two weeks to train your tongue to do this automatically while you sleep.
Another reason this happens is because the device has been trimmed too aggressively. We encourage you to try the MouthShield as-is for at least 1-2 weeks before trimming anything. You want it to fit snugly when your jaw is in a relaxed, slightly open sleeping position to create a full seal — but it should never be uncomfortable. Discomfort on the gumline is the main sign it may be too large.
What are best practices for getting the best results?
Download our Tips for Success guide from the website — it covers fit, adaptation expectations, the first 7–14 nights, and common troubleshooting.