Oral appliance

I was diagnosed with a mild to moderate sleep apnea. About 2 weeks ago I was prescribed with an oral appliance to treat my heavy snoring and sleep apnea. The first night my wife said I was very quiet while wearing the appliance. The nights after that, she said that I snore a little but not very loud or if I am not snoring, I breathe heavily. Question is when I wear the oral appliance, should I close my mouth and breathe through the nose or leave my mouth open when sleeping? I don't have any asthma or anything but sometimes I do breathe through my mouth a lot. I do get a little dry mouth in the morning. I am 6' 3" and 220lbs. I constantly work out every week so I don't consider myself being overweight. Thanks.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Your mouth should be closed. The oral devices will typically close your mouth, but if your mouth does open you may need to do something about it. Talk with your dentist.