Best Sleeping Positions With Oral Appliances in Virginia Beach

Getting a good night's sleep can feel easier said than done, especially when you're working through breathing issues like sleep apnea. If you're using an oral appliance like a sleep apnea mouth guard, your body positioning during the night can make a big difference. Some positions might help keep your airway more open, while others could cause discomfort or make the device less effective. That's why finding the right sleep posture matters just as much as wearing the appliance itself.

For people living in Virginia Beach, heat and humidity during summer months can also affect how easily one falls or stays asleep. If you're already trying to adjust to using a sleep apnea mouth guard, choosing a solid sleeping position becomes even more important. Dr. Brian Briesemeister helps patients work through these specific challenges by offering tips that are simple and doable, even when sleep already feels tricky.

Understanding Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are small, custom-fit devices worn during sleep. They’re designed for people who have sleep apnea and want a way to breathe better at night without using machinery. One common type is the sleep apnea mouth guard. It looks like a sports mouthpiece but serves a more targeted purpose: keeping your airway open.

The way it works is by gently shifting the lower jaw forward while you sleep. This change creates more space in your airway, keeping the tongue from falling back and blocking airflow. By holding your airway steady, these oral devices can reduce nighttime interruptions in breathing. And because they’re compact and don’t rely on electricity or noise, they feel easier to use for many people.

Dr. Brian Briesemeister fits each oral appliance with care, making sure it’s both practical and comfortable. Comfort is key, especially if you’re trying to stick to a long-term sleep routine. When the mouth guard fits right and you pair it with a helpful sleep posture, your whole night can improve—from falling asleep faster to waking up feeling more refreshed.

Best Sleeping Positions With a Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard

Your sleeping position plays a bigger role than you might think when using an oral appliance. It can affect how well your appliance works and how you feel when you wake up. Certain positions help your jaw stay where it needs to be, while others can shift things out of place or make your jaw feel tense.

Here are a few of the best positions to consider:

1. Side Sleeping

• This is often the most helpful position for people using a sleep apnea mouth guard
• Side sleeping keeps the airway more open
• It helps reduce snoring and dry mouth
• Keeps pressure off the jaw and improves comfort

2. Back Sleeping with Head Elevated

• Back sleeping can work if your head and upper body are raised
• Use a thicker pillow or a sleep wedge to keep your head elevated
• This helps prevent your jaw from sliding back and keeps the device in the right spot
• Best for people already used to sleeping on their backs

3. Avoid Stomach Sleeping

• Lying on your stomach pushes the jaw backward
• This can go against the goal of the mouth guard and may block the airway
• It may also strain neck and jaw muscles, leading to soreness

For those in Virginia Beach dealing with warm nights, cooler pillows and soft bedding are helpful in maintaining a steady sleep position. Breathable materials and light blankets can make side sleeping more comfortable, especially if you're someone who changes positions a lot during the night. Placing a pillow behind your back or between your knees can be a great trick to help stay in position.

Getting used to the idea of positioning your body in a new way might take effort, but it can be worth it. A little observation in the morning can tell you a lot. If you’re waking up with a sore jaw or your mouth guard feels off, that’s a sign your current sleep setup may need tweaking.

Tips for Adjusting to New Sleep Positions

Making a change in how you sleep doesn’t always come naturally. If you’re switching from your usual sleeping position to one better suited for using a mouth guard, a bit of planning helps.

Here are a few tips to make that shift smoother:

Gradually adjust

Don’t force the full change in one night. Ease into your new position by spending short chunks of time in it each night.

Use supportive pillows

Look for pillows that help support your head and neck. A body pillow works well for side sleepers by preventing rolling during the night.

Be consistent

Try to stick with the new position every night. The more regular your practice, the faster your body adapts.

Listen to your body

Notice how your body feels when you wake up. If you feel stiff or sore, try small shifts in pillow height or sleeping angles to improve comfort.

Giving yourself time and patience during this adjustment can go a long way. Think of it like trying out a new chair at the dinner table. At first, it might feel different, but after a few meals, you may end up liking the fit more than the old one. That’s what happens when your sleep posture finally clicks with your mouth guard.

Local Expertise and Support

When it feels like you’re doing everything right but still not getting the sleep you want, that’s the time to ask for help. That’s exactly where Dr. Brian Briesemeister comes in. He brings experience and personalized care to residents of Virginia Beach who are working through sleep apnea challenges with oral appliances.

At Center For Sleep & TMJ, everything is built around real solutions that work for real people. Dr. Brian Briesemeister takes the time to understand your sleep habits, your preferences, and how your body responds to treatment. That kind of one-on-one approach goes a long way when you’re trying to find both the right mouth guard and the right sleep position.

Whether it’s during your first visit or later check-ins, he offers honest advice and smart updates that help the appliance work better. This includes help with staying comfortable and making the most of your device long term. If jaw strain is a concern, if your mouth guard keeps getting out of place, or if sleeping doesn’t feel any easier after a while, he’ll know what to do next.

This kind of local care can make a big difference. You don’t have to guess what might be causing trouble. You’ve got someone nearby who knows what to look for and how to help.

Getting Back to Better Nights

Good sleep shouldn’t feel out of reach just because you use a sleep apnea mouth guard. With a few smart adjustments—like learning the best sleep positions and sticking to a nightly routine—you can set yourself up for better rest.

Dr. Brian Briesemeister works with Virginia Beach residents to make those changes feel doable. He listens, checks your progress, and offers support when you need new ideas or updated solutions. Whether you’re brand new to using an oral appliance or have been wearing one for a while, it’s never too late to improve how you sleep.

Choosing a better sleep position could be the missing piece of your puzzle. And with expert guidance and a little patience, you’ve got a real shot at waking up without discomfort, dryness, or broken sleep. Better nights are possible when your body and your appliance work together the right way.

If you're in Virginia Beach and looking for a simple way to improve your sleep, the team at Center For Sleep & TMJ is here to help. Dr. Brian Briesemeister offers personalized care and straightforward solutions that make it easier to breathe and rest comfortably through the night. Learn more about how a sleep apnea mouth guard might be the right fit for your needs.