ApneaRx and SnoreRx are made by the same company, Apnea Sciences, and work the same way, but they are sold for different conditions. ApneaRx is a prescription oral appliance, FDA-cleared as an aid for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring. SnoreRx is an over-the-counter mouthpiece cleared only to reduce snoring. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, ApneaRx (with your clinician’s prescription) is the relevant device. If you simply snore and have no signs of apnea, SnoreRx is cheaper, needs no prescription and has a 30-night money-back guarantee.
How we tested: We bought and tested SnoreRx ourselves (see our hands-on notes and video review below). We haven’t tested ApneaRx, which is a prescription device; its details come from the maker and FDA records.
ApneaRx vs SnoreRx at a Glance
| Feature | ApneaRx | SnoreRx |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Apnea Sciences Corporation | Apnea Sciences Corporation |
| FDA indication | Adults 18+, aid for the reduction of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring (510(k) K113569) | Adults 18+, aid for the reduction of snoring (510(k) K153200; OTC under K170825) |
| Prescription needed (US) | Yes — orders must include a prescription | No — over the counter |
| Price (maker’s store) | $149.99 | $59.99 (2 for $99.99) |
| Returns | Not refundable or exchangeable without prior written permission | 30-night money-back guarantee (new customers, snorerx.com) |
| Insurance | HCPCS E0485; not covered by standard Medicare; some private insurers cover it | Not marketed for insurance reimbursement |
| Type | Boil-and-bite adjustable mandibular advancement device | Boil-and-bite adjustable mandibular advancement device |
| Adjustment | 1 mm steps; factory setting 3 mm | 1 mm steps up to 6 mm; factory setting 1 mm |
| Sizes | Standard and small | One size |
| Re-fitting | Fitting steps can be repeated up to three times | Two fittings maximum |
| Maker’s replacement guidance | Every 6–12 months | Typically lasts 6–11 months |
| Best for | Diagnosed mild to moderate OSA, under a clinician’s care | Simple snoring in adults with healthy teeth |
Facts from apnearx.com, shop.apnearx.com, snorerx.com and the FDA 510(k) database, checked October 2026.
Same Company, Same Basic Design
Both devices are made by Apnea Sciences of Aliso Viejo, California, and they share a lot of engineering. Each is a two-tray mandibular advancement device (MAD) that you mold to your teeth at home with the boil-and-bite method, then adjust by squeezing the sides of the upper tray and sliding the lower tray forward in 1 mm steps. No screws, keys or swappable straps are involved. Holding the lower jaw forward pulls the base of the tongue forward and keeps the airway behind it more open; see how snoring mouthpieces work.
The family resemblance is official, too: when ApneaRx was cleared by the FDA in 2012, its 510(k) filing named the original SnoreRx as one of its predicate devices.
So the difference is less about the plastic and more about what each device is cleared for, who can buy it, and how it is supported.
Difference 1: Sleep Apnea vs Snoring
This is the difference that matters most.
- ApneaRx is cleared “for use on adult patients 18 years of age or older as an aid for the reduction of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and/or snoring.” Apnea Sciences markets it as a lower-cost oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate apnea.
- SnoreRx is cleared “for use on adult patients 18 years of age or older as an aid for the reduction of snoring.” The maker states plainly that it is not a treatment for sleep apnea.
That does not mean you should pick ApneaRx because it “does more.” Sleep apnea needs a diagnosis, usually a home or lab sleep test, and someone qualified to judge whether an oral appliance is appropriate and whether it is working. Severe apnea, central sleep apnea and some medical conditions call for other treatment, often CPAP. Our guides on whether mouthpieces can treat sleep apnea and sleep apnea mouthpiece vs CPAP cover this.
If you snore and also have pauses in breathing, choking or gasping at night, morning headaches or heavy daytime sleepiness, see a doctor before buying either device. A mouthpiece can quiet the snoring while apnea continues.
Difference 2: Prescription and How to Buy
ApneaRx requires a prescription in the US. The maker’s FAQ says the FDA classifies ApneaRx as a Class II device that requires a prescription from a licensed practitioner, and that sleep physicians, ENTs, nurse practitioners and dentists can prescribe it. Every US order on the ApneaRx store must be accompanied by a prescription sent by fax or email. Clinicians can also fit and dispense it in the office; the professional site describes it as something a patient can be “diagnosed & fitted same day.”
SnoreRx is over the counter. Its later 510(k) clearance (K170825) was specifically for over-the-counter use, and you can order it directly from snorerx.com without seeing anyone. See where to buy SnoreRx.
Difference 3: Price, Returns and Insurance
ApneaRx is listed at $149.99 on the maker’s store. SnoreRx is $59.99, or two for $99.99.
The return terms are very different. SnoreRx has a 30-night money-back guarantee for new customers who buy from snorerx.com (product price only; shipping not refunded). The ApneaRx FAQ says ApneaRx “is not refundable or exchangeable without prior written permission.” Because it is a prescription medical device, assume you are buying it to keep.
On the other hand, ApneaRx can sometimes be billed to insurance. The maker says it is classified under HCPCS code E0485 (prefabricated oral appliance), that standard Medicare does not cover that code, and that some private insurers do. Check with your plan. SnoreRx is a consumer product and is not marketed for reimbursement.
Difference 4: Fitting, Sizes and Adjustment
The day-to-day use is similar, but the details differ:
- Starting position. ApneaRx ships at a 3 mm factory setting; SnoreRx ships at 1 mm. The ApneaRx instructions say to wear it a few nights at 3 mm, then adjust in 1 mm steps; its FAQ says most patients wear it at 3 or 4 mm. SnoreRx tells you to wear each setting three to five nights and says most people settle between 3 and 5 mm, with a maximum of 6 mm.
- Sizes. ApneaRx comes in standard and small, with a sizing template on the maker’s site. SnoreRx comes in one size. If you have a small mouth, that is a point in ApneaRx’s favor (see mouthpieces for small mouths).
- Fitting. Both soften in boiled water for 60 seconds and need a 30-second bite. The ApneaRx instructions allow the water to be boiled on the stove or in the microwave and say the fitting can be repeated up to three times. SnoreRx says to use microwave-boiled water only and allows two fittings.
- Breathing. SnoreRx has an open front for airflow, and the ApneaRx FAQ says you can breathe through both your mouth and nose while wearing it.
General tips for either device are in how to fit an anti-snoring mouthpiece and how to adjust a snoring mouthpiece.
Comfort and Side Effects
Because they work the same way, they share the same early side effects. Both makers list excessive salivation, dry mouth, and tenderness of the jaw, teeth and gums in the first days, and both suggest wearing the device for only one to three hours at a time for the first two or three days. ApneaRx’s FAQ says the adjustment period typically takes three to five nights of consistent use, and that severe, sharp or ongoing pain is not normal and means you should stop and contact your clinician.
Both also warn that long-term use of a MAD can move teeth or change your bite, so tell your dentist you use one. More in jaw pain from a snoring mouthpiece and are snoring mouthpieces bad for teeth?
Who Should Not Use Either
The two makers’ contraindication lists overlap almost completely. Combined, they say not to use these devices if you:
- are under 18;
- have central sleep apnea;
- have a history of TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder);
- wear dentures or are in orthodontic treatment;
- have loose teeth, abscesses or severe gum disease;
- have had dental implants placed within the past 12 months;
- have asthma, emphysema or another respiratory disorder, unless your physician approves.
If you wear dentures, a tongue-stabilizing device is usually the option to discuss with your dentist; see mouthpieces for denture wearers and who should not use a snoring mouthpiece.
What About ApneaRx Pro?
Apnea Sciences also sells ApneaRx Pro, a custom 3D-printed appliance made from dental impressions taken by a provider. It has its own FDA clearance (K223901, 2023) with the same indication as ApneaRx (mild to moderate OSA and/or snoring) and is prescription-only. The maker says it is billed under HCPCS E0486, which many insurers and Medicare Part B may reimburse with a sleep-study diagnosis and a prescription. It is ordered through a dental sleep provider, not online. If you want a fully custom device, also read custom snoring mouthpieces from a dentist.
Our Hands-On Test: SnoreRx
We bought SnoreRx and tested it ourselves. The box held the mouthpiece, a storage case and an instruction booklet. The parts that touch your teeth are a soft, moldable lining over a firm frame, and after fitting we had deep, clear tooth impressions. You adjust it by pressing the sides and pulling the lower tray forward a step at a time. The front airway opening is about 3 mm: enough to breathe through, but too small to push your tongue through. Our tester recorded their snoring before using it, then wore SnoreRx for three nights, and the snoring-app recordings showed a significant drop in snoring each night. An overnight oxygen recording made while wearing it stayed above the report’s warning line. We found it comfortable as well as effective.
Full details, photos and screenshots are in our SnoreRx review.
What our testing adds to this comparison: Our SnoreRx test shows what the over-the-counter version does for snoring: a clear drop over three nights for our tester. It says nothing about sleep apnea, which is exactly why ApneaRx is a prescription device used with a diagnosis.
One tester’s nights are a real-world example, not a clinical trial. Snoring varies from person to person and night to night, and a snoring app or fingertip oxygen recording is not a sleep test.
Which Should You Choose?
- You have simple snoring and no apnea symptoms: SnoreRx. It is cheaper, needs no prescription and you can return it within 30 nights if it doesn’t suit you. If you want a hinged version, see SnoreRx vs SnoreRx Plus.
- You have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and your clinician suggests trying an oral appliance: ApneaRx is the version of this design that is cleared for that use. Ask your doctor or dental sleep provider about it, and about follow-up testing to confirm it is working.
- You don’t know whether you have sleep apnea: get evaluated first. Loud, nightly snoring with daytime sleepiness is a reason to get a sleep test, not to self-treat.
We don’t link to ApneaRx with an affiliate link. You can find it on the maker’s site at apnearx.com.
Related Comparisons
- SnoreRx vs SnoreRx Plus
- PureSleep vs SnoreRx
- ZQuiet vs SnoreRx
- SnoreRx vs VitalSleep
- Good Morning Snore Solution vs SnoreRx
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ApneaRx and SnoreRx the same device?
No, though they are closely related. Both are boil-and-bite MADs made by Apnea Sciences that adjust in 1 mm steps. ApneaRx is a prescription device cleared for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring, comes in two sizes and costs $149.99. SnoreRx is an over-the-counter device cleared only for snoring, comes in one size and costs $59.99.
Do you need a prescription for ApneaRx?
Yes, in the United States. The maker says ApneaRx is a Class II device that requires a prescription from a licensed practitioner such as a sleep physician, ENT, nurse practitioner or dentist, and US orders must include the prescription.
Can I use SnoreRx for sleep apnea?
No. SnoreRx is cleared only as an aid to reduce snoring, and the manufacturer says it is not a sleep apnea treatment. If you have or suspect sleep apnea, see a doctor. If an oral appliance is appropriate, they can prescribe one cleared for apnea, such as ApneaRx or a custom device.
How much does ApneaRx cost?
The maker’s online store lists ApneaRx at $149.99. Some private insurers reimburse it under HCPCS code E0485; standard Medicare does not cover that code. Returns require prior written permission.
Are there ApneaRx sleep apnea mouthpiece reviews I can trust?
Independent reviews of ApneaRx are scarce because it is sold on prescription. The maker’s site links to a Kaiser Permanente pilot study of ApneaRx; for your own case, the most reliable “review” is a follow-up sleep test arranged by your clinician to check whether the device is reducing your apnea.
How long does ApneaRx last?
The ApneaRx patient FAQ recommends replacing it every 6–12 months, sooner if you grind your teeth. SnoreRx’s FAQ says SnoreRx typically lasts 6–11 months.
