Zyppah Review: Hybrid Jaw and Tongue Band Mouthpiece

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Short answer: Zyppah is an FDA-cleared, over-the-counter snoring mouthpiece invented by Dr. Jonathan Greenburg that combines mild jaw advancement with a tongue band. It costs $99.95, comes with a 91-day money-back guarantee, and suits snorers who want to tackle both jaw and tongue position with one device. It is not adjustable, it is not cleared to treat sleep apnea, and it needs replacing every few months.

This review is based on the manufacturer’s product and support pages, the device’s FDA 510(k) summary, independent reviews and verified-buyer reports. Product, fitting and snoring-app images below are from the Zyppah kit.

Price: $99.95 (double pack $190.00) · Guarantee: 91-day money-back · FDA: cleared for OTC use (K182312)

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Zyppah at a Glance

How Zyppah Works

Snoring is caused by relaxed tissue at the back of the throat vibrating as you breathe. Two things commonly narrow that airway during sleep: the lower jaw drops back, and the tongue slides back with it. Most mouthpieces address only one of these.

• A mandibular advancement device (MAD) holds the lower jaw forward.
• A tongue stabilizing device (TSD) holds the tongue forward directly, usually by suction.

Zyppah does a bit of both. Its tray gives a slight forward jaw position, and a stretchy band across the back of the tray rests on top of the tongue and discourages it from falling back. The company calls the band a “seatbelt for the tongue.” Unlike a suction TSD, the band doesn’t pull your tongue out between your lips; it simply sits over it. For a broader comparison of the two approaches, see TSD vs MAD, and if tongue position is your main concern, our tongue retaining device guide.

Zyppah was designed by Dr. Jonathan Greenburg, a dentist who markets himself as a sleep-focused “celebrity sleep doctor.” A prescription version cleared by the FDA in 2011 was sold through dentists before the current over-the-counter version was cleared in 2019. Zyppah is a separate company from PureSleep; the two are not related.

What the FDA Clearance Does (and Doesn’t) Mean

Zyppah’s OTC 510(k) clearance (K182312) means the FDA found it substantially equivalent to earlier cleared devices, including the original Rx Zyppah, for use by adults as an aid to reduce snoring. According to the published summary, the clearance was based on bench testing (strap strength) and biocompatibility testing; no clinical trial was required. The labeling says the device does not treat obstructive sleep apnea and includes a screening questionnaire (STOP-BANG) so buyers can flag possible apnea.

Zyppah’s website advertises that it is “clinically proven to stop snoring in 91% of users,” citing a study of 570 people. The details available describe self-reported results over 10 days with an investigational device, and we could not find a peer-reviewed journal citation. We treat the 91% figure as marketing rather than an established success rate. Earlier versions of this page also claimed “clinical trials led by the founder verified its effectiveness”; we removed that because we couldn’t verify it.

Fitting Zyppah (Boil-and-Bite)

The manufacturer’s current instructions are short:

1. Heat water until it is almost boiling, then take it off the heat.
2. Place the Zyppah in the hot water for about 40 seconds. Lift it out by the tongue band, not the softened tray.
3. Let it cool for a moment, line it up with your teeth, and bite down firmly for about 60 seconds, pressing the material around your teeth.
4. Rinse in cool water to set the impression and check that it stays in without clenching.

If it falls out or feels loose, the company says the impression probably wasn’t snug enough and recommends re-molding it, which usually fixes the problem. Clean it with cool water afterwards; hot water can soften the material and spoil the fit. There is also a “Zyppah Advanced” version that can be flipped during fitting to better match different bites. General fitting tips are in how to fit an anti-snoring mouthpiece.

Comfort: What to Expect

Zyppah’s own support pages list soreness, drooling and the device popping out as normal early side effects that tend to settle with use; the company says most people adapt within about a week. Verified-buyer reports match that pattern and add two Zyppah-specific points:

• The tongue band is the make-or-break feature. Some people stop noticing it after a few nights; others find it gag-inducing or irritating and never get comfortable.
• Plastic taste. Some buyers mention a plastic taste for the first nights. Rinsing it well before first use helps.

Because the jaw advancement is slight and fixed, Zyppah is often gentler on the jaw than an aggressively advanced MAD, but you also can’t increase it if snoring continues. If you’re prone to jaw pain, read jaw pain from snoring mouthpieces first.

Does Zyppah Work?

For many simple snorers, yes, with limits. Jaw advancement is the best-supported approach for over-the-counter snoring devices, and adding a tongue band gives Zyppah a second way to keep the airway clear. Buyer reports are split: people whose snoring improves often credit the tongue band, while negative reviews mostly concern comfort with the band, the fit loosening, or snoring that continued because the fixed advancement wasn’t enough.

The best way to judge it is the way the screenshots above suggest: record a few nights with a snoring app before you start, then compare after the first week, once the adjustment period is over. With a 91-day guarantee, you have time to do that properly.

If you snore with your mouth closed, or your snoring is mainly nasal, a mouthpiece of any kind may not help; see snoring mouthpieces vs nasal strips.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Addresses both jaw and tongue position in one device
• FDA-cleared for OTC use, with a long track record (Rx version since 2011)
• Long 91-day money-back guarantee
• Gentle, fixed advancement can be easier on the jaw than strong MADs
• Can be re-molded if the first fit is poor

Cons

• Jaw advancement is not adjustable
• Tongue band is uncomfortable for some people
• Short lifespan: the maker recommends replacing it every 4–6 months
• Return shipping is at your expense and requires an RMA number
• More expensive than similar fixed-position devices

Common Zyppah Complaints (and Fixes)

“It pops out at night”

The most common complaint, and the manufacturer’s answer is usually to re-mold it more firmly. Bite down for the full 60 seconds and press the softened material around your teeth.

“The tongue band makes me gag”

Give it several nights; many people adapt. If you don’t, a pure MAD without a band, such as SnoreRx Plus or VitalSleep, may suit you better.

“Sore teeth, drooling”

Normal for the first week. Persistent tooth or gum pain, teeth moving, a bite that stays changed, or breathing difficulty are reasons to stop and see a dentist or doctor.

“It wore out quickly”

Zyppah is designed to be replaced every 4–6 months with nightly use. If you grind your teeth, expect less.

Who Should Not Use Zyppah

• Anyone under 18
• People with diagnosed or suspected sleep apnea (see a doctor; read can snoring mouthpieces treat sleep apnea?)
• People with TMJ problems, loose teeth or gum disease
• Those with major dental work, crowns or dentures should ask their dentist first

See also who should not use a snoring mouthpiece.

Cleaning and Lifespan

Rinse Zyppah with cool water each morning, or use the company’s Z Clean product. The manufacturer advises against soaking it and against warm or hot water, which can affect the fit. Toothpaste can leave residue in the impressions, so if you brush it, use a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Store it dry in its case. Replace it every 4–6 months, or sooner if it cracks, loosens or the band loses its stretch. More in how to clean a snoring mouthpiece.

Price, Guarantee and Where to Buy

Zyppah lists at $99.95, with a double pack at $190.00, which is useful given the short replacement cycle. Shipping is free on larger orders. The 91-day money-back guarantee applies to direct purchases: you request an RMA number through the return form, write it on the box, and pay return shipping yourself. The company says it will extend the return date if you need more time to adjust. Zyppah is also sold on Amazon, but Amazon purchases may not be returnable to Amazon; Zyppah says an Amazon seller will contact you if you use its return form.

Check Latest Zyppah Price

Zyppah vs. Alternatives

• Zyppah vs ZQuiet: ZQuiet needs no boiling and lets your mouth open and close, but has no tongue component.
• SnoreRx Plus vs Zyppah: similar price; SnoreRx Plus offers 1 mm adjustment, Zyppah offers the tongue band.
• VitalSleep vs Zyppah: VitalSleep is fully adjustable and lasts longer, with no tongue band.
• Good Morning Snore Solution: a pure tongue stabilizing device for people who can’t tolerate jaw advancement; see best tongue stabilizing devices.

Bottom Line

Zyppah is a credible, FDA-cleared hybrid mouthpiece with a long history and a generous trial. Choose it if you want both jaw and tongue support and are willing to give the tongue band a week. Skip it if you want adjustable advancement, need a device that lasts a year, or have sleep apnea symptoms that need a doctor’s evaluation.

FAQ

What is Zyppah?

Zyppah is an over-the-counter anti-snoring mouthpiece that combines slight jaw advancement with an elastic tongue band. It was designed by Dr. Jonathan Greenburg and is FDA-cleared (K182312) as an aid to reduce snoring in adults.

Do Zyppah reviews say it works?

Reviews are mixed but often positive: many buyers report quieter nights after the first week. Negative reviews mostly concern discomfort with the tongue band, the device loosening, and the short replacement cycle. The advertised 91% success rate comes from the company’s own self-reported study and isn’t independently verified.

Is Zyppah adjustable?

No. The jaw advancement is slight and fixed. You can re-mold it to improve the fit, and the “Advanced” version can be flipped during fitting to suit different bites, but you can’t move the jaw forward in steps like SnoreRx or VitalSleep.

Does Zyppah work for sleep apnea?

Zyppah is cleared only to reduce snoring, and its labeling says it does not treat obstructive sleep apnea. If you suspect apnea, get a diagnosis first; a doctor may prescribe a custom oral appliance or CPAP.

What are the side effects of Zyppah?

Early soreness, drooling and the device popping out are common in the first week and usually settle. Persistent pain, tooth movement or a lasting bite change mean you should stop and see a dentist.

How long does Zyppah last?

The manufacturer recommends replacing it every 4 to 6 months with regular use, sooner if you grind your teeth.

Comments

• Wilson Caton July 30th, 2024
  

  Ordered this. Took weeks to get it. Comes from China. Not a big deal. Go through the process to fit it and find out it is way too small. I don't have some monster mouth. the front teeth fit then as your teeth go back they do not go straight back. So you just have the whole thing between your teeth. Falls out way too easily. Its a bad design, bad product. Showed then how it is faulty and I wanted to return it. The say I have to pay for shipping. So I lose money to send back a defective product. I found Smart Guard and it is made to work. Be careful with these guys.

• Nicholas James Hastings January 30th, 2024
  

  I have to be honest and say that this product absolutely sucks. Perhaps I am just among the proclaimed 9% who it does not work for, but it actually made me snore more! On top of that, the so-called money back guarantee is ONLY if you by it direct, so don't try and save money going through Amazon, they won't honor it.

• David R November 11th, 2019
  

  The product does work to stop snoring. However, the elastic band bruises my tongue. Makes it difficult to eat because tongue is painful after use. Have stopped using it.

• Patrice H August 19th, 2019
  

  Definitely stops snoring but my gums bled after 4 uses

• Dean J May 24th, 2019
  

  Excessive salivation with Zyppah. Can’t last longer than 10 minutes with it in. Can’t swallow or sleep. Constant watering of mouth.

• Rob P February 7th, 2019
  

  I am pleased with the Zyppah for the most part. Yes, it does seem effective at eliminating my moderate snoring, but at a few costs. Medium discomforts: 1. Excessive salivating - though I got over it in about two nights. 2. Difficulty swallowing - I am able to swallow while wearing it, but some people report difficulty. 3. Drooling - It does make me drool sometimes, about 1 out of 4 nights. Major discomforts: ►#1 problem: Sharp tongue band - The elastic band has rather abrasive (not smooth and rounded) edges, which cut into my tongue and after two weeks of wearing, I have a painful red stripe across the back of my tongue. This is getting old and is becoming unbearable after two weeks of constant wear. 2. Soreness - the pressure from holding the jaw forward creates a long-term strain on one's teeth and I always wake up with sore front upper and lower teeth. The jaw ached for the first week or so, but my jaw seems to have gotten used to it.

• JENNIFER KELLY July 12th, 2018
  

  Does not fit someone with a small mouth. The WORST customer service experience I've endured. All to get completely screwed out of the money I spent to try the device. Returned well within the 90 money back guaranteed time frame. Told over and over it never arrived and nothing could be done- get screwed basically. Shameful business practices for a "made in the USA" company. Despicable. I'll be sharing my experience wherever I can so people know about this scam.

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