What Is eXciteOSA, the Daytime Device for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea?
eXciteOSA is a prescription mouthpiece that sends mild electrical pulses to the tongue muscles for 20 minutes a day while you are awake. The FDA authorized it in February 2021 for adults with snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea. It is not meant for moderate or severe sleep apnea, and it should be considered only after a physician has diagnosed the problem.
How does it work?
In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. A relaxed tongue falling back toward the throat is often part of the problem. eXciteOSA is designed to train the tongue muscles so the tongue is less likely to collapse backward at night.
The mouthpiece has four electrodes, two above the tongue and two below it. The prescribed routine is 20 minutes once a day for six weeks, then once a week after that.
What did the FDA review?
The FDA looked at data from 115 people who snored, including 48 who also had mild sleep apnea. Everyone used the device daily for six weeks, stopped for two weeks and was then reassessed.
In 87 of the 115 people, time spent snoring louder than 40 decibels fell by more than 20 percent.
In 41 of the 48 people with mild sleep apnea, the average apnea-hypopnea index (the number of breathing pauses and shallow breaths per hour of sleep) fell from 10.21 to 5.27, a 48 percent drop.
The most common side effects were extra saliva, tongue or tooth discomfort, tongue tingling, sensitivity in fillings, a metallic taste, gagging and a tight jaw.
Who should not use it?
According to the FDA, the device should not be used by people who:
have a pacemaker or implanted pacing leads
are pregnant
have braces, metal fillings or other metal dental work, or implants in the mouth
have sores in or around the mouth
have sleep apnea with an apnea-hypopnea index of 15 or higher
The FDA also says patients should have a comprehensive dental examination before using it, because the device sits against the teeth and gums and is not suitable for some dental work.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually after a sleep study done in a lab or at home. Snoring alone does not tell you whether you have sleep apnea or how severe it is. Untreated sleep apnea is linked to heart disease, daytime sleepiness and problems with memory and concentration, so loud snoring, pauses in breathing or waking unrefreshed are worth raising with your physician.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains a first-line treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, physicians may also consider other options. The right choice depends on the severity of your sleep apnea, your anatomy and your other health conditions.
Where does a dentist fit in?
A dentist cannot diagnose sleep apnea. A dental examination can check whether your teeth, gums and dental work are healthy enough for any device worn in the mouth, and a dentist may notice signs worth mentioning to your physician, such as heavy tooth wear from grinding.
If you live in Jacksonville and want your mouth checked before trying a device your physician has recommended, you can arrange a dental examination or contact our office.
Sources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA authorizes marketing of novel device to reduce snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea in patients 18 years and older. News release, February 5, 2021. Reproduced by BioSpace. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
American Academy of Sleep Medicine. FDA authorizes eXciteOSA device for snoring and mild sleep apnea. February 5, 2021. Retrieved October 6, 2026.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.