If you’ve been considering the AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, you’re not alone. Many people hesitate simply because they don’t know what to expect. This guide will walk you through exactly what that first night—and first week—will feel like, how to properly fit your mouthpiece, and how to track its effectiveness. Whether you’re still deciding or you just bought one and want to maximize its benefits, this will help set you up for success. 

Step 1: Fitting Your AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece 

Before your first night using the AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece, you’ll need to custom-fit it to your lower teeth. AIRWAAV’s patented fitting material ensures a snug, personalized fit, and there are two methods for molding it: 

Microwave Method (Recommended) – Provides a more precise fit and is the preferred method. 

Boiling Water Method – Also effective, but the microwave method offers a slightly better molding experience. 

If you want to view the Recovery Mouthpiece fitting video, you can find it here. 

What to Expect During Fitting 

When you first heat and mold the mouthpiece, it will feel loose. That’s completely normal. The material has to be softened so it can form around your lower teeth. Over the next 24 hours, the material is designed to shrink slightly, creating a snug fit that will keep it secure in your mouth while you sleep. 

For best results, we recommend molding your mouthpiece in the evening but waiting until the following night to sleep with it. This allows the material to fully settle into its final shape, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit. 

Your First Night: Getting Used to the Mouthpiece 

If you’ve never slept with a mouthpiece before, the first night will likely feel a little strange. Your brain needs time to adjust to the sensation of having something in your mouth while you sleep. Some people barely notice it after a few minutes, while others need a few nights to fully adapt. 

A few common experiences during the first night: 

Excessive Saliva – Your body may initially produce more saliva than usual. This is a natural response to having something new in your mouth. It typically goes away after a few nights as your body adjusts. 

Dry Mouth – Some users experience the opposite effect, waking up with a dry mouth. This, too, is temporary and fades as your body gets used to the mouthpiece. 

Mild Discomfort or Awareness – You might feel more aware of your mouthpiece when you first lie down, but that sensation usually disappears once you fall asleep. If it feels too strange at first, you can wear it for a few hours before bed or during naps to get used to it. 

Most users adapt within 2-3 nights, and by the end of the first week, it should feel completely natural. If you struggle the first night, try easing into it by wearing it for part of the night and gradually increasing the time you use it. 

How the AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece Works 

The AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece is designed to improve breathing during sleep by positioning your tongue forward. This helps open your airway and reduce interrupted breathing. 

When you lie back, the Reflex Technology™—small ridges inside the mouthpiece—naturally guides your tongue forward. This keeps your airway clear, allowing for better airflow throughout the night. 

One of the most common questions we get is about tongue placement. The mouthpiece has a front intake bar right behind your lower front teeth. Your tongue can naturally rest where it feels most comfortable, whether that’s above the bar or pressing gently against the roof of your mouth. There’s no need to force a specific position—just let your tongue settle naturally. 

When Will You Notice Results? 

Most people start feeling the benefits of the AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece within a few nights. The key signs of improvement include: 

Deeper Sleep – With better airflow, you’ll likely spend more time in REM and deep sleep, the most restorative sleep stages. 

Waking Up More Refreshed – Many users report feeling significantly more rested and energized in the morning. 

More Restorative Sleep Cycles – The mouthpiece helps optimize airflow, which can contribute to more stable breathing patterns and fewer nighttime disturbances. 

Tracking Your Sleep Improvements 

If you use a fitness tracker like a WHOOP, Apple Watch, Garmin, or another sleep-monitoring device, we highly recommend tracking your sleep before and after using AIRWAAV. Many users notice an increase in their sleep or recovery scores, confirming that their sleep quality is improving. 

For the best results, track your sleep for a few nights without the mouthpiece, then compare your data once you start using it. Look for improvements in sleep duration, deep sleep time, and overall recovery scores. 

Final Thoughts 

The AIRWAAV Recovery Mouthpiece is designed to improve your sleep quality, helping you wake up feeling more refreshed and recovered. While there is an initial adjustment period, most users adapt within a few nights and experience noticeable benefits within the first week. By understanding what to expect, you can go into your first night with confidence and set yourself up for the best possible sleep.