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Have you ever felt like your breathing is the weak link in a solid run? You’re not alone. More and more runners are turning to sports mouthguards and breathing mouthpieces to squeeze extra performance out of their lungs and improve comfort on the move. These devices range from impact-protection mouthguards to innovative breathing trainers that claim to strengthen respiratory muscles. Think of them as a set of retraining weights for your breath — tiny, portable, and ready to tag along whether you’re tackling a 3-mile easy run or pushing for a 10K personal best.
If you’ve read product listings recently you may have seen the Airofit Extra Mouthpiece offered as a 2-pack — designed specifically to aid breathing while running and during training sessions. It’s not your average boil-and-bite guard; Airofit products are engineered as respiratory trainers. The idea is to provide resistance that strengthens inspiratory muscles so you can breathe more efficiently during efforts. Buying a 2-pack can be handy for keeping a backup in your kit bag or sharing one with a training partner.
Using an Airofit-type mouthpiece can feel a bit like doing short, targeted sets for the muscles that pull air in. Regular sessions — think 5 to 15 minutes daily — aim to improve endurance of the diaphragm and accessory breathing muscles, so that when you’re hammering a mile or climbing a hill those muscles are less likely to give up on you. Runners often report feeling like they can maintain pace with less perceived effort, and that translates into stronger interval sessions or smoother tempo runs. It’s the breathing equivalent of adding a light set of dumbbells to your warm-up routine.
One of the retailers you’ll see stocking breathing mouthpieces is RunningXpert, which lists products like the Airofit Extra Mouthpiece. Specialist running shops often understand that a runner’s needs differ from other athletes — they can guide you toward breathing trainers, lightweight guards, or devices designed for long runs. If you prefer advice tailored to mileage goals and training plans, a focused online shop or a bricks-and-mortar running store is a good starting point.
Beyond specialists, a range of stores in the UK carry mouthguards or similar devices: Decathlon offers affordable boil-and-bite mouthguards and budget options, Wiggle and Runners Need include running accessories and performance devices, and larger sports retailers like JD Sports or Sports Direct cover general sports protection. Pro:Direct and specialty boxing or MMA retailers will often stock higher-end impact mouthguards, while Amazon UK provides a wide mix from economy to premium. Each outlet has different strengths — some focus on custom-fit mouthguards, others on breathing trainer tech — so it pays to shop around.
Boil-and-bite guards are what most people picture when they think of a mouthguard. You heat them briefly in hot water, bite to form a fit, and you’re done — usually within a few minutes. They’re ideal if you want a low-cost solution for occasional use, like protection in a multi-sport session or a winter training game. They offer decent fit for the price, but they aren’t designed to improve breathing; their priority is protection from impact rather than performance enhancement.
At the other end of the spectrum are custom-fitted guards made by dentists, and performance-focused mouthpieces such as Airofit. Custom dental guards deliver the best comfort and protection for contact sports, while performance mouthpieces focus on maintaining airflow or providing controlled resistance for training. If you plan to use a device on daily runs, comfort and airflow are crucial — you want something that feels like part of your kit, not a distraction.
When you’re choosing a mouthguard for running, think less about flashy features and more about fit. The device should sit snugly without gagging you, and it should be lightweight — just a few ounces at most — so you barely notice it. If it slides around or feels bulky, it will become a distraction on longer runs. I always recommend trying a device on for 10 to 20 minutes of activity — maybe a 1-mile warm-up — before committing to it for race day. Comfort equals consistency, and consistency equals results.
Let’s be honest: a mouthguard that constricts airflow defeats the purpose for runners. Look for mouthpieces with clear air channels or engineered resistance that’s adjustable. Breathing trainers like Airofit are designed to increase resistance in a controlled way to build strength, not to impede breathing during a race. If your device makes you feel like you’re breathing through a straw during a steady run, it’s probably not the right tool for everyday sessions.
If you’re new to breathing mouthpieces, start with short, focused sessions. Try 5 minutes of breathing exercises twice a day for the first week, then build toward 10 to 15 minutes daily. Pair sessions with easy runs or warm-ups: for example, begin with a 1-mile jog and follow with a 10-minute breathing routine. Picture it like interval training for your diaphragm — short efforts with rest in between, gradually increasing intensity. Many runners find measurable improvements in perceived breathlessness after a few weeks.
You don’t have to use a breathing device for your entire run. A sensible approach is to use it for warm-up and cooldown, or during specific easy runs that focus on technique. For tempo or race-pace sessions, some runners prefer to ditch the device and rely on the stronger respiratory muscles they’ve built. Think of the mouthpiece as a coach in your pocket — it helps build capacity on easy days that you then use on hard days without the device.
Always be cautious if you have existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, or if you feel dizzy or lightheaded when using a breathing trainer. If you’re unsure, talk to your GP or a sports medicine professional before adding a device to your routine. A quick check-in will help you use the tool safely and effectively, and it’s worth the peace of mind before you change your training load.
Look after your mouthpiece the way you care for your running shoes: regular cleaning and correct storage will extend its life. Rinse with cool water after use, and occasionally soak in a mild denture cleaner to remove buildup. Never use boiling water to clean a performance mouthpiece — high heat can warp the material. Store it in a ventilated case the size of a small matchbox so it can dry between sessions and remain protected in your kit bag.
Prices vary widely. Basic boil-and-bite mouthguards can start from around £8 to £20, while higher-end custom or branded impact guards can be £30 to £80 or more. Performance breathing devices such as the Airofit system may sit in a higher range depending on the package and whether you buy extra mouthpieces in a 2-pack or a bundled kit. Think of price in terms of value: a cheap guard that you never wear is more expensive than a slightly pricier solution that fits and improves your training.
Retailers run seasonal sales, and specialist running shops often bundle accessories with footwear purchases. Buying a 2-pack can reduce the per-device cost and give you a spare to rotate. If you want to compare features side-by-side, use retailer comparison tools or shop pages that let you filter by ventilation, weight, and type. Checking customer reviews is a smart move too — those real-world notes on fit and breathability are worth their weight in gold when you’re deciding which device to invest in.
Airofit is commonly mentioned among breathing trainers and is available through specialist running retailers and some online shops. It’s marketed as a device to strengthen respiratory muscles and can come with coaching apps or training programs. Runners who like measurable progress often enjoy the structured sessions that accompany this type of device.
For runners who need impact protection — trail runners who race in busy events, or multisport athletes — brands like Shock Doctor, OPRO, and SISU produce mouthguards that balance protection with low profile design. These are especially relevant if you also play sports like football or rugby in the off-season. They won’t train your breathing, but they can protect your teeth without feeling like a clunky appliance in your mouth.
Clean your mouthpiece after every use and inspect it weekly for signs of wear such as warping, cracks, or fading. If you travel frequently, keep a small ventilated case in your kit so the device dries and remains sanitary. For hygiene reasons, consider replacing softer boil-and-bite guards every 6 to 12 months, and performance trainers at the manufacturer’s suggested interval — many runners replace on a seasonal basis, especially if they train multiple times per week.
If the material becomes warped by even a fraction of an inch, or if it develops rough edges that irritate gums, it’s time for a new one. For breathing trainers, pay attention to reduced resistance accuracy — if the feel changes and the device no longer provides consistent resistance, you’ve lost training fidelity and should replace it to keep making progress.
Choosing a mouthguard or breathing trainer for running comes down to one simple question: what problem are you trying to solve? If you need protection for contact or stray elbows in multisport events, a well-fitted impact mouthguard is your answer. If you want to sharpen your breathing, build respiratory muscle strength, or see a small performance edge on longer runs, a breathing trainer like Airofit could be worth exploring. Remember: whatever device you pick, the best one is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Sports mouthguards and breathing mouthpieces are no longer niche toys for elite athletes — they’re practical tools that everyday runners can use to protect teeth, improve comfort, or train respiratory muscles. From specialist retailers like RunningXpert to broader sports stores and online marketplaces, UK runners have plenty of options. Focus on fit, breathability, and how the device fits into your routine. Try before you commit where possible, start slow with training sessions, and keep hygiene and replacement rules in mind. With the right device and consistent use, you might just find your next PR hiding in your kit bag.
| Sports Mouthguards | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Airofit Extra Mouthpiece - 2 Pack For Enhanced Breathing During Running | £ 12,- |
