What is a Soma device? Unpacking the various meanings

September 22, 2025 •

3 min read

The term "Soma" is not singular in its meaning within the health industry, referring to several distinct products, from medical equipment to a potent muscle relaxant. Understanding what is a Soma device requires navigating these different contexts to avoid confusion and ensure your safety.

Quick Summary

A "Soma device" can be a custom dental appliance for TMJ and airway issues, a vacuum therapy pump for erectile dysfunction, a cosmetic body contouring tool, or a chronic pain management app, but should not be confused with the prescription drug also named Soma.

Key Points

Dental Appliance: The Splint Orthopedic Myofunctional Appliance (SOMA) is a custom oral device for TMJ, airway issues, and jaw alignment.
ED Pump: The Soma Therapy OTC Manual System is a vacuum therapy device for treating erectile dysfunction.
Pain App: SOMA is also a smartphone app that uses machine learning and user data to help manage chronic pain.
Cosmetic Device: Another Soma is a handheld tool that uses radiofrequency and suction for body contouring and skin tightening.
Drug vs. Device: It is critical not to confuse any of these devices with the drug Soma, which is a powerful, addictive prescription muscle relaxant (carisoprodol) and not a device.
Context Matters: Due to the same name referring to different products, it is essential to ask for clarification and consider the context when the term 'Soma' is mentioned.

What is a Soma Device? Navigating a confusing term

When people ask, "What is a Soma device?", they are often unaware that the same name can be associated with multiple different products across the health and wellness sector. The term has been applied to everything from advanced dental appliances to specialized erectile dysfunction systems and even a modern smartphone application for pain management. To add to the confusion, "Soma" is also the brand name for a potent, prescription-only muscle relaxant (carisoprodol), which is not a device at all. This article will clarify the different meanings of the term, helping you understand which "Soma" product is being referenced.

The Soma Dental Appliance (Splint Orthopedic Myofunctional Appliance)

One of the widely referenced uses of the name "Soma" is for a dental appliance known as the Splint Orthopedic Myofunctional Appliance (SOMA). This custom-made oral device is used by trained professionals to address issues related to jaw alignment and overall body balance. It is designed to address Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction, poor jaw growth, and airway issues by gently realigning the jaw. The SOMA appliance considers the nervous system, body posture, and airway function. The theory suggests that correcting jaw misalignment can calm the nervous system and promote healing.

The SOMA dental appliance is used to treat:

Chronic headaches and migraines
Neck and facial pain
Sleep disordered breathing
TMJ disorders
Poor jaw growth
Postural imbalances

The Soma Therapy Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Pump

Another product using the Soma name is the Soma Therapy OTC Manual System, a device for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). This over-the-counter vacuum therapy system, manufactured by Augusta Medical Systems, works by creating a vacuum around the penis to draw blood and produce an erection. A tension ring helps maintain the erection. It is considered a safe option for managing ED caused by various conditions.

The SOMA Chronic Pain Management App

The name SOMA is also used for a smartphone application designed to help manage chronic pain. This digital tool uses user-input data and machine learning to provide personalized insights and interventions. The app includes exercises and information to help calm the nervous system. Its goal is to empower patients with chronic pain.

The Soma Body Contouring Device

Another medical device called Soma is a handheld tool for body contouring and skin tightening. This device is used in medispas or for at-home cosmetic treatments. It utilizes Radiofrequency (RF) to heat skin and stimulate collagen, suction to enhance the RF effect, and LED light for improving skin elasticity.

Crucial Distinction: Soma the Device vs. Soma the Drug

It is vital to distinguish between any of these devices and the drug that shares the same brand name. The drug Soma is carisoprodol, a prescription muscle relaxant for short-term relief of musculoskeletal conditions. It is a controlled substance with potential for abuse and dependency, acting on the central nervous system and producing sedative effects. Abuse carries risks including overdose, especially when mixed with other substances. The DEA classifies carisoprodol as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Do not confuse the drug with the devices due to the serious health risks associated with drug misuse.

Comparison of Soma Products


Feature	Dental Appliance (SOMA)	ED Pump (Soma Therapy OTC)	Pain Management App (SOMA)	Body Contouring Device (Soma)
Purpose	Align jaw, improve airway, calm nervous system	Treat erectile dysfunction	Manage chronic pain symptoms	Body sculpting, skin tightening
Type	Custom oral device	Vacuum therapy pump	Digital therapeutic software	Handheld electronic device
Field	Dentistry, Cranial Osteopathy	Urology, Men's Health	Neurology, Digital Health	Aesthetics, Medispa
Mechanism	Gentle jaw realignment	Creates vacuum to draw blood	Data tracking, AI algorithms	RF, suction, LED light
Prescription	Requires professional fitting	Available over-the-counter	Available via app stores	Generally non-prescription

Conclusion

The term "Soma" refers to a variety of products, not just one. What is a Soma device depends on the context, ranging from a dental appliance for jaw alignment to an ED pump, a pain management app, or a body contouring tool. It is crucial to never confuse these devices with the prescription muscle relaxant, carisoprodol, which is also called Soma and carries significant health risks. Always seek clarification when the term "Soma" is used. For official information on the drug Soma, consult resources like the DEA's information on carisoprodol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not exactly. The SOMA dental appliance is considered a holistic approach to dental health, focusing on jaw alignment, TMJ function, and airway. While it can influence teeth alignment, its scope is broader than traditional orthodontics, and it's often used alongside other therapies.

Yes, the Soma Therapy OTC Manual System is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. It is a vacuum therapy device manufactured by Augusta Medical Systems.

The SOMA pain management app is a digital therapeutic designed with neurobiological research. It uses machine learning to analyze user-input data on symptoms and medication to predict pain trajectories and tailor interventions, making it more data-driven and personalized than many standard wellness apps.

The Soma body contouring device is a handheld tool designed for home use and medispas, but like any cosmetic device, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. It uses technologies like RF and suction, so proper usage is key to ensuring safety and effectiveness.

The crucial difference is that the Soma drug is a prescription medication (carisoprodol) that is a powerful muscle relaxant with a high potential for abuse. The various Soma devices (dental appliance, ED pump, app, etc.) are physical or digital tools for specific health purposes and are not drugs.

Yes, the SOMA dental appliance addresses airway issues by improving jaw positioning, which can significantly benefit individuals with sleep-disordered breathing, including Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS).

While generally safe, people with certain blood disorders, those on blood-thinning medication, or with specific medical conditions should consult a doctor before using a vacuum erection device like the Soma ED pump.

The SOMA chronic pain app is available for download on app stores. The project is associated with the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University.