Turning Pain into Purpose: The Survivor Behind the Chemo Mouthpiece®
When David Yoskowitz was diagnosed with cancer, he faced one of chemotherapy’s most harmful side effects—severe mouth sores that cause a range of problems, from painful eating, speaking, and sleeping to interruptions in cancer treatment. After recovery, he transformed that pain into innovation by creating the Chemo Mouthpiece®, a simple, drug-free medical device inspired by his determination to help others avoid the same suffering.
Today, many patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast, ovarian, and other cancers face similar challenges with mouth sores, making it more important than ever for patients to have access to tools that help manage chemotherapy side effects.
From Cancer Patient to Innovator
During his treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, David’s mouth sores (also called oral mucositis or stomatitis) caused excruciating pain that made even drinking water difficult. The only option offered to him was chewing on ice chips, which were uncomfortable, often caused nausea, and failed to cool his entire mouth.
When his care team warned that the mouth sores might require strong pain medications or even delay his chemotherapy, David was determined to push through. Delays in chemotherapy can have a serious impact on cancer care, and that warning stayed with him. David persevered and beat the cancer, but he never forgot the mouth sores or the lack of an effective option.
A year after his recovery, David woke up in the middle of the night with what he calls a “G-d-given idea.” Using his engineering background, he brought his vision to life. The result was the Chemo Mouthpiece, an oral cryotherapy device used to cool the mouth comfortably, consistently, and effectively.
Today, David’s innovation is helping patients undergoing chemo stay more comfortable and on track with treatment.
What Is Oral Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy uses cold temperatures to temporarily narrow blood vessels, a natural process called vasoconstriction. When blood vessels shrink, less chemotherapy reaches those tissues.
In cancer care, cryotherapy is used to help reduce certain side effects of treatment. For example, scalp cooling devices use cryotherapy to help protect against hair loss. Similarly, oral cryotherapy applies cooling inside the mouth during and after chemotherapy infusions. By lowering exposure to chemotherapy in the mouth, oral cryotherapy can help reduce the risk and severity of mouth sores.
For patients with breast and ovarian cancer, where chemotherapy regimens can be intensive, cryotherapy tools like scalp cooling and the Chemo Mouthpiece for oral cryotherapy, are increasingly important.
How the Chemo Mouthpiece Works
The Chemo Mouthpiece device is kept in the freezer before use so it’s ready to deliver consistent cooling in the mouth. Its chambers are filled with filtered water and a proprietary saline solution, which stay cold for about 30 minutes. Each Patient Kit includes six Chemo Mouthpiece devices, enough to keep the mouth cool, even when used during long infusions.
The device’s exterior is made from medical-grade silicone which stays soft and flexible in the mouth for comfort. Built-in breathing tubes allow patients to breathe normally while using the device. The Patient Kit also comes with a portable cooler, cleaning tools, and ice packs to help keep the devices ready throughout treatment.
The Chemo Mouthpiece is simple to use:
- In the clinic: Begin using 10–15 minutes before infusion, replace every 30 minutes during infusion, and continue 10–15 minutes after infusion.
- At home: Use at least twice daily for 30 minutes during the five days after infusion. Clean and refreeze between uses.
The U.S. FDA awarded the Chemo Mouthpiece ‘Breakthrough Device Designation’ in December 2021, and it was FDA cleared for use in the U.S. in January 2024. The device is clinically proven to reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy induced oral mucositis in adult patients.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Chemo Mouthpiece
A recent study published in the prominent medical journal Supportive Care in Cancer assessed the Chemo Mouthpiece in adults with various types of cancer, with breast cancer as the largest patient group and ovarian cancer also represented. Results showed:
- 68% fewer patients needed opioids or other pain medicines
- Opioid use was eliminated in patients using the Chemo Mouthpiece vs control
- 46% fewer visits where patients reported any oral pain
- 83% of patients would recommend the device to others undergoing chemo
These results show that people using the Chemo Mouthpiece experienced less pain, used less analgesic pain medications and used them for less time.
For many facing breast, ovarian, or other cancers, these benefits can make a meaningful difference during an already challenging time. Managing mouth sores helps patients not only feel more comfortable but also continue life-saving treatment without unnecessary delays.
A Commitment to Supporting Cancer Patients
Cancer treatment is not just about fighting the disease, it’s about managing side effects that can affect nutrition, comfort, and quality of life.
Mouth sores can feel like one more challenge in an already difficult journey, but there are proactive steps you can take. If you or a loved one are preparing for chemotherapy or already noticing mouth sores, ask your care team about oral cryotherapy and if the Chemo Mouthpiece may be right for you.
What began as one patient’s solution has grown into a mission to support cancer patients and their care teams with innovation and compassion. David and the Chemo Mouthpiece team are focused on making cancer treatment a little easier — one patient at a time. To learn more, visit the Chemo Mouthpiece website and see David’s full story.
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