Why Two Layers Beat One: A Deep Dive Into the Fortis Double Gel Mouthguard
If you play any high-impact sport - Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, rugby, hockey or soccer - your mouthguard is one of the most important pieces of kit you'll ever own. But not all gum shields are built the same. The ATAK Fortis Double Gel Mouthguard uses a two-layer construction that solves the biggest trade-off in mouthguard design: how do you get something hard enough to absorb a serious impact, yet soft enough to actually fit and feel comfortable?
This page is a supplementary guide to help you understand exactly how the Fortis works, why the double gel design matters, and how to get the best fit and protection out of it. Consider it the "under the hood" companion to the product page.
The Problem With Single-Layer Mouthguards
A traditional single-layer mouthguard forces a compromise. Make the whole thing from a hard material and it protects well against impact, but it's uncomfortable, difficult to mould, and can feel bulky and loose in the mouth. Make it from a soft material and it moulds beautifully and feels comfortable, but it doesn't do enough to disperse the force of a real collision.
The Fortis removes that compromise entirely by giving each job to a dedicated layer.
How the Double Gel Design Works
The Fortis is built with two-layer technology: a soft gel layer on the inside and a hard, high-density gel layer on the outside. Each layer has a completely different role, and together they deliver protection and comfort rather than one at the expense of the other.
The Soft Inner Gel Layer - Your Custom Fit
The inner surface is a soft gel liner that sits directly against your teeth and gums. When you fit the mouthguard using the boil-and-bite method, this soft gel warms up and takes an exact impression of your teeth. As it cools, it locks into that shape.
This matters for two reasons:
- A genuinely custom fit. Because the gel moulds precisely to your dental arch, the guard grips your teeth securely instead of relying on you to bite down to keep it in place. It stays put through training and matches without you thinking about it.
- Real comfort. A soft layer against the gums means no hard edges digging in. When a mouthguard is comfortable, you're far more likely to actually wear it - and the best mouthguard is the one that's in your mouth when the hit comes.
The Hard Outer Gel Layer - Your Shock Absorber
The outer layer is a tougher, denser gel engineered specifically to absorb and disperse impact. When a stray elbow, hurl, boot or shoulder makes contact, this is the layer that takes the force first.
Instead of transferring the energy of a blow straight through to your teeth and jaw, the hard outer shell spreads that force across a wider area and cushions it before it ever reaches the soft inner layer. This is the fundamental principle behind proper impact protection: dissipate the energy rather than let it concentrate on a single tooth or point of contact.
Why the Combination Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
Layer the two together and you get a mouthguard that does what neither material could do alone:
- Hard where it counts, soft where it's needed. Protection lives on the outside; comfort lives on the inside.
- A secure, locked-in fit. The soft gel's exact impression keeps the guard stable, so the hard outer layer is always positioned correctly to do its job.
- Confidence in high-impact play. Because it's designed for heavy contact, you can commit fully to a tackle or a challenge knowing your teeth and gums are properly shielded.
Built to Breathe
One of the most common complaints about mouthguards is that they make it hard to breathe and impossible to talk or take on water. The Fortis is designed with increased breathability and airflow, so you can breathe easily through it during high-intensity effort and even drink while wearing it. That means fewer reasons to take it out mid-game - and a guard that's out of your mouth is a guard that isn't protecting you.
Easy to Fit With Boil and Bite
Getting your custom fit takes only a few minutes at home. The Fortis uses a simple boil-and-bite process:
- Bring a pot of water to the boil, then remove it from the heat and let it settle for a moment.
- Place the mouthguard in the hot water for the recommended time to soften the gel.
- Remove it carefully, let it cool for a couple of seconds so it's safe to handle, then place it over your teeth.
- Bite down firmly and use your fingers and tongue to press the soft gel around your teeth and gums for a snug, custom impression.
- Transfer it into cold water to set the shape.
If the fit isn't perfect the first time, the fast-moulding gel makes it easy to reheat and try again. Always follow the fitting instructions supplied with your mouthguard.
Who Is the Fortis For?
The Fortis is a bestseller because it suits such a wide range of players. It's available in both Junior and Senior sizes and a choice of colours, making it ideal for:
- Gaelic football players who need reliable protection without losing comfort.
- Rugby and hockey players who need a guard that stays secure through repeated collisions.
- Players of any age who want comfort, fit and protection in one affordable package.
An Important Note on Braces
Please be aware that ATAK mouthguards are not suitable to be worn with braces. Because the boil-and-bite gel moulds to a fixed impression of your teeth, it isn't designed to accommodate orthodontic hardware. If you wear braces, speak to your dentist or orthodontist about a mouthguard suited to your needs.
Quick Reference: Fortis Key Features
- Two-layer technology - soft inner gel for fit, hard outer gel for shock absorption.
- Protection - outer shock-absorption layer shields teeth and gums from heavy impact.
- Customised gel fit - inner liner takes an exact impression of your teeth.
- Easy mould - fast-fitting boil and bite.
- Breathable - easy to breathe through and drink while wearing.
- Sizes - available in Junior and Senior.
The Bottom Line
The Fortis Double Gel Mouthguard exists to end the old compromise between protection and comfort. The hard outer gel absorbs the shock so your teeth don't have to; the soft inner gel moulds to your exact bite so the guard fits securely and feels good enough to keep in. Add easy fitting and genuine breathability, and you have a mouthguard built to be worn - every drill, every match, every hit.
Ready to protect your smile? Head back to the product page to choose your size and colour.