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Do you want to rest more comfortably? The Thornton Adjustable Positioner, or TAP appliance may be exactly what you need to finally get a good night’s sleep.
This two-piece jaw repositioning device was design to treat snoring and sleep apnea. The mandibular and maxillary components of the TAP appliance are connected by a hinge that is fixed during sleep. It is comparable to a sports mouthguard, night guard, or a retainer.
How does it work?
The basic function of the TAP is to hold the jaw slightly forward. This ensures that that the tongue and soft tissues of the throat do not collapse back down into the throat, causing disruptive snoring and sleep apnea.
The TAP appliance has been shown to help 95% of patients breathe easier at night, reduce their snoring, and increase the quality of their sleep.
Is a TAP better than the CPAP?
The TAP appliance is much different than the CPAP, which is a machine that delivers oxygen through your nose through a mask with a tube. It is very easy to travel with, will not disturb your partner while sleeping, does not include hoses or tubes going in your nose, and will also last you up to five years.
How can I trust that TAP will work for me?
A sleep study was recently conducted in 75 patients with ages ranging from 28 to 74 years old. In the beginning, loud snoring was found in 96 percent of the test subjects.
After wearing the TAP appliance, it only occurred in two percent of patients. Altogether, 86 percent of participants in the study continued to use the appliance, with 60 percent being very satisfied and 27 percent moderately satisfied.
What is the cost of a TAP appliance?
The TAP appliance is the less expensive option when compared to a CPAP device. According to AAST, oral appliances are usually covered by medical insurance.
Cons of the TAP appliance
There are a few cons of the TAP appliance. To some, it may be slightly uncomfortable to wear, and it may not be a good choice for very severe cases of sleep apnea.
If you have been struggling with mild to moderate sleep apnea, and want to try a less noisy and bulky option, the TAP appliance is worth considering. Contact our sleep apnea dental office in Glen Burnie, MD today and we will schedule a consultation to find out what’s right for you.
