I was recently fitted with a dental device from my dentist and today I picked up the device. Over the course of the next few weeks I need to adjust it while wearing it by turning this knob that will adjust my jaw forward. I start by turning it 10 times. Then a few days later I turn it 12 times, etc. At the end of 4 weeks I'll be up to my target of 32. I'm curious if anyone else has tried one of these before? I'm assuming that while I get up to my target adjustment of 32, I'll experience apneas and some tiredness etc...I'm just curious if my sleep is going to be as terrible as I'm thinking while I get to my target or if I'll still be getting some relief from my apnea? Of course I thought of all these questions AFTER I left my dentists office!
I'm hopeful this will work and I won't have to go back to cpap but we'll see. I do have a sleep study scheduled for September.

Are talking about a TAP appliance?  The jaw movement you described sounds like it but not the amount of adjusting.  I received one last fall and eventually moved it just over a 1/4 of an inch.  I now sleep better but, more importantly, I don't get tired and need a nap in the afternoon.  Is that what you're talking about??

What is a TAP appliance? I have been asking my dentist if there was anything that could help my jaw dropping with my sleep apnea situation at bedtime, besides the CPAP I have. He seems to be oblivious as to what I am askingv for. Is there an appliance that may help me?

[quote="Annette"]Are talking about a TAP appliance?  The jaw movement you described sounds like it but not the amount of adjusting.  I received one last fall and eventually moved it just over a 1/4 of an inch.  I now sleep better but, more importantly, I don't get tired and need a nap in the afternoon.  Is that what you're talking about?? :?:[/quote][b] :-? [/b]

Hi Lulu,

Google TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) by AirwayLabs and see if you find a phone number.  Many dentists have NOT heard about this wonderful appliance that adjusts the bottom jaw to move forward thus allowing for more airspace at the throat.  Even though your jaws are held in place, the air still gets through and into your body.

Until I wore this I got very sleep during the day to the point of needing a nap every afternoon.  That has completetly stopped.  For some people it even eliminates the need for the CPAP altogether.  That was the hope for me but I have obstructive sleep apnea cause by a repaired cleft palate.

I learned about the TAP from a maxofacial surgeon who gave the info to my dentist.  It is really a simple procedure.  Under the directions of the AirwayLabs people, the dentist takes impressions of both top and bottom sets of teeth, and sends the impression in to the labs.  The lab then makes the appliance that fits snuggly in your mouth.  It is made of material similar to that used in bulletproof vests.  It must be kept away from heat or it will smell and eventually melt.  It takes some getting used to but it's the best thing that's happened to me healthwise in a long time.

The cost is $650.  My insurance picked up half.  If you can at all afford it, don't hesitate!

Annette:
Thanks so much for your information and advice.
I will definately check into the appliance asap.
It sure would be great not to nap in the daytime!
My CPAP is great (studies show) but I still have severe daytime sleepiness
even with Provigal.
Lulu  

Hey Lulu,

The TAP (or any of the other MADs) can be worn in conjunction with your CPAP if you so desire. I have several patients who use this combination. The TAP-T is probably my favorite, but the Somnomed MAS and OASYS are very close, in my opinion. Let me know if you have any questions at all, or if your dentist has any. I am the co-founder and co-director of the Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea.


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Kent Smith DDS

After doing some research and some help from this forum I have purchased a Fisher & Paykel Oracle HC542 CPAP mask. I used it last night for the first time. I think it will take some time to get used to, but there is NO headgear needed (one is provided with mask as well as nose plugs) and it stays in place while sleeping. I did find that my mouth and throat got pretty dry even with the humidifier maxed out. Has anyone else tried this mask? What problems did you notice? I intend to try any mask that seems innovative and easy to use. I use it with a Respironics  machine with humidifier.

I'm happy that the TAP device works for you!

I was diagnosed with OSA a few years ago. I could not tolerate CPAP and have tried many dental devices and none work. It is hard to sleep with something keeping you mouth partially open. The TAP device is useless for me - doesn't stay hooked and does nothing.

fjd2006 wrote:

I'm happy that the TAP device works for you!

I was diagnosed with OSA a few years ago. I could not tolerate CPAP and have tried many dental devices and none work. It is hard to sleep with something keeping you mouth partially open. The TAP device is useless for me - doesn't stay hooked and does nothing.

I think you would like the SomnoMed much better, but that's an opinion from afar!


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Kent Smith DDS