I was using a device called the "silent night". It worked well for about a year but since it ws made of plastic it started to get loose and eventually my jaw started to drop back. When I tried to get another one my insurance denied the claim and I am now using a CPCP. I am going on a month and I can not sleep with it. I have read oter posts about the TAP mouth guard and are wondering how well people are doing with it. I am willing to pay if my fight with the insurance does not work. How much is it? Is it worth it?

Hi there,

I noticed your post.  Sorry no one has responded.  I suppose not too many use that device, or not that use this forum right now.  Or maybe they didn't read your post.  I've never had such a device, so I can't answer your questions.  Hopefully someone can.


Linda

I started out using the "SnoreGuard" prosthesis. This is a tooth guard-like device, with a wedge underneath it. It is worn on the upper teeth, and the wedge fits behind the lower incisors. As the jaw relaxes in sleep, it brings the jaw forward to open the airway. This device worked very well for me...at first. But after about a year, I had my symptoms not only return, but they came back with a vengence. I then chose, much to my ENT's dislike, to pursue the CPAP. That was a blessing, especially when I found out how bad I really was.

From the little bit if info I have on the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) it is a little bit different, and as it stated is adjustable. It may work well for you, it may not. It may work for a good while, it may not. xPAP is the best treatment for SA, as its effectiveness is documented, but some can't adapt to xPAP. I almost wish I had just gone for the CPAP in the first place, but I tried the cheaper route.

Don't know if this is any help, I just offer this:
     Weigh and discuss your decision with your Sleep Doc. Make it carefully, not rashly.


_________________
painless

Sleep Apnea is a Killer! Get it Tested!
Get it Treated! Use the Treatment!

Hi,
   I am not over weight and I have had a breathing problem since I was 4-6 years of age. Well, to make the long story short,  those around me saw I had a breathing problem, didn't bother to look that much into it. Now that I am an adult I notice it is much worse. I am now 26, my insurence company bought me my machine after having it for a year.  It has never worked, but through the lack of help or concern, I got lost in the paper work, and now I am am the owner of this machine.  I have tryed two different size breathing masks. Both of which , seem too small. Since I tend to open my mouth when I sleep air seeps out and a vaccume affect happens, which in turn wakes me up each and every time.  Also it creates a lump in my throat, like an air pocket forms from having the machine on for a long period of time. I don't know what to do, and fuctrated cause no one seems to know where my problem lies and since I am on medical assistance, doctors just seem to drain money from the state and I get no results.  So it could be from  my tounge falling back in my mouth, or air passage is bad through nose, or in throught access skin flaps...who knows,,,,what can I do? what decices are out there to help,,..this mechine doesn't.    -Earl-