Has anyone heard of or used the TAP appliance??  I just fount out about it on the internet.  Says it pulls your lower jaw forward while sleeping, keeping your airway open, without the use of a cpap machine or mask.


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Hello,

 I have been using the TAP 2 appliace for almost 3 years now. I could not tolertate CPAP. These devices do work for some people, but they are not for everyone. I am certainly glad that it works for me. I had mild apnea and snoring. It is certainly worth checking into. I would look for a Dr who has experience with the device.
Good luck!

djmv,

Do you know the primary cause for your sleep apnea? If its mouth related (i.e., large tongue, tongue base), Oral appliances may work better than CPAP. Otherwise, CPAP (or surgery) may be the only options for you. Unfortunately, not all ENTs and sleep doctors seem to consider Oral appliances as the first treatment and recommend CPAP even for people with mouth problems which is not great.

I use a TAP 3 and it's the best money I think I've ever spent. I'm a hopeless Insomniac and tried my best to use the CPAP but no amount of drugs or determination would work. The TAP 3 has given me a new outlook on the whole thing. Commenting on logcators post above, I recently visited the ENT and it was determined that the cause of my OSA was the base of the tongue sliding back and he felt the oral appliance would work better than a CPAP anyway. I'm in agreement why insurance doesn't cover these and why it's not considered first line treatment, I have severe OSA (per diagnosis) and I feel better now than I have in months.


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