FAQs for Patients

The TAP oral appliances incrementally and mechanically open the airway by pulling the jaw forward. This acts like the first step of CPR. Clearing collapsed tissue out of the way makes space for normal breathing.

If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing, or cannot tolerate or comply with CPAP therapy, TAP is a great option for you. A sleep specialist or qualified dentist can evaluate candidacy through a sleep study, medical history, and oral exam.

• The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) stands out from other oral appliances primarily due to its single-point midline adjustment mechanism at the front, which pulls the lower jaw forward rather than pushing from the sides like Herbst-style or Dorsal devices.
• It allows precise, patient-controlled titration while worn in the mouth, enabling finer adjustments and often greater advancement beyond natural bite range compared to alternatives using elastic straps or fixed-position appliances.
• This design promotes better comfort, reduced risk of uneven bite issues, superior efficacy in moderate-to-severe OSA cases, and features like optional nasal breathing aids or CPAP compatibility not commonly found in competitors.

All custom TAP devices are PDAC-verified forMedicare reimbursement (code E0486) and covered by most major medical plans. Any out-of-pocket cost is based on your individual insurance plan and provider.

There are over 60 clinical studies done using TAP devices, proving its effectiveness at treating obstructive sleep apnea. Click here to learn more.

• You may already know if you have sleep apnea, but if you don’t, your partner certainly does. Sleep apnea causes abnormal breathing while a person is sleeping. This impacts the amount of oxygen the body receives and the overall quality of sleep. It’s a very dangerous condition that doesn’t just get better on its own but there are effective, non-invasive treatment options to help you manage your condition.
• The three kinds of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea. OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea. If left untreated, all three kinds of sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences and even death due to heart disease, high blood pressure, or stroke, to name just a few.
• Take our Sleep Apnea Self-test to assess your risk of OSA.

Some of the most common symptoms of OSA are loud snoring, suddenly waking up from sleeping because you’re short of breath, waking up choking or gasping for air, and hearing from your partner that you sometimes stop breathing when you’re asleep. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that won’t just go away.

If you would prefer to treat sleep apnea without a bulky and noisy CPAP, TAP Sleep Care provides oral appliances that you may find more comfortable and easier to use than a traditional CPAP. Learn more about all of our alternative oral appliances to find the one that works best for you.

Many studies have shown that the TAP devices are as effective – if not more effective – than CPAP in patients with mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliances also have many advantages that CPAP does not, like:

• Does not disturb a bed partner
• Easy to travel with
• Lasts up to five years with no need to replace tubing every three months
• No straps or obtrusive tubes/hoses

At the end of the day, CPAP works…if you wear it. A treatment option is only effective if you wear it. Find what works for you.

Yes, you do need a dentist or physician to order an appliance for you.

To order a custom TAP oral appliance, please use our Find a Provider tool to locate a clinician in your area. If you have a prescription for an oral appliance, you can order a myTAP online via our partner distributors.

Cleaning instructions are included in the IFU provided with the device. For more information, please click here.