Problems with TAP 3, What to do?

I am frequently asked questions like the one that follows. There are often many answers to problems. This question is not from one of my patients. I always suggest you discuss all problems with your sleep physician and your dentist.

Question from Phil:
I had been diagnosed with moderate/severe sleep apnea approximately 10 years ago and tried using CPAP as a treatment option. After trying it for a while, I found it to be detrimental to my sleep and noisy both for myself and my wife. Therefore, I first threw the mask off during the night and finally quit alltogether. Since then, I have had multiple back surgeries and a knee replacement which necessitate my taking Advil before sleep in order to eleviate discomfort. I can sleep well most of the time. However, my regular physician recommended that for all of the right reasons, that I have another sleep study done which again confirmed my sleep apnea condition.
As the CPAP and I did not get along the first time, I now chose the 2nd option of an oral device, TAP 3, applied by a certified dentist after fighting with Blue Cross for 11 months before they gave in and agreed to pay. However, the necessary adjustments to allow the desired airflow ha ve proven to hurt my jaw and the long-term side effects can be undesirable as confirmed by my wife as a former dental assistant. What are the thoughts of other users of such a device on the long-term side effects vs. using a CPAP machine which, I understand, have become easier to use since I last tried one?

Dr Shapira Response
Phil,

If you are having jaw pain with the TAP 3 it can be altered occlusally for comfort.(possible posterior stops) More frequently it means you were adjusted forward too fast. You may be able to back it up and bring it forward more slowly. There are long term bite changes and/or tooth movement that are controllable with morning exercises and or retainers.. Studies show no long term joint problems. Approximate 1/2 of patients find changes favorable. Almost all problems are manageable.

It is essential that the apnea be treated. A stroke or heart attack is a lot more serious than a change in bite. Sometimes you can alternate between cpap and applainces. Even though the new CPAP machines and Masks are more comfortable 60% of patients still abandon CPAP treatment.

The Tap 3 can be turned into a TAP-PAP giving you more comfort, lower cpap pressure and less jaw advancement. It can retain your mask with no straps

Most of my patients stay oral appliance therapy long term, though some do alternate with CPAP.

Dr Shapira