Pros and Cons of TAP III Elite and Silent Nite

I have been successfully using an EMA oral appliance for 5 years. I sleep well without any side effects. Only disadvantage of the EMA that I know of is the elastics need to be replaced periodically and the anchors on the side can break off the appliance which require a repair. I've been thinking of " upgrading" to the TAP III Elite for no specific reason other than what I just mentioned. I need to be able to yawn multiple times before falling asleep and am able to do so with the EMA. I also have a limited capability to talk with the EMA inserted. Will the TAP III allow me the same flexibility? Are there any drawbacks to the TAP III that I need to be aware of before making a decision? Would a Silent Nite appliance eliminate the maintenance problems of the EMA? Is its efficacy sufficient for low to moderate OSA? I truly would appreciate getting a second opinion on these questions. Many thanks in advance for your input.

I would shoot for the new Dream TAP. I have the TAP 3 now. Disadvantage of TAP 3 is adjustment mechanism is on the top piece, which cuts into the tongue space, requiring you to adjust lower piece further ahead. Dream TAP puts the adjustment mechanism on the lower piece, giving you more room for your tongue. TAP appliances have excellent ratings for reducing sleep apnea and hold up well. Have not tried EMA or Silent Nite appliances.

I am a dentist working in dental sleep medicine. Both the EMA and Silent Nite appliances are considered light duty appliances suitable only for relatively mild OSA cases and snoring. They are also of light duty construction with struts susceptible to stretching and breakage. Basically, not sturdy at all. The other side of the coin, is that they also feel very light and thin in the mouth, which for a small minority of users is critical for success. Personally, though, if my patients needed a very light, thin appliance, I would go with the Micro2, which is light, thin, AND strong. The TAP appliances are MUCH sturdier than the EMA and Silent Nite. All the difference in the world. They also have much more precise adjustability and much better levels of efficacy. I would also agree that the new DreamTap is usefully improved from the TAP3. However, they do keep the mouth pretty shut which is one of the reasons that they work better than the EMA and Silent Nite. If you need the mouth the be relatively open for yawning, talking, etc., I would go with the Micro2. However, be aware that it is significantly more expensive than the EMA and Silent Nite(but worth it, in my view). A.B. Luisi, D.M.D.