SleepDent

Actually, the scalloped tongue is a classic sign of sleep bruxing(tooth grinding and clenching), not sleep apnea. However, there is a relationship between the two. Sleep bruxing is commonly associated with sleep apnea, so when you find the scalloped tongue, it does make sense to think possible OSA. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr., D.M.D., The Naples Center For Dental Sleep Medicine.

Sorry for the delayed response, I just didn't see your post. For any tray type device that attaches to the upper teeth, your teeth do have to meet a minimal set of criteria. First, you have to have an adequate number of teeth. Probably, at least the six front teeth and the first and second premolars for a total of ten. If you have a few posterior spaces but also have some molars for a total of ten that would also be O.K.. Second, your dental work has to be in reasonably good shape. Crowns, bridgework, and implants are O.K.. Thirdly, You must not have active untreated periodontal(gum) disease or unfilled cavities in your teeth.. Fourthly, your teeth must be firm and not mobile to the touch. This would imply that you have reasonably good bone support around the roots of your teeth(not huge amounts of gum recession). If you meet these criteria, the devices should be fine for you. If in doubt, have these things checked by your dentist. You should have been checked by a dentist no more than one year ago. Dr. Luisi

Let me refine my answer a bit. The Tap3 Elite is a fairly recent model in the Tap line-up, but is actually no longer produced. When it was produced, it came with two choices of linings. The TL lining was a soft clear lining that was supposed to last for the life of the appliance. I forget the official name of the lining material, but it was basically soft contact lens material. The thermacryl lining was a white colored lining that was heat fitted and needed to be replaced every few years. Both liners are F.D.A. cleared as I mentioned in my previous post. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr.,D.M.D.

The thermacryl thermoplastic used in the Tap3 TL has been F.D.A. cleared as safe and hypoallergenic for human use. Never-the-less, a person individually could be allergic to any material. If you have any redness, swelling, or pain in your oral tissues, contact your dentist. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr., D.M.D.

I am a dentist working in dental sleep medicine. If you are in possession of a standard wrench that comes with the Tap(the L-shaped silver thing), you can carefully try to tighten the two small screws on the face plate. This might stabilized the adjustment screw and solve your problem. If not, the device needs to go back to the lab to replace the adjustment screw or to make another fix to the mechanism. It is repairable, though. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr., D.M.D

The MyTapPap nasal pillow mask is good for people who breathe through their nose and tend not to get mouth leakage. You can order it directly through www.CPAP.com and install it yourself. It is easy to do and most people can manage it. Airway Management only sells directly to doctors. There are other online providers that I can tell you about. If you can breathe through your nose, but tend to get mouth leakage(use a full face mask), I have another modified version with a leak proof intraoral mouth shield. It is not yet in volume production, but I can provide you with one through my web site. If you must breathe only through the mouth, we don't have any tooth born device to address that yet, but are working on it. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr.,D.M.D.

Well, the tray does go over your top teeth and maybe if your tmjs are that questionable, you may have a point. Something inside your mouth overnight could be a problem.

I would agree that, logically, it would be either mouth leakage, mask displacement, or both. A possible fix is as follows. Ditch the mask with straps and use a more secure, stable system that attaches to your upper teeth. See: www.tapintosleep.com.. View the TapPap nasal pillow mask. You can order this yourself at CPAP.com and it is easy to install. For the mouth leakage, I have a modified version of the TapPap nasal pillow mask that comes with an intraoral mouth shield that seals the mouth from the inside. It is very soft and gentle and would not harm your tmjs. This is not yet in volume production, but you can get one from me at www.naplescenterdentalsleepmedicine.com. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr., D.M.D.

Checked it out. Not the same thing I am talking about. See-- www.tapintosleep.com. Products: MyTapPap Nasal Pillow Mask, TapPapCS.

I have a similar post on another thread, but it is so important that it bears repeating.There is a basic reason that people have so many leakage and comfort problems with conventional CPAP masks. The word is SKIN. Your facial skin is soft, sensitive, and easily deformed. It is an ABSOLUTELY LOUSY surface on which to make a seal against the air pressure from CPAP. In order to get the seal, the straps have to be SO TIGHT that people can't stand it. And you expect people to be happy with it? The whole concept is a loser and the CPAP mask manufacturers have to face the music. The future is in tooth borne CPAP interfaces. The support comes from your bones, not from your skin. Now you have a solid immovable foundation. The mask doesn't squish all over the place when you move around and cause leaks. And now your nasal pillows seal very well with the LIGHTEST pressure against the skin. Really comfortable. End of problem. It is SO easy. In all fairness, the present tooth borne interfaces only work well for people with reasonable nasal patency(open nasal passages) or who can achieve reasonable nasal patency after treatment. However, I am already thinking about how to accomodate people who must mouth breathe. Give me some time. Arthur B. Luisi, Jr.,D.M.D., The Naples Center For Dental Sleep Medicine.