TAP Appliances by AM Airway Management
TAP Appliances by AM Airway Management
We offer both the TAP 3 and the dreamTAP appliances by AM Airway Management. The primary difference between the TAP 3 and DreamTAP is the way the trays connect. The TAP 3 has hardware on the upper that hooks into a metal socket on the lower, and the DreamTAP has hardware on the lower that hooks onto a metal bar that goes across the facial of the upper anteriors. As such, the DreamTAP is better for a bruxing patient. Aside from a bruxing patient, either appliance is usually acceptable.
dreamTAP:
The ultra comfortable dreamTAP appliance is designed with hardware on its exterior, offering greater tongue space with no obstructions. Stronger than surgical stainless steel, the hardware is made from nickel-free cobalt-chromium, removing the risk of an allergic reaction. The dreamTAP appliance has two liner options- the default Triple Laminate (TL) material which is a resilient soft liner that improves patient comfort, and the ThermAcryl liner which is a rigid material that improves retention and can be adjusted easily with hot water for a customizable fit.
dreamTAP comes with three hook sizes and offers 15mm of horizontal protrusion range. An adjustment key permits the clinician or patient to adjust the protrusion of his/her lower jaw in 5mm increments. See the provided chart for reference.
Clinician Instructions
TAP 3
TAP 3’s simple design is made up of mandibular and maxillary components that are joined with a fixed mechanical hinge and inseparable pivot point during sleep. Fitting comfortably, the TAP 3 is designed to provide room for the tongue and allow the lips to close.
The TAP 3 has a single point of central adjustment, which prevents uneven bilateral adjustment that may create an irregular bite and jaw discomfort. An adjustment key enables the patient to adjust the protrusion of the lower jaw while wearing the device until a comfortable and effective position is achieved.
The TAP3 appliance has two liner options- the default Triple Laminate (TL) material which is a resilient soft liner that improves patient comfort, and the ThermAcryl liner which is a rigid material that improves retention and can be adjusted easily with hot water for a customizable fit.
Hardware Design: A hook mechanism attached to the upper tray fits in a socket attached to the lower tray and positions the lower jaw forward, preventing the soft tissues of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway.
Adjustment Mechanism: The adjustment key enables the patient or clinician to adjust the lower jaw while wearing the device until a comfortable and effective position is achieved.
Clinician Instructions
