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MyTAP Oral Appliance Review: Is It Right for You?
You wake up exhausted despite spending eight hours in bed, and you wonder if a My TAP Oral Appliance may be what you need. Perhaps you have already tried a CPAP machine and found yourself tangled in hoses, frustrated by the noise, or simply unable to tolerate the sensation of pressurized air. If this sounds familiar, My TAP oral appliance therapy might offer the alternative you have been searching for.
Dr. Avinesh Bhar, CEO of SLIIIP and someone who also suffers from sleep apnea, explains how the myTAP works and if it will work for you.
The myTAP Precision Fit Oral Appliance represents a middle ground between over-the-counter snoring devices and expensive custom dental appliances. FDA-cleared for treating snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, the myTAP brings clinically validated technology into an accessible, self-fitted format. This review examines whether the myTAP delivers on its promises and helps you determine if it belongs on your nightstand.
If you feel you may have an issue with sleep apnea and want a myTAP device then then getting a simple home sleep test from SLIIIP is the best way to get started.
We accept Medicare, Tricare and most major insurances.
What Is the myTAP Oral Appliance
The myTAP is a precision-fit mandibular advancement device designed to treat snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It works by gently advancing the lower jaw forward during sleep, which tightens the soft tissues of the throat and prevents the tongue from collapsing backward into the airway. This mechanism addresses the physical obstruction that causes both snoring vibrations and the breathing pauses characteristic of sleep apnea.
The device consists of upper and lower trays made from thermoplastic material that softens when heated and molds precisely to your teeth. A central adjustment mechanism connects the trays and allows you to control exactly how far forward your lower jaw is positioned.
Airway Management, the company behind the myTAP, developed this device based on their custom TAP appliance technology. The custom TAP has accumulated more independent peer-reviewed studies than any other oral appliance on the market, with over 45 clinical studies validating its effectiveness. The myTAP applies this proven design philosophy in a format that patients can fit themselves in approximately 15 minutes.
Ready to Try the myTAP?
The myTAP Precision Fit Oral Appliance offers clinically-proven effectiveness at a fraction of the cost of custom devices.
Key Benefits:
- ✓ FDA-cleared for snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea
- ✓ Same technology as custom TAP (45+ clinical studies)
- ✓ Fits in 15 minutes at home
- ✓ Adjustable advancement up to 22mm
- ✓ Includes AM Aligner to prevent bite changes
How Oral Appliances Compare to CPAP
Understanding where oral appliances fit in the treatment landscape helps clarify when the myTAP makes sense. CPAP remains the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for moderate to severe cases. CPAP machines deliver pressurized air through a mask to physically hold the airway open throughout the night, and their effectiveness at reducing apnea events is well established.
However, CPAP acceptance and adherence present ongoing challenges. Research indicates that 30 to 50 percent of patients prescribed CPAP therapy either stop using it regularly or abandon it entirely. The mask, noise, tubing, and sensation of forced air create barriers that prevent many people from achieving the benefits CPAP can provide.
Oral appliances like the myTAP offer a fundamentally different experience. They are silent, require no electricity, fit in a pocket for travel, and do not involve masks or tubing. While clinical studies consistently show CPAP produces greater reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index, several recent studies have found that oral appliances and CPAP are equally effective at improving daytime sleepiness, blood pressure, cognitive function, quality of life, and cardiovascular outcomes.
Factor | CPAP | myTAP Oral Appliance |
AHI Reduction | 90%+ | 50-70% |
Adherence Rate | ~50% | ~90% |
Noise | Some noise | Silent |
Portability | Requires power, bulky | Fits in pocket |
Travel | Complex | Simple |
Best For | All severity levels | Mild to moderate OSA |
For people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy represents a legitimate treatment pathway with meaningful clinical support.
Not Sure if You Have Sleep Apnea?
Before starting any treatment, you need a proper diagnosis. Our board-certified sleep specialists can evaluate your symptoms and provide a home sleep test.
Home Sleep Test Options:
- Home Sleep Test with Prescription (if you already have a prescription)
- Home Sleep Test + Prescription (includes telemedicine consultation)
- Sleep Assessment Only (evaluation to determine if testing is right for you)
Book a Free Consultation | Call: 478-238-3552
The Science Behind myTAP Effectiveness
The myTAP builds on the extensive research foundation of the custom TAP appliance family. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that the non-custom myTAP performed comparably to custom mandibular advancement devices. Fifty-eight patients were randomized to either device, and after 12 weeks researchers found no significant differences between them in reducing apnea-hypopnea index or improving self-reported outcomes.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine guidelines cite TAP technology as leading among oral appliances, noting that for 87 percent of patients, TAP devices are as effective as CPAP in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index. This percentage reflects the device’s effectiveness when it works for a particular patient, which depends on individual anatomy and other factors.
How to Fit the myTAP
The fitting process takes approximately 15 minutes and requires boiling water, a timer, a mirror, and tongs. The thermoplastic material of the trays softens when heated, allowing you to mold them precisely to your dental structure.
Step 1: Examine Components
Start by examining the device components: upper tray, lower tray, adjustment mechanism, and AM Aligner. The adjustment mechanism connects the trays and controls jaw advancement.
Step 2: Mold Upper Tray
Submerge the upper tray in boiling water for one minute until the thermoplastic becomes completely clear. Remove with tongs and wait 20 seconds for it to cool slightly. Place the tray over your upper teeth, aligning the adjustment post with the center of your lips. Bite down firmly for one minute while pressing your tongue against the inner sidewalls to create suction. Use your fingers along your jawline to flatten excess material over your molars. Keep the tray in your mouth for three more minutes as it cools and hardens.
Step 3: Mold Lower Tray
Repeat this process for the lower tray, then assemble the complete device by connecting the adjustment mechanism between upper and lower components.
Step 4: Refine if Needed
If the initial fit is not quite right, the thermoplastic material can be reheated and remolded as many times as needed. This reusability represents a significant advantage over one-time molding devices, allowing you to refine the fit until it feels secure and comfortable.
Adjusting the myTAP for Optimal Results
The myTAP adjustment dial allows you to fine-tune jaw advancement up to 22 millimeters in one-third millimeter increments. This precision matters because effective oral appliance therapy requires finding the optimal jaw position for each individual, enough advancement to open the airway without creating unnecessary discomfort.
Start with minimal advancement and increase gradually over time. The manufacturer recommends turning the adjustment dial 180 degrees counterclockwise every two to three nights until you notice improvement in your symptoms. This gradual approach allows your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints to adapt to the new position.
Signs that you have reached an effective advancement position include:
- Reduced snoring
- Fewer breathing pauses observed by a bed partner
- Less morning dry mouth
- More restful sleep
- Improved daytime energy
If you experience persistent jaw pain or excessive discomfort, you may have advanced too far and should dial back slightly.
The titration process typically takes two to four weeks of gradual adjustment. Patience during this period often determines success, as abandoning the device before finding the right position means missing its potential benefits.
What Comes in the myTAP Kit
The myTAP package includes several components designed to optimize therapy and minimize side effects.
Upper and Lower Thermoplastic Trays
The upper and lower thermoplastic trays form the core of the device. Their thin, low-profile design reduces bulk in the mouth compared to many competing products.
Adjustment Mechanism
The adjustment mechanism connects the trays and provides the titratable jaw advancement that sets the myTAP apart from simple one-piece devices. Each half turn advances the lower jaw by approximately one-quarter millimeter.
Mouth Shield
The mouth shield slips over the adjustment post to seal the mouth during sleep. This encourages nasal breathing and helps prevent the excess salivation or dry mouth common with oral appliances. Research suggests that nasal breathing during sleep produces better outcomes than mouth breathing.
AM Aligner
The AM Aligner serves a critical function often overlooked with oral appliances. After sleeping with your jaw in a forward position all night, your bite may feel different upon waking. The AM Aligner is molded to your natural bite before treatment begins and used each morning to help your jaw return to its normal position. Regular use of the AM Aligner can help prevent the permanent bite changes that sometimes occur with long-term oral appliance use.
Optional Vertical Shims
Optional vertical shims are available separately for patients who need additional tongue space. These shims allow 6mm, 9mm, or 12mm additional vertical opening, which research has linked to better outcomes in some patients.
Who Should Consider the myTAP
The myTAP is appropriate for adults with snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea who meet certain criteria.
Ideal candidates have:
- Healthy teeth and gums with at least eight natural teeth in each arch to anchor the device securely
- Seen a dentist within the past 12 months
- No active dental problems requiring treatment
The myTAP works well for:
- People who have tried CPAP and found it intolerable
- Those who want a more portable and travel-friendly therapy option
- Bed partners who cannot sleep next to CPAP noise
- Patients who want to test whether oral appliance therapy works for them before investing in a custom device
Some patients use the myTAP as a permanent solution, while others use it as a trial device before proceeding to a custom appliance. Using myTAP first can confirm you respond well to mandibular advancement therapy before committing to the higher cost and longer fabrication time of custom devices.
The myTAP can also serve as a backup appliance for patients who have a custom device but want a spare for travel or emergencies.
Who Should Not Use the myTAP
Certain conditions make the myTAP inappropriate or require professional guidance before use.
Do not use the myTAP if you have:
- Central sleep apnea (which involves the brain failing to signal breathing rather than physical airway obstruction)
- Loose teeth, loose crowns, loose fillings, or temporary crowns
- Removable dentures or bridges
- Braces
- A history of temporomandibular joint disorders (consult a dentist first)
- Limited ability to move your jaw forward
Severe obstructive sleep apnea typically requires CPAP therapy, especially when accompanied by significant oxygen desaturation or cardiovascular complications. While some patients with severe sleep apnea respond to oral appliances, CPAP remains the first-line treatment for serious cases.
If you experience significant daytime sleepiness that affects driving or work performance, consult a sleep specialist before relying on any treatment. The urgency of these situations may require the faster-acting, more predictable response of CPAP therapy.
Potential Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Oral appliance therapy, including the myTAP, can produce side effects that range from temporary adjustment issues to concerns requiring professional attention.
Initial Side Effects (First Week)
Excessive salivation commonly occurs during the first few nights as your mouth reacts to the presence of a new object. This typically resolves within a week as you become accustomed to wearing the device. The included mouth shield can help reduce this effect.
Slight jaw soreness or stiffness often accompanies initial use and advancement adjustments. This discomfort usually indicates your jaw muscles are adapting to the new position. Applying a warm compress before bed or after waking can ease muscle tension. If soreness persists, reduce your advancement setting.
Morning Bite Changes
Temporary bite changes commonly occur in the morning after wearing the device all night. Your teeth may not come together in their usual pattern immediately upon waking. Using the AM Aligner for 5 to 15 minutes each morning helps reset your bite. Most people find their normal bite returns within 30 minutes of removing the device.
Ongoing Considerations
Tooth sensitivity or gum discomfort can result from improperly fitted trays. If this occurs, reheat and remold the affected tray to improve fit. If discomfort continues, consult a dentist.
Permanent bite changes and tooth movement can occur with long-term oral appliance use, particularly without proper monitoring. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to detect any changes early. Consistent use of the AM Aligner helps minimize this risk.
TMJ pain or clicking requires attention. While temporary jaw adjustment is normal, persistent pain in the temporomandibular joint signals a need to reduce advancement or discontinue use. Consult a dentist if TMJ symptoms develop.
myTAP vs Custom Oral Appliances
Understanding how the myTAP compares to custom dental appliances helps clarify its appropriate role.
Feature | myTAP | Custom Oral Appliance |
Cost | $400-$500 | $1,500-$3,000+ |
Fitting Time | 15 minutes at home | Multiple appointments over weeks |
Lifespan | ~6 months | 3-5 years |
Effectiveness | Clinically equivalent | Clinically equivalent |
Adjustability | Yes (22mm range) | Yes |
Best For | Trial, travel, budget | Long-term primary use |
Custom oral appliances are fabricated in dental laboratories from impressions of your teeth. They typically cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more, require multiple dental appointments, and take weeks to fabricate. However, they offer superior durability, lasting 3 to 5 years with proper care, and their precision fit may provide better comfort for some patients.
The myTAP costs approximately $400 to $500, can be fitted at home in 15 minutes, and requires no professional appointments. Its expected lifespan is approximately 6 months of regular use, though some patients report longer durability. The thermoplastic trays are less robust than custom acrylic materials.
Clinical research from the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam found the myTAP equally effective as custom devices at reducing sleep apnea severity in a randomized trial. This suggests the therapeutic benefit depends more on the mandibular advancement mechanism than the custom fit of the trays.
The myTAP makes particular sense as a trial device. You can determine whether you respond well to oral appliance therapy before investing in a custom appliance. If the myTAP works, you know a custom device will likely work as well. If it does not work, you have saved significant expense.
Many dental sleep practitioners now use the myTAP as a starting point for therapy, then transition patients to custom appliances for long-term use. The initial myTAP becomes a backup device.
Travel Considerations
The myTAP offers significant advantages for travelers compared to CPAP equipment.
The device fits in any bag and weighs only a few ounces. No power source, tubing, masks, or water chambers are required. Airport security presents no complications.
International travel becomes simpler without voltage converters or outlet adapters. Camping and wilderness trips remain possible without power solutions.
Some patients maintain CPAP therapy at home while using the myTAP exclusively for travel. This approach ensures therapy continuity regardless of destination or accommodation.
The included storage container protects the device during transit. Keeping it away from extreme heat prevents thermoplastic deformation.
Prefer CPAP for Home, Oral Appliance for Travel?
Many patients use both treatments. At Sliiip, we offer complete solutions:
Oral Appliance:
Travel CPAP Options:
- Transcend Micro + Essentials Pack + FREE Mask
- Transcend Micro Power Bundle
- AirMini with P10 Mask Pack
- AirMini with N20 Mask Pack
Book a Consultation to discuss which combination works for your lifestyle.
Caring for Your myTAP
Proper maintenance extends device life and ensures hygienic therapy.
Daily Care:
- Clean the myTAP every morning using a soft toothbrush and warm water
- Avoid hot water, which can soften the thermoplastic and alter the fit
Weekly Care:
- Weekly cleaning with mild soap provides deeper sanitation
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue before storing
What to Avoid:
- Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol-based solutions, as these can damage the thermoplastic material and cause it to become brittle
Storage:
- Store the device in its container in a cool, dry place
- Keep it away from pets, as dogs in particular are attracted to the scent and will chew the device
Inspection:
- Inspect the trays regularly for signs of wear, cracking, or loosening
- If the fit deteriorates, reheat and remold the trays
- If the adjustment mechanism becomes damaged, contact the manufacturer for replacement parts
Getting a Prescription for myTAP
The myTAP requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider because it is FDA-cleared as a medical device for treating sleep apnea.
Step 1: Get Diagnosed
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, the first step is proper diagnosis through a sleep study. A home sleep test can provide the necessary diagnostic information in the comfort of your own bed, without requiring an overnight stay at a sleep laboratory.
Step 2: Get Your Prescription
Once diagnosed, your physician can write a prescription for the myTAP or another oral appliance. At Sliiip, our telemedicine consultations provide prescriptions for patients who have completed sleep testing.
Step 3: Purchase and Fit
With your prescription, you can order the myTAP Precision Fit Oral Appliance and fit it at home in approximately 15 minutes.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage varies by carrier. Most plans cover custom oral appliances under medical equipment codes, but coverage for non-custom devices like the myTAP is less consistent. Check with your insurance provider before purchasing. HSA and FSA funds can typically be used to purchase the myTAP.
The Bottom Line
The myTAP Oral Appliance represents a legitimate treatment option for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, backed by clinical research and built on proven technology. It bridges the gap between ineffective over-the-counter devices and expensive custom dental appliances.
For people who cannot tolerate CPAP, who need a portable therapy option, or who want to test their response to oral appliance therapy before investing in a custom device, the myTAP deserves serious consideration. The gradual adjustment mechanism allows personalized titration, the included AM Aligner helps protect against bite changes, and the ability to remold the trays ensures a proper fit.
The myTAP will not work for everyone. Severe sleep apnea typically requires CPAP. Certain dental conditions preclude use. Individual anatomy affects response. But for appropriate candidates, the myTAP offers a path to better sleep without the complexity of CPAP equipment.
If you are unsure whether you have sleep apnea or just snore, recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can help you determine whether evaluation is warranted. For those exploring treatment options beyond oral appliances, understanding the full range of oral appliances for sleep apnea provides helpful context.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
Whether you need a diagnosis, prescription, or are ready to order, Sliiip can help.
Order myTAP Oral Appliance | Order Home Sleep Test
Book a Consultation | Email: info@sliiip.com | Call: 478-238-3552
Our board-certified sleep specialists can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right treatment for your situation.
