SNORING APPLIANCE
For most people, snoring is usually an indicator of deep sleep. However, for many others it disturbs
a quiet night’s rest and may even be an indication of a life-threatening sleep disorder. Snorers are usually lonely, but not alone. 60% of men and 40% of women over 60, as well as 10% of men and 5% of women in their 30s snore. Many of them without knowing it.
The natural airway passages are restricted in sleep when the soft palate and tongue relax. This causes a vibration in the soft tissues of the throat when breathing, generating the familiar snoring noise.
The Tap appliance is fabricated from a heat processed hard/soft combination acrylic. The upper splint has a hook mechanism incorporated into the palate of the splint and the lower splint has a plate that the hook mechanism connects into. The hook can be adjusted with a key to provide up to 10 mm of movement to optimise lower jaw advancement.
The hard/soft acrylic construction ensures the appliance is very comfortable to wear and the adjustable hook allows the wearer to find the optimal level of advancement. The appliance allows patients to move laterally and vertically without disengaging the appliance.