New TAP PAP mask review

[Kiralynx]

My Tap Pap arrived on Saturday, and I fit it yesterday. Slept with it last night, and slept quite well.
...
Apria's gonna hate me when I ask for one of these for my next mask replacement.

If they're like my DME, they won't bad an eye, they'll just tell you that they won't get it or stock it.

Yes, pretty much what I expect. Apria hasn't succeeded in getting a supply order right in the last 4.5 years, and they hedged and stalled over getting direct seals for my CL2, didn't want to get the Headrest for me, fussed and fewmetsed over every thing... including new straps.

The last time, I specifically gave them the order numbers, and they STILL sent the wrong mask. And when I called them up and advised them of this fact, they wanted to set up an appointment for me to bring it back to them. To which I said, "So, because you screwed up, I'm supposed to drive 60 miles round trip, spend about $10 in gas, and around two hours of my time." "Well, but you've opened the mask!" "30 day exchange, remember?" "We can't send a truck out after an opened package. You HAVE to bring it back." "So what you're saying is that, because you screwed up, I'm supposed to drive 60 miles round trip, spend about $10 in gas, and around two hours of my time, have I got that right?" "Well... but... I guess we can have an RT come pick it up." I said, "You do that."

And THAT is why I ordered the Tap Pap from CPAP.COM. Called at 3p on Thursday, and the mask was in my mailbox on Saturday.

[Pugsy]

My teeth were a bit sore when I pried it off -- maybe I need to re-fit it? -- but the soreness went away in about 20 minutes.

I had a bit of that short term initial soreness. It gradually went away after about a week.
You can also run some warm water over it for about 30 seconds..then refit and sort of move it around a bit so it isn't quite so snug.
It seems to tighten up a bit as it cools so sort of moving it around a bit allows it to not quite so tight and still stay in place well..just not quite so snug.

[Kiralynx]

I had a bit of that short term initial soreness. It gradually went away after about a week.
You can also run some warm water over it for about 30 seconds..then refit and sort of move it around a bit so it isn't quite so snug. It seems to tighten up a bit as it cools so sort of moving it around a bit allows it to not quite so tight and still stay in place well..just not quite so snug.

Okay, I'll test that out tonight. One night does not a trend make, but so far, I think I like this mask.

[docjl]

PUgsy,
How is the tap pap mask working out?

I just heard of it and it may be what I need to survive with the cpap!
Thanks for doing a review!
doceo

[Pugsy]

PUgsy,
How is the tap pap mask working out?

Working out great. Still using it. No problems at all. It is solidly entrenched in my number one spot in regards to mask preferences. Haven't used a different mask since putting it on that first night. Also still using same set of nasal pillows in the Medium size without issues. They are so thin that I thought that they might get tired easily but still plugging along with original Medium nasal pillows. I wash them about once a week when I think about it.
So continuous nightly use since March 4 for the nasal pillows and no signs of getting tired.

I barely notice the mouth guard part. No discomfort and I love the fact that there is no head gear at all to mess with.

[SleepyToo2]

I agree with Pugsy that this is a great mask. Unfortunately, I had a temporary crown put in last weekend, so I have had to stop using. However, for me the large pillows give me the lowest leak rates. The pillows are soft, so I think that helps with the seal. When I get the permanent crown, I will experiment again with the dental support to ensure the right fit. The adjustment at the pivot means that it is easy to get the angles just right.

[Pugsy]

Unfortunately, I had a temporary crown put in last weekend, so I have had to stop using.

Yep, not good thing for a temporary crown. Best to wait till things are thoroughly cemented back in place.
Couple of years ago I had a root canal done on a tooth that already had a crown on it, so we just put the original crown back on for the 2 weeks while the root canal thing was healing up...it was a back molar..gold crown. Guess what...a piece of bread got stuck on it and yep...I swallowed it.

[ems]

Unfortunately, I had a temporary crown put in last weekend, so I have had to stop using.

...it was a back molar..gold crown. Guess what...a piece of bread got stuck on it and yep...I swallowed it.

Oh no! That swallow must have cost you lots of dollars! Ummmm... unless you "found" it.

[Pugsy]

unless you "found" it

I did.
I had already maxed out our pitiful excuse for dental insurance so no way was I going to buy another crown.

[parsnip]

Just another follow up.. I have been using the Tap Pap now since March with very good results. I had one issue where the nasal pillows (large) were rubbing against the skin under my nose and caused a sore. I was able to switch to the medium and have been fine since. I also still get some soreness in my front teeth many mornings. It is usually gone in a few minutes but it does cause some worry.

I have used the warm water trick but if I get water in/on the pillows it always causes leaking.

I am thinking of trying to reform and purposely make it a little looser in front.

Other than that I am very happy with it.

[DJD52]

I see everyone talking about the Tap Pap and I'm leaning that way. My only concern is having had TMJ problems in the distant past, and I shudder at the thought of stirring that up again. Even now I have to be care not to push against my lower jaw when sleeping or it will get sore. Is it an overbite when the lower teeth close too far up under and behind the upper teeth? Mine do that, and I habitually keep my tongue up behind the front teeth just to keep the joint from being stressed by fully closing. That has turned out to be an advantage in keeping a seal for nasal pillows use. Not sure if the joint issues are due to my bite or the fact that my jaw was once dislocated.

I'm thinking that since I'm used to creating a gap between my upper and lower teeth it could make the TAP PAP adjustment more natural than someone whose jaw gets forced into an unnatural position with this mask. Am I grasping at straws to try to justify my desire to be headgear free? What is the experience of those who have used the TAP PAP for a while now as far as TMJ issues?

I have TMJ. It's pretty severe. Just laying my face on some of the headgear straps flared up the tmj pain. Laughing with friends flares up my tmj, I can't chew gum, and I have to watch what I eat and be careful how I yawn. So.....it's bad. I was pretty concerned about the Tap Pap but I bought it anyway because the Chiropractor that works with my dentist on TMJ told me he thought it was a really good idea and I should try it. I can only speak for me, but I am doing fine in the Tap Pap. I had to refit it a few times. I needed it even looser to ease pain in my eye teeth and I wanted my teeth to bite down into it farther than others may because that helped me balance my lower jaw. I do not clench on it, I let my tongue go where it wants (usually ends up on the roof of my mouth behind the guard) totally relax my lower jaw, and forget it. I do tape my mouth with the Tap Pap even tho I'm not a mouth breather as that is what allows me to just relax and not care if my jaw dropped and my mouth may try to open. (since the tape is intact in the morning evidently that isn't happening or the tape stops it if it does start) I'm amazed that allowing my jaw to drop back and relax has not caused me any bite problems in the morning or any tmj to flare. I also have NOT had tooth pain of any consequence. I always run hot water over the bite plate right before I put it in at night so it doesn't feel "tight". So far it's working for me and I too was grasping at straws. If my tmj flares I'll just give it a night off but I wouldn't give it up.

update: had to stop using the Tap Pap due to TMJ.

[maestrogn]

Regarding the TAP PAP and TMJ

1. Are you under the care of a dentist who specializes in TMJ issues?
2. Your bite at night is a critical point for distorting pressure on the TMJ. Therefore, you should take the TAP PAP to your dentist and have him/her fit it. Often, a dentist will bring your mandible slightly forward for the night bite to take pressure off the discs in the TMJs.

The TAP PAP could actually help your condition if the bite is right.

mGN

[Pugsy]

Attention everyone....There is a new improved mouth guard now available.
Those of you who already are using the Tap Pap...check your private email and see if cpap.com sent you an email about the new mouth guard...special promotion code for a substantial reduction in price for replacement mouth guard only..

For those of you who have not yet tried the Tap Pap and have been sitting on the fence about trying it...The original price of $129 has been reduced for the promotion (unsure if it is a permanent reduction) to $109 and they are still offering free return insurance so if you buy it and hate it...you can get your money back.

I have personally tried this new mouth guard...did it as part of experiment trials a few weeks ago....I love it. It is thinner especially on the front teeth, lighter and the previously covered with plastic area behind the front teeth is now open so the tongue doesn't have to rest on plastic. Feels great. I love it and I am so happy that I can now share it with everyone.
I thought the original mouth guard was great but this new one is super great. If you are already a Tap Pap lover....you will really, really like the new mouth guard.

BTW...still using my first set of Medium nasal pillows that I started with back around March 5th.. Looks like they are going to hold up well for long term use and not need replacing all that often.

[SleepyToo2]

Attention everyone....There is a new improved mouth guard now available.
Those of you who already are using the Tap Pap...check your private email and see if cpap.com sent you an email about the new mouth guard...special promotion code for a substantial reduction in price for replacement mouth guard only..

For those of you who have not yet tried the Tap Pap and have been sitting on the fence about trying it...The original price of $129 has been reduced for the promotion (unsure if it is a permanent reduction) to $109 and they are still offering free return insurance so if you buy it and hate it...you can get your money back.

I have personally tried this new mouth guard...did it as part of experiment trials a few weeks ago....I love it. It is thinner especially on the front teeth, lighter and the previously covered with plastic area behind the front teeth is now open so the tongue doesn't have to rest on plastic. Feels great. I love it and I am so happy that I can now share it with everyone.
I thought the original mouth guard was great but this new one is super great. If you are already a Tap Pap lover....you will really, really like the new mouth guard.

BTW...still using my first set of Medium nasal pillows that I started with back around March 5th.. Looks like they are going to hold up well for long term use and not need replacing all that often.

Darn! I just ordered one of the new mouthpieces, thinking that I needed to check it out before adding a second one at the reduced price. So, I added replacement pillows to get me to the free shipping category - I could have just added another mouthpiece as a 'spare.' Looks like there will be another order to cpap.com in my not too distant future!!

[Pugsy]

Adding photos of new vs old mouth guard so that the difference is more easily seen.
Still kind of hard to see the "thinner" part but it is there. Main big difference...nothing behind the front teeth. When my tongue goes behind the front teeth all it feels is the back of my front teeth.