Got new masks to try

[khauser]

Today the FedEx person brought me:

• Sleepweaver Elan
• Tap Pap

I've already fit the Elan and think I can get a good seal, but haven't tried it at night yet.

Despite what I thought would be difficult timing wise, I managed to fit the Tap Pap mouthpiece as well. That is actually EASIER than the video makes it seem! GREAT fit too. I put the large pillows on, and that fits nicely too.

All that's left is to sleep with each. More to come!!

[jweeks]

Hi,

Please do post a follow-up once you get to use the Tap Pap for a night. I am very curious about how it will work out.

-john-

[araminta]

how'd it go?

[khauser]

So went with the Tap Pap last night. Initial impressions are:

• VERY easy to do the boil and fit process
• Surprisingly easy to fit, though I am not sure I used the best pillow size. But regardless, the alignment, etc is by far the easiest I have ever used.
• No problems with hose management.
• I did have some leakage after a bit, and that took a bit to resolve (it was dark now, etc), but again I got it set up and fell back asleep
• I *LOVE* not having straps. On the other hand, I am VERY used to having straps. SO used to it that I realize now I have a habit of relocating the strap further down my head, and I tried to do this many times last night. This awakens me because I find it humorous when I remember there is none.
• No matter WHAT position I slept in the mask remained perfectly aligned. No more pillow fights! (You know what I mean)

It is very likely a keeper, and is currently a contender for "top mask". Like any mask I need to give it several days. I am expecting parts to get easier, and concerned that with time the fit will become harder (like with pillow age).

Overall, it's a solid A or A+. I would give it 5 stars if I rated it now, but I won't rate it until I know more. I will use it for about a week before trying the Elan (I don't want to switch back and forth that fast).
-Kevin

[Catnap]

So went with the Tap Pap last night. Initial impressions are:

• VERY easy to do the boil and fit process
• Surprisingly easy to fit, though I am not sure I used the best pillow size. But regardless, the alignment, etc is by far the easiest I have ever used.
• No problems with hose management.
• I did have some leakage after a bit, and that took a bit to resolve (it was dark now, etc), but again I got it set up and fell back asleep
• I *LOVE* not having straps. On the other hand, I am VERY used to having straps. SO used to it that I realize now I have a habit of relocating the strap further down my head, and I tried to do this many times last night. This awakens me because I find it humorous when I remember there is none.
• No matter WHAT position I slept in the mask remained perfectly aligned. No more pillow fights! (You know what I mean)

It is very likely a keeper, and is currently a contender for "top mask". Like any mask I need to give it several days. I am expecting parts to get easier, and concerned that with time the fit will become harder (like with pillow age).

Overall, it's a solid A or A+. I would give it 5 stars if I rated it now, but I won't rate it until I know more. I will use it for about a week before trying the Elan (I don't want to switch back and forth that fast).
-Kevin

I found it really easy to align, too. LOVE the little bolt that lets you make very fine adjustments with the mask in place.

I wanted so much to use the Elan, but it was not to be. It leaked, but not much at all considering its construction. Unfortunately, the spot that always let go was a dead shot for my eye, so it was a no go.

Have you ever worn a bite guard or TMJ splint or similar? I'm curious about whether the mouthpiece works out for people with no prior experience using any kind of dental appliance when they're sleeping (whether it feels too intrusive to tolerate).

[Pugsy]

I'm curious about whether the mouthpiece works out for people with no prior experience using any kind of dental appliance when they're sleeping (whether it feels too intrusive to tolerate).

I have never ever worn any type of dental anything....not even braces as a kid.
I don't find it intrusive at all. First few nights I "knew" it was there for a few minutes but it quickly faded to the background.
Mainly I put it on...feels a bit snug for a couple of minutes then the brain says "okay" "you don't bug me anymore" and I don't really notice it.

[khauser]

Have you ever worn a bite guard or TMJ splint or similar? I'm curious about whether the mouthpiece works out for people with no prior experience using any kind of dental appliance when they're sleeping (whether it feels too intrusive to tolerate).

Nope ... I did try the old CPAP pro but it was nothing like the tap pap and never made to the start of a night, let alone through one, but that's the closest I came to using any kind of mouth guard.

[G'night Gracie]

From where are y'all buying this TAP PAP mask? Online?

[khauser]

From where are y'all buying this TAP PAP mask? Online?

Yup. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/tap-pa ... -mask.html

It's very new so not very likely to be in stock at a local DME, though they can probably order it. Some DME's are willing to do so, some not, and some will do so but tell you that it's at YOUR risk.
-Kevin

[Catnap]

From where are y'all buying this TAP PAP mask? Online?

Yup. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/tap-pa ... -mask.html

It's very new so not very likely to be in stock at a local DME, though they can probably order it. Some DME's are willing to do so, some not, and some will do so but tell you that it's at YOUR risk.
-Kevin

Same here, cpap.com. Great service, F-A-S-T shipping! With the free return insurance you can hardly go wrong.

[Catnap]

PS: Thanks for the info on the bite splints, etc. I've used both a bruxism guard and a TMJ splint after an accident dislocated my jaw (well, I guess that's never the kind of thing you do deliberately, is it? ), so I thought maybe my quick accommodation to the Tap Pap was because I was already accustomed to sleeping with something on my teeth. Guess not, which is good news for everyone!

[RogerSC]

Just a random comment on the other side, unfortunately. I did try the Tap Pap mask recently, and it was great until I tried to sleep with it, seemed solid with no leaks, and I could roll from side to side with no problem. Great feeling of freedom, with no headgear. I did have braces and a retainer as a kid, no problems with those, but this is the first thing that I've tried to sleep with that goes through the lips. It isn't just inside of the mouth. Just didn't work for me, I could not get comfortable enough with it to get to sleep, and it didn't feel like it was going to happen. Had to give it up after just laying there for a long time. Didn't bother trying it with just the headgear that comes with it, since the whole idea was to be free of that. I've adapted well to other forms of masks, this one just doesn't work for me.

This is obviously a personal thing, others find it the best thing since sliced bread. I'm really sorry that it didn't work for me, I think that it is an interesting idea and a novel approach. I have other options that are okay, so I feel alright about it, although somewhat disappointed.

[tbinbny]

Hi- I am very interested in this Tap pap. Does it help you keep your mouth closed, make it more difficult to keep your mouth closed, or have no effect? Also, I clicked on the link you provided for cpap.com and it said that a prescription is required? I though you only needed prescriptions for machines, and not for masks? Any idea on that? Did you have to provide a script? Thanks!

[ozze_dollar]

Re: the tap tap mask. Are the nasal pillows completely different to all others or are they interchangable with some?

[Pugsy]

Re: the tap tap mask. Are the nasal pillows completely different to all others or are they interchangable with some?

They look like the Breeze nasal pillows but the Breeze pillows are too large to fit in the hole to anchor them.
I tried. The Breeze nasal pillows are thicker also. The tap pap pillows are more delicate and thinner material.