TAP & EMA- What's the Difference?

Green offers two different oral appliances for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP®) and the Elastic Mandibular Advancement (EMA®). Both devices are made of custom inter-occlusal parts that fit over the mandible and the maxilla. They operate using the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): by holding the mandible forward, the airway is expanded and held open. The EMA and the TAP reduce snoring and improve breathing.

The TAP® adjusts the amount of mandibular advancement using an anterior dial mechanism. The upper portion of the device hooks into the lower portion, and the dial mechanism allows for adjustment to the degree which the jaw is held forward. This allows the patient to experience the most possible comfort and helps ensure patient compliance. The TAP is strong enough for clenchers and bruxers.

Mandibular advancement with EMA® is achieved using interchangeable posterior elastic straps that offer varying degrees of advancement. By holding the mandible forward, the EMA maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing. The device is FDA approved for treatment of obstructive sleep Apnea. The device is not recommended for severe bruxers. 

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