The sleep apnea and snoring solution.

Although snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a “red flag” for a much more serious and sometimes fatal condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

Proven To Treat Mild - Severe Apnea and Snoring

The Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP®) and the Thornton Adjustable Positioner II® (TAPII®) are based on the same principle as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR. The airway must be opened to allow air to pass through the throat. A constricted or collapsed airway causes snoring and/or sleep apnea.

Both the TAP and TAPII hold the lower jaw in a forward position so that it does not fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. The appliance maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.

Sleep Apnea Can Cause:

• Chronic sleepiness
• Strokes
• Heart attacks
• Heartburn
• Morning headaches
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Impotence

Snoring Defined

When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway narrows forcing air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder the person tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he or she will close the jaw returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.

The Sleep Apnea Cycle

The pattern of falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage, the person does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger severe health problems.

Normal jaw position, airway open.
Relaxed jaw position causes tongue and throat tissue to collapse and narrows the airway.
TAP maintains forward position and keeps the airway open.