Tonawanda, NY (April 27, 2026) – Great Lakes Dental Technologies, a global leader in orthodontic and sleep airway solutions, today announced an exclusive lab partnership with TAP Sleep Care (Airway Management) to launch the groundbreaking Nylon flexTAP®, the world’s first FDA-cleared, single-point midline digitally printed nylon oral appliance for the treatment of snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
This strategic collaboration brings together Great Lakes’ decades of expertise in custom dental appliance fabrication and TAP Sleep Care’s innovative TAP® platform—backed by over 50 independent peer-reviewed studies—to deliver an unprecedented level of comfort, precision, and patient-centered care in sleep medicine.
The Nylon flexTAP features premium white medical-grade nylon trays that are 3D-printed for an ultra-light, ultra-thin, and highly precise custom fit. It is completely metal-free and incorporates patented Vertex Technology®, enabling smooth, simultaneous vertical and horizontal jaw movement with easy at-home adjustability via a single midline point. Patients also receive the Mouth Shield as a standard accessory to promote nasal breathing, reduce dry mouth, and enhance overall treatment efficacy.
Key benefits of the Nylon flexTAP include:
- Superior comfort with the lightest and thinnest profile in the TAP family
- Maximum tongue space due to external hardware design
- Precise digital fit for improved compliance and outcomes
- 4-year warranty
- Full Medicare coverage under HCPCS code E0486 and broad private insurance reimbursement
WATCH: How does Nylon flexTAP work?
“We are very happy to partner exclusively with TAP Sleep Care to introduce Nylon flexTAP to our network of dental & medical professionals,” said Bill Gertner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Great Lakes Dental Technologies. “This innovative appliance represents the next evolution in mandibular advancement devices, combining advanced digital manufacturing with proven TAP efficacy. Dentists and patients alike will benefit from enhanced comfort, streamlined workflows, and better restorative sleep outcomes.”
Dr. Keith Thornton, founder of the TAP Sleep Care System, added: “Great Lakes has long been a trusted fabrication partner for TAP appliances. Their commitment to quality and innovation makes them an ideal partner to add Nylon flexTAP to their portfolio, helping more patients achieve effective, comfortable treatment without CPAP.”
The Nylon flexTAP is now available through Great Lakes Dental Technologies or Airway Labs for sleep clinicians and their patients.
About Great Lakes Dental Technologies
Great Lakes Dental Technologies is a leading provider of orthodontic appliances, sleep airway solutions, TMD treatments, and digital workflows. With over 50 years of experience, the company supports dental professionals worldwide with high-quality custom devices, education, and technical expertise. Learn more at GLDT.com.
About TAP Sleep Care / Airway Management
TAP Sleep Care, powered by Airway Management, Inc., offers the most clinically proven portfolio of oral appliance therapies for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The TAP family of devices continues to set the standard in dental sleep medicine with innovative, patient-friendly solutions. Visit tapintosleep.com for more information.