Vertex technology is the secret to the success of NylonflexTAP, a digitally printed midline oral device that addresses the limitations of traditional mandibular advancement devices.
The World’s First Single-Point Midline Digitally Printed Oral Device
by W. Keith Thornton, DDS, Founder and Chairman, Airway Management, Inc.
As the founder of Airway Management Inc., I’ve spent over three decades advancing oral appliance therapy to help patients with sleep-disordered breathing achieve restful sleep. My mission has been to deliver effective, patient-centered solutions. On September 16, 2025, we launched Nylon flexTAP®, the world’s first FDA-cleared digitally printed midline oral appliance, a milestone that embodies our commitment to innovation through our patented Vertex Technology.
Nylon flexTAP builds on the TAP Sleep Care® system, backed by over 50 peer-reviewed studies — more than any other oral appliance. Crafted from medical-grade nylon using advanced digital printing, it offers a precise, ultra-thin, custom-fit design that’s BPA-free and metal-free. With a 17 mm range of advancement in 1/3 mm increments, it eliminates the need for bite registration, streamlining clinical workflows. The included Mouth Shield helps achieve lip seal and promotes nasal breathing, a feature proven by research to enhance treatment outcomes for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our AM Aligner®morning repositioner is also included with every case.
The heart of Nylon flexTAP is Vertex Technology, a design I’ve championed to address the limitations of traditional mandibular advancement devices. Its dual-axis adjustability — vertical and horizontal — enables precise positioning via angled post hardware, creating additional tongue space without excessive forward protrusion. For patients with larger tongues or narrower airways, this maximizes airway patency while minimizing discomfort, a critical advancement for effective OSA treatment.
Clinical evidence underscores Vertex Technology’s impact. Studies on TAP® appliances with vertical adjustability show significant reductions in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), often requiring 2-3 mm less protrusion than fixed-vertical devices. This reduces jaw pain, TMJ strain, and bite changes, improving patient compliance. Patients report less morning soreness and better sleep quality, while clinicians note enhanced efficacy, especially for CPAP-intolerant patients. A TAP-specific study demonstrated improved AHI reduction and oxygen saturation, aligning therapy with individual anatomy for superior outcomes.
Clinicians trialing Nylon flexTAP have called it the most effective TAP yet, particularly for complex airways. By optimizing airway space multidimensionally, Vertex Technology addresses anatomical variations that single-axis devices overlook, making it a game-changer for OSA management.
This FDA clearance marks a proud moment for Airway Management, reflecting my vision as a founder to empower clinicians with innovative tools. Manufactured in the U.S.A. and available through Airway Labs (PDAC coverage E0486 pending), Nylon flexTAP offers a 4-year warranty and unmatched reliability. I invite dental and medical professionals to explore how Vertex Technology can elevate their practice, transforming lives by helping patients achieve restorative sleep and improved health.
Learn more at tapintosleep.com/.
Read more about the new standard in sleep apnea treatment, the Nylon flexTAP digitally printed midline oral device here: https://dentalsleeppractice.com/industry-news/nylon-flextap-first-fda-cleared-3d-printed-midline-oral-appliance-for-sleep-apnea/.