Getting the Right Fit: A Guide to Troubleshooting Your Myerson EMA Snore Straps
If you wear a Myerson EMA (Elastic Mandibular Advancement) appliance, you already know it's one of the most comfortable options for treating snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. Custom-formed upper and lower trays and a set of small interchangeable elastic straps hold your lower jaw forward, opening your airway. Simple and effective, and sure beats lugging around CPAP equipment.
One of the most important parts to wearing an EMA device is determining the right strap length/strength. Rest assured we only sell genuine, high quality EMA straps from an authorized EMA/Myerson dealer.
EMA Strap Length: How it Works
The basic rule is:
Shorter strap (ie. 13mm) = more lower jaw advancement
Longer strap (ie. 21mm) = less lower jaw advancement
In other words, a 13 mm strap will pull the lower jaw farther forward than a 21 mm strap.
That does not mean shorter is always better. The goal is to find the strap length that gives you the best balance of effectiveness and comfort.
Troubleshooting Tips:
1. The Straps Feel Too Tight or Cause Jaw Soreness:
If your EMA straps feel too tight or you wake up with generalized soreness or TMJ discomfort, the appliance may be advancing your lower jaw too far forward or too quickly. In many cases, this can happen when the strap length is too short or the strap strength is too firm. Do not force yourself to “push through” jaw pain. Check that you are using the correct size and color recommended by your dentist, and contact your provider if soreness continues. They may recommend a longer strap, a softer strap, or a more gradual adjustment schedule.
2. The Straps Stretch Out or Feel Loose
EMA straps naturally wear over time. Think about it: you are putting pressure on a stretchy rubber strap for many hours every night; it's only natural they get worn out. If your appliance no longer feels as secure, your snoring symptoms seem to be returning, or the strap holes look stretched into an oval shape, it may be time to replace them. Straps should usually be replaced in matching pairs so both sides of the appliance stay balanced. If your straps are stretching out very quickly, ask your dentist whether a firmer strap in the same length may be a better fit.
(White = Soft
Yellow = Medium
Blue = Firm
Clear = Extra Firm)
3. My Straps Break Every Night
Frequent breakage usually means the straps are under too much tension, are being overstretched during placement, or are not the right strength. It can also happen if the appliance attachment "buttons" are rough and are damaging the strap holes.
First, make sure you are using the correct strap length and strength. A strap that is too short may be pulling the lower jaw too far forward and putting excessive stress on the material. If the length is correct but the straps are still snapping, your provider may recommend moving to a firmer strap, such as from white to yellow, yellow to blue, or blue to clear, while keeping the same length.
You should also inspect the appliance buttons carefully. If a button is chipped, rough, or has a sharp edge, it can cut into the strap and cause it to tear. Do not continue wearing the device if straps are breaking nightly. Contact your dentist or sleep provider so they can check the appliance fit, the buttons, and whether your strap length or strength needs to be adjusted.