Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
-
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:04 pm
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
I've been on ASV for two months now and my biggest hurdle has been dealing with the high fluctuating pressures and the dreaded "chipmunk cheeks" - air escaping from my mouth and waking me up.
I tried an ace bandage. I tried the Ultimate Chinstrap (Russ and Mary are awesome, but unfortunately the strap just doesn't work for me).
So I set out to make my own and have had good success with it, so I thought I'd share it for anyone who is struggling and looking for ideas.
It is made out of flannel that my kids picked out. I wanted Hello Kitty or Angry Birds, but they chose flannel (they're 3 and 7, go figure). I plan to make a version 2.0 out of a lighter material for the summer. Perhaps some linen. I don't sew, but I learned how to use my wife's sewing machine for this little project. It took me about two hours including figure out how to sew.
It is nice and soft and comfy. Plus it's just sexy as all get out. I'm sure my wife swoons once I get all rigged up.
I use a Swift FX nasal pillows, and put it on over this chin strap. The great thing about it is that it keeps the mask fitted perfectly and prevents it from sliding and shifting around my head. Helps with any issues from waking up due to a misplaced mask. Also, the tension keeps your lips closed with high pressures, but this strap still allows you to breath, talk, cough, etc. if you need to, unlike tape.
The main view. The strap goes around my head and is just a little loose. To add some tension (but not too much), I put an elastic band in the back. The little "cup" on the right curves under my chin. This keep the strap from creeping up into the nasal pillows. All straps are folded in half and sewn on one side. The strap over the top is there to keep the whole thing from sliding down. The intersection of the two straps is where my ears are.
Here's the top view. The back is at lower left. You can sort of see the elastic in this photo.
The front view.
I tried an ace bandage. I tried the Ultimate Chinstrap (Russ and Mary are awesome, but unfortunately the strap just doesn't work for me).
So I set out to make my own and have had good success with it, so I thought I'd share it for anyone who is struggling and looking for ideas.
It is made out of flannel that my kids picked out. I wanted Hello Kitty or Angry Birds, but they chose flannel (they're 3 and 7, go figure). I plan to make a version 2.0 out of a lighter material for the summer. Perhaps some linen. I don't sew, but I learned how to use my wife's sewing machine for this little project. It took me about two hours including figure out how to sew.
It is nice and soft and comfy. Plus it's just sexy as all get out. I'm sure my wife swoons once I get all rigged up.
I use a Swift FX nasal pillows, and put it on over this chin strap. The great thing about it is that it keeps the mask fitted perfectly and prevents it from sliding and shifting around my head. Helps with any issues from waking up due to a misplaced mask. Also, the tension keeps your lips closed with high pressures, but this strap still allows you to breath, talk, cough, etc. if you need to, unlike tape.
The main view. The strap goes around my head and is just a little loose. To add some tension (but not too much), I put an elastic band in the back. The little "cup" on the right curves under my chin. This keep the strap from creeping up into the nasal pillows. All straps are folded in half and sewn on one side. The strap over the top is there to keep the whole thing from sliding down. The intersection of the two straps is where my ears are.
Here's the top view. The back is at lower left. You can sort of see the elastic in this photo.
The front view.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: PR System One Auto SV Advanced Model 960P |
Last edited by Apneanderthal on Mon Nov 25, 2013 12:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Posts: 136
- Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:43 pm
- Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Apneanderthal ... I love this ! You did a wonderful job designing and sewing this chinstrap. I'm especially impressed that you did this when you have never sewn anything before. And your design is very similar to the one I created. Great minds think alike!
As I said above, I also designed my own chinstrap which covers my lips, very similar to yours, after I looked at the Ultimate Chinstrap design. Mine works like a charm too. Keeps my lips closed all night. I make sure my bottom lip is up over my front teeth, bulldog style when the chinstrap is on. (I can't use tape ... I get a rash from the adhesive) And the chinstrap helps to keep the mask in place. Mine is soft and comfy too (I used an old towel, but plan to make a new one using flannel or a plush fabric).
The only difference is, I wear mine under my mask, not over it.
I use the Aloha nasal pillows mask. I found it's cheek straps, even with strap covers, can still leave marks on my face, so when I designed my chinstrap, I purposely made the sides high enough to go under the Aloha face straps. It gives me that extra layer of protection and I never have strap marks. The whole thing fits nice and snug, my lips never open, and my leak lines are incredible.
Great job. Thanks for posting!
LOL ... and the plaid is to die for!It is nice and soft and comfy. Plus it's just sexy as all get out. I'm sure my wife swoons once I get all rigged up.
As I said above, I also designed my own chinstrap which covers my lips, very similar to yours, after I looked at the Ultimate Chinstrap design. Mine works like a charm too. Keeps my lips closed all night. I make sure my bottom lip is up over my front teeth, bulldog style when the chinstrap is on. (I can't use tape ... I get a rash from the adhesive) And the chinstrap helps to keep the mask in place. Mine is soft and comfy too (I used an old towel, but plan to make a new one using flannel or a plush fabric).
The only difference is, I wear mine under my mask, not over it.
I use the Aloha nasal pillows mask. I found it's cheek straps, even with strap covers, can still leave marks on my face, so when I designed my chinstrap, I purposely made the sides high enough to go under the Aloha face straps. It gives me that extra layer of protection and I never have strap marks. The whole thing fits nice and snug, my lips never open, and my leak lines are incredible.
Great job. Thanks for posting!
_________________
Mask: Aloha Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead v0.9.1, Pressure: 9 - 14 |
- chunkyfrog
- Posts: 34391
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
- Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Custom chin straps are the way to go.
Elastic does NOT "fit everybody", can hurt, and even compress nerves and block blood flow.
It is so good to see that creative people are at work.
Elastic does NOT "fit everybody", can hurt, and even compress nerves and block blood flow.
It is so good to see that creative people are at work.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her |
-
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:04 pm
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
ReadyForRest, I realized I misspoke in my post. I too put my headgear over the top of my homemade chinstrap. That way I can quickly take off my mask when I need to get up in the middle of the night, and just leave this gadget in place.
For version 2.0 (or even this one), I plan to put a strap connecting the back to the top strap, so that the top strap doesn't slide forward. It's not a big issue, but I'm always looking for improvements. And of course, I'll be looking to make some improvements to my sewing technique I thought about putting the elastic inside the strap, rather than on the outside, but that's just getting ridiculous. The main thing for me was avoiding velcro straps, which are bulky and noisy.
For version 2.0 (or even this one), I plan to put a strap connecting the back to the top strap, so that the top strap doesn't slide forward. It's not a big issue, but I'm always looking for improvements. And of course, I'll be looking to make some improvements to my sewing technique I thought about putting the elastic inside the strap, rather than on the outside, but that's just getting ridiculous. The main thing for me was avoiding velcro straps, which are bulky and noisy.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: PR System One Auto SV Advanced Model 960P |
- Stormynights
- Posts: 2273
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2010 7:01 pm
- Location: Oklahoma
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Could I please see this on a model? My imagination isn't working today.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressure EPAP 5.8 IPAP 9.4-21.8 PS 3.6/16 S9 Vpap Adapt ASV |
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
I was thinking this too -- I can pretty well visualize it but it would help to see it on someone because I may get out my sewing machine and give this one a try.Stormynights wrote:Could I please see this on a model? My imagination isn't working today.
Apneanderthal, thanks for posting this.
Oh -- and don't be shy about posting a photo of yourself wearing it -- after all, you said it makes you look sexy. So think how many women will be swooning out here in cyberspace.
_________________
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet with Heated Humidifer + Aifit N30i Nasal Mask Bundle |
Mask: Aloha Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead-now-OSCAR software on Mac OSX Ventura |
-
- Posts: 136
- Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:43 pm
- Location: Ontario, Canada
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Stormy, are you asking me or the OP?Stormynights wrote:Could I please see this on a model? My imagination isn't working today.
_________________
Mask: Aloha Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead v0.9.1, Pressure: 9 - 14 |
- chunkyfrog
- Posts: 34391
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
- Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
I'm sure apneanderthal's kids think he looks magnificent in that fine, manly plaid.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her |
-
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:04 pm
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
I called all the models I know, but then I realized I don't know any models. So I just grabbed this guy off the nearby street corner to model for me. Just try to contain yourselves, this plaid is to the opposite sex like catnip is to cats. Or gorillas.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: PR System One Auto SV Advanced Model 960P |
- StuUnderPressure
- Posts: 1377
- Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:34 am
- Location: USA
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
When do you start taking orders?
_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Additional Comments: Cleanable Water Tub & Respironics Premium Chinstrap |
In Windows 10 Professional 64 bit Version 22H2 - ResScan Version 7.0.1.67 - ResScan Clinician's Manual dtd 2021-02
SD Card Formatter 5.0.2 https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/format ... index.html
SD Card Formatter 5.0.2 https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/format ... index.html
- HerdingDogRescuer
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Tue Nov 26, 2013 12:36 pm
- Location: Black Hills
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Very cool!! I like the resourcefulness and problem solving! I've been on APAP for a week now. I had an issue I solved with duct tape. The rushing air made the tip of my nose cold. So I just tear of a piece of duct tape and put it on the tip of my nose. Works like a charm. We can solve a lot of our own problems with some careful thought and experimentation!
Machine: Resmed S9
Humidifier: H5i
Mask: Nasal
Pressures: 8.5 ish avg
Humidifier: H5i
Mask: Nasal
Pressures: 8.5 ish avg
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
And what a coincidence the chinstrap fits him perfectly!Apneanderthal wrote:So I just grabbed this guy off the nearby street corner to model for me.
Do you have a pattern that you are going to be using for future versions? I'm still trying to picture how to cut the fabric to replicate this design.
Oh, and thank you for the photo -- you're a good sport!
_________________
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet with Heated Humidifer + Aifit N30i Nasal Mask Bundle |
Mask: Aloha Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: SleepyHead-now-OSCAR software on Mac OSX Ventura |
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
You and me both!!kaiasgram wrote:I'm still trying to picture how to cut the fabric to replicate this design.
_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
Additional Comments: Encore Basic Software; Pressure >7 |
Howkim
I am not a mushroom.
I am not a mushroom.
-
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2013 1:04 pm
- Location: Orlando, Florida
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
Like I said, I plan to make another, and so perhaps I'll take photos or even do a video of the creation process. It's actually really simple. There are only two pieces necessary. In the meantime, perhaps this will help:
- Get some nice soft, thin fabric. Nothing too bulky. Flannel is working well for me with the colder weather. I'll go for something lighter this spring. You're going to need a fair amount. Probably about a 3 ft by 2 ft piece.
- Fold the fabric in half and pin it together. Draw out the A strap in the image below. I made it about two inches wide and then the circumference of my head plus a couple inches to work with. Now cut it out.
- Fold over the leftover fabric again and draw/cut the B strap. Again, it's about 2 inches wide by the distance from ear to ear over the top of my head. Give a couple extra inches for working with it.
- For both pieces, sew the open side together. Don't bother sewing the ends. Once sewn, flip them inside out so the seam goes inside and doesn't irritate later.
- Wrap the A strap around your head and figure out how tight it should be. I did this myself but a partner could really help here. Make it snug but not too tight. If you wanted to skip this step you could just put vecro strips on each end for adjusting later. I didn't want the velcro though.
- Sew the ends of the A strap together. I just did a simple overlap and then cut off the excess.
- With the A strap, fold the chin "cup" up under your chin and figure out where it should be sewn. This is simple.
- Put the A strap on, and put the B strap over your head. Mark off where it meets the A strap over your ears, then sew the parts together and trim off the excess.
- Optional: add an elastic band to snug up the design. I put a 4 inch piece on the back. Sew one end into the A strap. Then bunch up the strap a little and sew the other end. This way it will tighten the strap when it's on.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: PR System One Auto SV Advanced Model 960P |
- chunkyfrog
- Posts: 34391
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
- Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.
Re: Homemade chin strap - SUCCESS!
I'm bookmarking this. Thank you.
It looks like your ears are not going to get cold.
It looks like your ears are not going to get cold.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her |