chin strap: over or under mask straps?

[rhodesengr]

I think the title says it all but I am researching whether a chin strap is intended to go over or under the mask straps. I think the photos I have seen seem to show the chin strap going over the masks straps but then you'd have to take everything off if you need to get up in the middle of the night. I have just started using a chin strap. In particular, I am using the PR premium strap with the Dreamware. I have been putting the Dreamware over the Chin strap. It seems to change the fit of the DW in subtle ways like it is pressing on my nose harder even if I looses the DW some.

Anyway, just wanted to see what others thought.

[Jay Aitchsee]

Either way, whatever works best for you. I've done both with various masks. However, with the Dreamwear, it would seem it would have to be worn under, or the air delivery tubes would be crushed by the strap. But I haven't tried it.

I don't consider the chin strap to be a very effective appliance. It doesn't prevent expiratory mouth breathing (mouth leaks) because air can still leak past closed teeth through the lips. And a chin straps pulls the chin backward which tends to exacerbate the conditions which can lead to obstructive apnea.

If one is prone to true mouth breathing, i.e., inhaling through the mouth, I suppose a chin strap may help prevent that.

[LSAT]

There is no right or wrong way....experiment and whichever works best.

[Pugsy]

Normally I would say wear it whichever way works best for you but with the DreamWear mask I would add that if you wear it over the mask you need to make sure that the chin strap isn't putting pressure anywhere on the side part of the mask where the air travels to your nose. You don't want to block the air movement.
So I think it depends on the chin strap and where you place it on your head.
Make sure it isn't compressing any part of the side things that provide air if you decide to wear it over the mask.

[chunkyfrog]

I gave mine away--just could not stand the darn thing!

[rhodesengr]

Thanks folks. Yeah I forgot about the airway tubes on the side.
Well.... whether its a good appliance or not, it seems to be helping.
I was liking my dreamware and per a previous post, I was increasing the pressure to get my AHI back down but started waking up with extremely dry mouth.
I tried going back to my full mask, and that didn't work out very well.
So I was sort of down to trying DW with a chin strap.
I am now pretty much not waking up and no more excessive dry mouth. Its only been three nights so I need to keep at it for a while but at least for me, it does seem to be helping.
Believe me, I am really not very happy about having to add a chin strap to the regimen but anything for a good nights sleep, right?

I think I will also try a couple of different straps.

[Jay Aitchsee]

Here's something you might want to try. It restricts, but doesn't stop, expiratory mouth flow, it is reasonably comfortable and doesn't put a lot of backward pressure on the chin. I came up with the idea for someone else who was suffering from dry mouth and couldn't tolerate tape. I tried it on myself and it worked so well, I've continued to use it. It has reduced my mouth leaks considerably and though dry mouth was only an occasional problem for me, I don't think I've experienced any since I started wearing it.

An alternative to chin straps and tape for nasal mask users

[LAGrandpa]

Have you tried a soft cervical collar? such as this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/DMI-Universal ... ethod=p13n

For me it is more comfortable than a chin strap and works as well or better.

[Goofproof]

Have you tried a soft cervical collar? such as this one http://www.walmart.com/ip/DMI-Universal ... ethod=p13n

For me it is more comfortable than a chin strap and works as well or better.

Do you put the collar on before the mask or after? Jim

[avi123]

I wear this:
CareFusion Ruby Stop Snoring Chin Strap Large - XL


under this:

[Sir NoddinOff]

For me with my Ruby Carefusion chinstrap, it's always under the mask... otherwise it locks down my mask too much and I can't adjust/tweak it for leaks.

Just note about AVI123's mention of the Carefusion XL (extra large) chinstrap... you'd better have a really HUGE head if you're going to try it. It's crazy big. Otherwise go with the regular size.

[rhodesengr]

Have you tried a soft cervical collar? For me it is more comfortable than a chin strap and works as well or better.

So is the idea that it pushes up on your chin to keep your mouth closed?

[LAGrandpa]

Exactly. Works for me.

[Okie bipap]

I agree. The collar keeps my mouth closed so I don't get a dry mouth. It does not close it tight enough to stop leaks when I use a nasal pillow mask (darn it!). It not only holds the mouth closed, it keeps your head up which helps keep your airway open.

[avi123]

Don't I sweat enough without this crappy collar?