Chin Strap

sleepyred · Post by **sleepyred** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:31 pm

Anyone found a decent chin strap? Or is that an oxymoron? I can't tape, can't keep my mouth shut (ask my hubby!) and am using a simple resmed chin strap and it is just not working well.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Sleepyred

Missy · Post by **Missy** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:35 pm

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but most people around here, and I am one of them, think chinstraps are a waste of time and money. I am assuming you have tried taping? Some folks have used Poligrip with some success. Otherwise you might have to try a full face mask. There are endless threads on this board about masks. Take a look through them....if you need help, just ask. The people here are happy to try to help.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:40 pm

Missy, I am one of those who thought I was a complete, incurable mouth breather and destined to use a full face mask forever. I got a nasal mask as one of my every 6 months masks and tried it after telling myself for a couple of weeks that I COULD breathe at night only through my nose and practicing with my tongue at the base of my upper teeth for a couple of weeks on my full face mask. Well, my subconscious must have been listening, cuz I can now rotate between the nasal mask and my FF mask with minimal problems and no mouth breathing. It was weird the first few nights, but didn't take long to get used to keeping my mouth shut (ok, ya'll, that was NOT an invite for comment! LOLOL)

So, perhaps practice tongue position during the day and try to program yourself for it to work??

Just a few thoughts.

Kajun

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:45 pm

Kajun-Thanks so much for the info! You know, I also swith off between my F&P431 and the Comfortlite 2. I used the CL2 last night, as a matter of fact, and I pulled the tape off in the middle of the night, just to see what happened. I had success sleeping and did not wake up making unspeakable noises. My numbers looked pretty good also. I thought it was just a fluke. I'm going to try again and see what happens. Wish me luck!

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:04 pm

Good luck, guest! (Or whoever you are if you forgot to log in. LOL)

Like I tried to say, positive thinking and thought reinforcement. The little train that could.....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I knew I could, I knew I could! Lessons from our childhood (at least it was from MY childhood! LOL)

Kajun

This therapy WORKS! You're only young once, but you can be childish all your life!

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:57 pm

I too, have had success in going to nasal, without taping, as long as you can see your results by the software, I thought there wasn't a chance. I also practice with my tongue parked on the roof of my mouth. The only time I backslide is if I yawn. Then the barndoor opens up and the cows get out.

If you didn't have the software to check yourself, it would be easy to swim in DeNile. If I backslide, I'll be back on the FF Mask in a heartbeat. Jim

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:00 pm

I've tried 2 chinstraps. The first was the Puritan Bennett ADAM, a straight piece with a cutout circle for over the chin. This was more trouble than it was worth. It slid all over my hair, often taking the headgear for my interface with it.

Next I tried the Tiara Ruby, which I purchased myself. It smells rubbery, despite putting it into a baggie with a no-odor product for a while and allowing it to dry. That definitely helped, but the odor slowly comes back. This chinstrap is also hot, and would cause me to wake up with a sweaty, hot chin.

For the summer, I have been mouth taping. The freedom and cooler chin is much more conducive to sleep.

I've not tried it, but have heard from several sources (one being my RT) that the Deluxe Respironics Chinstrap works well. Now, whether or not there are any downsides to this one, someone else will have to say.

Here is the cpap.com link:

Link to Respironics Deluxe Chinstrap

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 6:42 am

I used my chin-strap last night, and it worked fine. However, I put it under
my chin to make 'chipmunk cheeks'. The 'chipmunk cheeks' keep the corners of my Hybrid mouth-piece from leaking. It also works well as a
'helper strap' for the ComfortLite 2 simple cushion nose thing..

Oh! By the way way, my chin-strap will NOT keep my mouth closed,
even if I wear it like as it was intended..

hornplayer · Post by **hornplayer** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 7:45 am

I've used the Respironics Deluxe Chinstrap for about a year now. It does a pretty good job keeping my mouth closed. The side straps also suport my cheeks so the air pressure doesn't cause them to blow out. This Deluxe strap has a strap that goes around the back of the head that keeps it in the right place at night. I put a small cloth over the spot where my chin goes. It keeps my chin cooler and gives me something to grab onto if I need to adjust the chinstrap at night. I'm using my second chinstrap already since the first one got too worn to work properly after about eight months.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:33 am

I buy packs of velstretch straps at Home Depot or Lowe's and use one under my chin and over the top of my head.To keep it in place you can add short strips of hook velcro wherever the velstretch strap goes over a headgear strap.-works well for me. The support this provides would be similar to the Respironics Deluxe Chinstrap

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:37 am

Great idea. I'm going to have to try that one VERY soon. Thanks.

roadwarrior · Post by **roadwarrior** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:10 pm

I certainly found one I consider a winner. The ResMed Sullivan chin strap. It is simple and to the point. An easily adjustable SINGLE velcro strap which connects to a nice washable fabric chin cup. Very comfortable and I can crank it down so my jaw doesn't drop on me. It's been the overall best thing I've purchased in the area of add on's for my APAP. Cheap too. I got it from CPAP.COM

Chin Strap

Chin Strap

Chinstrap

Chinstraps

IDEA!

Mask

Additional Comments: Aussie Heated hose for rain out/PapCap Headgear and chin strap