Chin Straps & Claustophobia

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Snooks
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 7:28 pm
Location: Sydney Australia

Chin Straps & Claustophobia

Post by Snooks » Sun Oct 18, 2020 9:36 pm

Hi Guys,

Excuse my blank profile, my package will be arriving soon but I wanted to discuss Chin Straps and gain advice. I don't know the exact package as yet, only the cpap machine which will be Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset CPAP.

I just did my 2nd sleep study, the one where you are fitted with CPAP etc. The first study indicated 72 events per hr and the pressure required will be 14. I am a definite mouth breather and even talk in my sleep. During the Titration Study they fitted me with a N20 Mask at first, no chinstrap. I told them that was doomed to failure and after that they still persisted for an hour. I felt bits of air coming out, at times my cheeks filled up like a Chipmonk.........

Then, rather than give me a FF Mask they persisted with the N20 using a chin strap. I did not get a chance to try a FFM all evening :(

The Chin Strap was huge, it was tight, it was uncomfy and it was hot but worst of all, i felt very panicky for at least the first hour. After tyhat I slept 4.5hrs no issues with barely any apneas recorded. No leaks of significance.

Now it gets very hot in Australia and i really hate the chin strap. I'm just wondering if anyone knows of a chin strap that works, but is smaller, thinner, cooler and still achieves the purpose.Hopefully being smaller and thinner it will negate my fears. I am also hoping an Aussie in the forum will know where i can buy them out here.

I have been learning so much reading this board. It is an amazing resource and thanks to everyone that assists and responds to questions, it truly helps us Newbees :)

Any advice on chin straps would be greatly appreciated. I know being fearful is silly because you can't get hurt, but claustophobia has been a problem since I was around 15. Dont like lifts, leave the toilet door open and dont like going in water when it goes over my face. :(

Cheers and stay safe everyone :)
I simply have to succeed as I want to be around to see my Grand Children grow up.

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chunkyfrog
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Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nowhere special--this year in particular.

Re: Chin Straps & Claustophobia

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Oct 18, 2020 10:29 pm

Not silly at all.
Science has given us reasons why it happens, and it is possible to
become somewhat desensitized--with work.
Most simply work around their phobias, but if it becomes disabling,
working on controlling it might be worth the effort.
Welcome to the forum.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

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Snooks
Posts: 15
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 7:28 pm
Location: Sydney Australia

Re: Chin Straps & Claustophobia

Post by Snooks » Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:30 am

Hi Chunkyfrog.

I guess I will know the exact position after I try a FFM and see what the results are like. Then, hopefully good results mean i can wear the FFM rather that the N20 and a chin strap. I found the mask itself was bearable after only 10 minutes..... but that chin strap :(

Stay safe Mate :)
I simply have to succeed as I want to be around to see my Grand Children grow up.