Attn: All Chin strap users

[Linda1904]

I have only tried one chin strap that my DME gave me. It didn't work worth a darn. I have been taping my mouth, but I break out everywhere the tape is. I would like to try another chin strap or two and see if I can find one that would work for me. My DME only has one other one which is called Ruby Red. It is not the adjustable one. It comes in 3 sizes. I would also be willing to buy one outright if there was a good chance it would work. Thanks!

[SleepyInIndy]

So what didn't work out? Was your mouth still dropping open? Was the chinstrap staying in place during the night or moving around on your head and releasing the mouth? Or was your tongue sliding away from the roof of your mouth allowing pressurized air to attack your cheeks and lips (blowfish)?

If the strap was moving around somthing like the pap-cap may assist you in keeping it in place. There is another strap (I don't remember the name) that has bands that wrap around the head helping to lock the strap in place.

If your tongue is releasing air into your mouth, a different strap will probably not help. It can't hurt to try thought, it's just more money. Some people have had good luck in 'training' their tongue to stay in place, and others haven't. You need the tongue placed just behind your teeth and against the roof of your mouth to get the best results.

Personally, I was fortunate in that my tongue stays in place so a strap the reminds me to keep my "big mouth" shut works well.

John

[junie]

Look at cpapauction they have alot of them listed on there, I just got one from my DME, and
I'll say the same thing it doesn't work, so last night I went back taping and I'm awake, good luck
finding one, There is a article about chin straps I think it's one of Kenny's post look back mybe
you'll find it,

[OutaSync]

I use the PAP Cap from pursleep.com.

http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6

Of all the chinstraps I've used, it is the only one that does not slide off my hair. It does not stretch, so it holds my chin firmly. I also break out in a rash from MOST adhesive tapes. However, I have had no such problem from the 3M micropore white 2in tape.

Bev

[howkim]

My pressure recently changed from 8 to 14. At that pressure, even with a chin strap, I blow air out between my lips. So I now require a full face mask. Really sad, 'cause I loved my Activia mask, and I'm REALLY fighting the masks.

[Babette]

My favorite for the past year has been the Deluxe from cpap.com:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... hleak.html

NOT the "Original Deluxe" the knockoff version. Very comfy for me. I attach my NAII directly to it with Velcro One Wrap. You can see pix here:
http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p36/ ... aise/CPAP/

I just bought the new Ruby Adjustable Chinstrap:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/cardin ... strap.html

NOT the same item as the "Ruby" in three sizes your DME is offering you. Made from different material, that claims it breathes. So far I'm liking it. It IS small-ish. Fits me, but won't fit a larger head than me. I'm a Men's 7-1/4 hat size, if that helps.

I like the larger cut-outs for the ears than the previous model - the Tiara Topaz - and the new fabric doesn't irritate my face an cause me to break out. Yet. Time will tell.

PAP CAP is not a bad item at all. I just didn't like having the cap covering all my hair. Felt like it was going to smoosh my hair more than I wanted. But it was comfy enough. I didn't have mine long - I ended up giving it to another forum member who really loved it, and was in financial need. I might try it again someday.

Cheers,
Barbara

[roster]

I have only tried one chin strap that my DME gave me. It didn't work worth a darn. I have been taping my mouth, but I break out everywhere the tape is. I would like to try another chin strap or two and see if I can find one that would work for me. My DME only has one other one which is called Ruby Red. It is not the adjustable one. It comes in 3 sizes. I would also be willing to buy one outright if there was a good chance it would work. Thanks!

The standard solution for mouthbreathing/leaking is a full face mask. Have you tried one?

[OutaSync]

My pressure recently changed from 8 to 14. At that pressure, even with a chin strap, I blow air out between my lips. So I now require a full face mask. Really sad, 'cause I loved my Activia mask, and I'm REALLY fighting the masks.

You don't have to give up your Activa!! Just place 4 inch piece of 2" wide 3M micropore tape (or painters 3M blue tape) across your lips. I do it every night with my chinstrap and Activa. I know it sounds strange, but a lot of us have had success with it. MUCH better than a full face mask, in my opinion. I have not been able to find a full face mask that does not leak in such a way that I can not even get to sleep with one.

Bev

[sleepisgood]

I went through several chin straps. My DME knew that and never offered any help- it never occurred to me that they could have provided some.

I was given the white ace bandage type thing when I started. It slid all over my head and I hated it. Plus I have a toddler and need to keep my ears open for boo boos and bedtime shenanigans. So I bought the Tiara Topaz strap, but even cinched as tight as it could go and after being run through the dryer, it was too loose. And I have a big head.

This chin strap worked the best for me, attached to my hair with hair clips so it didn't slide: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/premiu ... hleak.html

But even that wasn't great. One night I yanked it off but kept my mask on somehow. The strap was wrapped around the hose when I woke up. But I felt OK and my numbers were good. So I stopped wearing one- I guess I'm lucky enough to have learned how to sleep without one.

[Babette]

Lots of us do eventually learn to sleep with out mouth closed. Me, I like the chinstrap as headgear, so I MAINLY wear it as headgear, as opposed to keeping the mouth closed, but it helps both ways.

I like the Ace Bandage. Did you use the two little front and back straps? I know what you mean about the ears, though. I can HEAR just fine. In fact, I can hear my BF very lightly snoring way in the back bedroom when I'm sleeping in the front of the house in the dining room. But it does sort of press on my ears which bugs me a little. Doesn't keep me awake, but I know it's there.

I have high hopes for the new Ruby Adjustable chinstrap. And I might try the PAP CAP again. If Bret will get off his duff and fix the website so I can order it. He's working on it. I just sent him an email about it.

LOL,
B.

[SharkBait]

My pressure recently changed from 8 to 14. At that pressure, even with a chin strap, I blow air out between my lips. So I now require a full face mask. Really sad, 'cause I loved my Activia mask, and I'm REALLY fighting the masks.

You don't have to give up your Activa!! Just place 4 inch piece of 2" wide 3M micropore tape (or painters 3M blue tape) across your lips. I do it every night with my chinstrap and Activa. I know it sounds strange, but a lot of us have had success with it. MUCH better than a full face mask, in my opinion. I have not been able to find a full face mask that does not leak in such a way that I can not even get to sleep with one.

Bev

Yep, I'll tape or whatever it takes to keep my Swift LT... I have a couple of ffm's, but I just can't get the hang of them. Probably because my Swift LT is just sitting over there mocking me while I try and I always resort back after a couple of hours...

[Linus]

If you do go with the deluxe chin strap, I would suggest folding back the strap slightly so that your ears are not covered. It is very uncomfortable if the ears are covered, because they are compressed. Other than that this is a great chin strip. My DME gave to to me for free.

[howkim]

Just place 4 inch piece of 2" wide 3M micropore tape (or painters 3M blue tape) across your lips.

Thanks for the suggestion, Bev, but I'm allergic to adhesives - can't use any adhesive tapes, steri strips, etc. Even have problems with sticky ECG sensors. Surgeons just love me. ;^))

[DreamStalker]

I generally don't use a chinstrap except maybe if and when I use a FF mask ... which is extremely rare that I use my Liberty mask (since my Swift LT works perfect).

IMO, the PapCap is the only one to use and generally only when using a FF mask to stabilize your jaw and maintain the seal around your mouth ... otherwise, you are just as well off using an old jock strap as any of those other stretchy type chinstraps.