Chin Strap Durability

[caprica]

Hi fellow CPAPers,

I am wondering how long you get out of a chin strap before you need a new one?

I am finding that after 6 to 9 months my chin straps just don't have the same tension.

What do you find?

thanks, Caprica

[Sir NoddinOff]

I've had two of the spandex and velcro strap type chinstraps and they tended to stretch after approximately four to six months, plus the velcro can get ratty depending on how often you adjust the straps. They were both very cheap though when purchased from eBay or other internet outlets. As I recall one of them was $7, also I think it was a Phillips brand (kind of a bit 'slippery' on the head tho). The ever popular Ruby Chinstrap has all neoprene straps/chin support. I liked it when I wore it last year - I wore it for about 10 months... it still looks new, but then again, it depends on how much you tinker with the velcro adjustments. The Ruby fit a little tight on my average sized head, even when the straps were fully backed off, however I hear they do make a larger size now. I never tried the one that looks like a giant Ace bandage spanning the top of your head down to your chin. Some people rave about it... can't remember the name right at this time. Here's what I'm currently wearing. It's a bike cuff strap that is very soft and comfy plus it stops my QFX mask from riding up:

[caprica]

thanks. the bike strap is an interesting piece of improv. It won't work for me though because I am using the nasal pillow.

I will keep an eye out on ebay and see if I can pick up some chinstraps on the cheap.

[kwikwater]

Chinstraps are all kinds of necessary in my therapy and also my Achilles heel. Ruby straps were probably the 3rd or 4th kinda I tried. It seemed to be a miracle, for maybe 2-3 weeks, when they seemed stretched out. I shortened the chin, by sewing a pinch out of the chin. when that quit working I resourced where to buy neoprene twice as thick, traced a pattern and made my own. They lasted longer but were not the answer. The PapCap was my answer. Even then I found that I wear out the stretchy velcro end on the chin strap itself. I've eventually moved to adding velcro to a stock surgical cap and making my own strap. Now my source of the stretchy velcro, Velstretchm has closed. As soon as use up my current stock, panic will set in!!

Good luck with your saga!