Which is more comfortable - chin strap or full face mask?

[Minky]

I started using CPAP in early December. I've adjusted to it very well and am feeling a little less tired.

I switch off among the Airfit P10, the Wisp and the Eson. I find all three comfortable and find that I can sleep on my side.

I assumed that I was not a mouth breather, but I think I may have been wrong about that. Sleepyhead has been 'yelling' at me that I have several major leaks. Looking at the data I've seen large leaks that last up to 30 minutes, so it's clear that I've been opening my mouth and have been leaving it open for several minutes. I also have been having issues with dry mouth. It's not all night and I can tell that I am getting some good sleep, but this is not good and I have to address it.

Which is more comfortable, or shall I say less uncomfortable , a full face mask or a chin strap? I did just today receive a Respironics chin strap. I haven't slept with it yet, but when I tried it on I found it to be uncomfortable.

If I should try a full face mask, does anyone have any suggestions? I sleep on my side and tend to mash my face into the pillow and am afraid that the seal will constantly be broken.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[SGearhart]

I'd wait a little longer and try the chinstrap before getting a FFM. It's cheaper going with a chinstrap and not as claustrophobic. A FFM has its own problems, or idiosyncrasies, especially if you're a side sleeper. Then again, you might be one of those who falls in love with a FFM.

[Valkyria]

I found the same as you, thought I wasn't a mouth breather until I woke up with a dry mouth and major leaks ... I now sleep with the Seatec Chin Strap. I didn't have any problem getting used to the chinstrap, and I actually find that the mask is sitting better with it on. ( I have very long shiny hair and the mask slides on the hair!). Hope you find what works for you

[OffroadToy]

I went through the exact same thing waking up to air blasting out my mouth and being extremly dryed out. I'm a side sleeper and like to mash my face in the pillow also. I tried a few different full face masks and couldn't handle them leaking into my eyes and having to readjust the mask all night long. What ended up working was the AirFit P10 nasal pillows and a carefusion ruby adjustable chin strap. My leak rate is now zero and i've never awakened to air escaping out my mouth again. The only full face mask i could half way handle was the AirFit F10 as long as i slept mostly on my back.

[jaycee2]

Minky, you can play with the chin strap and adjust it. I have the front part sitting at my front hairline, it doesn't go back far at all. I've been experimenting with the Airfit P10 nasal pillows, the Respironics chin strap and mouth tape. Yes, all three. If I leave out the chin strap or mouth tape I get mouth leaks due to my jaw dropping open. Or I swallow air. You may not need to have the chin strap ultra tight. In fact, I couldn't because it causes TMJ pain then. Good luck.

[archangle]

It's much better for you in several ways to breathe through your nose. However, breathing at least partially through the mouth is better than leaking all your CPAP air out through the mouth.

If you can't fix your mouth breathing with a chin strap, by all means use the FFM. If you find it more comfortable, that's fine, too.

[grayghost4]

For me it is not a matter of comfort ... it is a matter of therapy .... If as your mouth opens it also falls back and the FF mask opens at the bottom and leaks, no matter how tight you make the straps .... you have lost therapy. The only thing that works for me is a chin strap.

[Ogeo]

I didn't like the chin strap the DME gave me so I went to a store and shopped around for headbands. I found one that is wide in one part and skinny on the other end. I reverse the way you are suppose to wear it putting the wide end under my chin. It works like a charm and much more comfortable than the chin strap with seams in it.

[Thewino]

Kinky,

You're cracking me up w/ the question but, you know what, I totally understand.

I hate using a full face mask because I wake up so uncomfortable without a drop of liquid in my mouth. I really dislike feeling this way with the FFM.

A previous member offered some excellent advice: since the chin straps cost a small percentage of the total cost of a Full Face Mask, you could actually try a few different chin straps without breaking the bank. Sound and logical advice.

Whichever you decide, I hope you find a good match that meets your expectations!!

Be well,
TheWino

[49er]

Minky,

If you leak level is acceptable for the whole night in spite of some spikes and you're getting good sleep, I would address the issue of the dry mouth separately since that can occur even with people who don't have problems with leaks. Forgot what the recommendations were but hopefully, if you do a search of the archives for dry mouth, you will find some good products to investigate.

49er

I started using CPAP in early December. I've adjusted to it very well and am feeling a little less tired.

I switch off among the Airfit P10, the Wisp and the Eson. I find all three comfortable and find that I can sleep on my side.

I assumed that I was not a mouth breather, but I think I may have been wrong about that. Sleepyhead has been 'yelling' at me that I have several major leaks. Looking at the data I've seen large leaks that last up to 30 minutes, so it's clear that I've been opening my mouth and have been leaving it open for several minutes. I also have been having issues with dry mouth. It's not all night and I can tell that I am getting some good sleep, but this is not good and I have to address it.

Which is more comfortable, or shall I say less uncomfortable , a full face mask or a chin strap? I did just today receive a Respironics chin strap. I haven't slept with it yet, but when I tried it on I found it to be uncomfortable.

If I should try a full face mask, does anyone have any suggestions? I sleep on my side and tend to mash my face into the pillow and am afraid that the seal will constantly be broken.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Minky]

Thanks to everyone for all of your advice.

I tried the chinstrap last night and removed it soon after because it was not really preventing my mouth from opening and it felt like I would give myself TMJ. I'm going to try using a headband as Ogeo suggested. I may also try another chinstrap because I know that they work well for a lot of people and it may just be a case where I have to find the right one.


Thanks,
Minky (NOT Kinky)

[herefishy]

Several people have used soft cervical collars to keep their mouths closed. You can get them at the drugstore.

[Minky]

Thanks, herefishy. That's a good idea.

I actually already have a cervical collar. I work at a city university and a few years ago some student on a bike ran a red light at a crosswalk I was in, plowed right into me and threw me across the street into oncoming traffic. Other than a sprained neck I wasn't all that hurt, thank God.

I think I'll take the collar out of the closet and use it .

[Denial Dave]

I tried the chin strap with the Quattro FX mask.... I had a terrible time with my TMJ as a result.

The standard Quattro FFM has been my mask of choice for the past 2 1/2 years.... works awesome with my side sleeping

[saltydawg2]

I actually use a chinstrap with Quattro FX, because my mouth got so dry it hurt to move it. That is pretty much solved, but I just ordered an F10 online for $75. Think I need to swap them out, from time to time.