Chin strap INSTEAD of CPAP - viable option??

[vmitchell]

I read online about a chin strap being sold as alternative to CPAP machine. Anyone know about this and if it is a safe alternative??

[DreamOn]

I've never heard of a chin strap being used as an alternative to CPAP. I can't see how that would prevent the airway from collapsing, which is what causes the apneas if you have obstructive sleep apnea.

We often wear a chin strap with the nasal or nasal pillows types of CPAP masks, which helps to prevent therapy air from escaping from the mouth by keeping it closed.

[kteague]

Most of the time when I see them they claim to stop snoring. That's a stretch, but claiming to stop sleep apnea is just plain fraud in my opinion. But they will make a bundle of money. Who wouldn't want to give it a try it "just in case" they could avoid an expensive sleep study and expensive equipment? Smart of you to ask instead of just ordering it. Now, if it had a clip on it to grab the tongue and hold it forward, they might be onto something, but OUCH!