Ruby chin strap

snoozeandlose · Post by **snoozeandlose** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 6:29 pm

Out of desperation I recently tried to Rudy chin strap that has been mentioned in some older threads. Any suggestions on getting it to keep my mouth shut? I sewed a couple ends of straps together to make a tighter fit, but I still open my mouth with no problem. So I am back to taping. Thanks

Vader · Post by **Vader** » Sun Dec 03, 2006 9:03 pm

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:18 am

but I wish there was a poll to find out how many people think any of them even work.

Oh I've found two good uses for my chin-strap.
1) As a strap for my highly-modified CL2/Simple Cushion. (see Photo):

2) On those nights when I want to use my Hybrid without wearing my teeth, I put the chin-strap over the top of my head and under my chin to create "chipmunk cheeks", so that, the corners of the Hybrid's mouth-piece will seal.

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:12 am

Here is a poll of one!

I use a chin strap (sullivan). I bought it on CPAP.com and have good success with it. I will get a minor leak occasionally as my leak rate is slightly above the mask leak rate. My latest months average AHI is 0.9 and that includes one bad night with a AHI of 9.6. I also got my first AHI of 0.0 a couple of nights ago. I have done just as well with tape, but didn't like the feeling.

I am in the process of purchasing some chin-ups and will give them a try.

Maybe there are others out there that use a chin strap with great success.

Good Luck!!!

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap.com, AHI

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:39 am

I do use a chin strap. The chin strap is a velstretch strap (from the velcro fastener display at the hardware store) incorporated into a Holey Cap. Here is a link to some photos.

viewtopic.php?t=11125

I have used the headgear for three different masks-I get the best results from the Hybrid using this headgear-though still not good enough to make it my regular mask. The reason it works is that the pressure is applied so there is no backward pull on the chin & jaw. The strap is under the chin in the frequently mentioned "mumps scarf" technique and is stabilized by the cap & straps holding the mask. I think it also supports the base of the tongue because of its position under my chin-so doesn't just keep my mouth closed. If air does enter my mouth I can blow it out easily. I have an earphone I can velcro to the cap if I want to listen to music. And keeps my head warm.

One hint for the Ruby-cut the straps at the back of the head and at the top of the head-sew on strips of 2 inch wide velcro to make it adjustable. When putting it on make sure the strap pressure under the chin to the top of the head is snug. The strap that goes to the back of the head should be comparatively loose-you don't want to make it snug or it will pull your chin back and contribute to the obstruction.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:48 am

krousseau,
The link pictures were great. Is it had to get on and off? Great post!

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:26 am

I keep the top strap of the mask and the chin strap fastened so it isn't difficult to get on. With that headgear/chinstrap and the flexifit 406 I usually get an AHI under 1 (the past week with bronchitis-.1, .3, .6, 1.1, .5, .6, .4) leak rate at mask vent rate + 3, SI under 3.

It does require some sewing to relocate the Holey cap straps and make a tube for the velstretch chinstrap.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 1:14 pm

krousseau, You are amazing. What a great contraption! And I never would have thought of using the balloon, but it TOTALLY worked.

I have a Ruby Tiara chinstrap. I thought it looked as if the design would not slip all over my head. It works, but I had some advice on the size. The Ruby smells rubbery, which I had mitigated by using some odor remover spray. I even soaked it in the spray in a baggie--several times. There is still an odor, though.

My main complaint with the Ruby is that it makes me hot and sweaty wherever it touches my skin, and this is especially true between the lower lip and the chin. I wake up whenever it is worn to turn back that chin cupping part for a cool off.

For me, taping is much preferred and I keep the Ruby in my travelling case for an emergency. That way, I won't forget it, but it will be available should I need it at home.

Best wishes. We all have to come up with our own answers!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:22 pm

I have the adjustable Tiara chinstrap that I no longer use-I keep it and a DIY mouthpiece in my pickup for emergencies--stuck in the snow or just decide I need to pull off the road and take a nap.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:39 pm

The problem with MOST chin straps is they apply pressure in the wrong place.
Try this experiment NOW:

You can press up under your chin as hard as you want and still blow out easily through your lips.

Now take your finger and gently put some pressure directly below your lower lip. If you are doing this right, you will notice its suddenly very hard to blow out.

I will let the student extrapolate this to chin strap design.....

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:43 pm

Maybe I'm not doing it right-didn't work for me. It is both the lips and the tongue that are a problem-even if my lips are closed my tongue can still fall out of position. For me it doesn't take much pressure to keep my tongue against the palate-so the chin strap I described works well.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 6:18 pm

I once again have to agree with Kay, but for a slightly different reason. I can lose air either pressing below the chin OR on the lower lip. The Tiara Ruby DOES pressure both ways, which is why the neoprene-like fabric created sweaty chin.

However, in my titration study the ADAM chin strap did work--when it did not slip. (That is the straight strap with a circle in the middle.)

racefan · Post by **racefan** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:35 pm

I tried several chin straps & could never get any to work.They seemed too keep sliping off my head in the middle of the night.I ended up ripping an old t-shirt & making a chin strap & dying it to the head straps on my Breeze.That works so-so.I finally ended up using poligrip strips to keep my mouth shut.(go ahead & insert joke here) The poligrip works great for me.

Liam1965 · Post by **Liam1965** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:15 pm

snoozeandlose wrote:Ruby chin strap that has been mentioned in some older threads...

So if you want to go home, you just grind your teeth together three times and say "There's no place like home, there's no place like home"?

Liam, Off to see the Wizard.

telly · Post by **telly** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:36 pm

Hoping to stop my mouth breathing so I can sing,

"GOODBYE, Ruuuuby Chinstrap!"

Ruby chin strap

Ruby chin strap

Re: Ruby chin strap

Re: Ruby chin strap

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