anyone try somnifix

[Lou Cypher]

Any comments on this ?????

I definitely need a chin strap of some kind but wondering if these work instead...

If not what is the b est kind of chin strap that really works.... I see there are several styles....

[chunkyfrog]

Have you tried the foam cervical collar yet?

[zonker]

Any comments on this ?????

I definitely need a chin strap of some kind but wondering if these work instead...

If not what is the b est kind of chin strap that really works.... I see there are several styles....

if you put somnifix in the forum search box, you'll see.

and i second chunky, have you tried a firm foam cervical collar?

[Miss Emerita]

I use Somnifix and like it, though it’s a little pricey. Holds well and is easy on the skin.

You might take a look at the Knightsbridge dual chin strap. It pulls up only, rather than up and back.

And ditto others re collar.

[jas32]

Somnifix, Chin-Up Strips, Transpore tape, chin straps. I tried them all. I am a perennial mouth breather so I constantly struggle with it. I've used Chin-Up Strips for some time but it still allowed me to open my mouth most nights. With Somnifix I felt more contrained, it was also difficult to remove and reapply when I take a sip of water in the middle of the night (I suppose I can also use a straw).

My go-to chin strap is the Ruby by Care Fusion. I use this when I cannot use any of the tapes for some reason (lip sore etc.).

I could not get used to full face masks even after trying several different brands/types and sizes. I always ending up with leaks that wake me up in the middle of the night.

My latest preferred combination (at least for now) is a ResMed P10 nose pillow together with a 1" wide 1.5" long Transpore tape applied from below my nose to my lower lip. Transpore is great, it will hold even if slightly wet. I also use a single Xylimelt disc for the 1st phase of my sleep, then rinse with Biotene after my 4am bathroom break.

Never tried the collar, that may be next on the list.

[zonker]

Never tried the collar, that may be next on the list.

i use a firm foam cervical collar in conjunction with this-

https://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic.php? ... s#p1086296

the collar keeps my jaw up and the scunicis keep my lips zipped.

however, i've modded jay's rig. his head and mine are obviously NOT the same shape.

[readingteacher]

I use Somnifix. I like it a lot, it works for me! It holds well, but it is easy on the skin. This is important to me, as I am allergic to some adhesives (rash) and can only use certain brand of bandaids. No problem with the Somnifix. I also like the small vent in the front, which can allow a bit of air to escape so I don't get chipmunk cheeks. I can also remove the Somnifix in the middle of the night for a drink of water or a snack, put the same strip back on, and it will still stick till morning.

[Lou Cypher]

WOW,, some very good answers and suggestions here... Thanks so much to those of you who replied with suggestions .. it is always nice to hear form someone who has actually tried something and know their results....

[booksfan]

I tried Somnifix because I have a problem with mouth leaks (I use the Bleep, so no leaks around the mask ). I get varying degrees of dry mouth, and throat when it's really bad!, and drooling, which wakes me up and irritates me. I found that Somnifix minimized it a bit, but somehow, I still managed to drool , which loosened the adhesive (didn't cause it to fail though) allowing MORE drooling! I gave up on it after a couple of weeks

[Lou Cypher]

WOW works like a charm......... I would like to Thank Chunky Frog, Zonker and Miss Emerita for suggestion the Firm Foam Neck collar...

I am getting great nights of sleep now.... If I missed anyone else who suggested this,,, my apologies as I quickly skimmed my question but I assure you I didn't miss because I was sleepy...LOL

THANKS again to all and this forum for being here,,, you have helped many times over the years.....

[zonker]

WOW works like a charm......... I would like to Thank Chunky Frog, Zonker and Miss Emerita for suggestion the Firm Foam Neck collar...

and thank YOU for reporting. i'd rather hear something worked than NOT of course. but i really hate it when a user doesn't say anything about it at all.

makes me feel good to get a thank you every now and then.

[Miss Emerita]

Lou, so glad it's going well now!

[scottalden]

I've been using Somnifix strips for quite a while. They help tremendously in helping me avoid mouth–breathing with my nasal pillow cpap headgear. I've noticed the company also seems proactive about seeking room for improvement; the adhesive they use has changed for the better in recent months (sticks better while still gentle on the skin).
At about $1 a night, they do affect my budget, but the benefits they provide have been worth it.
They only come in one size, but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes in the future. I have to be precise when putting one on. I have to:
Shave the area around my lips (I'm male with thick whiskers),
Dry my lips thoroughly (no lip balm, water, oil, etc), and I rub a towel on my front teeth and inside my lips as well. I haven't had a problem with this causing dry skin because the adhesive provides plenty of moisture and protection.
Be as sure as I can that I won't be needing to use my mouth any more for the night. For me this means not hungry or thirsty, teeth brushed and flossed, I've taken my bedtime meds/supplements, wrapped up any conversation, and have inserted my Tranquilliam oral insert which helps keep my jaw in place.
Stand in front of a mirror and place the strip precisely where I know it will form a good seal. For me this means pursing my lips slightly and curling them in slightly (and I do mean slightly), and aiming low when I apply the strip so that the little slit lands over my bottom lip.
If I don't do this, the tape will leak out the corners.
I also keep a box of cloth adhesive bandages handy; if I'm having trouble (like if I'm a little greasy or unshaven on a given night, or if I didn't land the strip just right), I'll cut the adhesive ends off one of those bandages and stick one on either corner of my mouth to prevent leaks and help anchor the corners of the strip in place.
If I need to remove the strip for whatever reason (d'oh, I forgot to take my meds), they are usually a little forgiving, and I can remove and re-apply once or twice before the adhesion is lost and I have to toss it and start with a new one.

All this gets better with a little practice.

I also use a chin strap and/or anti-snore collar because my jaw has a tendency to fall open, putting additional strain on the tape, but even with those things, it's the tape that prevents my lips from popping open under the pressure of the cpap.

...Having said all that, I have literally just learned within the past 24 hours that many people opt to buy rolls of micropore tape (medical/surgical tape) and use that, instead, which seems to be both more economical and also allows one to cut off a length more suited to their mouth size. I feel a little guilty, like a disloyal Somnifix customer, by disclosing this, but we apnea sufferers have to dish out enough $$$ as it is. I've already ordered some and intend to give it a try.

Here's wishing everyone healthy sleep. Don't give up!

[zonker]

again, some people just can't seem to read past the first post.

[scottalden]