Recommendations on chinstraps?

[chris-p]

Hello everyone

I have been using my machine for a couple months now and feel I am adapting to it quite well. I have however been experiencing mouth leaks ( I use a nasal mask).
I have just tried raising the humidity level to see if this can unclog my nasal passages, thus perhaps avoiding having my mouth open while I am asleep. Sometimes when my mouth opens the sound wakes me up but fall right back asleep when I close it back again. Most of the time though I sleep right through it. The tech and doctor told me I might have to eventually have try chinstraps. I do not yet want to go the FFM route. I really want to try to only nose breathe.

I understand that YMMV and that everyone is different, but my question goes out to all of you who have more experience and have tried different methods for keeping your mouth closed. Is there a preferred method? I have heard about the chin-up strips for example. They sound like they might do the trick but I'm not sure I like the idea of having to constantly order them online to always have a supply at home. It seems rather pricey. Then there's the pap cap chin strap from pur sleep that looks interesting.
I have also read a little about the ultimate chinstrap. I can also look into just taping my mouth but I am unsure what kind of tape to use? Is this available at drugstores generally? And of course there's a plethora of basic chinstraps which are surely available where I got my machine.

Any tips for starters would be appreciated! I'm thinking of starting by going a homemade route, ie: maybe by trying a nylon stocking? Thanks!

Here are some links I was referring to, just in case:

http://www.chinupstrip.com/

http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/produ ... category=6

http://ultimatechinstrap.com/

[chunkyfrog]

Hi, I have trouble using a chinstrap--some even make me nauseous.
If you want to try the "chin-up" solution, and can't wait for the sample pack,
here's my pattern for the home-made ones I sometimes make out of 3M blue gentle surface painters tape:

I put the cards on a quilting guide for dimensions (inches)
Sorry, I don't own one in metric.

[Posey]

What size tape is used? Do you use multiple pcs or just cut a notch in wide tape?
I used my chin strap over the mask headgear last night & that works better for me. 1st night I put it on under the headgear and it made my mask leak and hurt my jaw.

[joeyjernigan]

I am a mouth breather as well. I have used just about every chin strap available and I have not found one that is comfortable for me or that I can tolerate.
I have been using chinup strips for several months now. They have completely eliminated my snoring and mouth breathing. They are extremely comfortable.

[archangle]

I use a 3 inch non-adhesive Ace bandage wrapped 3 times around my head, and secured with safety pins. It has to be replaced when it stretches out, but it's cheap at least.

[Kitatonic]

I recently tried ChunkyFrog's under lip tape design and IT WORKS! Like her, I couldn't tolerate a chinstrap and even a Pap-Cap tickles under my chin, but I wear occasionally. The tape is easy to cut, cheap and comfortable. I use the 3M paper 2 inch paper tape and cut out the design. As ChunkyFrog suggested, have the lower lip flip up like a bulldog (great tip). Thank you so much ChunkyFrog, now my leaks are down and my mouth is not dry.

[chris-p]

Sorry for the late reply.

Chunkyfrog thanks for the great tip! I will definitely give that a try! And yeah, I'm OK with inches as well

[jwerley]

Joey......May I ask you what are chinup strips?...and where do you get them?
Thank you!
Janice

[joeyjernigan]

Joey......May I ask you what are chinup strips?...and where do you get them?
Thank you!
Janice

Check out this website.

http://www.chinupstrip.com/

They are designed to keep your mouth closed and eliminate or greatly reduce mouth breathing/snoring.
For me they have completely eliminated mouth leaks. I no longer have to use a chin strap...makes my therapy much more comfortable and tolerable.
In my opinion they are well worth the money.

[avi123]

I like my chinstrap which is in extra Large size. I need to buy new ones b/c the Velcro wears out within 60 nights of use. Less if it is washed.

The nice thing about it is that it's elastic. Meaning that its force on the jaws can be adjusted. This also means that its closure could be overcome. It works more
psychologically than mechanically.

[grillhead]

You can try this on the cheap. I wrap it around my head but it can be used vertically as well like a traditional strap. It's the same thing as the Respironics big strap but a heckuva lot cheaper http://www.walmart.com/ip/Support-Wrap/10533502

[Chikorita]

HI There,
I too am looking at chin-strap options.
I can't work out how chin-up strips work.
http://www.chinupstrip.com/index.html
Can anyone explain how the tape stopes me opening my mouth?

[cosmo]

$60 for the ultimate chin strap?

Robbery! That old man should be ashamed of himself.

I have one on order from cpap.com. I will post if it works for me.

[joeyjernigan]

HI There,
I too am looking at chin-strap options.
I can't work out how chin-up strips work.
http://www.chinupstrip.com/index.html
Can anyone explain how the tape stopes me opening my mouth?

When you apply the strip you do so in the "chin up" position.
The strip firmly holds the jaw and chin in position and prevents it from
dropping thus preventing the air from leaking out.