Chin straps

[Dyssomniac]

Hi all, after a few months using an Airfit F10 full-face mask, I was finding that the mask hit the pillow in a problematic way when I sleep on my side. So this week my sleep clinic issued me Airfit P10 nasal pillows, along with this chin strap:

http://www.agindustries.com/AG1012911

The reason for the chin strap is that I had a tendency to mouth-breathe when I first tried nasal pillows last fall.

The nasal pillows seem to be working pretty well, but after a couple of nights I don't think I have the chin strap dialed-in yet. No instructions came with it. I've set it up to mimic the photo at the link above, but am not sure that it's doing everything it's supposed to. It doesn't really keep my mouth totally closed -- is that normal? (Do they "encourage" rather than "compel" the mouth to remain closed?) I'm concerned that if I tighten it too much, it might result in jaw/dental issues.

Alternatively: Are there other chin straps out there that people really like?

[SMenasco]

I have the very same problem. I tried a couple of chin straps and they did not work correctly. I started taping my mouth, since I had very dry mouth. The taping was really a pain, but worked well. Then a member here recommended the Ruby Red chinstrap. For me, it tends to do a better job than the others I've tried. I just switched to a nasal mask after many years of Swift II nasal pillows. Anyway, I put the chinstrap on over the mask. It is fairly tight, enough to keep my mouth shut, since I'm a recirculator, as opposed to being a mouth breather. Air recirculates in my nose then out my mouth causing cotton mouth, big time. Since I have started putting the Ruby Red over my mask, the chinstrap tends to hold the nasal mask in the proper location. Anyway, this method works for me. Very few leaks, no cotton mouth. And Carmex on my lips gets rid of any coating that might build up. Good luck!

[Dyssomniac]

Thanks, the Ruby Red chin straps don't appear to be too expensive, so it might be worth a try. Can I ask what size of strap you got, and what your measurement is from your chin up around the top of your head and back again? I'm 28", so I gather perhaps I need the XL strap. I do take an XXL size in hats, so that probably makes sense.

[SMenasco]

I measure 28" as well. I have three Ruby Red straps and they are XL. They work well for me.

[yaconsult]

I have had several ruby reds and I strongly recommend that you get the adjustable model as they do stretch out over time. I found that the adjustable ones with velcro closures were usable for much longer.

[Ford Guy]

I haven't used a chinstrap for a couple years, but, the only one that worked for me was the PapCap.