Cervical Collar

Does anyone use a cervical collar? Have they found it helpful? If so, which ones do you guys suggest?

NewToSleepApnea wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 9:00 am

Does anyone use a cervical collar? Have they found it helpful? If so, which ones do you guys suggest?

\Why do you think you meed one?

Because I will try absolutely anything to be able to get to sleep without waking up right away (O2 dropping). I have a wife and two kids and worry that I’ll have to quit my job within the next two months if this doesn’t get figured out.

NewToSleepApnea wrote: ↑

Fri Jun 05, 2020 9:00 am

Does anyone use a cervical collar? Have they found it helpful? If so, which ones do you guys suggest?

Yes, lots of people use these collars and find them helpful. They keep the head/neck in the best position for airway patency and help to prevent jaw drop.

I recommend DMI Orthopedic 3.5" Firm Foam Contoured Cervical Collar ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/DMI-Orthoped ... e/36782313 ) or a similar brand. I'm small and use the 4-inch, but 3.5 inches is a good place to start.

Have you posted OSCAR charts here and received help to optimize your CPAP therapy?

But to be clear, they can't keep your lips closed, only your jaw.

I recommend this collar by Velpeau: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072Q ... UTF8&psc=1

Be careful, there are different versions on this Amazon page, it is the soft Comfort model I recommend. Don’t buy the Enhanced or Dual use version. It is not too soft. I did try some other brand of collar that was so soft it was worthless. This collar comes in many heights but it might be easier to find a specific height if you buy it on eBay.

Three inches high works best for me but you will have to experiment to find the best height for you. You want it as high as possible without being annoying. I’ve tried 2.5, 3, 3.5, and 4 inches high over the years and 3 inches seemed to be best for me.

My AHI usually runs between 0.5 to 3 according to Oscar charts, but on nights I forget to wear a collar, my AHI is 15 to 20. I wear a full face mask so it isn’t a matter of keeping my mouth closed, I think my jaw dropping is my major problem and the collar really helps with that. No chin strap seemed to help fix that problem even though I tried about 4-5 different types. So I don’t use a chin strap, just the collar.

Being a life long cheap skate, I prefer this collar:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC ... UTF8&psc=1

I have a real problem with high leak rates. I traced this down to my
chin hitting my chest when I sleep and breaking the seal on my full face
mask. In my case wearing one of these collars helps lower my leak rate
a great deal.