woah.. chinstrap?

i got copies of the records from the sleep lab. on recommendation line it says "cpap at 13cm h2o utilizings respironics m series with a resmed swift lt mask, headgear, chinstrap, and heated humidifier"

chinstrap?

I wore no chinstrap for the study. I just looked it up and with apologies to those who use it, it looks horrible. I have accepted that I can (have to) wear the part that goes over my head. but this thing going all the way around my head? what does it do and is it really necessary?


ok. so i looked up chinstrap on cpap.com. says it's to keep my mouth shut? I sleep with my mouth shut.

not doing it. i wonder now if the DME will have to give me one or if I can just refuse

Chinstraps are necessary for some if you think you are mouth Breathing. I have used a Chin Strap for almost three years now with my Swift II. The purpose of the chin strap is to keep the mouth closed so you get the proper therapy. Air escaping from the Mouth defeats the purpose of cpap. The Trick is to fine the right Chin Strap. some are more comfortable that Others.

xiola wrote:i wonder now if the DME will have to give me one or if I can just refuse

You don't have to take or use the chin strap if you don't want to. The Rx wording sometimes is just to cover all bases. My Rx just says Cpap, heated humidifier and any supplies. The chin strap is just one of the possible supplies thing.


Just tell the DME that you don't want it right now and you will let them know if you feel the need later. They can always supply it later if the need arises. Chin straps can be useful to remind a person to keep their mouth shut so that the pressure doesn't get rerouted out through the mouth when it is open. Not everyone will need to be reminded. Chin straps won't prevent a person from opening their mouth if they really try or if they are serious mouth breathers. Think of them more as gentle support. They really are not the vises that the pictures seem to give the impression of.

Personally Id take it, even if you dont need it right now there is a chance you might need it later. I went for years without needing one to needing one in the last 2-3. You can refuse it. Or ask for a different one. I can't use tapes (Skins allergic to them) SO a strap is my best option. I Have a couple old ones i keep handy now for emergency repairs and last minute things like my straps falling off the hook at the head of my bed and diving into the darkness that is between the bed and wall. And not wanting to wake the other half up to retrieve it.