Jaw Supporters?

I have been using a full face mask (three different ones) for six months. I was diagnosed with severe Sleep Apnea. I did an overnight in clinic test that recorded 123 apneas in one hour. I hate each mask. The bridge of my nose is so sore I can hardly bear to wear my glasses. I have developed deep grooves on each side of my nose. My cheek skin burns and itches from the mask. I am depressed. Have any of you used a jaw supporter instead of the mask? I came across one from a Live Smarter web site. "My Sleeping Solution, $119.97" Is this another dead end or will it help?

If you're referring to what we call chinstraps, lots use them, but they're only so effective, especially as your lips can still open a fair amount and lose air that way and they're only an adjunct to Cpap, not a replacement at all - won't keep your airway any more open than not using Cpap does, only help close your jaw.

Have you tried Pad-a-Cheek(.com) liners? They will help with your skin problems and any small leaks you have. I hope you're not overtightening the masks because they'll cause more (micro)leaks that way than otherwise - the thin silicone cushion needs to inflate when masks are on, so mashing them down won't be good for therapy.

It is just a very expensive chin strap and won't help with apneas. It may make them worse by pulling back on your jaw.
You probably are tightening you mask too tight. Perhaps a trip back to your DME for training on adjusting you mask might help.

What masks have you tried? There are some YouTube videos that offer tips on proper fitting. There's another mask liner you could use called RemZzzzs - most DMEs carry them; the Pad-A-Cheeks you have to order off the website as I don't think they are available through the DMEs. Mask liners were a game changer for me, in addition to protecting your face, they can help a great deal with leaks, which was my problem.

Are nasal/nasal pillow masks an option or are you limited to full face masks due to being a mouth breather?

49er

Thanks to all who have responded about the jaw supporters. I don't think I will order one. I am a mouth breather so the nose pillow idea doesn't work. They tried one with me at the clinic. I will look for the mask liners on-line. This site is a blessing to me at this trying time. I am 79 and I sometimes wonder if it is worth all the maintenance, the discomfort. The only thing that keeps me using the CPAP is that I have to stay well to care for my husband.

Being an oral breather you can use an oral mask.

Oracle 452 Oral CPAP Mask FitPack with Headgear.

One of the newest masks on the market is the AitFit F10. It might help BUT like the others, you will have to fix the leaks by not over tightening the mask. Its hard to trust the 'inflation' technology.

My hubby uses a FFM & he finally found the best mask for him is the F10, so far. This was after accidentally learning he was over tightening the WRONG SIZE mask. He has a large head, so the DME assumed he needed a large. He got a new mask, his FullLife in a size medium by mistake. He tried it anyway & got a perfect no-leak night! The combination of a correctly fitting mask & his trying to not over tighten worked for him. Perhaps you have the wrong size mask? Perhaps the mask is too tight? Perhaps both?

You might want to consider checking your mask size. Also try to loosen any FFM you wear. I know the loosening is very difficult but use the video's library lady suggested. Hopefully some of the suggestions will help. Let us know how things work out for you.

Jen