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Chimpanzzz wrote:As an alternative to taping, I use a foam cervical collar to prop the jaw closed and a sports headband over my mouth to keep my lips from blowing out. I get a good air seal and it's comfortable. It's easy to apply and remove as well.

Futuro collar
http://www.futuro-usa.com/3M/en_US/futu ... 207&rt=rud

Ace headband
http://www.kmart.com/ace-headband-black ... 551341001P

You do have to replace them regularly as the collar will soften and the headband stretches: collar about every 2 months and the headband about every two weeks.

Assuming that the headband is placed horizontally across your lips and around the back of your head, how do you prevent it from slipping?

That is how the headband is positioned.

On the back of the neck, it's supported in place where the collar meets the back of the head. Over the mouth, it's flat enough that it just doesn't slip off.

It's not that tight. It simply adds a little extra counter pressure to the lips. I'm sure some people wouldn't need it at all. Some people also use a boil-and-bite mouth guard to help keep the jaw better aligned and to prevent bruxism.

Here's another foam cervical collar I've tried and can recommend. I actually prefer it over the Futuro.

KX Soft Cervical Collar
https://www.clarosupply.com/products/ad ... oam-size-m

Chimpanzzz wrote:Here's another foam cervical collar I've tried and can recommend. I actually prefer it over the Futuro.

KX Soft Cervical Collar
https://www.clarosupply.com/products/ad ... oam-size-m

Oh, great! You had to wait until I bought the Futuro today to recommend a better collar? What are you trying to do, bankrupt me?

It's just the Futuro is a lot more accessible. You can buy it at most pharmacies. There's not a huge difference between the two. I had to dig up the link for the KX collar.

I have tried the Futuro collar, and I prefer this one: "https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=dmi firm foam cervical collar"
I order it on line and have it delivered to the local Walmart store. There is no delivery charge if I do it this way.

Okie bipap wrote:I have tried the Futuro collar, and I prefer this one: http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=dm ... dmi%20firm
I order it on line and have it delivered to the local Walmart store. There is no delivery charge if I do it this way.

TWO PARTS:

NEW IDEA: I realize that one of the problems when I'm using the CPAP is that air gets caught when I EXHALE. HOWEVER, if I keep my
head BACK slightly it opens up the airway and there's no problem (WHEN AWAKE).

So, roll a towel up and sleep with it directly behind the neck when you're on your back. See if it'll helps. It'll open up the airway. If the airway is more open so breathing through the mouth may not be necessary. I'm going to try this and see how it works. If anyone else tries it please let us know.


This may be too cumbersome when sleeping:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ITA-MED-Rigi ... t/20631169

Thanks

You want a soft cervical collar. These are either soft or firm. I use the firm type, which is not hard, but rather a firm foam. This is where I found the collar: “ https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=dmi firm foam cervical collar”
They come in more than 1 width. I use the 4 in width.

I wouldn't recommend a rigid collar. I think it's overkill, uncomfortable, and you don't need that much support. You're only trying to support the jaw from dropping, and not trying to immobilize the neck. Stick with foam even though they do need to be replaced periodically. You actually have to sleep in this thing every night.

Okie bipap wrote:You want a soft cervical collar. These are either soft or firm. I use the firm type, which is not hard, but rather a firm foam. As stated previously, this is the link to the collar. http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=dm ... dmi%20firm

They come in more than 1 width. I use the 4 in width.

Okie bipap. Try your link. it does come up with meds.

His link was incomplete and takes a bit of work to complete it.

See if this works for you all.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=d ... dmi%20firm

.
Thanks for all the ideas!

I'm still curious if a rolled up towel behind your neck when lying down opens everyone's air passages (throat).
It might help in the interim while deciding on a neck collar (or maybe in place of one).