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Re: I finally found something to keep my mouth shut

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:09 am
by Miss Emerita
A little alteration for the Dr. Dakota can make it easier to fasten and unfasten. I picked out the stitches in the soft covering over the strap in back, then tacked the piece of fabric onto the strap with a few stitches placed strategically in four spots. That way the back of my neck is still protected but the fastening/unfastening is easier to do.

Re: I finally found something to keep my mouth shut

Posted: Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:53 pm
by Deborah K.
So do most of you find the Dr. Dakota or a neck brace/collar more comfortable? Also which helps you drop your AHI better?

Re: I finally found something to keep my mouth shut

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 8:07 am
by ChicagoGranny
Deborah K. wrote:
Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:53 pm
Also which helps you drop your AHI better?
Set your CPAP pressures to control your AHI. A firm foam cervical collar is used for two reasons. The first is to hold your neck in the best position for airway patency. This might allow you to use lower CPAP pressures. The second reason is to help prevent jaw drop.

It sounds like you are wanting to try Dr. Dakota or a foam collar. I can get a foam collar at our local pharmacy for $8.79. It's a much cheaper trial. :D

Do you sleep on your back? If so, your pillow holds in the heat on the back of your neck, so the Dakota straps don't seem to be an advantage. And, as you can see above, people have had to rig solutions to make the straps more useful.

I would go with the cheaper trial.

Edit: Here's the collar I am using now, $6.99, free shipping - https://www.amazon.com/Coreline-Cervica ... =8-2-fkmr1

I use the 4-inch. But, for newbies, I would recommend starting with a 3-inch and working up later to a 4-inch if you feel it is necessary.

Re: I finally found something to keep my mouth shut

Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2020 5:35 pm
by Deborah K.
ChicagoGranny wrote:
Sat Mar 21, 2020 8:07 am
Deborah K. wrote:
Fri Mar 20, 2020 11:53 pm
Also which helps you drop your AHI better?
Set your CPAP pressures to control your AHI. A firm foam cervical collar is used for two reasons. The first is to hold your neck in the best position for airway patency. This might allow you to use lower CPAP pressures. The second reason is to help prevent jaw drop.

It sounds like you are wanting to try Dr. Dakota or a foam collar. I can get a foam collar at our local pharmacy for $8.79. It's a much cheaper trial. :D

Do you sleep on your back? If so, your pillow holds in the heat on the back of your neck, so the Dakota straps don't seem to be an advantage. And, as you can see above, people have had to rig solutions to make the straps more useful.

I would go with the cheaper trial.

Edit: Here's the collar I am using now, $6.99, free shipping - https://www.amazon.com/Coreline-Cervica ... =8-2-fkmr1

I use the 4-inch. But, for newbies, I would recommend starting with a 3-inch and working up later to a 4-inch if you feel it is necessary.
Thank you! I think I will try one like yours.

Re: I finally found something to keep my mouth shut

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2020 6:41 am
by djont57
I have used Dr. Dakota & a couple different cervical collars. Dakota works best for me & is also more comfortable (for me) :D