Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

Oday03274 · Post by **Oday03274** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 3:27 am

Hi all,
I'm quite new here but not new to CPAP, I tried it and failed 10 years ago and for the entirety of that time I have been exhausted, unable to get a good night sleep going to absurd lengths to try and sleep well and feel better, living a half life. After a year of struggling with the absurdity that is the sleep medicine community I recently got a new AS10 and have been giving it another go with much the same result, until last night when I tried using a (homemade mind you) cervical collar/ chin pillow. 10 years ago and for the last several nights regardless of pressure settings I would have many long apneas (up to 60 seconds) where after each one I would wake up gasping and feeling like I couldn't get enough air making my sleep even worse than without the cpap. Yesterday, after seeing cervical collars mentioned in several posts I took a travel neck pillow and modified it to work as one. I just woke up from a nearly 6 hour block of blissful, uninterrupted sleep. This is the first time this has happened since I don't know when. I was using the CPAP and the cervical collar. My AHI was under 2 and the apneas were all short (under 20 second) minor central or clear airway pauses. I feel like an idiot for never having tried this. I don't know how I spent 10 years searching for a solution and never came across or tried this seemingly basic (in hindsight) way of keeping my chin up and my airway open. I know the opinion on here is mixed about the cervical collar and that each persons specific situation is different but if you haven't tried one, and you struggle with getting cpap to work like it should, please pleas try one. I know this is one night (and an amazing nap yesterday) which isn't even a trend yet but for the first time in a long time I feel optimistic about getting my life back and being able to live a normal life where I am not constantly exhausted. Perhaps the most infuriating thing is that the sleep medicine community doesn't even seem to have this on their list of tools even though the biomechanics of it totally check out. Keeps your neck straight and your mouth closed allowing the air pressure to do it's job in the most efficient manner. Sorry if this isn't the most well written, it is 5am after all

Brad S · Post by **Brad S** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 6:21 am

Thank you for sharing this.
After much reading and advice from a friend I am going to try a cervical collar tonight. I am hoping for similar results.

Oday03274 · Post by **Oday03274** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:08 am

Brad S wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 6:21 am
Thank you for sharing this.
After much reading and advice from a friend I am going to try a cervical collar tonight. I am hoping for similar results.

Good luck! I'm blown away by the difference. Make sure the front is thick enough to support you chin comfortably. I ordered a couple from amazon (the ones I could get same day delivery) and they were all too thin, which is why I ended up using one of those U shaped travel pillows that I added straps to. It's not perfect though since the U shape squeezes the sides of my neck a bit and when I lay on my back it gets pushed a bit forward, luckily not quite so much that my chin can slip down... I'm waiting on a real one from amazon that isn't same day delivery. Hopefully it's even better.

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:58 am

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:08 am

Brad S wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 6:21 am
Thank you for sharing this.
After much reading and advice from a friend I am going to try a cervical collar tonight. I am hoping for similar results.
Good luck! I'm blown away by the difference. Make sure the front is thick enough to support you chin comfortably. I ordered a couple from amazon (the ones I could get same day delivery) and they were all too thin, which is why I ended up using one of those U shaped travel pillows that I added straps to. It's not perfect though since the U shape squeezes the sides of my neck a bit and when I lay on my back it gets pushed a bit forward, luckily not quite so much that my chin can slip down... I'm waiting on a real one from amazon that isn't same day delivery. Hopefully it's even better.

are you using a 4" collar? i found that to make all the difference for me.

please bear in mind that the foam in the collar breaks down over time, causing cancer. oh, wait! that's the foam inside a resperonics machine. duh.

but the foam does lose it's firmness over time and will eventually be useless. i find that mine last about 3 months before i have to replace.

here's where i buy mine-
https://www.mmarmedical.com/CoreLINE-Ce ... cl0125.htm

iirc, even with the cost of shipping, it comes out cheaper than amazon. of course, you have to be patient and wait a bit longer for it to arrive.

Jlfinkels · Post by **Jlfinkels** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:56 pm

Something to remember is that cervical collars do break down over time. It is a good idea to have a spare when you notice a change in the collar.

Also, companies change the design of their collars on occasion. I am going through that with my favorite Releaf collar as the new design is much firmer than the original. A trip through the washing machine solved the problem, but something else to consider when stocking up on CPAP supplies.

Brad S · Post by **Brad S** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 2:22 pm

zonker wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:58 am
are you using a 4" collar? i found that to make all the difference for me.

Thank you for the advice. The only brand that is in stock and available here in Colorado is Bell-Horn.
Nothing in the stores at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, grocery stores etc. Called them all. The only place that had it was a medical supply store. None of these places are close to me but I didn't want to wait another day for amazon.
The lady in the store was nice enough and helped me to size what I need. I got the 3" and see how that goes. I don't care what they cost, if it works I will try them all until I find the perfect one.
Now I just have to see if I can sneak in a nap this afternoon.

ChicagoGranny · Post by **ChicagoGranny** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 3:37 pm

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 3:27 am
seemingly basic (in hindsight) way of keeping my chin up and my airway open.

A cervical collar serves as a proprioceptive guide leading to spontaneous self-regulation of the head and cervical motion.

Gramps and I have been wearing them for years. My APAP pressure runs at a moderate pressure level with a collar. Without a collar, the pressure is through the roof because my chin drops toward my chest.

Brad S · Post by **Brad S** » Tue Aug 23, 2022 4:08 pm

Jlfinkels wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 1:56 pm
Something to remember is that cervical collars do break down over time. It is a good idea to have a spare when you notice a change in the collar.
but something else to consider when stocking up on CPAP supplies.

Thanks! Great advice too

Oday03274 · Post by **Oday03274** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:28 am

Brad S wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 2:22 pm

zonker wrote: ↑
Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:58 am
are you using a 4" collar? i found that to make all the difference for me.
Thank you for the advice. The only brand that is in stock and available here in Colorado is Bell-Horn.
Nothing in the stores at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, grocery stores etc. Called them all. The only place that had it was a medical supply store. None of these places are close to me but I didn't want to wait another day for amazon.
The lady in the store was nice enough and helped me to size what I need. I got the 3" and see how that goes. I don't care what they cost, if it works I will try them all until I find the perfect one.
Now I just have to see if I can sneak in a nap this afternoon.

I tried a 3 inch collar night before last and it did not work as well ( but it did work, AHI around 4), last night I again used my modified travel pillow which is about 4 inches, and again my AHI dropped down to under 2 with a sleep time of almost 7 hours. 7 hours without waking! That is the longest block of solid sleep I have had in 10+ years! I have 2 thicker options coming from amazon today and tomorrow, one is 4 inch and one is 5. If one works Ill post a link and the great thing about Amazon is when I've found one that works I can just return all the ones that didn't by dropping them at my local Kohl's or whole foods. Good times these.

Brad S · Post by **Brad S** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 10:14 am

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:28 am
I tried a 3 inch collar night before last and it did not work as well ( but it did work, AHI around 4), last night I again used my modified travel pillow which is about 4 inches, and again my AHI dropped down to under 2 with a sleep time of almost 7 hours. 7 hours without waking! That is the longest block of solid sleep I have had in 10+ years! I have 2 thicker options coming from amazon today and tomorrow, one is 4 inch and one is 5. If one works Ill post a link and the great thing about Amazon is when I've found one that works I can just return all the ones that didn't by dropping them at my local Kohl's or whole foods. Good times these.

WOW! That is fantastic. Keep us posted on the thicker options.
I tried the 3" for the last two nights and did not have much luck. Two nights ago, I woke up with the collar and the mask crammed together and it was very uncomfortable and painful. Tried again last night with a bunch of pillows and sitting up to sleep. My conclusion is that 3" is too tall for my neck. I have no idea what I am talking about but it is what I think. I have a 2" coming today from Amazon and will try that tonight.
I am really happy for you that you found such good sleep.

zonker · Post by **zonker** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 10:52 am

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:28 am

7 hours without waking! That is the longest block of solid sleep I have had in 10+ years!

Oday03274 · Post by **Oday03274** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:47 pm

Brad S wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 10:14 am

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 3:28 am
I tried a 3 inch collar night before last and it did not work as well ( but it did work, AHI around 4), last night I again used my modified travel pillow which is about 4 inches, and again my AHI dropped down to under 2 with a sleep time of almost 7 hours. 7 hours without waking! That is the longest block of solid sleep I have had in 10+ years! I have 2 thicker options coming from amazon today and tomorrow, one is 4 inch and one is 5. If one works Ill post a link and the great thing about Amazon is when I've found one that works I can just return all the ones that didn't by dropping them at my local Kohl's or whole foods. Good times these.
WOW! That is fantastic. Keep us posted on the thicker options.
I tried the 3" for the last two nights and did not have much luck. Two nights ago, I woke up with the collar and the mask crammed together and it was very uncomfortable and painful. Tried again last night with a bunch of pillows and sitting up to sleep. My conclusion is that 3" is too tall for my neck. I have no idea what I am talking about but it is what I think. I have a 2" coming today from Amazon and will try that tonight.
I am really happy for you that you found such good sleep.

I must have a really long neck, a two inch looks like a shirt collar for me. As I think I mentioned, I so far have not had good results with the normal cervical collar "belt" type, they just aren't thick enough to keep my giant head from rolling forward, I also have a pretty significant chin so a wide platform seems to work really well. Getting it tight enough so your chin can't slip behind while still being loose enough to not cut off blood flow seems to be a fine line as well. In addition to my chin I also have a pretty large Adams apple. When I modified my travel pillow for this use I cut out foam on the sides for blood flow and on the inside of the flat part that I put in front to allow space so I can swallow. It may be that I just end up using my Frankenstinian invention rather than something I buy, who knows.

lynninnj · Post by **lynninnj** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:50 pm

Getting some freaky visuals here.

Anyone with TMJ problems try the cervical collar and does it help or aggravate it?

Oday03274 · Post by **Oday03274** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:52 pm

lynninnj wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:50 pm
Getting some freaky visuals here.
I am marginally funny looking

lynninnj · Post by **lynninnj** » Thu Aug 25, 2022 1:47 pm

Oday03274 wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:52 pm

lynninnj wrote: ↑
Thu Aug 25, 2022 12:50 pm
Getting some freaky visuals here.
I am marginally funny looking
lol ok I will take your word for it.

FYI I am guessing you are having slight technical issues here. When you quote, be sure to scroll down to the bottom and drop th cursor below the last bracket-slash -quote- bracket. (if i don’t type that out the board may confuse it with a command.)

Otherwise your quote above reads as one giant quote from me with none for you.

HTH

Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

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Re: Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

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Re: Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

Re: Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

Re: Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

Re: Try a cervical collar/chin pillow...WOW

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