might a chinstrap alone help some people?

Someone just pointed out this article to me:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556917/

This is of course a report on a single individual. I don't know whether any follow-up studies may have been done to see whether the results for this man might be applicable to some wider group of people, but it was interesting.

That is interesting. I wish I could take another sleep study, this time with a chinstrap and something to keep me from sleeping on my back, and see what my results would be(it would be a longshot to think it would be better). I may just try this at home just to see how I feel the next day.

mostly a chinstrap doesnt prevent mouthbreathing, most still mouthbreathe thru slightly parted lips so taping the lips is usually needed

Ok, I must be missing something here.... I just don't see how a chinstrap could possibly stop apneas. It might stop SOME, and it will help stop/reduce mouthbreathing, but I dunno about using a chinstrap alone to 'help' SA.

xena

If you put it on so tight it keeps you awake, then you won't have sleep apnea.

I am not grumpy gurl!!

Only guessing here, but maybe the chin strap helped this particular individual because it held his jaw more forward and that helped to keep the airway open. "In addition, our endoscopy results indicated that the chinstrap stabilized the patient's upper airway." I'm also guessing here that study subject had not suffered from OSA for decades, and the OSA may have been caused by muscle laxity due to aging.

"Whether the chinstrap is a viable alternative intervention for those with complex sleep apnea (and why) might also merit investigation." Well DUH. A single case study is not generalizable.

"In sum, this case report indicates that a simple and inexpensive chinstrap deserves further investigation as a modality for the treatment of OSAS." If this is done, it will be interesting to see what the sample demographics are and how or if anatomical features have any impact on whether or not this is a viable option. I'm betting that a chin strap may be found to be a viable treatment option for a very small number of people who have very specific anatomical features and who did not suffer from OSA until reaching their late 60s or older. Notice that I said did not suffer from--not that they had not been diagnosed. This guy sounds as if the symptoms were quite recent and before the specific symptoms he had had no signs of OSA.


Weezy

Well, there are times when my husband just refuses to use his cpap for his morning nap(1hr) in his recliner, so I purchased a chin strap from cpap.com and his mouth stays closed and he does not have apneas during that time. Of course, he's sleeping almost upright and it's only for an hour. In the early days when he napped without cpap, within minutes his mouth dropped open and apneas occurred.

I have cited this article a few times, in conjunction with another article that discusses how merely mouth OPENING increases airway collapse. If I were organized, like Rested Gal, I'd have that article at my finger tips, but I am not.

This is part of the reason why nasal breathing is superior to oral breathing during sleep.

This might be a low-tech partial solution to a temporary lack of access to electricity or a working machine.
I believe I may keep a comfortable (!!!) chinstrap and my oximeter handy, too. (just in case)
I do not see it as a way for anyone to have quality sleep, however; unless it's the bedfellow who needs a break from the snoring.

It's hard to read your AHI from a Chin Strap, maybe is you could do a sleep lab every night to insure you weren't going to die in your sleep. Yes, I'm sure a chinstrap alone will help some people, by rule of numbers.. The only thing for sure money can be made by selling products that don't work will for many people. XPAP works best for the most of the needed patients. Jim

Initially when I first began using a CPAP, I tried the nasal pillows. Went on for 3 months, using them more and more every night. However, my apenas still occured. I then switched to a full nose mask. Aside from the claustrophobia issues that I had with it, after 3 more months, I was disgusted. I went back to the nasal pillows and my respiratory therapist suggested that I use a chin strap. I am a HORRIBLE mouth breather! Well, my numbers have never looked so good. I was doubtful that a little piece of material with velcro would "seal the deal", but today, I am a firm believer. Perhaps not a viable option for all, but in my case - worked like a charm. For once in my life I've found something that can keep my mouth shut!