FINALLY Found A Chinstrap That WORKS!

Ahhh, the voices of reason..... Pugsy, thanks for not smackin' me with your post - and Gerald - since you put it that way..... - and self - since you've already spent several $ on cpap stuff, what's another $9.95 for material and a $50 bonus for ingenuity? I'll order one today. I really wasn't intending meanness with my post - just imagine a tone of disbelief (window sticker shock) at how expensive everything has been that is associated with this new hobby of mine. I will also give feedback on the experience. Maybe, just maybe, I can see an AHI below a 2.0 and feel physically better while I'm at it!

jimnsc wrote:Ahhh, the voices of reason..... Pugsy, thanks for not smackin' me with your post

I didn't mean to shame you into it. Only offering a different perspective to things. Gerald offered another perspective.

I got lucky and short term taping worked for me. I absolutely must have nasal pillow mask. I just can't tolerate the straps of the others and what they do to my neck. So I can fully understand making the nasal interface mask work for any reason that a person might have.

Those that have decided to give this a try, please post back and let us know your thoughts. I know that nothing suits everyone perfectly but if it helps one other person achieve their goals then hey, I think it is well worth it.

I ordered one yesterday, I'll report back.

I am also wondering whether on a smaller head/chin it would cover too much space and get right up into my nose. I'm watching this thread for reviews from you guys!

Sleeping....

Whether or not the strap will fit a small face/jaw .....is pretty well demonstrated in the videos that the manufacturer made to demonstrate his product. I think the way the chin flap folds under the chin shows that the thing is completely adjustable to fit almost any size/shape face.

On another note.....I had the thought yesterday that the strap might combine well with an economical "boil-n-bite" athletic mouth-guard like what's found at Academy Sporting Goods. The "boil-n-bite" might help keep the jaw in perfect alignment.....while the strap keeps everything from moving.

Also, the chinstrap should work well to prevent "tape-blow-off" for those of us who require higher pressures. The tape would act as the "absolute seal" while the chinstrap provides additional sealing pressure to keep the tape in place.

So, even if this chinstrap doesn't work perfectly by itself, combining it with other "home remedies" that we concoct might.....ultimately....be a "holy grail" for some.

Over the years, I've been amazed at what this "rogue group of outlaw CPAP riders" can come up with in the way of tweaks, tunes, and contraptions to make everything work better. I'm looking forward to trying this thing out.

When Velcros it twice over, it makes me feel trapped just watching him! I am not big on anything that restrains me, which is ironic considering all the apparatuses that I have to sleep with. The chinstrap that I'm using lately might be pushing my jaw back a little bit, and is not so comfortable. I'll wait to see what you all say about this one.

I used to use a 2 inch wide, 2 foot long piece of Ace bandage (self stick): it goes over the mouth similar to this fancy, bulky chin strap...cheaper, too. I've currently joined the taping brigade (cooler) with a 2 inch strip of 1inch silk heavy-duty firstaid tape placed vertically over the tucked in lips (with tag, of course.

jonnybee wrote:I apologize if I'm wrong to think so, but the OP's remarks seem to exceed what a simple endorsement of a product might include. I'm always leery of such a lavish recommendation.

Yeah me too....till I tried it. Was probably his biggest critic till I got so desperate I caved in. I am such a critic of snake oil & thought this looked like the most insane idea around. Can't say much more except if you are in San Diego area I will loan you mine for FREE for a night to try it yourself and NOT getting paid for that offer, just wish everyone could try it once. If it were not for all the crap chin straps I would have gotten so excited to finally see then that isn't a scam....

chunkyfrog wrote:Remember the home-made underwear elastic chin strap?
I always meant to make one--out of NEW undie elastic.

Had my wife make one of elastic & I sweat so bad on a 63 degree night I almost drown!

SleepingUgly wrote:I am also wondering whether on a smaller head/chin it would cover too much space and get right up into my nose. I'm watching this thread for reviews from you guys!

He has a 800 toll free number, not sure what it is though????? I wear a Swift FX with NO problem even with the strap right up to & touching my nose. I understand it will work also when I get the $$$ to buy & try a regular nasal mask (without pillows) as well but haven't been able to test that yet.

To the person asking about using this with a full face mask? WHY????? I am new at this at just 3 months but my full face masks are so I can breath with my mouth open. No use though since all the leaks kept me up all night!!!

SleepingUgly wrote:When Velcros it twice over, it makes me feel trapped just watching him! I am not big on anything that restrains me, which is ironic considering all the apparatuses that I have to sleep with. The chinstrap that I'm using lately might be pushing my jaw back a little bit, and is not so comfortable. I'll wait to see what you all say about this one.

I have other shin straps that do that. THIS one does the OPPOSITE! The other huge thing I never mentioned is I even loosen this more every single night. I can have it so loose it is falling off and it won't leak for me! I guess it is due to the way it presses so many pressure points??? Also it never makes me feel trapped like I thought. Now I feel naked without it. It's like now I can't even relax in bed till it is on? You won't know what I mean till you spend a week in one. Got 9 hours straight sleep last nigh. First time in over 50 years...

The idea of a chinstrap is to keep your mouth closed and avoid leaks. The FF mask should fix that problem. I would think that a chinstrap would be helpful only if you are having a problem with mask fit/ leaks.

I'm in for one.

Wow, I'm getting excited about this idea. Definitely will want to hear reviews, especially from people who tend to feel trapped.

Going to bed entails 4 noise machines, nightguard, splints on my arms velcroed shut, chin strap, mask, and then I put on my prescription eyeglasses with my huge blue-light-blocking sunglasses on over them. Then I organize my wedge pillow with another pillow on top, and a body pillow. I don't know how I wound up so bound up I don't know how I wound up so bound up

Honestly, I'd love to lose the chin strap altogether, although I don't know how likely that is to happen with my nightguard in. Even though it doesn't take up too much space, it does probably contribute to my lips opening up. And if I put my tongue on the spot I'm supposed to put it on the roof of my mouth, there is plastic there, so I'm less able to do it "right".

Gerald wrote: Over the years, I've been amazed at what this "rogue group of outlaw CPAP riders" can come up with in the way of tweaks, tunes, and contraptions to make everything work better.

Hear, hear!