Chin Strap: Requesting Recommendations

Good evening everyone.

Currently, I'm using the Respironics Deluxe Chin Strap. I'm looking for recommendations for something different.
I'm looking to switch for two reasons:
1) Tired of having something so thick around my face.
2) Drooling due to my dental appliance soils the cloth that is up close and personal to my face.

Thanks.
Starlette

Are you using a dental appliance and cpap? Wasn't aware that a chin strap was necessary with an oral appliance, esp an appliance like the TAP which locks into place. At the sleep lab they actually wrapped a 4 inch ace bandage wrap around my face as a chin strap. it worked better than the cheep strap that the dme gave me.

Hi Ricky.

Yes, I'm using a dental appliance, Silent Nite. Dental appliance assists twofold: Moves lower jaw forward for better airflow with my apap and made especially for those with TMJ.
Reason for the chinstrap: Mouth leaking good air. I need to keep it closed at night.

Starlette

Its interesting to hear from someone who uses both the appliance and cpap. I'm going to talk to a dentist in a couple weeks who specializes in sleep apnea and appliances. I have a long post on this site about the oral surgeon wanting to do major MMA surgery to bring my jaw forward. I'm thinking an appliance may be a much less invasive but effective option. I can't breath through my nose at night due to throat airway constriction. But if I manually move my jaw forward, I can breath through nose just fine. I will look up the silent night appliance. There are several of them. The TAP device seems popular too. (sorry you aren't getting more feedback on chin straps. I'm off topic here.)

@ Ricky
The dental appliance I use is called Silent "Nite". I've also included the website that tells you about it and other dental appliances.
Dental Appliance - Silent Nite http://www.ihatecpap.com/oral_appliance.html

Starlette

haha. I've seen that site before. Very imformative. I feel like they give unbiased info on ALL OSA treatment options, not just CPAP. Had no idea cpap compliance was so low until i started reading around.

There are so many appliance options. How did you decide on the Silent Night? Dr Shapira from the website explains that he usually initiates therapy with the TAP device, but that it depends on a person's mouth and needs.

I am using the Puresom Ruby without any real issues. Granted it has only been 3 nights but i have adjusted to it pretty easily. It is comfy and not annoying on my face, my ears are exposed so I can put my ear buds in to fall asleep.

I just looked at the Deluxe online and I dont think I would like it.

Starlette, have a look at the Halo. It's reasonably light weight and tends to stay in place due to design. Here's the site: http://www.breathewear.com/Halo_Chin_Strap_p/h3407.htm

Jay

I have a Silent Nite and also use a chin strap because my mouth still leaks if I don't wear the strap. Every time I try sleeping without the strap I either wake up with a mouth like the bottom of the budgie's cage, or I have horrible leaks on my SleepyHead chart - or probably both. I have a small mouth (dentally speaking) and my dentist thought I needed something to stop the bruxism I was having a bit of trouble with. The helping with my severe apnea would be a bonus. Whether that has happened, I don't really know. I have gained a bit of weight (but still less than when I was diagnosed 2 years ago), have got the Silent Nite, have changed chin straps several times. Oh, and after carefully reviewing my data, I decided I wanted to test out a 1 cm lower pressure. I am now getting the lowest AHI readings since I started.

I have just started using the Puresom Ruby after using several other types that didn't work. It seems to be working really well, although the size (med) is probably a bit small. I do seem to be getting used to it, though. Not sure what size to get when the time comes to replace it. I got it through the sponsors of this forum, so I don't have the benefit of someone with experience of fitting them to advise me whether I have a large head or not (my mother was always able to answer that one!). It seems that finding a chin strap that works is a bit like finding a mask. You will also find many different opinions about them!

SleepyToo2 wrote:I have just started using the Puresom Ruby after using several other types that didn't work. It seems to be working really well, although the size (med) is probably a bit small.

Hi,

I also use the Ruby, and I like it very much. I also notice that it runs small on the sizes. Mine has stretched a little over the past few months, so it actually fits pretty well now.

-john-

I just got the Ruby today.
I thought it wouldn't work, but then I read the directions.
I had it on backwards.
Not too bad now. I'll give it a shot tonight.

rickymarkokc wrote: At the sleep lab they actually wrapped a 4 inch ace bandage wrap around my face as a chin strap. it worked better than the cheep strap that the dme gave me.

When my husband was in the ER without his machine, I told them he had OSA and the RN quickly wrapped an ace bandage around his head to at least keep his jaw closed. It wasn't perfect but it helped until I brought his machine to the hospital. Apparently it's an old trick that's used in the ER in these situations.

Starlette, per your request for more info:

The Halo is my chinstap of choice. I have number of chinstraps including the Respironics "Premium". I do not own the Ruby. I find the Halo to be as comfortable as any and far less bulky than the Premium. It stays in place better than most due to the "halo" design of the head piece. The Halo is adjustable. The strap portion attaches to the headgear just in front of the ears with the standard loop-over Velcro arangement. I have worn it over and under various mask headgear with equal effectiveness.

I suppose a disadvantage of the Halo, like almost any other chin strap, is that the "pull" of the strap is angled slightly back. The two I have that don't, the "Premium" and the PapCap haven't worked for me. The Premium is too bulky and the PapCap just doesn't stay in place (the small/medium size is too big for my medium head).

Hope this helps,
Jay

I wore the Ruby last night--(I wore it correctly) ---with a 2.75" piece of J&J cloth tape
vertically placed (to control lip flutter.)
I wore my Easylife nasal mask, too. ZERO leaks!
Not bad, considering that I only had acceptable leak rates 15 days out of the last 30.
Now I need to make cheek liners for the Ruby--it left some WEIRD lines on my cheeks!