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+--- Thread: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar (/Thread-Best-Tension-Techniques-for-a-Cervical-Collar)
Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - Crimson Nape - 06-18-2017
I've found that a cervical collar seems to be more effective for me over in lieu of the chinstrap to reduce or eliminate mouth leaks. The only problem that I've encountered with its use is setting the proper tension. If I tighten it as you would actually use the collar, makes it little too tight for sleep and my OA's increase. . . but still no mouth leaks! I've found (so far) that tightening it so that it easily slides around my neck has produced the best compromise.
I would be interested how other collar users tension theirs, results, and any other helpful tips.
RE: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - st8800 - 06-18-2017
Hi Crimson, agreed, tried doing a loose fitting collar and it seems to be less effective. Tighten it up slightly but still able to slide a little seems best. Evidently from much improved AHI of 0.73 recently.
RE: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - chill - 06-18-2017
(06-18-2017, 10:37 AM)Crimson Nape Wrote: a cervical collar seems to be more effective for me over the chinstrap
By "over" you mean "instead of", not "on top of", right?
I tighten mine to he point of slight discomfort and then loosen it a bit. I am not sure if it would easily turn. I never tried it. I want it tight enough that my chin can't drop inside of it but no so tight that it interferes with breathing or blood flow. I will try it a little looser tonight and see what the result is.
RE: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - Crimson Nape - 06-18-2017
Yes, I mean as a replacement , in lieu of. . . I will edit the OP to reflect this. Everything seems so logical when you're typing it.
Thanks!
RE: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - MitchS - 06-18-2017
I use a soft cervical collar to help with positional events. The collar does very little for my mouth breathing, so I'm stuck with the chin strap as well. My AHI went up slightly and my leaks went down slightly when I started using the collar, but my sleep quality went up quite a bit.
I agree that just loose enough to be able to slip it around works best.
RE: Best Tension Techniques for a Cervical Collar - Crimson Nape - 06-19-2017
I've noticed two additional things about the cervical collar; 1. Using the same tension, it will feel tighter when you lay down, as opposed to sitting up. 2. My OA's occur when I'm side sleeping and the collar is pressing against my throat and the pillow. I am awakened by the inability to exhale when this happens. Also, my Flow limitations increase.