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Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Printable Version

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Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Visitor - 01-07-2015

The chin strap I'm wearing does not work every night. When it doesn't, I wake up out of breath. I notice as at times I wake up breathing through my mouth.

I'm using the P10 nasal pillows mask.

I would like to continue using nasal pillows.

However, if the chin strap does not work, the effects are quite negative.

What are my alternatives?

Full face mask? (Rather not, but of course, I'll do what it takes to get this sorted)

Different type of chin strap? (I ordered mine from Supplier #2, but the email confirmation I got does not specify what type it is)

The strap is a single piece, that straps over the head with velcro connection.




RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - DeepBreathing - 01-07-2015

Gaffer tape? Laugh-a-lot



RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Visitor - 01-07-2015

Already tried that DeepBreathing. No luck.


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Crimson Nape - 01-07-2015

There's one that has "Ruby" in the name that I've had good luck with. I call it the "Hannibal Lector" model. I just ordered the Respironics model to give it a try. Both of these chinstraps have a back strap which aids in preventing slippage. I have one that is a large elastic velcro strap. For me it's absolutely worthless. It won't stay on long enough to be of any use.



RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Sleeprider - 01-07-2015

If you're unable to keep the seal that prevents air from escaping through your mouth, you might want to consider a Hybrid mask. These use nasal pillows and also cover the mouth or provide air pressure at the mouth.

Clearly a chinstrap can keep the mouth from sagging, but having your jaw closed does not prevent air from escaping through the mouth. There are some exercises you can do to learn to manage the seal of your tongue against the roof of your mouth and tissues in your throat. These may train you to maintain that seal. May or may not work.


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Sleeprider - 01-07-2015

Note this is based on my experience and is not an exercise protocol used in therapy to my knowledge. It is just some conscious training in how to manage CPAP air:

Try this exercise without the CPAP; breath through your nose with your mouth shut. Now where is your tongue positioned? Open your mouth and continue to breath only through your nose. Notice you must still block air using the back of your tongue? Now let the tongue block drop and see if you can continue to breath only through your nose. If you can, you're better than me. You can seal your mouth with tape or cover it with your hand and perhaps overcome the leaks, but it's hard and uncomfortable...this is what happens when you sleep and the tongue drops, whether you are normally a mouth breather or not. If the tongue drops at night, air will leak from the mouth, and this is why chin straps alone usually don't work.

Now try the same exercise with the CPAP on. Eventually you should learn to be able to control that pressure. Many of us with experience using nasal CPAP can even talk and manage air through the mouth with the pressure on. Learning this control may assist you if you can carry it over into sleeping. Being able to speak under CPAP pressure requires you to exhale through the nose against the pressure, and speak at the same time. It is something of a learned skill to block that air, but it is essential to successfully using nasal therapy. Practicing this during waking hours can help you be conditioned to forming this air-block and it is an essential skill to successful nasal therapy and improved comfort even in full-face therapy.

BTW, make a recording of the first attempt at this, because the sound that comes out is going to be hilarious. :lol:


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - me50 - 01-07-2015

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-Carefushion-chin-strap

This one worked for me and after wearing it for a while, I no longer need a chin strap because I keep my mouth shut when sleeping now.


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - readyforsleep - 01-08-2015

I find I have better luck with a chin strap if ido the tongue to the roof of my mouth trick and position my jaw forward when I put my chin strap on. Keep working it.


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Visitor - 01-11-2015

Thanks for the tips!


RE: Chin strap: not working. Alternatives? - Visitor - 01-16-2015

"I find I have better luck with a chin strap if ido the tongue to the roof of my mouth trick and position my jaw forward when I put my chin strap on."

Strangely that has done the trick so far. Excellent advice. Smile