If you are a habitual snorer, the possibilities are that you are suffering from sleep apnea, and this can be quite frustrating for people who sleep beside you.
Although, you have been diagnosed with this sleeping disorder and have been recommended to use cpap machine, it must be ensured that you choose to breathe only through your nose, and quit breathing from your mouth.
How can one change their breathing pattern? Well, this is certainly possible, and the only way that you can make this happen is with the help of a chin strap.
What Is A Cpap Chin Strap?
A cpap chin strap is an extremely innovative invention and comes as one of the best features of a cpap machine. The strap has been designed to keep your mouth closed by supporting the chin which indirectly prevents airflow through the mouth and helps the patient breathe more easily and regularly through their nasal passage.
Chinstrap is highly functional when it comes to any air leakage through the mouth and contributes highly towards an effective therapy.
Cpap Chin Strap
This way, a patient’s mouth is kept closed and the cpap machine helps provide continuous airway pressure through the nose making snoring nil. The chinstrap is usually made out of fabric or Velcro and is secured on top of your head and ties around the lower jaw to keep your mouth closed.
When the person sleeping beside you complains that you snore a lot, it means that you are not breathing properly. A chin strap gear is best to provide continuous airway pressure and gives you proper sleep throughout the night without making you snore.
What Are The Different Types Of Chin Straps?
Cpap chin straps devices come in two different types – adjustable and non-adjustable.
Non-Adjustable Straps:
This version comes around 3 inches wide and comes in a variety of fabrics which is very comfortable when compared to chin cups. These non-adjustable straps are usually easy to take off and on and should be worn around the head and mouth.
Some non-adjustable straps come with an additional extension that follows to the back of the neck for a secure fit. These types of straps are more comfortable for people who are quite fugitive during their sleep. You might also find a lot of other manufacturers offering a single size fit on each model which can be quite comfortable and convenient for some.
Adjustable Strap:
This is one of the most highly opted types when it comes to chin straps. These chin straps are extremely comfortable as the device can be loosened or tightened according to the convenience of the user.
Manufacturers come with different materials in them along with different sizes and widths which make it extremely convenient for patients to choose what’s comfortable with them.
You might also find models which have detachable straps or additional extension that goes around the back of the head or around the forehead for advanced and improved fit. Different models can also be found with adjustable fastenings, which again are highly appreciated among patients who move a lot during their sleep.
How to Use a Chin Strap?
Using a chinstrap is extremely easy provided that you know your comfort zone. Since chin straps come in a variety of styles and materials, it is best to consult a physician and know what is best for your specific needs. Here are some simple steps on how to make your chinstrap more comfortable while you sleep:
Step 1: it is extremely important to wash your face well before you put on a chin strap. This is because a lot of people tend to excrete facial oils by the end of the day, which hampers with the seal of the strap. Moreover, for those who have long hair might want to pull it back with a band, so you make sure that your hair does not get entangled with the Velcro.
Step 2: place the bottom strap of your gear around your chin and slide the top strap above your head so that it fits comfortably. Make sure to adjust the sides of the strap around your head such that they lie flat.
Step 3: If you have fastenings around your strap, adjusted to a comfortable fit such that it’s securely seals around your head and chin.
Cpap Chin Straps That You May Want To Consider:
A chin strap cost around $15 to $30 depending on its size, material, features and style. However, here are some brands which you might want to consider while choosing one for your personal use:
- AEIOMed
- Covidien
- Cardinal Health
- Fisher & Paykel
- DeVilbiss
- PMI Probasics
- Philips Respironics
- Puritan Bennett
- Tiara
- Resmed
- Pur-Sleep
It must be noted that there are instances when using a chin gear is not recommended at all. If you are a patient who suffers from congested nose or deviated septum, it is best that you do not choose to wear a chin strap.
One must also remember to perfectly adjust pressure settings on their cpap machine, else the regular air supply may cause discomfort during sleep.
