Designing a high quality chin strap

[ArthurC]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently 26 yrs old and have been using a cpap machine (Resmed airsense) 10 for around 2 years now with a Respironics dreamwear mask. I’m a mouth breather and havebeen using Seatec's chin strap. I'm finding it really uncomfortable, especially in Australia, its really hot and neoprene on my face is not the best combination. I've been looking through Amazon, Ebay and so on, most of them are made with Neoprene, Nylon or polyester and have a lot of bad reviews due to fit or discomfort. Even if I wanted something made of better quality, there aren't any alternatives.

I want to produce a chin strap that is made from quality material, I have been doing research on what type of materials would be the most suitable to be in contact with facial skin for long periods of time. I have concluded that silk maybe a better material alternative.

I do want to try innovate how the chin strap works and create a chin strap that the majority of people who buy it are happy with it and is genuinely comfortable for them. But for now, I want to start with the material, produce a silk chin strap that is comfortable to wear and it has numerous benefits to the skin.

The purpose of my post is to get as much opinion as I can and see if there is a need for a chin strap that is made of a high quality or a better material. Any opinion/input is greatly appreciated.

[ChicagoGranny]

I have concluded that silk maybe a better material alternative.

Silk stretches easily. Good luck with getting it to prevent jaw drop.

[LSAT]

If you have been using a CPAP you know its hard to prevent mouth leaks. even with the best Chinstrap in the world air can leak out the teeth with the jaw closed.
Tape is the only thing to stop it.

[chunkyfrog]

Two suggestions:
---the Ultimate chinstrap (quilted cotton)
---a foam neck collar
--another one: poli grip strips, between the lips (really, it works)

[palerider]

The purpose of my post is to get as much opinion as I can and see if there is a need for a chin strap that is made of a high quality or a better material. Any opinion/input is greatly appreciated.

What's the point? chin straps don't stop mouth leaks.

[jnk...]

I used a simple terry cloth headband for awhile as a sort of chin strap. The trick for me was to place it high enough on the chin that it pushed my lower lip upward a bit to keep the lips sealed. However, I did that in conjunction with a dental device that kept my jaw closed, so I was really using the headband more to seal the lips than to keep the jaw closed.

[Bilbosax]

I appreciate your entrepreneurial spirit. As others have said, chinstraps do not stop mouth leaks, but they can be helpful for some to keep the mouth from dropping fully open. I would start with something that works just for you, and if it feels like a breakthrough product, see if you can get anyone else interested. I would be a little leery of starting with silk. As was said, it stretches and does not recoil, which could be a problem as you want it to be able to "rebound". Also, one of the big problems with with cpap gear on the head is it tends to slide around on the hair from friction cause by rolling on pillows and mattresses. Silk would be horrible for this as it is so smooth and offers no way to "grip". You need a trade off material that is good for the skin, but can grip as well. That is my 2 cents. Good luck with your project and I wish you success!

[Jay Aitchsee]

The purpose of my post is to get as much opinion as I can and see if there is a need for a chin strap that is made of a high quality or a better material. Any opinion/input is greatly appreciated.

What's the point? chin straps don't stop mouth leaks.

And they tend to pull the chin backward which could make obstructive sleep apnea worse.

[D.H.]

THe biggest drawback is that the velcro from the chin strap sticks to the headgear and vice-versa. A combined chin strap and headgear would be the best idea.

[Snoregone Conclusion]

Before I got a ResMed one via DME, I created a quick-and-dirty one out of long strips of velcro with a soft backing, that worked not too badly, but yes, you do need to consider how to minimize the sliding about the head.

You may wish to consider making things out of a composite of materials. The ResMed one I have tends to leave distinct lines in my face as well where they did sewing for the shape: for the “ultimate” chin strap, one that can’t leave such imprints, things get more interesting.

Wool is a breathable fabric, and there is also the sweat-wicking fabric a lot of activewear is made out of as well, that should be considered. Oddly enough, a good source of mostly-made chin straps would be cutting up leggings: you can buy them pretty cheaply if you don’t already have them around, and there’s a wide variety of fabrics available.

Just make sure to post pictures in the thread if you go into stores to stick your head in leggings to test their size and feel while the store clerks and other customers stare at you in bewilderment

[Snoregone Conclusion]

I decided to take the initiative and verify my theoretical and make into the practical, with a great colorful headshot.

Not nearly as crazy as zonker’s solutions

Unless you have a very small head, you won't be able to use the ankle hole, unless you happen to have leggings with a large ankle hole.

[palerider]

The purpose of my post is to get as much opinion as I can and see if there is a need for a chin strap that is made of a high quality or a better material. Any opinion/input is greatly appreciated.

What's the point? chin straps don't stop mouth leaks.

And they tend to pull the chin backward which could make obstructive sleep apnea worse.

Yes, indeed!

[palerider]

I decided to take the initiative and verify my theoretical and make into the practical, with a great colorful headshot.

Not nearly as crazy as zonker’s solutions

Unless you have a very small head, you won't be able to use the ankle hole, unless you happen to have leggings with a large ankle hole.

I'm *sure* there's some sort of award for your efforts here, but damned if i can figure out what it is.

[Snoregone Conclusion]

I decided to take the initiative and verify my theoretical and make into the practical, with a great colorful headshot.

Not nearly as crazy as zonker’s solutions

Unless you have a very small head, you won't be able to use the ankle hole, unless you happen to have leggings with a large ankle hole.

I'm *sure* there's some sort of award for your efforts here, but damned if i can figure out what it is.

Goofiness... got to be goofiness to show at this stage!

I cut off a leg and I’m trying it for this morning’s sleep as an experiment to see if I have the typical lines left behind as well as to evaluate leakage.

[jnk...]

Have we all been taken hostage?

PAP is important to me, but I'd rather not have to cut off one of my legs.

Just sayin'.