New User Trying White Wide Chin Strap

I bought the "Deluxe-Style Chinstrap (Substitute for Respironics Deluxe Chinstrap)" due to its good reviews. I'm new to cpap therapy and having some problems knowing how to use a chinstrap. On the first try, the strap hurt my ears, so I got up and loosened the chinstrap tension. For whatever reason, that first night I got a seal wearing the chinstrap under my headgear and mask. But ever since that first night, I've been having trouble getting my FFM to seal OVER the chin strap edge. I'm not sure how to wear it. Over the headgear and mask or under?

I can understand why the mask might not seal for the following reason: The white chinstrap edge rests on the edge of my chin. If a clock face was placed over my face, the bottom edge of my mask runs OVER the chinstrap on my jaw from say 8 o'clock to 4 o'clock. It's surprising to me that it EVER seals. I have read that cpap users put chinstraps over and under their headgear. Wearing a chipstrap OVER would cut over bottom edge of the mask! I'm not understanding something here.

I thought about trying the adjusting Ruby chinstrap, but the same thing happens with that mask: The FFM would run over the edge of the chinstrap. OR . . . maybe none of this matters ! . . . and a FF mask CAN seal running OVER the edge of a chinstrap. Any advice would be welcome. BTW, I AM using a Padacheek liner with the mask. Thanks!

I was never able to find a chin strap I liked. I use a firm foam cervical collar at night. I have found this keeps my mouth closed and helps hold my air way open so I can get by with a little less pressure.

To my utter surprise I got a good seal and sleep last night. I put the wide white chinstrap on first making it a little bit tighter than before. Headgear went over the top of the chinstrap. For whatever reason, I also didn’t experience dry mouth. I always do if I sleep on my back but not last nigh! Why? I wish I could find a consistent answer so I could follow that every night! I’m supposing it’s safe to assume you can get a good seal even though the mask edge goes over the chin strap edge.

I have found that putting the chin strap on first then the mask over it works the best for me. I tried it both ways. I am using a small frame Dreamwear nasal mask with small cushion. For some reason, I thought that putting the chin strap OVER the mask would "hold" the mask better, but it didn't work as well, actually had leaks doing it over the mask. Under the mask is absolutely perfect. I use a Ruby adjustable as it has worked the best for me. My second favorite chin strap is the halo style. Good luck with your therapy. Don't be afraid to try different masks/chin straps, or other things that people have posted about that works for them. I would not want to use tape to keep my mouth shut, but I have experimented with the headbands and the headband over my mouth worked.. no need for a chin strap, but... still prefer the chin strap.

“but I have experimented with the headbands and the headband over my mouth worked.. no need for a chin strap, but... still prefer the chin strap.”

Am quoting you above.
The white wide chin strap hurts one ear, but not the other. Go figure! I may try the headbands. It’s a small investment and worth a try. I also am interested in the adjustable Ruby as it doesn’t cover the ears and has less material to scrunch my hair. My hair these days is difficult. One thing is great though. I haven’t had the dry mouth problem using the wide white chin strap! I hope that continues. Coming up on my three month visit with sleep doctor. Am hoping he will okay me for a prescription for a smaller mask - nose pillow maybe.

I have gotten better at breathing through my nose instead of my mouth. I have been taking yoga & meditation classes at the gym where I work & they want you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth so I am getting a lot of practice doing it, but I still can't ditch the chin strap for the dreamwear nasal mask because the frame would shift too much & leak without the chinstrap helping to anchor it. I am looking forward to trying the N30i in October. I am hoping I can wear it without the chinstrap. I will go without the chinstrap on the first night I use it and see what happens. To be chin strap free would be nice.

Auntducky59 wrote: ↑

Sun Sep 15, 2019 9:03 pm

I have gotten better at breathing through my nose instead of my mouth. I have been taking yoga & meditation classes at the gym where I work & they want you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth so I am getting a lot of practice doing it, but I still can't ditch the chin strap for the dreamwear nasal mask because the frame would shift too much & leak without the chinstrap helping to anchor it. I am looking forward to trying the N30i in October. I am hoping I can wear it without the chinstrap. I will go without the chinstrap on the first night I use it and see what happens. To be chin strap free would be nice.

I looked at the N30i and it looks awesome! I have been admiring the Philips Responics Dreamwear Nasal Mask and wondering if I could move from the full face mask to something like these. I can dream can’t I? I’m sure hoping it’s possible. I have started back doing some yoga and walking again. Yoga has always been great for me. Much looser as it gets rid of stiffness. Have fun.

I stopped using the premium wide white chin strap. I had been noticing a dull jaw ache when putting on that strap. It began to worry me as I don’t want a potential jaw problem. I remember reviews saying that some chin straps may cause the user’s jaw to be placed in an incorrect position. I put the white premium chin strap away and ordered the Philips Responics black Premium Chin Strap. It was a success the first night I used it. Seeing the way it’s set up, I can see it would draw the chin straight up and not back. Maybe that’s what my specific need is because I didn’t have the jaw ache. The Responics chin strap is really comfortable. It didn’t need a tight fit, is soft, pliable, and didn’t move. No ear discomfort and no dry mouth. Since it was my first night with that strap it took more time to set up and get a green “fit mask”. Here’s a question I’ve been wondering about for a while: Do chin straps go under or over masks?? The Responics people say put on everything first. I had success with the chin strap going on FIRST. I guess it’s safe to assume most people try both ways and see what works.