Long term chin strap use

Hi, I've been using a CPAP for 16 years (currently Resmed S9) with a Deluxe-style chinstrap:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... -mouthleak

and the whole thing works great. However, I've developed some skin discoloration (seems to be permanent) on the sides of my neck below my jaw (darker than the rest of my neck). Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm looking for recommendations from other long-term chin strap users for a chinstrap that might be less irritating. The chinstrap is made of stretchy material, and though it's not uncomfortable to wear, the material feels rough to the touch.

Colin

Skin can change as we age, get injured, or with disease.
Many possible reasons.
Check with your doctor.
It could be harmless--or not.
Do not wait. Our skin can tell us much about our health.

colinw wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 08, 2019 6:10 am

Hi, I've been using a CPAP for 16 years (currently Resmed S9) with a Deluxe-style chinstrap:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/deluxe ... -mouthleak

and the whole thing works great. However, I've developed some skin discoloration (seems to be permanent) on the sides of my neck below my jaw (darker than the rest of my neck). Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm looking for recommendations from other long-term chin strap users for a chinstrap that might be less irritating. The chinstrap is made of stretchy material, and though it's not uncomfortable to wear, the material feels rough to the touch.

Colin

Chinstraps are used primarily to keep your mouth closed so you do not lose your therapy with the air pressure coming in your nose and out your mouth. After 16 years I would think you would have trained yourself to keep your mouth closed when using your machine. Have you ever tried a full face mask?

I use the same chinstrap. I don't have any skin issues. If anything, it helps with any sagging skin on my neck/chin area. I would talk to your doctor about it. I need a chinstrap to stop my mouth from falling open when I'm asleep.

How about your armpits, and knuckles? Any dark discoloration there? If so, it could be early symptoms of diabetes. Make sure to talk to your doctor.

I tried chinstrap but did not work as the strap was falling off. For me the strap would close the jaw bit not the lips. I switched to nasal pillows with taping of mouth together with 2” wide 3M surgical tape. Keeps my mouth closed and air leak is zero. Not every can use it. I can keep my lips taped through out the night.

It does not matter how much one tries to keep mouth closed, once sleep takes over, jaw drops. I am not sure that training will overcome the natural body’s weaknesses during sleep.

I have great success with the Ruby Adjustable chin strap. I too can't seem to stop my jaw from dropping at night, I think it's because I am usually congested because of allergies. I loved the Resmed F30 mask if you want to try a full face version. I don't use it anymore because I prefer the hose on top of my head like dreamwear or resmed n30i & p30i. Unfortunately the dreamwear FF version required me to wear both liners & a chin strap in order for it to stop leaking & making my lips flap, and the liners itched, so since I had to wear a chin strap anyway, I went back to Dreamwear Nasal. Much happier. I am about to try Resmed n30i in about a week. Will still have to wear the chin strap though. I am hoping resmed creates a full face version of the 30i series. A F30i perhaps.

Thanks for all the reponses. I use a nasal mask because I have nasal congestion and I think it helps to blow my nostrils open, similarly to how the cpap opens up the windpipe. I used to use full face masks, but they don't help with nasal congestion because the pressure is all around the nose. Have not used one in a long time though. Incidentally, some nights a still have congestion and sometimes not, don't know why. It seems pretty random and is a problem for me. Pretty sure discoloration is from the chinstrap - don't have any other discoloration on my body except for birth marks. I ordered the ruby version and it seems softer material. Will try it out. Last thing: the straps don't hold my mouth closed, but it seems to be enough to remind my jaw not to open, or something.I have it set medium tight, so that there is some pressure but it's not actually holding it closed.

I use a cervical collar to keep my mouth shut. I find it much more comfortable than a chin strap. It needs to be tall enough to keep your mouth closed. I have a long neck and need a 4" tall one. Wear it loosely so you don't feel like it's chocking you.

I like the Knightsbridge Dual Band chin strap (www.dualbandchinstrap.com) much better than the neoprene ones. The material is breathable and it's much more comfortable because of the "vertical lift" and the dual bands (elastic and non-elastic). Very smartly designed.