Best soft collar?

[MrZennie]

I've seen soft cervical collars mentioned several times on here to help deal with mouth leaks and aerophagia.  Can someone recommend a good brand?  

And also if you find collars more comfortable and effective than chinstraps? 

Side note, I just discovered Somnifix mouth tape strips.  Good stuff! It prevents mouth breathing but I can still get aeophagia and minor mouth leaks with it.

[Walla Walla]

I like the soft cervical collars much better than chin straps. Check on Amazon.

[OpalRose]

Agree with WW, Amazon has a lot of selections for all neck sizes. One size does not fit all, so measure your neck circumference and add a couple inches. Also, measure for height. You don’t want to buy a collar that is too tall or too short.

[Sleeprider]

For names, you can look at anything that appeals to you. I think a couple I have seen include the Caldera Releaf and Nine Max. Be sure to get a size that easily fits around your neck and comfortably supports the jaw. No need for a collar that is rigid or intended to treat injuries.

[SideSleeper]

I purchased a soft cervical collar made by Bell-Horn at a small town regular pharmacy where I could see them first rather than ordering off Amazon where they are also sold--only a couple of dollars more. There are sizing charts--I recommend using them so the Velcro part of the collar (back) overlaps in back so you don't have the scratchy part on your neck. Mine is a little wider in the side and back than the front--you need to make certain it doesn't interfere with your headgear. Mine almost does--tight fit for Wisp headgear and my earlobes! I got 2.5" and think I will try a 2" next time--I have a short neck. There is a universal size ( circumference) which I have--quite a bit of overlap in the back for me. Mine works and is comfortable.

[Allessio77]

I use a anti-Snoring collar from Dr Dakota. It is actually a half collar with a strap around the back. Comfortable and less product touching your already crowded neck and face. The full collar was too much for me. I bought mine on AMZ.

[Kosoku]

I bought the soft foam one from a local drug store. Initially bought the 2-1/2" then after a month switched to the 3-1/2" once AHI started creeping back up. That lasted a few weeks then I notices that it had compressed to about the same size as the 2-1/2". So I bought the Caldera Releaf Neck Rest off of Amazon and boy what a difference. First night was rough as it felt stiff and restrictive(I had it to tight). After that, beautiful. Just took a day or two to break in and now movement is much better but with greater support for chin. Keeps my chin at least an inch higher than the 2 foam ones ever did. My neck seems much more straight and now sleep with more of my head on the pillow. I love the way the Caldera uses your collar bone area for support and is roughly the same size all the way around. Individual foam pockets so it should not squish like the last 2. It is a beast but comfortable and it works. Just make sure to get the proper size. I am a small man, 160 Lbs and a 15" neck roughly and I needed the large.

[ShaunBlake]

Thanks, Kosoku, that's nice to know.

[gregger]

I have only been using a cervical collar for a week, upon the suggestion of the Board folk.

I took the "bargain" approach and bought this one at Walgreens for about $15.  One Size/ID 6184044. Commercial Link Removed.



The product illustration doesn't show it, but there is a "dip" in the collar under your chin that narrows the width about an inch and provides a very comfortable fit for me. 

I also looked at Walgreen's adjustable one (about $5 more) but didn't think I would use the adjustment feature. Don't think I'm missing it.


I have to say, reading this thread, I like the looks of the Dr. Dakota collar (aka "Sleeping & CPAP Accessory). Makes sense that something that doesn't wrap fully around the back would be more comfortable!

Anyway, my basic soft collar has really helped to keep my mouth closed (I'm historically a mouth breather) when using the Dreamwear nasal cusion mask. My wife is happy that I'm no longer making gargling noises during mouth leaks and my AHI with nasal mask is improved. For me, a basic chin strap was worthless as it stretched too easily, and the top-closure was "too much" given that the Dreamwear mask also goes across the top.

FYI and happy collar hunting.

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[sheepless]

following up on gregger's post: I've only one collar and only one night so far so can't compare. However, I bought the adjustable Walgreen collar at $20. it adjusts 11-20 inches / 27.9 - 50.8 cm in length. more importantly for me, having a short stubby neck reaching to the tip of my receded chin, the height is also adjustable. doesn't say by how much on the box but looks like about 3.5 inches unadjusted. using internal drawstrings I have it crunched down to close to 2.5 inches and it'll narrow down still more. only problem I noticed was it's hot and made my neck sweat. don't know if that's common or not.