How to use a cervical collar.

[dracus]

In my quest to get a night with zero leaks I've decided to give a cervical collar a shot with my p10 mask.

I found the collar to be ridiculously uncomfortable on the first night and the leaks were better 3% instead of 10%. AHI was consistent at 0.3

Actually, was litterally a pain in my neck.

Looking for some tips from people using a collar?

Thanks,

Anthony

[OpalRose]

Measure the circumference of your neck, and add a couple inches when considering length of collar.
Also measure under your chin to bottom of neck.  Subtract a couple of inches for height.

The “soft” collar should not be tight or rigid.  The most logical place to buy is on Amazon.  They offer various collar styles, and you can choose one that isn’t too tight or too high.

I occasionally use one, but I mostly switched to a “toddler size” crescent shaped neck cushion.  
The reason was that I didn’t like the feel of the soft cervical collar at the back of my neck.  I place the small toddler cushion in the front of my neck and it only circles around the sides.  

I don’t mouth breath, but use it because I’m famous for chin tucking.  This supports my chin and pretty much stays in place all night.

[Hojo]

I have an old collar but wanted an extra one to keep packed with my CPAP stuff so I wouldn't forget it (been there done that).  I went to a local medical supply store and was measured for the proper size, came home and tried it and WOW, yes, it was uncomfortable.  That being said, it was probably the correct size for a serious neck injury but I want something to help me from tilting my chin downwards.  May I suggest that you try a smaller size.

[DariaVader]

i have a couple different collars, and they really help support my neck so that I can relax --- but when I wear one my pressures rise by 4 cmh20.  !!! the one I use most often is short, and can be worn quite loose...  i dunno how to account for it, other than perhaps there is less room in my mouth for my tongue when it's fully shut 

[dracus]

The one I have goes around my neck and just touches on the back. It also adjusts height in front. It's not tight or anything. It's comfortable to wear.

The issue I am having is it makes my pillow seem to low and I feel like my neck is getting torqued when I'm on my side as if the collar is a fulcrum.

My feeling is that the collar is to thick horizontal direction.

[Walla Walla]

dracus changing pillows might help. A lot of people use the Wheat Chaff pillows or the foam fitting pillows. You can arrange them for side or back sleeping and they hold their position so head doesn't move around. I use a My Pillow and the collar and it's help me. YMMV.

[dracus]

I've got a memory foam pillow, not the contour one more like a purple pillow.

I'll see about maybe throwing a pillow under my other one.. See what happens.

[holden4th]

The type and style of collar and how you wear it might make a difference.

The main function of the collar is to support the lower jaw all the way back to where it meets the upper jaw. The style of collar I use is solid for about 80% of the circumference and the rest is a simple velcro strap at the back. When I put the collar on I leave it loose enough so that the front is not completely in contact with my throat. My chin won't dip under the collar and I've got a little bit of movement. I just tried doing the collar all the way up and yes, it is uncomfortable. I use a medium size collar. I tried the large but it was too big. and raised the front of my jaw too high.

The collar was the big step forward I needed in my treatment to deal with mouth breathing. Persevere, it's a lot more comfy than a chin strap.

[dracus]

The issue with a chin strap was it pulled my chin back which put pressure on my tmj.

[Hojo]

Yes, I forgot to mention the pillow type.  I switched a very flat pillow so that my head is not tilted upwards as much, keeping my neck more in a straight line.