[Pressure] New CPAP user. Need some advice.

[Walla Walla]

It should be a soft collar that will fit under your chin. It should be loose enough so you can open your jaw if need be. You can find them at drug stores or on-line.

[streetwolf]

Does this one look OK.  It's soft and adjusts to neck size using velcro.

Cervical Collar - Adjustable Soft Support Collar Can Be Used During Sleep - Wraps Aligns & Stabilizes Vertebrae - Relieves Pain and Pressure in Spine



Also, I use a Flex setting of 2 which makes exhaling comfortable.  There are three settings (1-3).  I tried either 1 or 3 (don't remember) and it made exhaling a little more uncomfortable but bearable.  Does the Flex number have any correlation to AHI?

[Walla Walla]

That collar looks like a hard collar. Best way to check collars is go to the local drug store and try them on. The flex does drop the minimum pressure somewhat during exhale. If you look at your chart it's the lower line on the pressure chart.

[Help me]

So are these collars being used in place of chin straps?  I look like an alien with mask, chin strap and eye goggles!

[Crimson Nape]

Usually the collar replaces the chinstrap. Don't worry, everybody is good looking in the dark.

[Help me]

Usually the collar replaces the chinstrap.  Don't worry, everybody is good looking in the dark.  

Thank you! 

[streetwolf]

In my quest to get my AHI down to zero or as low as I can get it I've done the following things which I hope you comment on.

1. I bought myself a new box spring and mattress.  My old one was uncomfortable and caused me to have back pain.  The first night I slept on the new mattress my AHI was 2.5.

2. Based upon suggestions here I ordered a cervical collar and used it the second night.  It is soft and is 3 inches wide.  Wearing it seemed to cause me not to sleep as well as without it.  My AHI for this night was around 9 which might indicate the collar contributed to the higher number.

3. Last night I dispensed with the collar and my AHI was 2.

I use a CPAP pillow as well as REMzzzz cloth inserts for my mask.

I've included my daily stats for last night.