Cervical collar and arthritis

[RNeil]

I think wearing a cervical collar helps my sleep apnea and also helps me keep my mouth shut. I have been wearing one for maybe 6 months. Lately I have been wondering if it is aggravating the arthritis in my neck. I found this article that says going a long time without moving does make it worse. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--...-the-neck/ 

I will stop wearing it and use tape to keep my mouth shut.

[Damiansd]

Hello,

That is certainly interesting. My cervical collar doesn't fully restrain me. My neck still move and my jaw move a little. I try not to make it too tight. Considering the difference it has made for me I would be really nervous not using it again.

How tight do you have it?

I'll be curious to see how you fare.

Regards,
Damian.

[Melman]

I've used a soft cervical collar for about two years without a problem. I wear it just tight enough to keep my chin from tucking. I believe yours is the first report suggesting that the collar does any harm. I'm not saying it hasn't contributed to your arthritis. We are all different. I think for most, however, only prolonged wearing of a collar for most or all of each day would cause muscle atrophy. I assume that you only wear it while in bed using APAP and that it's not too tight. You should be able to easily insert a finger or two between your neck and the collar.

Please let us know if not using the collar improves your arthritis.

[RNeil]

It is not too tight, it is as Melman described. I only used it in bed. Today my neck feels better. I think I had more apnea issues. I tried to look at the data on Oscar, but I have some kind of SD card problem.

[SideSleeper]

I use a soft cervical collar and it does help with leaks but doesn't really restrict my mouth and I can tuck my chin into the collar easily--it certainly doesn't stop all movement. I have cervical arthritis also and during a bad painful session about 2 years ago I wore the collar some during the day to help with pain--it didn't cause it.

[RNeil]

I got the SD card issue straightened out. I just downloaded the data again and it worked. I am showing about twice as many obstructive apneas without the collar. I am also tired. I have been stressed lately and that may account for sleep issues and neck trouble.

[Damiansd]

I trust you are able to sort out your neck and sleep issues. There is enough stress going around at the moment without having sleep issues.

All the best,
Damian.