Soft cervical collar: a tip for mouth breathing and chin tucking

[holden4th]

I got mine yesterday from a chemists warehouse for $11. Tried it last night and it seemed to help quite considrably as I diod not wake up with that suffocating feeling. I guess it's holding my airway open much better. Be interesting to check my numbers for last night's sleep.

[PaulaO2]

"Foam cervical collar" is the best search term. They sell them almost everywhere you can find an ankle brace. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, etc. I advise wearing it as loose as it can be and still work for you. Stop using it if you wake with headaches or start having any kind of neck or ear pains.

I don't like these kind of collars due to the heat and itchy material. When I used to wear one, we covered it with tee shirt material.

[surferdude2]

The one I ordered from WallyWorld has a "Ribbed stockinet cover promotes air circulation and helps prevent heat buildup and perspiration" which translates to "we tried to make it less uncomfortable". The tee-shirt material sounds like a good idea.

Dude

[JJJ]

I am currently using a Wisp with a chinstrap, but still continuously fight leaks. I would like to try a cervical collar, but I am worried about sizing. I stopped at the local Rite Aid and they had only one in stock for $17 (Carex brand), and it was in a sealed box so I couldn't take it out to try it on. I left it in the store. I'll look at Wally World and Walgreen later, but on Monday I'm going to call my DME to see if they have any. They're accustomed to fitting people with devices, so I suspect I'll have better luck. Even if they charge a bit more it would be well worth it to get the right fit from the beginning.

[surferdude2]

JJJ, I suspect they will tell you that these collars aren't intended for the purpose you have in mind. I didn't want to hear that so I went to WW first. They also take things back if you don't like them (for ANY reason). I ordered the 4" one rather than the standard 3.5" one realizing full well that I have the wherewithal to modify foam rubber to a smaller dimension, if need be. The rationale that supports the 4" is that I want it to fit snugly against the waddle area of my chin.

I wish WW would start handling CPAP equipment.

[SideSleeper]

My DME got a chuckle out of the fact I was using a cervical collar.....

[PaulaO2]

I don't think the size will matter. You can make it loose or tighter. Unless you have a really short neck due to genetic reasons, they are essentially one size fits all. The foam squishes. If nothing else, you can cut some off from the bottom so it fits your chest better.

And yes, that ribbed material is like the stuff at the top of socks. It can start to itch after a while.

While I am sure using one can help some of you, please do be careful. You would be sleeping with your neck in the same position all night. Make sure it is the CORRECT position.

[DariaVader]

the ones I saw on Amazon came in widths of 2" 2.5" and 3" and then M and L for length...

[PaulaO2]

2" must for for a child. What use is a 2" neck brace??

Anyway, glad to see they now sell them in different sizes. Been a long time since I last looked at them. Once I got my Headmaster brace, I was happy.

[Visitor]

Regarding Paula's comments. Anyone considering any feedback shared on these boards obviously needs to talk with their specialists to make any decision, and if you use any devise, you need to check whether it is fit for purpose, including long term wear at night etc. So, Paula, feel free to remove this thread if it is an issue. I was trying to share insights in what helped as I have gotten advice from others on mouth breathing etc. I have not been wearing the collar for long and I'm not a medical expert, only a patient sharing what has worked for them in the last week. I have no experience with longer term use. If you think this thread is an issue for the boards, please do close it down.