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+--- Thread: Chin Strap or Cervical Collar with Nasal Pillows? (/Thread-Chin-Strap-or-Cervical-Collar-with-Nasal-Pillows)
Chin Strap or Cervical Collar with Nasal Pillows? - Columbiabill - 12-26-2023
I have always considered myself a mouth breather during deep sleep. I am taking a break from a FFM (Evora) and trying out some nasal pillows. No matter what, I tend to get leaks with a FFM around the corner of my mouth. I have tried chin straps and cervical collars to prevent jaw drop with a FFM. It seems I have to cinch the bottom straps really tight to avoid leaks. In reviewing my OSCAR data with the use of a FFM, my 95% leak rate ranges from the mid teens to the low 20's.
For the past couple of nights I have used a Brevida Nasal Pillow mask. I tried it with a KB chin strap and achieved a leak rate of 9.6 and then a soft cervical collar and achieved a leak rate of 7.2.
Does anyone use a nasal or nasal pillow mask with a soft cervical collar successfully, or might this just be a fluke? I am wondering if the collar is just enough to keep my head back and mouth shut so that I don't open my mouth if my head tips forward?
RE: Chin Strap or Cervical Collar with Nasal Pillows? - PeaceLoveAndPizza - 12-26-2023
I started off trying a variety of chin straps, but never got them to really work well without winching them down past the point of comfort. For some they work well, but never for me.
I switched to a soft cervical collar years ago and still use it today. I use it both for nasal pillows and full-face masks, not just to stop mouth leaks but to also help keep my airway open. Some do not like SCC’s, but it has been the difference for me.
Don’t worry about the leak rate numbers, they are just numbers. Focus on sleep quality. Even with the SCC I still get “leaks” in the 4-8 range some nights, but it does not impact my sleep so I don’t worry about it.
RE: Chin Strap or Cervical Collar with Nasal Pillows? - Deborah K. - 12-26-2023
For some of us mouth tape is the answer. For us, the cervical collar is good for holding the neck straighter but does not stop leaks. I sometimes had as much as 50% leaks. Taping sounded claustrophobic and uncomfortable to me at first, but it's not. I can even cough without opening my mouth. Best of luck!