Do you struggle with high CPAP mask leak and wake up in the mornings with a dry mouth or sore throat? If you experience either one of these common CPAP side effects, you could be breathing through your mouth while on CPAP. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: use a CPAP chin strap with your mask.
What Are CPAP Chin Straps?
A CPAP chin strap ensures your mouth stays closed while you snooze, allowing the pressurized air from your CPAP machine to flow through your nose and into your airway, prevent breathing obstructions. This stops the air from escaping through your mouth, which could result in a CPAP mask leak that no amount of adjustment can correct, unless of course, you’re using a full face mask.
High CPAP mask leaks are problematic because they prevent you from receiving all the pressure you need to prevent apneas and hypopneas. This can cause your AHI (apnea hypopnea index) to remain high, even if you use your CPAP machine every night.
But the benefits don’t stop there – a chin strap is also your go-to defense against the notorious dry mouth, a common CPAP therapy side effect. By curbing mouth breathing, a chin strap helps prevent the mouth from drying out, keeping you comfortable throughout the night.
If you’re looking to stop mouth breathing on CPAP once and for all but would rather not use a full face CPAP mask, chin straps are your best friend. In this review, we’ll explore the most comfortable CPAP chin strap across various price ranges.
But first, let’s look at who should use a chin strap with a CPAP mask and important CPAP chin strap features to look for.
Who Should Use a Chin Strap with a CPAP Mask?
Chin straps are an effective method to keep the mouth closed during CPAP therapy. However, they’re not required for everyone and are only necessary in the following scenarios:
- You use a nasal mask and breathe through your mouth
- You use a nasal pillow mask and breathe through your mouth
If you’re a full face mask user and breathe through your mouth, well, you’re in luck. Since a full face CPAP mask covers both the nose and mouth, there’s no need to worry about losing CPAP pressure through an open mouth. Additionally, if you use heated humidification with your CPAP, the likelihood of your mouth drying out is also reduced.
See how CPAP humidifiers make therapy more comfortable:
CPAP Chin Strap Features
When shopping for the most comfortable CPAP chin strap on the market, there are several essential features that you should consider:
Comfortable Material
Look for a chin strap made from a comfortable and breathable material, such as soft fabric, nylon, or neoprene. It should feel gentle against your skin and not cause irritation.
It’s also worth noting that a high-quality chin strap should not only be comfortable, but also durable for consistent support over time.
Furthermore, keep in mind that some individuals may have allergies to specific fabric types, so be attentive to your body’s response when trying new materials.
Adjustability
The best chin strap to use with CPAP should be adjustable to fit different head sizes comfortably. Look for straps with adjustable closures, Velcro, or buckles to ensure a secure and personalized fit.
Design
When shopping for the best chin strap to use with CPAP, consider the design of anchor straps. Some chin straps have a single strap, while others have dual straps that wrap around the back of your head. Choose a design that you find comfortable and effective.
Additionally, ensure that the chin strap has a well-designed chin rest that provides adequate support to keep your chin in an upward position. This helps prevent your mouth from falling open during sleep.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s a good idea to choose a chin strap that is easy to clean and maintain because you’ll need to wash it regularly. Look for one that is washable or can be wiped clean with ease.
To maintain the hygiene of your chin strap, it’s best to clean it weekly using a mixture of mild soap and water. After hand washing the chin strap, thoroughly rinse it with clean water to remove any soap residue. Finally, allow the chin strap to air dry completely before using it again.
Cost
Consider your budget but also keep in mind that a slightly higher-priced chin strap with better features and comfort may be a worthwhile investment.
The price range of CPAP chin straps varies depending on the brand, features, and materials used. However, most CPAP chin straps fall within the price range of $10 to $60.
By paying attention to these key features, most buyers can find the best chin strap to keep their mouths closed during sleep, and at the same time, ensure the comfort and effectiveness of their therapy.
Most Comfortable: Vyaire PureSom Ruby Adjustable CPAP Chin Strap
Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or both, the Vyaire PureSom Ruby Adjustable Chin Strap stands out as the most comfortable CPAP chin strap on the market. With this reliable accessory, you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep without worrying about losing CPAP pressure through your open mouth.
What sets the Ruby Chin Strap apart is its exceptional adjustability, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head and neck. This ensures that you receive optimal support without the head and jaw discomfort that comes with wearing ill-fitting chin straps.
This Ruby Chin Strap is so comfortable, you’ll have no problem wearing it all night long with your CPAP mask!
Key Features
- Dual adjustment points (top of the head; back of the neck) for a comfortable and customized fit.
- Made of soft neoprene, a moisture-wicking material that’s comfortable and breathable.
- Available in standard and extra-large to fit a variety of head sizes.
- Velcro straps makes adjustments easy.
Price
The PureSom Ruby Adjustable Chin Strap retails at the affordable price of $29.99 on RespShop.com (as of last update).
Pros
- Made of breathable neoprene that dispels moisture.
- Wide straps are soft and don’t leave marks on the face.
- Users love that it fits well and doesn’t slide off overnight.
- Available in two sizes: standard and extra-large
Cons
- Some found the Velcro caused minor discomfort and irritation at the base of the neck.
- Hair can get caught in the Velcro at the top of the head, which is uncomfortable for some users.
- Won’t stay in place if worn over wet hair.
- Velcro loses stickiness overtime.
- Not suitable for people with neoprene allergies.
If you’re new to CPAP therapy and in search of a chin strap for nasal pillow masks or nasal masks, we recommend the Philips Respironics Premium Chin Strap. This chin strap is especially recommended for first-time users due to its lightweight design, offering a less restrictive feel compared to other chin straps with multiple attachment points.
The Respironics Premium Chin Strap, ensures your mouth remains closed throughout the night, reducing air leaks and promoting natural nasal breathing. It features an adjustable Velcro closure on the top of the head, as well as an optional support strap for added stability.
Key Features
- For extra stability, you can add a support strap which wraps around the back of the head.
- Chin cup gently supports your mouth and holds it closed.
- Adjustable Velcro strap offers a secure and comfortable fit.
- Prevent mouth breathing and air leaks when used with a nasal or nasal pillow CPAP mask.
Price
Get this Respironics Premium Chin Strap for only $14.95 from RespShop.com (as of last update).
Pros
- Perfect chin strap for users with beards.
- One of the most affordable chin straps on the market.
- The wide straps are ideal for users with big heads.
- The support strap lets you adjust the fit without undoing the Velcro on the top, preventing wear and tear and extending the lifespan of the chin strap.
- Pairs with an optional support strap for a more secure fit.
Cons
- Straps can cover the ears which some users find uncomfortable.
- Some users find the chin strap material too elastic, which defeats the purpose of wearing a chin strap.
- The Velcro is located on the top strap so hair can get stuck in it.
- The chin cup is large and cumbersome for users with smaller faces.
- Some users find the Velcro on the top strap too small to secure the chin strap properly.
Light and Soft: ResMed CPAP Chin Strap
If you tend to run hot when you sleep and can’t bear the thought of wearing another piece of CPAP equipment on your head, you’ll appreciate how lightweight and soft the ResMed CPAP Chin Strap is. This simple yet effective single-strap chin restraint can be worn under or over your CPAP mask to prevent mouth breathing and CPAP mask leaks.
Easily adjustable via a Velcro attachment on top of the head, the ResMed Chin Strap fits most CPAP users comfortably and stays in place. It’s sturdy enough to hold the jaw closed without feeling restrictive or prevent mouth opening, minimizing any feelings of claustrophobia.
Key Features
- Single-strap design prevents overheating
- Wide chin cup keeps jaw closed
- Adjustable Velcro strap
- Can be worn under or over CPAP mask
- One-size-fits-all for ease of use
Price
The ResMed CPAP Chin Strap is available at RespShop.com for $16.50 (as of last update).
Pros
- Soft and breathable chin cup minimizes breakouts and skin irritation.
- Affordable.
- Does not stretch out easily.
- Curved chin cup cradles the chin well.
- Keeps mouth closed without excess pressure.
Cons
- Some users find the chin strap stays in place only if worn over the ears.
- Hair can get stuck to the Velcro on the top of the head.
- Users with smaller heads tend to find the chin cup too wide.
Choosing the Best CPAP Chin Strap: The Takeaway
A good chin strap keeps the mouth closed during CPAP use to prevent dry mouth and air leaks that are not only uncomfortable, but also detrimental to your sleep apnea treatment. If you’re struggling with your current chin strap, or considering using a chin strap with a CPAP mask for the first time, make sure you choose one that is adjustable, easy to clean, durable, and most of all, comfortable to wear.
While each chin strap in this review has its unique benefits, it’s important keep your personal comfort preferences in mind when shopping for one. For those new to chin straps, the Respironics Premium Chin Strap, with its minimalist design, serves as an excellent introduction. However, if versatility and adjustability are high on your list, the Vyaire PureSom Ruby Adjustable Chin Strap might be the best chin strap for you.
If you’re worried that adding another piece of CPAP equipment to your head will cause you to overheat, the ResMed CPAP Chin Strap is arguably the best choice. Its single-strap design and soft cotton chin cup holds the mouth gently closed without being restrictive. What’s more, the fabric chin cup is breathable and gentle on the skin. If you tend to run hot when you sleep, then this is the chin strap for you.
If you have any questions or need some help finding the perfect CPAP chin strap, remember that RespShop’s team of experienced Registered Respiratory Therapists and Sleep Technicians is just a click away!