British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone has tried one of them chin strap thing that goes over your head like a dog muzzle?

I am an open mouth snorer, and if only I could get some sleep. I want to try this chin strap, or I am gonna have to go out and buy some duct tape

Regards
TK

There is a new product about to be released that keeps your lips together with a gentle adhesive gel.
It releases immediately when touched with the tongue, will re-engage for continuing use and wash off with water.
Clinically tested and safe.
Costs around US$1 per night.
Great for snoring, dry mouth, CPAP mouth leak and habitual mouth breathing correction.

Interested?
(Taping can be risky.)

What is it called and is it available in the UK please?

I have a chin strap and used it every night. My impression is mixed, the idea is good but the strap I bought was far too lightwight and flimsy to be effective. Its made from slightly elastic material which gives very quickly and doesn't keep your mouth closed after a few days use.

I made my own from a crepe bandage wrapped round my head several times and then stitched to keep the convolutions togeather. Much much stronger, tight and firm but not unforgiving, I can still open my mouth if I choose to but it stays closed when I'm asleep. A bit of a balancing act but the bandages only cost about £1 so you can experiment as much as you like.

You have to be careful about DIY chinstraps in case you cannot get them off in an emergency but mine is just the same design as the commercial one but stronger.

I found with both types the jaw can still drop back unless you use a cheap "gumshield" type of MA mouthpiece off ebay. No need to get an expensive one, you just need one to lock the teeth in position.

Although very strange and uncomfortable at first, the feeling of security soon becomes reassuring and I soon couldn't sleep without it. A bit like a child with its dummy.

Sounds a better option Vince, but what I find is my lips blow open now and again so chin strap always appeared pointless to me
But then I am on a high pressure of 18, does not happen often, but when it does I get sore ribs. Why sore ribs I hear you ask? The wife has a good elbow she says it is like a farting noise

I am totally convinced that mouth control is key to so much about snoring and SA but the various healthcare professionals are no way giving it enough emphasis.

Thats because they are not sufferers but working from a fact sheet. Get a MA - ok but if your mouth falls open as soon as you go to sleep its a waste of time. Totally useless

Buy a chinstrap - OK but unless its strong enough to resist an adult 20 stone man's mouth from sagging open in the middle of the night (which they don't) its about as much use as a chocolate kettle.

We will give you a CPAP, thank you very much but if your mouth is still sagging open, the mask will leak and everything else turns very pear shaped. Users get disillusioned and give up

There needs to be a two way interchange of information and some really positive taking on board by the medical profession of the failures and the way things could be SO MUCH improved.

If any healthcare professionals are watching this forum and want real information. these are the facts.