Dry mouth. Sore throat. Bad breath. Poor sleep. Can a funny-looking piece of fabric really help all that?
Believe it or not, when used with CPAP therapy, a simple, inexpensive chin strap could be your ticket to the best night of sleep you’ve had in years.
Today, we’ll take a look at what CPAP chin straps do and what studies say about whether they work. Then we’ll show you the best CPAP chin straps on the market!
What Does a CPAP Chin Strap Do?
When you use a CPAP machine, breathing through your mouth could lead to big problems. A full face CPAP mask can help, but full face masks aren’t for everyone.
Yet mouth-breathing with a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask leads to mouth leak– where your airway pressure escapes through your open mouth. This means you’re not receiving the full benefits of your CPAP therapy, and may notice the return of your sleep apnea symptoms.
Beyond air leak, mouth breathing while sleeping may also cause dry mouth, bad breath, fatigue, brain fog, and even the possibility of periodontal disease.
A CPAP chin strap can help prevent these problems by gently supporting your chin, keeping your mouth closed, and encouraging you to breathe through your nose.
The strap fits over the top of your head, typically under your CPAP headgear, and then back under your jaw. The gentle tension that keeps your mouth closed is usually provided by an elastic material or an adjustable velcro fitting. They’re made with soft, breathable materials, and are designed to be used in conjunction with your CPAP mask.
Do CPAP Chin Straps Really Work?
For CPAP users who breathe through their mouths while sleeping, the answer is yes!
In fact, studies have shown that using a chin strap not only improved participants’ AHI– the measure of the frequency and severity of your sleep apnea– it also made them more likely to use their CPAP, and more likely to use it longer!
This may be because reducing air leakage reduces so-called “micro-arousals” that can disrupt your sleep.
That said, you only get the benefits when the chin strap is used together with your CPAP treatment. A chin strap by itself won’t treat OSA.
The Best CPAP Chin Straps
Chin straps all perform the same function, but their designs differ in where and how they attach, as well as how much contact they make with your face and head. Here are some of the most popular designs:
Premium Chin Strap
This design often gets the highest customer reviews, because the wide strap distributes the pressure, and the vertical design stays put while sleeping. The tension is provided with velcro, instead of elastic, so it’s extremely adjustable and can fit a variety of faces.
Adjustable Chin Strap
This ‘one-size-fits-all’ design fits around the ears and hugs the back of your head. This provides additional security if you find yourself slipping out of other chin straps. The angled design also offers less contact with the face than the premium or deluxe style.
Deluxe Chin Strap
The simple design and extra large strap provide gentle support without pulling against your chin. It may look bulky, but the soft and flexible material discourages mouth breathing without requiring a tight fit. This makes it a popular choice for CPAP users with dental concerns.
Headgear Chin Strap
An alternative to traditional strap designs, this style of chin strap attaches to your CPAP mask headgear! The fabric “cup” keeps the strap secure all night long without having to wrap over the top of the head.
Will Insurance Cover My CPAP Chin Strap?
While coverage for CPAP supplies and accessories differs widely from plan to plan, most insurance providers won’t cover a CPAP chin strap. But at only $15 to $30 for a high quality strap, they’re an inexpensive investment that’s worth making!
If you use a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, and suspect you might be a mouth breather, talk to your healthcare provider about adding a CPAP chin strap to your apnea treatment. Then talk to your personal Aeroflow Sleep Specialist to help you choose the CPAP chin strap that’s right for you!
Need Fresh CPAP Supplies?
From CPAP machines and masks to tubing and filters, Aeroflow Sleep covers your sleep apnea essentials up to 100% through insurance. Plus, you'll be paired with a dedicated Sleep Specialist, get access to our user-friendly patient portal, and receive world-class resources like our AI mask-fitting technology.
