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Do I Need to Use a CPAP Chin Strap for my CPAP Therapy?

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Suppose you’re having trouble using your Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device because your mouth keeps opening. In that case, you might be wondering, “should I wear a CPAP chinstrap for my CPAP therapy?”.

Chinstraps for sleep apnea can assist some CPAP therapy patients with skin irritation, mouth breathing, dry mouth, CPAP mask leakage and more!

A CPAP chin strap is a cloth cup with straps that run up on the sides of the face and over the top of the head to support the chin. The use of a chin strap for CPAP has the advantage of keeping the mouth closed when sleeping and reducing dry mouth symptoms the following day.

When Chin Straps Help Sleep Apnea

CPAP chin straps help keep the air from the CPAP machine escaping via the open lips. Some people may benefit from snoring chin straps, but not everyone. Patients who snore with their mouths open can use them, while those who snore via their noses should avoid them, as suffering from nasal congestion means you will not receive enough oxygen with a closed mouth.

There are three primary signs that you could benefit from a CPAP chin strap for your CPAP treatment:

  • According to the data from your CPAP or BiPAP equipment, you have a high leak rate.

A chin strap for sleep apnea can assist in minimising mouth leakages. It’s generally a high-grade piece of healthcare fabric that may be wrapped around your lower jaw and top of your head and fastened with Velcro. It might feature a chin cup, similar to rugby headgear, to keep your mouth closed and helps you to get the most out of your CPAP machine.

  • When wearing a full CPAP face mask, you may suffer a “jaw drop,” which causes your mouth to open and disrupt the seal.

Based on other people’s input, you’ll probably know if you need a CPAP chin strap. If you observe mouth breathing during your sleep study, you can start using it right away. Alternatively, if your significant other observes air escaping from your lips at sleep or perhaps snoring, a chinstrap for sleep apnea may be required. Also, if you wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat, it might be because you’re using your CPAP machine with mouth breathing.

  • You have a dry tongue, mouth, or throat every morning.

If you use a CPAP machine to treat your sleep apnea, you may experience mouth breathing issues that require the use of a CPAP chin strap to fix. Extremely dry mouths and throats can be unpleasant or painful, and long-term dryness can harm your gums and teeth. When air escapes via the lips, it may undermine the therapy’s efficacy, leading to the persistence of sleep apnea.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Chin Strap for Sleep Apnea

You might not want to wear a CPAP chin strap in some situations. You may not be getting enough air supplied through a nasal mask if you have a stuffy nose, a deviated septum, or if your CPAP pressure isn’t set correctly. It’s also conceivable that a high CPAP pressure will blast the mouth open, in which case the pressure will need to be reduced.

A full-face mask that enables breathing via both the nose and mouth is another option, in addition to wearing a chinstrap for sleep apnea. These masks may create more leakage and markings on the face, making sure they’re correctly placed to achieve the best results.

If you’re having trouble breathing through your mouth while using a CPAP machine, get assistance. Before attempting to use a chinstrap on your own, consult with your durable medical equipment supplier or a board-certified sleep doctor.

Fortunately, most people can overcome mouth breathing with or without using a chinstrap for sleep apnea after minor modifications. Seek assistance if necessary to return to a regular breathing pattern.

Which Chin Strap for Sleep Apnea is Right for Me?

CPAP chin straps come in various styles, each with its own function, look, and comfort. It’s critical to choose the proper snoring chin strap if you want to have a good night’s sleep.

Chinstraps for sleep apnea should be able to stay in place all night and apply the least amount of effort necessary to keep the lips shut. They should enable the mouth to expand readily while keeping the jaw closed when relaxed.

Regardless of whatever chin strap is utilised, the pressure applied by the strap should only be enough to keep the mouth shut. It is always best to see your doctor to know entirely that a chin strap is suitable for you.

How to Use a CPAP Chin Strap?

Here’s how to locate the ideal match:

  • Grab a grip of the slack strap.
  • Make sure the strip is snug but not too tight around your head, and don’t get your hair stuck in the process.
  • Experiment with the tightness until you find a comfortable level. It should hug your head softly. It’s fine if you can open your lips when awake because the strap is meant to keep your jaw firmly shut when you’re sleeping, not to clamp it tight.

Stay Safe with BioMed

At Biomed, our mission as professional fabric manufacturers is to create high-quality healthcare fabrics and produce superior fabric manufacturing, which is why we ensure that our business operations always align with our ISO 9001 certification for quality management.

Our dedication to strict Australian fabric manufacturing standards for our CPAP chin straps demonstrates the reliability of our products and our commitment to providing our customers with superior CPAP products. Our chinstraps for sleep apnea offer a high comfort level by minimising skin irritations, alongside anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic properties for safety and comfort.

Through the prevention of germs and bacteria, the life of medical products – such as CPAP masks, CPAP Chin Straps, Back Support Braces and many more CPAP Accessories – can be prolonged. As the build-up of bacteria and germs can cause fabrics that are not of a medical-grade, to deteriorate over time and become unsanitary and uncomfortable to wear.

At Biomed, we have a longstanding partnership with ResMed CPAP Supplies to supply medical grade healthcare fabrics for their products, which have offered superior patient comfort for decades. To find out more information on our full range of CPAP Accessories, CPAP Chin Straps Face Masks, and Medical-Grade Healthcare Fabrics, please contact our team of Biomed medical fabrics and materials experts on (02) 9758 3855. BioMed

Top Tips for CPAP Therapy During Summer

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Summer is fast approaching, and what can already be an uncomfortable slumber for sleep apnea sufferers, can potentially become even more unbearable as the humidity rises.  In fact, a 2012 MedScape article discovered that roughly 50% of individuals who have been prescribed CPAP therapy are either not interested or terminate their CPAP treatment, with comfort cited as one of the most common concerns. At Biomed, we are a leading medical manufacturing company, best known for creating high-quality CPAP masks with our patented medical grade fabrics for ResMed. With extensive experience in developing superior CPAP supplies, here are our top tips to stay comfortable and maintain your CPAP masks this summer season!

CPAP masks play a vital role in sleep apnea treatment. It is responsible for delivering pressurised air to the passageways in order to prevent blockages and encourage a restful sleep. However, during the warmer months silicone CPAP masks can often trap heat around your face, making you feel sweaty and uncomfortable which ultimately impacts the quality of sleep.

However, not only will perspiration make you feel uncomfortable when you’re trying to rest, but excessive heat can also hinder the effectiveness of the CPAP accessories. For example, wearing a silicone mask during the warmer months may increase the amount of oils that your skin secretes in that area. Build-up of this oil can impact the quality of the CPAP mask and become a breeding ground for a bacteria, which is further exacerbated by the warm and humid conditions. Evidently, consistent wear of a bacteria-filled mask can expose you to a range of illnesses that can really dampen the summertime spirit. Some patients even experience symptoms of skin irritation and breakouts around the mask area as a result of increased humidity, perspiration and excessive release of the skin’s oils.

Luckily, these issues can be easily managed to improve a patient’s quality of sleep in the warm weather. First and foremost, CPAP masks and other accessories should be carefully washed on a regular basis to maximise effectiveness and minimise the build-up of bacteria. To do so, gently wash the mask by hand with warm water and soap. Harsh cleaning products filled with chemical should be avoided where possible as it can potentially damage the CPAP mask or result in harmful residue. The mask should be left to air dry on a flat surface to keep its shape and direct sunlight should also be avoided.

Furthermore, at Biomed, we supply high quality, antibacterial and medical grade fabrics which are used in the construction of CPAP masks and other CPAP supplies. Our allergen free, latex free and antibacterial materials that are used in the construction of CPAP masks help to minimise the occurrence of skin related issues and other summertime allergies commonly cited by sleep apnea sufferers. Our fabrics are also comfortable and breathable to maximise overall comfort for the wearer. We’re dedicated to providing solutions that ensure patients get the most out of their CPAP therapy, regardless of the season.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles and medical grade fabrics that are valuable for a vast range of industries. Our team has a longstanding partnership with ResMed to supply medical textiles with hypoallergenic properties in order to create superior quality CPAP masks that maximise patient comfort. Our fabric range also has the potential to provide exceptional benefits beyond the medical industry and we can create tailored solutions that meet specific requirements. For more information on CPAP manufacturing, medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.

All You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea Masks & Accessories

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According to Snore Australia, it is believed that in Australia 9% of women and 25% of men in suffer from clinically significant sleep apnea. This condition occurs when the airways are repeatedly blocked during sleep leading to loud snoring, restless nights, excessive fatigue and can even increase the likelihood of other medical conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease or mortality.

In order to effectively manage sleep apnea and improve the quality for life for sufferers, CPAP therapy is commonly prescribed. Consisting of pressurised CPAP machines and various CPAP accessories including masks, custom headgear and chin straps for sleep apnea, patients can easily be overwhelmed with the options available to them. Not to mention, there are a variety of CPAP masks available on the market designed to suit individual needs and preferences. As a leading CPAP manufacturer and supplier creating high quality sleep apnea masks and accessories with superior medical grade fabrics, we’re breaking down various CPAP supplies in order to help patients choose the most suitable options for them.

Full Face Masks

As the name suggests, full face sleep apnea masks cover both the nose and mouth to fully support breathing throughout the night. The mask is fixated in place with high-quality headgear made from medical textiles and hypoallergenic fabrics in order to ensure maximum comfort and stability for the wearer throughout the entire night. Without the conjunctive use of headgear accessories, these masks can potentially be displaced throughout the night and therefore limit the effectiveness of therapy.

Full face masks are highly beneficial and are generally recommended for sleep apnea sufferers who rely on breathing through their mouth. Other CPAP therapy options are largely focused on supplying air through the nasal passage and can, therefore, be extremely uncomfortable for individuals who breathe through their mouth during their sleep. Full face CPAP masks are also ideal for allergy sufferers who experience a frequently blocked nose or have sinus issues.

Additionally, full face masks are also beneficial for those who suffer from dry mouth. As CPAP therapy relies on humidified air, patients can actually experience relief of such symptoms, as the air keeps both the nasal and mouth passageways moist, preventing blockages and maximising comfort. Masks are also made from technical textiles with hypoallergenic properties to ensure allergies are not aggravated or induced during wear. These masks are also said to be the most effective for patients who require higher pressure settings.

However, patients also need to consider the potential limitations associated with various CPAP accessories in order to choose the most suitable for them. Due to the larger surface area, air leaks can potentially be more common, particularly if the mask is ill-fitted. As a result of this, some individuals may experience dry eyes if the humidified air leaks at the top of their masks. Full face masks for sleep apnea can also be uncomfortable for individuals who sleep on their stomach or side due to the bulkiness of the equipment. This can also be a downfall for those who like to read or watch TV as they’re settling for bed. 

Nasal Masks

Another popular CPAP mask is the nasal mask, which purely covers the nose from the bridge to the patient’s upper lip area. Similarly to the full face masks, nasal masks are also secured in place with headgear accessories to ensure the mask does move during sleep, therefore maximising results.

Nasal masks have proven to be an effective option for patients who typically move around frequently in their sleep. As the accessories associated with nasal masks are not as bulky as their full face counterparts, patients may find they can move around more freely in their sleep. Additionally, there are many different fits and sizes available with nasal CPAP masks which ensures a more comfortable and individualised fit, increasing comfort and minimising the risk of air leaks.

While the above features make nasal masks a popular CPAP therapy option, the treatment may not be suitable for patients who rely on breathing through their mouth without wearing an additional chin restraint to secure the mouth closed. For some people, this may be uncomfortable and unnatural, therefore making other forms of therapy more ideal. Other considerations that need to be contemplated include the presence of allergies. Sinus blockages can interfere with the pressure delivery and therefore results may be diminished.

Furthermore, patients who suffer medical conditions such as a deviated septum, narrowed or collapsed nasal valve or enlarged turbinates may also not experience the full potential of CPAP therapy through the use of nasal masks.

Nasal Pillow Masks

For a more lightweight and less intrusive option, nasal pillow masks provide maximum comfort and ease of use in comparison to full face or nasal CPAP mask options. Nasal pillow masks work by resting at the entrance of the nasal passageway to deliver pressurised air directly into the nose to facilitate breathing.

Nasal pillow masks are a suitable option for patients who frequently move around in their sleep as they are not restricted by bulky accessories and materials. Nasal pillow masks are also do not feature intricate headgear, yet are secured in place with a single strap, potentially providing unprecedented comfort for patients who might be claustrophobic or intimated by the facial materials. The simplified design also makes nasal pillow masks an ideal option for patients with facial hair, those who wear glasses and individuals who like to unwind before bed by watching television or reading a book. Additionally, nasal marks also have a limited chance of air leakage in comparison to other options, as a result of the direct airflow to the nose.

However, while nasal pillows provide exceptional comfort, they are not ideal for individuals who require higher doses of pressure. If the pressure is increased with the wear of nasal pillow masks, comfort can actually be decreased, as the direct airflow can seem unnatural and unfamiliar. The direct air pressure may also result in higher occurrences of nosebleeds or dryness in the nose for some patients. Nasal pillow masks may also not be the most ideal option for patients who are not used to breathing out their nose. However, chin-straps may be used in addition to the nasal pillow for individuals who generally breathe through their mouth.

While there are many options available to sleep apnea sufferers that are aimed to address different concerns, patients should try a variety of different masks in order to find the one that is most suited to them. Facial features, preferences and treatment suitability all need to be factored in to find the most ideal mask for the patient that maximises CPAP therapy results.

As a leading medical fabric manufacturing company, we are dedicated to providing superior technical textiles and medical grade fabrics that are valuable for a vast range of industries. Our team has a longstanding partnership with Resmed to supply medical textiles with hypoallergenic properties in order to create superior quality CPAP masks that maximises patient comfort. Our fabric range also has the potential to provide exceptional benefits beyond the medical industry and we can create tailored solutions that meet specific requirements. For more information on CPAP manufacturing, medical fabrics or other technical textiles, please do not hesitate to contact the professional Biomed team on (02) 9758 3855.