Introducing a new design in chinstraps. The Ruby Chinstrap is a patent-pending method of securing the chin while maintaining complete comfort.
The Ruby Chinstrap should be placed on the head so that the large section with the brand tag is at the back of the neck with the tag facing out. Place your headgear and mask on and adjust them accordingly.
When measuring, start at the top of your head to down around your chin. You should end up back on top of your head. Compare the measurement, in inches, to the diagram. If you are greater than 36" or less than 24" - this chinstrap is not suggested.
Large 36" - 32"
Medium 31" - 29"
Small 28" - 24"
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Important Tips
The material in this product is made of Breathe-o-Prene, but because each spool of material is dyed independently, the color may vary with subtle shade differences between each spool.
"Carefully measured, ordered the correct size, it was impossibly small. No returns, of course. Item should be pulled until correct sizing instructions can be published."
Best Chinstrap I have Used
Michael W, AL – April 24, 2012
"I am (apparently) a 'chin dropper'. At least, that is what I was 'termed' when I explained the problems I was having sleeping with my Full Face biPaP mask (mask over the nose and mouth). I have Severe Central Sleep Apnea. To counter the severity of my CSA the pressures or 'numbers' on my biPaP machine are set very high. So while sleeping my chin would drop and my cheeks would 'ballon out' and causing me to wake up numerous times a night. I tried every chinstrap available from CPAP.com. Finally I tried the Puresom Chinstrap. I guess I was saving the best for last. The chinstrap is well-made, comfortable to wear all night, does not cause irritation to my face or chin and does its job of keeping my 'chin from dropping'."
Bit on the small size
Roderick S, PA – April 08, 2012
"I ordered the medium size - mistake. I do not have a large head, or so I thought. However, the medium is too tight to be comfortable. I know that it needs to be tight, but this one is just too tight. The design is good, but I think the one-size fits all approach is not quite good enough for 5 stars. Maybe if there was some form of adjustment it would be better."
Bought for open mouth breathing
Kathleen G, TN – April 07, 2012
"I bought the small size based on the size info on the website. I have a small head but it is still a little tight so I have been putting it around a large book during the day and this has stretched out a little. I like that there are no seams to cause extra irration and am in hopes it will get easier and more comfortable to wear as the nights progress. It does keep my mouth from getting bone dry!"
Best I've found.
Keith B, TN – March 21, 2012
"I have yet to find the perfect chinstrap, but this one comes as close as it gets. It's comfortable but it does stretch out over time and has to be replaced every 2-3 months."
People who have a deviated septum or small nostrils, or suffer from season allergies or chronic sinus issues, may breathe through the mouth rather than the nose. If you are a person who breathes through your mouth you may be able to wear most masks with a few adaptations. Add a chinstrap is using nasal pillows, nasal prongs or a nasal mask.
A full face mask or hybrid mask can be used without a chinstrap because the seal covers both the nose and mouth. A full face mask will allow you to breathe through your mouth or through your nose.
If you suffer from chronic sinus issues, a full face mask or an oral face mask are good options. Oral masks work best for mouth breathers with blocked nasal passages. You must use a heated humidifier with the oral mask. CPAP.com sells the Oracle HC452 Oral CPAP mask.
If you are a mouth breather who does not want to or cannot wear a chinstrap, please see our recommended masks for Mouth Breathers.
What is the purpose of a chinstrap?
Nasal delivery devices are the preferred mode of delivering CPAP air. They are smaller, lighter and usually more comfortable, with many styles and sizes to choose from.
When using a nasal device with a CPAP, it is imperative that the mouth remain closed for the pressure to be maintained and the therapy to be effective. Most people will automatically keep their mouth closed while on CPAP, but some are unable to do so, at least in the beginning of the therapy.
Use of a
chinstrap is the first response to opening the mouth during sleep. It is worn in addition to the CPAP mask to hold the jaw up and help keep the mouth closed.
Even with the use of a chinstrap, some people are still able to breathe through their teeth and lips. If so, a full face mask is an option worth considering.
What styles of chinstrap are there?
A basic chinstrap cups the chin and has narrow straps that connect at the top of the head, usually with Velcro. It works best for those who sleep on their side and who do not open their mouth very much. The straps may fall forward or backward on the head if not held in place by the mask headgear. An example of this type of chinstrap is the Sullivan Chinstrap.
For greater strength, a wider chinstrap is available. The width of the strap is sufficient to cup the chin, and narrow straps are available to attach across the forehead to keep the chinstrap from falling back, as well as across the back of the head to keep it from falling forward. This style of chinstrap is more stable, but it will cover the ears. An example of this type of chinstrap is the Premium Chinstrap.
Another style of chinstrap is a series of straps that cup the chin at a lower angle for greater support, and include the stabilizing straps in the design. An example of this type of chinstrap is the CPAP.com Deluxe Chinstrap.
Why is air leaking from my mouth?
Air leaks from the mouth whenever the mouth is opened during CPAP therapy. This occurs for many reasons, but a very common one is due to nasal irritation from the CPAP airflow.
The correlation to a lack of humidification and mouth leaks is a topic being heavily researched. Studies are now being conducted on the hypothesis that a large amount of mouth leakage is caused by the following cycle:
CPAP therapy is used with ineffective or no humidification.
The nasal membranes are unable to adequately condition the increased airflow and after a few minutes the airway and nasal passages become dry.
To remedy the dryness and obtain moisture, the body uses the mouth to breathe.
CPAP air follows the path of least resistance and leaks out of the open mouth.
The air leaking through the mouth causes more dryness.
Patient wakes up feeling tired with significant dryness in mouth and dry, swollen nasal passages.
The answer to this cycle is humidification. If the mouth continues to open during sleep, a chinstrap may be needed to hold the jaw up so that the mouth can close.
If mouth breathing continues, a full face mask that covers the nose and mouth is indicated.
Why is my mouth dry in the morning?
Dry mouth is a sign that you are opening your mouth while you sleep. If you use nasal mask, breathing through your mouth bypasses any humidification you may be using so increasing the heat will not be effective. Breathing through your mouth while using a nasal mask reduces the benefit of the CPAP therapy.
First be sure the mask is not leaking. If it is six to nine months old and leaking, try replacing it. If it is new and leaking, we can help you get a better size.
If your mask is new and NOT leaking, try a chinstrap to keep your jaw up and mouth closed. If a chinstrap doesn't solve the problem, try a full face mask that covers your nose and mouth.
If you use a full face mask and have a dry mouth, try adding a heated humidifier to add moisture.