Help or advice for my hubby~
 

My hubby uses a cpap with a chin strap as he wears a nasal mask. He was having too many air leaks with a full face mask. Problem is, the chin strap does not keep is mouth shut. He has tightened it to the point he has marks on his face, and he is still leaking air out of his mouth. Told him I was going to tape his lips shut :D, but seriously, any ideas? The medical equip center and sleep lab have no ideas. I worry about him so much. He gets tired of it as much as I do. He has actually woken himself up from the sound of the air coming from his own mouth. Now thats bad! He is starting to resort to not wearing his mask because of his frustration. Help please~

Can you tell if the problem is with the mask, the strap, or the positions he sleeps in?

I use a nasal mask w/ chin strap, but I put the strap on with my jaw closed (but not clenched) and I sleep only on my back with a 12" foam wedge.

There are (at least) 2 basic ways of wearing the chin strap. One is around the point of the chin (like a helmet) and the crown of the head. The other is under the chin and around the top of the head.

There are many many kinds/designs/styles of masks (and cushions), and AFAIK there's no law that you have to be stuck with only what your supplier carries, so you/he can look/shop around. Most reputable suppliers will allow you to "test-drive" at home.

He might need/try a different style of mask, cushion (or both) or learn to sleep in positions that don't cause the problem (I hate it too).

google: cpap masks
google: cpap cushions
and click on Images in the lefthand column for some other options.

Doc