If you’re not getting the results you need from your CPAP treatment, or you have issues with a dry mouth or throat, particularly when waking up in the morning, it could be a sign that you may be mouth breathing, and might need to use a chin strap. Mouth breathing has been shown to impact treatment.¹ This simple piece of equipment stops air escaping from your mouth and helps you maximize the benefit of your treatment.

In this guide, we’ll look at how chin straps work and how to pick the right model for you. 

What is a CPAP chin strap? 

When in place, a chin strap can look a bit like a headguard used in American football, but there are a range of different designs available. Usually made of fabric, with Velcro® fastenings and a plastic or rubber cup at the chin, they fit around your head to hold your mouth closed. Chin straps are typically relatively affordable.

How does a chin strap work? 

Chin straps are used as a CPAP therapy accessory to hold your mouth closed and prevent air leaking out as you sleep. This leakage can reduce the effectiveness of your CPAP treatment, as some of the air that should be being pushed into your lungs is wasted.² Chin straps are designed to be used with nasal and nasal pillows CPAP masks.

If you have problems with your CPAP mask shifting or falling off overnight, a chin strap could also be used to keep it in place.³

Do I need a CPAP chin strap? 

Chin straps are designed to help people with mouth leakage or other mouth-breathing issues, people who move frequently during sleep, and people who struggle to get their masks to seal.³

There are a few different signs that a chin strap could be an option for you. These include:² 

• Dry mouth and throat after sleep.
• Sleep partners or others reporting mouth-breathing during sleep.
• CPAP therapy doesn’t seem to be working.
• Your mask is shifting or falling off frequently. 

In some cases, mouth-breathing could be picked up during your sleep study.⁴ If this happens, your sleep specialist may recommend using a chin strap from the start. 

Who shouldn’t use a CPAP chin strap? 

Chin straps aren’t recommended for all CPAP users. In fact, they can be risky for some people. If you have a deviated septum or other nasal issues, you may not get enough air through your nose, even with a CPAP mask. The same principle applies if you’re temporarily congested.⁵ 

How do I find the right chin strap for me? 

Discuss chin strap options with your equipment provider. You may consider aspects like fit, materials and coverage. 

What to do if you think you have sleep apnea

If you haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea or started CPAP therapy, start there before you think about chin strap options. Symptoms like excessive sleepiness during the day, loud snoring, a dry mouth or throat, forgetfulness and inability to concentrate can all indicate sleep apnea – and it’s important to get checked out before the disorder disrupts your life any further.⁶ 

Think you might have sleep apnea? Take our quick sleep apnea quiz. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all CPAP users need chin straps?

No. Straps can be effective for CPAP users struggling with mouth breathing, mask movement or seal issues.² 

Which type of CPAP mask works best with a chin strap?

Chin straps are designed to be used with nasal and nasal pillows CPAP masks.³

What's the best CPAP chin strap for people with beards?

There’s no single chin strap that works for everyone – and that goes for people with beards as well. If you have a particularly large or thick beard, you may need to look for a larger-size mask with a bigger chin cup and wider straps. 

The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.