Best CPAP Chin Straps: My top picks for 2025
Jeremy Smith is a long-term CPAP user and sleep apnea advocate. After being diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea, he created ByJeremySmith.com to help others navigate CPAP therapy through personal stories, gear reviews, and practical advice.
Living with sleep apnea is hard enough. I speak from experience. I have used a CPAP machine for over 10 years now, and I know how hard it can be to get back to sleep when you wake up at 2:00 am.
If you wake up with a dry mouth or your partner complains about air leaks, a CPAP chin strap might be your secret weapon.
I do not use a chin strap because I use a full-face mask, which works well for me.
Here’s a full breakdown to help you decide if a chin strap is right for you—and which ones are worth your money.
Top CPAP Chin Strap Recommendations
🥇 Sunset Comfort Chin Strap
Best Overall Chin Strap
The Sunset Comfort Chinstrap stands out for its simple design and consistent results. It uses a single-strap construction with adjustable Velcro for a secure fit that’s easy to use. The breathable, lightweight fabric is gentle on the skin, making it an excellent nighttime option.
✔️ Simple, adjustable one-piece design
✔️ Lightweight and breathable material
✔️ Compatible with most nasal and pillow masks
✔️ Affordable and durable—great value for money
What Real Users Are Saying about the Sunset Comfort Chin Strap
💬 “This chinstrap changed everything for me. I was constantly waking up with a dry mouth, and now I sleep through the night without issues. It’s soft, breathable, and stays in place all night.” — Verified Buyer via Sleep Doctor
💬 “This Sunset Comfort Chin Strap really works. Give yourself time to adjust to wearing it.” — Verified Buyer via Sleep Doctor
💬 “Very comfortable and it keeps its shape. Does not move around at night and has many adjustment options” — Verified Buyer via Sleep Doctor
💬 “The Sunset Comfort Chinstrap is super easy to adjust. I’ve tried a few others, but this one is by far the most comfortable. The material is light and it doesn’t leave any marks on my face.” — Customer Review
💬 “I didn’t want to switch to a full-face mask, so this chin strap was the perfect fix. It works exactly as promised.” — CPAP User
🥈 Snugell Adjustable Chin Strap
Best for Active Sleepers
✅ Snugell Adjustable Chin Strap — Best for Side Sleepers
- Extra-wide support band: Distributes pressure more evenly across your head, so it stays in place when you move.
- Soft Lycra material: Feels comfortable against the cheek, even when pressed into a pillow.
- Side Velcro adjustment: Less likely to dig into the scalp or get pulled when you sleep on your side.
Made from soft Lycra, this strap balances support and comfort beautifully. Its strong Velcro and wide base keep everything in place, even if you toss and turn.
What Real Users Are Saying about the Snugell Chin Strap
💬 “This chin strap is low profile, comfortable, and keeps my jaw firmly secured when I fall asleep.” — Verified Buyer via BestViewsReviews
💬 “The chin strap is easy to put on and adjust and does its job well.” — Verified Buyer via BestViewsReviews
💬 “With its streamlined profile, the Snugell Premium Chin Strap should fit around most CPAP masks and headgear. The straps can be adjusted on either side of the face, so there is less chance that the fastener will get caught in your hair.” — Sleep Doctor Review
💬 “Snugell’s Premium Chin Strap features an easy-to-use design with lightweight, breathable fabric. Some sleepers find chin straps with adjustments on top of the head to be difficult to manage, but this strap includes Velcro strips on the sides for simple, intuitive size modifications.” — SleepApnea.org Review
What Is a CPAP Chin Strap?
A CPAP chin strap is a soft, adjustable band that wraps under your chin and around your head. Its main job is to keep your mouth closed during sleep so that the pressurized air from your CPAP doesn’t escape.
It’s a must-have if:
- You use a nasal or pillow mask (like one of the best CPAP nose masks– coming soon)
- You breathe through your mouth at night
- You wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
- You hear air leaking or snoring despite your CPAP
Is a CPAP Chin Strap Right for Me?
Not everyone needs a chin strap, but it can make a huge difference in comfort and therapy effectiveness for the right user.
| You Might Need a Chin Strap If… | A Chin Strap May Not Work If… |
|---|---|
| You use a nasal or pillow mask and breathe through your mouth | You have chronic nasal congestion or allergies |
| You wake up with a dry mouth or a sore throat | You always sleep with your mouth open, despite effort |
| Your partner notices snoring or air leaks | You’re already using a full-face mask effectively |
| You want to avoid switching to a full-face mask | You need more structural support than a strap provides |
In those cases, it’s better to focus on improving mask fit or switching to a different mask style.
How to Clean a CPAP Chin Strap
Proper hygiene extends the life of your chin strap and prevents skin irritation. Here’s how to keep it clean:
🧼 Daily Spot Clean (Optional): Wipe down with a damp cloth if you notice sweat or oil buildup.
🧽 Weekly Wash:
- Fill a sink or basin with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap or baby shampoo.
- Submerge the chin strap and gently agitate to loosen oils and debris.
- Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water until all soap is gone.
- Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring.
- Lay flat or hang to air dry (avoid direct sunlight or dryers).
🛑 Avoid:
- Bleach or harsh detergents
- Hot water
- Washing machines or dryers (unless the manufacturer says it’s okay)
Clean straps are more comfortable, less likely to irritate your skin, and more hygienic over the long term.
🔄 Adjustability matters: Make sure it fits snugly without being too tight
🛌 Comfort counts: Choose breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin
🛌 Test it early: Try it during a nap or while watching TV
🛄 Keep it clean: Wash weekly to avoid skin irritation and odors
Pairing your strap with the best sleep position for sleep apnea – coming soon. can make therapy even more effective.
When to Skip a Chin Strap
If your nose is often congested or you’re a dedicated mouth breather, a chin strap alone might not work. In that case, a full-face mask is usually the better option.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, you might want to check out our guide to finding the right CPAP mask for stomach sleepers– coming soon.
Also, if you’ve tried one and still experience leaks or feel tired, talk to your sleep specialist. You may need to tweak your pressure settings or switch mask types.
Final Thoughts
For many CPAP users—especially nasal mask wearers—a chin strap can be a simple, low-cost fix that makes therapy actually work.
CPAP Chin straps are a low-cost solution for getting a good night’s sleep and improving your therapy, so I would say getting one is worth a shot.
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or sleep specialist before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment or therapy related to sleep apnea or CPAP use.
