First, about traditional chin straps
Traditional chin straps come in two varieties, linear and bifurcated. (The one shown to the right is bifurcated around the ear.) Both designs work on the same principle. They are made of a single elastic material, usually neoprene, and wrap around the tip of the chin. Notice the strap wraps around the tip of the chin and the force it produces is directed towards the ear. The jaw joint is located just in front of the ear which means the force applied by traditional chin straps is directed almost directly into the jaw joint.
Traditional chin straps are intended to immobilize the jaw by increased friction in the jaw joint. This is ineffective in maintaing an elevated jaw and problematic since sufficient force can be painful and long term use can cause damage to the joint.
Breathable Three-Layer Open-Net Mesh Cap
The Premium cap is a three layer net-mesh and the cap of the Plus version is made of 100% Indian manta cotton. This provides breathability while still being strong and durable.
The Knightsbridge Dual Band uses 6 materials plus Velcro and is an assembly of 22 different pieces. All six materials and the full-cap design are necessary to provide the vertical lift and compound elastic-nonelastic force of this innovative design and also be comfortable. The elastic and non-elastic straps produce a compound force curve that allows the pressure to be minimized. For the cap to be durable yet also light and breathable, it has the three-layer net-mesh construction. Since a full cap is required to balance the vertical forces at the front, and because it needs to fit heads of various sizes and shapes, the cap is constructed of three panels and has a rear size-adjustment strap. Because the cap and a portion of the Velcro (which is a somewhat stiff material) covers the ears, there is an interior soft grey felt lining to make that comfortable. And the entire perimeter of the cap is also lined.
Dual Bands
The Knightsbridge has a revolutionary dual-band design. The non-elastic blue band prevents the jaw from lowering. The elastic (white or black) band provides a gentle upwards force.
This graph shows why the compound elastic-non elastic force is so comfortable. The curved compound-force line keeps your jaw elevated in the comfortable, low-force yellow zone.
Vertical Lift
The bands pass under the jaw and attach to the Velcro patch near the temples, thereby providing a vertical force. Vertical force works with the natural rotation of the jaw.
Revolutionary Award-Winning Design
Either of these features alone (dual bands or vertical lift) would produce a superior chin strap. The combination of these two innovations provides far-and-away the most effective and comfortable chin strap on the market.
That’s why the Knightsbridge Dual Band was selected “BEST CPAP CHIN STRAP” in CPAP.com’s 2020 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide.
