Liberty Elbow Solution (now with picture)
Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 2:35 pm
I am a relatively new CPAP user (Since July 07), and just began using the Liberty mask. Within a week the elbow broke just as many have described here. My medical supplier replaced it with no questions and I have since found a solution that also helped with another issue as well.
I began CPAP treatment with the Opus Nasal Pillow system mailny because of the hose placement over my head. I found I could turn very easliy from side to side. When I switched to the LIberty (because I had significant mouth leaks), I could not get used to the hose hanging down and having to turn with me through the night. This is also what caused the break in the elbow as I turned over and the "ripple" of the hose got caught on the edge of the bed, putting too much pressure on the elbow.
I solved this issue by sewing a piece of velco into the top center of the head-gear and I secure the hose into the velcro. The hose then runs over my head and falls behind my pillow. I can turn freely from side to side with no pull on the hose. This also takes all the pressure off the elbow.
I began CPAP treatment with the Opus Nasal Pillow system mailny because of the hose placement over my head. I found I could turn very easliy from side to side. When I switched to the LIberty (because I had significant mouth leaks), I could not get used to the hose hanging down and having to turn with me through the night. This is also what caused the break in the elbow as I turned over and the "ripple" of the hose got caught on the edge of the bed, putting too much pressure on the elbow.
I solved this issue by sewing a piece of velco into the top center of the head-gear and I secure the hose into the velcro. The hose then runs over my head and falls behind my pillow. I can turn freely from side to side with no pull on the hose. This also takes all the pressure off the elbow.