[birdshell]

Straps Slip? Here are some fixes

Re: Velcro on the ComfortLite 2

I took the sticky-backed velcro hook part. I peeled off the backing and carefully stuck the two ends together, sticky side to sticky side. This gave me one length of double-sided hook tape.

Since the ComfortLite 2 has velcro adhering to the strap material, I stuck the two-sided velcro inside the back strap. I cut the size to my liking.

Then I put the interface and headgear on, testing by lying down on each side, etc.

I cut the rest of the 2-sided hook part in half lengthwise and width-wise. I then used this on the different strap parts that are smaller and connect to the headplate. For a quick moment, I thought that I might be able to avoid use of the pantyhose strap -----but it was pretty brief. Rested Gal is right when she is right, and no two guesses about it.

However, it was the best so far. The velcro grips but does not allow very much shifting. Goodbye, pony tail!

Good sleeping. Thank you Steve, Bonnie, and Rested Gal.

Here I am, posting my own fix again--but it seems to be needed. It is working so well for me that I had to recommend it. Please Note: Sticky-backed Velcro is available in many dollar stores (~One yard= $1.00)


Here are the locations of a few posts from other threads with solutions for strap slippage:

Link to Swift Strap Slipping

Swift Strap Slippage Cure Link

These are just the ones I found in a quick search. Someone knows of others, so please post them!

[linda b]

Birdshell,

Before I try this and end up pulling a bunch of hair out because it got caught in the velcro hooks, let me ask you what method you use for putting this interface on. I only unhook the top-most straps, pulling them until they "hang-up" at the insertion slot. (Meaning, I've loosened them without taking them all the way out through the slots.) Then I pull the whole contraption down toward my neck, reach behind and pull my hair out from under the back strap, then push the crown/forehead piece up to its proper position, and getting the strap part on the sides above my ears. The next step is to refasten the top-most straps.

So, if I've got velcro strips stuck on the inside of the back and the sides, aren't they going to grab my hair like crazy if I continue to pull this thing over my head like this?

_________________

Mask: ComfortLite 2 Cushion and Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: Simple cushion on interface, Poligrip Strips on mouth.

[krousseau]

I've looked at your head gear but I'm not sure where you are putting the extra strap or how you are using it so these suggestions may be worthless.
Why not stick the burr side and the hook side together rather that two hook sides?
How about sewing a couple inches of hook to each end of a strip of burr

Which way do your straps slip-up or down?

Up-add soft chin strap

Down-add over the head strap

Every which way-add stretcy strap all the way under the chin and over the head.

If any of this sound like it might help send an address and I'll draw some instructions. Kay

_________________

Mask: Mirage Activa™ Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

Additional Comments: MyEncore; APAP @ 9-15, Modified Opti

[linda b]

Birdshell,

I got your PM. thank you so much. My hair isn't long enough to twist and hold like you described. Anyway, I had some sticky-back velcro squares on hand so I stuck two of the hook pieces back to back and then stuck then to the back strap just to the left of center at the neck and repeated the process with another velcro square set just to the right of center. Then I "installed" the interface system on my head in my usual method.

It worked great! It stayed in place about one inch above my hairline the whole night. Thanks so much for this idea. I had let my hair grow longer than I really like because the ponytail would hold better. I finally got a haircut on Saturday and your post came just in time because the little bit of hair I could still get into a ponytail just wasn't enough to hold against the headgear pull.

Have you seen my older post about a replacement for the pantyhose or tights? I covered a piece of ordinary elastic (1/2" wide by about 16" long in my case) with soft fleece and sewed a small piece of hook side velcro onto each end. Apply a small piece of sticky-backed velcro (hook side) as low down on the extension tube as possible (just above where the pillows/cushion/seal attaches). Or you can put it on the elbow just above the vent holes if you want it a little lower. Fold the covered elastic in half to find the middle and stick it to the velcro on the tube. Then, take the right end and stick it to the headgear, on me it is best just below where the two thinner straps form a V. Repeat on other side. You can, of course, reposition them to get the amount of tension you want. This also helps to stabilize the headgear from riding up so much. And if you don't want to cover the elastic in fleece, this should work with the bare elastic, but you would probably need the velcro 'mate' attached to the middle of the elastic.

Thanks again for your original post and for your PM.

_________________

Mask: ComfortLite 2 Cushion and Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: Simple cushion on interface, Poligrip Strips on mouth.

[Guest]

For some reason, the system will not allow me to post. I sent the following via PM when I couldn't post, hoping that I would be able to do so. If anyone has any answers--I tried manually clearing out cookies. AOL!!! AAUUUGGGGHHHHH!
____________________________________________________________

Linda, you probably will have to change your method just a bit if you choose to use the velcro.

First, this is how I put on my velcro-laden CL 2:

1. I keep all the straps fastened and tilt the tube AWAY from the face/nose;

2. I pull up my hair and twist it, then put it against the back of my head.

3. I'm right handed, so I put my right hand through the top of the straps;

4. while my hand and arm are still threaded through the straps, hold the hair against my head with the right hand;

5. slide the straps and forehead piece down the right arm and with my left hand, position the velcroed bottom strip on my hair at the nape of the neck.

6. Then I let go of the hair, and adjust the forehead plate and interface of my choice (usually direct seal);

7. next, tie my pantyhose strap as recommended by Rested Gal.

To remove the headgear, I just about literally (slowly) rip the whole thing off my head after tilting out the tube. I lose a few hairs, but it is basically as if the velcro hooks are combing the hair. Certainly, I lose only as much as if I were brushing or combing my hair.

It sounds as if this would be a real hair-pulling experience, but think of velcro rollers. They work in the same way and probably pull out the same hairs. It really is not as horrible as one might imagine. Even when putting on the velcro, it seems as if it will never let go of one's hair, but it DOES! Also, it really does not seem to pull out anything that is not already going to come loose.

Personally, it is worth losing a few hairs to avoid the stress of the ponytail every night. That ponytail has to help lose a few hairs in and of itself.

Best of luck. The good news is that it is totally reversible--just pull off the velcro!

Karen (aka birdshell)