Overwrought Hose Suspension

[jda1000]

Howdy - I saw another poster using a cord and velcro to fix his hose to the headboard, and after experimenting, found I liked having the hose come in from on high and more or less directly above my head.

I suspended an elastic cord from a curtain rod perhaps 30-26" above my mattress, and clipped a 3" caribiner to it, through which I ran the hose.

My hose is ribbed (are they all?), and I found the 'biner had to have a bigger diameter than the anular space between hose-ribs, or the hose wouldn't slide.

I had a smaller, heavier hardwear-style cabiner that I've hung from the hose right at the machine; this one adds a bit of weight, so the hose tends to "recoil" towards the machine rather than piling up on the pillow or bed. There's barely any tension on the hose, but just a bit keeps it out of my way.

Experimenting, I found that with the elastic's give, and with enough length to swing laterally, and with the hose easily sliding in the caribiner, I reduced hose-management issues. It's a bit hard to tell, but I seem able, now, to roll over without binding the hose or landing on it, and in my twilight moments before sleeping, don't feel so tethered.

Seems complicated in description, but hose management headaches were waking me several times in the 2-3 hours I'm able to sleep before yanking the mask off....

[SleepGuy]

jda1000, funny you should post this because I've been working on solving the very same problem in the easiest way I could figure out.

My solution is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket and mounts to the wall using 3M Command Adhesive strips that are guaranteed not to damage surfaces and are removed with a simple tug on the tab (or it can be used for permanent mounting).

The product consists of a wall mounting hook and a spring loaded, self-retracting reel with just enough tension to keep the hose up out of your way while at the same time providing low-friction full range of motion for every sleeping position. Getting the tension to work right has been a little tricky but I think I've got it figured out. The product includes a pair of devices that work best when arranged as shown in the photograph: http://www.pur-sleep.com/content/?id=45

The product is currently in beta testing with several cpaptalk members (including the one who supplied the pic--thanks!). He reports that he took it with him through TSA security without a hitch.

Forum members have been very helpful in the product development process and I am looking forward to launching this to see what people think.

[JeffH]

That's what headboards are for....slinging your hose in behind the headboard and over the top. Simple is best.


JeffH

[OldLincoln]

I just tacked a picture hanger above the headboard and suspended the hose with a couple rubber bands. Took 5 minutes and works fine.

[SleepGuy]

That's what headboards are for....slinging your hose in behind the headboard and over the top. Simple is best.


JeffH

That's pretty much what I do at home but hotel headboards are glued to the wall....

[JeffH]

That's what headboards are for....slinging your hose in behind the headboard and over the top. Simple is best.


JeffH

That's pretty much what I do at home but hotel headboards are glued to the wall....

That's why I carry a bungee cord and small metal screw in hook with me on the road. I screw the hook in the ceiling and hang the bungee cord from it and all is well. In the morning (or when leaving) I unscrew the hook and pack it all up for next time. There is a tiny hole left in the ceiling, but nothing I've ever been able to see from the ground, even when looking for it.

JeffH

[Debjax]

That's what headboards are for....slinging your hose in behind the headboard and over the top. Simple is best.
JeffH

Providing you have a headboard that will work with that, or a headboard at all. Our headboard won't work for it, so hubby built hangars for us using wood to attach to the headboard top shelf, swinging plant hangers from ACE, and two stretchy headbands.....

Hose management rocks!

[jda1000]

Hilarious, how everyone pieces together a solution that works for them and nobody on my "medical team" mentioned the hose would be a PAIN!

[SleepGuy]

Hilarious, how everyone pieces together a solution that works for them and nobody on my "medical team" mentioned the hose would be a PAIN!

How many people on your "medical team" actually use CPAP?

For that matter, how many CPAP equipment designers have ever had to use the equipment they're designing? It looks like they're getting better but there's a long way to go.

That's one reason I give big kudos fo CPAP.com's Product Challenge series.

[rested gal]

Good ideas! I've added this thread to the list of topics here:

LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

[Hawthorne]

not highjacking the thread- just want to say, "Welcome back, Rested Gal!" You were missed. Word has it you were on vacation. Hope it was a good one!

[jda1000]

There's no way in Hades even one person on my 'care team' has ever slept with a mask on.

That's why I'll be recommending it. It surely cannot hurt them, and would improve their professional performance!

[tuna]

That's what headboards are for....slinging your hose in behind the headboard and over the top. Simple is best.


JeffH

I keep my spare heads on my headboard! (Sorry couldn't help it!)