Lab Ratting and Pantyhose tights

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:10 pm

I started ratcheting down the EPR on my ResMed S8 Elite - which has been wonderful (AHI down from 12 to except my mask (HC 407) has a tendency to leak like a sieve with the EPR turned down. I've seen repeated posts referencing making a strap out of "panty hose tights" - the word tights always seems to be emphasized.

I have the wrong combination of XY chromosomes to be able to fully understand panty hose tights and I need a little help here. If I were to walk into Walmart and ask for pantyhose tights - they'd know what I was talking about - as opposed to regular pantyhose? I seem to recall the straps are made out of the leg .. how wide do you cut the band? 2 inches ? 4 inches? Use the whole leg?

I think I figured out where the new strap needs to go, I just need to find the right way to make it. Being a guy, I'd normally fix it with duct tape. Duct tape seems to fix everything else. I think the pantyhose tights strap would be easier to get out of my hair in the morning.

Thanks

PS Is Lab Ratting one word, two, or hyphenated?

jules · Post by **jules** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:17 pm

inch or so wide elastic from the sewing area works well

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:40 pm

You made me laugh, thank you!

To clarify the "tights" issue.... tights usually come in different colors and are REALLY stretchy and thicker than pantyhose. Pantyhose are usually more skin colored (tan or black) and more see-through and nylon feeling. They most likely will say "tights" on the package.
Any clerk in that dept. will know the difference between nylons(pantyhose) and tights.

I have only used the tights as a strap to keep my Optilife in place, so not sure exactly how you would cut for your particular mask. They are SO stretchy once you get them home, you can figure it out, no problem.

I'll let you know next time I have a question regarding duct tape.

Best of luck!

Catnapper · Post by **Catnapper** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:47 pm

Hi
Female here to help.

Tights are a thicker, heavier material than regular hose which are generally very fine and light in weight. The tights are not see through, usually, unless they are fish net weave. Because of the extra thickness, the tights form a stronger and stretchier strap.

So, you finally have a pair. Cut off the elastic waistband. You might save it for a strap if it is the right size. Then separate the panty hose by cutting right up the center. Now you have 2 straps, plenty long for tying the mask to your face. Try to keep the tights flat and you will have a very comfortable and soft strap on your face. If you had the regular hose, they might roll up into a less comfortable band on your face.

If you tie them with a single over then under knot just like you start to tie your shoe, you will have a flat tie. If you then do the same thing again, you will have a flat tie that will hold very well. You are not doing a square knot, but just a second over and under. That may not make sense, but it works.

Congratulations on being willing to try something a bit different. I personally balked at wearing panty hose on my head for a long time, but now have no qualms about it.

Just a word of caution, be sure you don't cover the exhaust area of your mask. You want to keep those open so you breathe correctly.

To help you find tights, packages of tights will most likely say tights on the package. Good luck. You can always pretend you are buying them for someone else. By the way, they come in sizes, so if you want, you can buy queen size and get just the thing. Most any size will do, however. Most grocery stores will have them too, on the socks aisle.

Hope this helps.

Catnapper

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 6:48 pm

Jules is right in that some prefer the elastic.

As far as the tights, just ask for tights or opaque pantyhose. I like the microfiber opaques at Wal-Mart because they breathe so well, but then again...I'm hot.

Cut off the leg and use the whole thing. It shouldn't ravel at the cut, or at least mine haven't.

All of that said, I have also used regular pantyhose in the same way for my added straps. They are a bit lighter and thinner, which I found perfect for some applications/masks.

IN SHORT: Just cut at the top of the leg and tie away!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 7:18 pm

They all told ya right, Robbie.

The knot Catnapper described is shown here:

http://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/doublestartknot.htm

Stays flat at back of head, easy to adjust tighter or looser during the night, but won't come loose on its own.

To loosen it during the night, just give one (or both) side(s) a little tug outward at your cheek. To untie it completely in the morning, pull both sides outward at the sides of your face.

Several ways to route one or more homemade straps:

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 6:45 am

Wow!

Thanks so much everyone! Can't wait to get a little quality time this afternoon and have at it.

Jules - I think a trip to the crafts/fabrics store is also in the works - and thanks for the photos.
NeedinZs - I now know the difference between pantyhose and tights - thanks
Catnapper - I appreciate the heads up on the way to tie these things
RG - Many thanks for the photos - AND the link to the knot how-to

Birdshell - Cool avatar. How did you get the little critter to wear the mask? I was gonna use a picture of my Bullmastiff wearing my HC 407 but he ran into his crate everytime I tried to strap it on him.

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:41 am

I have also used elastic waist band pieces from old underwear where the elastic is still good.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 11:59 am

Very cool method, Jules!

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 12:20 pm

the Soyala headgear leaves a lot to be desired imho

the mask is great

JZ · Post by JZ » Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:33 pm

Robbie,

In hot climates like Texas and Florida, panty hose tights are not as common. I had to look for awhile before I found a pair. In the meantime, I used a leg from regular panty hose. The tights are better if you can get them.

Janna

Windfall · Post by **Windfall** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:44 pm

I can usually find opaque panty hose at Walgreens. Not as thick as tights, but the legs work well...

Mask