New CPAP TRAVEL Products Trial - Call for Participants

[SleepGuy]

I never thought I was having any hose management problems until I started using the BOSS. I had always thrown the hose over the back of the headboard on my bed to get it out of the way. In retrospect, I realize I was waking up a couple of times during the night because I either rolled over and "ran out of hose" and my mask was tugging away or the hose was covering the exhaust ports on my FFM and created a loud "hiss".

This describes exactly what happened to me! I even own some hose management units and never really used them because I didn't think I needed them.

So in putting the Boss product together I started actually using a hose management system for the first time and found out that it really helped. But that was clear only in retrospect.

Basically the hose management products achieve the same result from what I can see. I haven't yet bought the Hozer product but I did see it at Sleep2008 in Baltimore and it looks like a very well designed and engineered unit with very good functionality. The HoseBuddy is also a very attractive and well built unit (powder coated steel) though the functionality is limited to the side-to-side swivel but it doesn't "feed" hose length-wise.

My idea has good functionality, low cost, fits in your shirt pocket, but mounts on the wall and therefore has aesthetic limitations for a person's room (unless you take it down every morning but that seems like a waste--though it would make 3M happy). That said, those little strips aren't all that expensive (like $8 for 48 units). It's good to hear that the product delivered function-wise!

[zebrajeb]

I got a bottle of water through TSA. Just a regular re-usable water bottle. It was in with my CPAP and I told them it was for the CPAP. They made me open it and held a strip of paper over it (guess checking for fumes) and then let me go through. I usually put the water in my checked bag but just forgot this time.

John

[SKG109]

Bret just sent you an e-mail.
Sam

[JayC]

Mid-Feb, I flew out of Boston/Logan with TSA-labled bottle. Ended up dumping out the water.

The line was shut down (not sure of the initial reason) and things got backed up. Around the time of the shut down, my APAP had to be re-scanned....although I am not sure they ever did swab the unit. I think that the orientation of the bin with my APAP and computer side by side caused an "overlap" on the security screen, and that bin had to be re-sent through. I did not have the time or the wherewithall to get into it over the water. I had already had words (successfully, but repeatedly) over the number of bags I had (only 2 and a very small *purse* with wallet/cell/gum/keys/sandwich). As this was enroute to much needed vacation, I didn't have it in me given the problems on the line and time delays. (I only ever put my Lowpro backpack and purse *both* under the seat in front of me. Sometimes, the *purse* goes into the overhead carry-on bag....at the end of trip, sometimes I don't have space to do that....

The hose management is brilliant! I tested at home for several days before traveling. No marks on the paint; held well to wall; did *not* tug at hose yet stayed "taut". And I was not even using the full set up....it was more a trial of the adhesive properties.

On return thru Tampa the other day, I got the bottle through. Let me explain: I had my quart ziploc with 3 ounce or less containers in a back section of my "purse". I forgot to pull it out of the "purse". In the bin, next to my "purse", was the TSA-labeled bottle filled mostly with water. On top of these two I placed my winter coat, and tucked shoes into the corners. I think with my many bins, and my APAP (and computer), and this time swabbing the APAP, there was just too much for the security person...who at this time was trying to do all this and unsuccessfully trying to call over another person to help. (My luggage list: (1) wheeled carry-on; (2) Lowpro backpack which holds CPAP and supplies and computer; (3) bin with CPAP and computer pulled out of backpack; (4) bin with coat, shoes, personal bag (keys, cell, etc). So, I am up to 4 bin minimum.......5 if I separate coat and shoes from personal bag and ziploc (which I did not do because I forgot this time....)

So, I am one for two with the TSA-labeled bottle.......and that "one" is iffy in my estimation.

A big thumbs-up for the hose management system, so far.

Warm regards,
J

[Bearcat42]

Bret,
I wouldnt mind helping you out but I dont go for my PSG until the 21st. I do travel, alot. I pretty much "live" out of motels most of the time so if I can be of assistance in the near future with something like hose management then let me know.

[glfredrick]

Reading this thread with interest, as I'm flying Monday.

I wondered if I could pass a 16 ox bottle of distilled water through, but I guess not. What if I were willing to drink from it? Distilled water obviously won't kill you -- just doesn't taste so good without the elements.

Otherwise, it means hitting up some source of supply while I'm away, then dumping the rest when I move again. Waste of resources, for distilled mainly sells in gallon-sized containers.

[GumbyCT]

I used 2 propel bottles labeled "Distilled Water" and packed w/CPAP. They tested it once. Don't drink from it until cleared thru. Any drink is confiscated, period. Even if unopened.

oh unless purchased AFTER the confiscation point for twice the price.

[SleepGuy]

I would like to reopen this trial for 10 people to test the recently modified hose support product (Hoze Boss). It's small enough to fit in your pocket and traveling is very simple because you simply remove the Command Adhesive from the wall and leave the reels attached to the hose. To set it back up just attach the hook with a new Command Adhesive about 2 feet above the pillow. It takes seconds and the reels just pack with the hose (I've checked them through security many times without problem).

I would very much appreciate honest feedback, provided in whatever form you feel comfortable using (public or private) and have no expectation for positive reviews. If you are interested please send me an email (bret@pursleep.com) and describe a little about your situation, why you would like to try the product, and provide a mailing address. All information will be maintained in strict confidence and will not be used for any other purpose than the trial.

The new product format looks like this and seems to work well:



http://www.pur-sleep.com/products/prodD ... rch=&page=

[DyannaK]

Hello Brett, I sent you an email

[TerryB]

Hi Bret,
Count me in please email en route to you.

TerryB

[JayC]

I don't use a special pillow (alhough I have a favorite regular one!!), so I can't paricipate in this pillow trial....

I was the luck recipient of a first version of the hose management....and I still think even that one was brilliant (as I reported/reviewed previously)!! Hmmm...maybe I can modify the one I got so it is more like the new/improved. I generally have been only hanging one holder anyway, a little afraid of damaging someone else's wall/wallpaper (which has *not* happened....)

I highly recommend that those who are eligible to participate do so....you won't regret it, and will be performing a service to your fellow apneacs!

J

[SleepGuy]

Hmmm...maybe I can modify the one I got so it is more like the new/improved.

That's easily done. Just squeeze the top of the reel inward and one of the two posts will slide out. Attach it to the O ring in the other reel and you've got a new model. It works well when used as shown in the picture (and many thanks to Bert Mathews on the forum here for coming up with that improvement as well as lots of other help on this little product idea).

And please send me an email on the pillow--I'd be happy to let you test drive it.

[greyhound]

Bret,

I've sent you an e-mail about testing your revised Hoze Boss

greyhound

[silver123]

I find the CozyHose boss to be excellent both at home and during travel. It's super easy to set up and quickly dismantles and is just great for travel.

I use the Swift LT and am a side sleeper. When that particular mask is fitted correctly, it is not particularly tight. I found the tension on the lines of the CozyHose boss to be perfect, just enought to keep the hose elevated but not too much to actually pull on the mask, particularly when you shift position. I found my leak rates, particularly those spikes you can get when turning over, went down. Overall, I felt more comfortable and wake less during the night. I tended to wake almost completely to shift position before and I don't do that. My sleep cycle seems much better and this is a part of it.

It's to bad DME's don't hand them out with each mask for newbies. It could help quite a bit.

Thanks a lot, Bret. I hope you keep working on such products to help us all out. I particularly like how you really go after direct users and the feedback they can give you.

silver

[junie]

I really like the looks of this, I'm going to be traveling end of next month, thanks for your inventions.