TapPap hose fix, you might try it.

[sleepngo]

I am using the tap-pap nasal pillows mask and so far it is working out well for me, except for the hose being too stiff. I have solved that problem for me and maybe those using this mask also find the hose a little too stiff. To make a long story short. I was able to use the flexible hose from a Swift-FX mask and attach it to the Tap-Pap mask. Now when I change positions, right to left and back, I no longer feel the movements being transferred to the mouth piece. I use the optional chine strap with the velcro loop, now I am able to run the flex hose through the loop, leaving a little slack between the loop and the mouth piece. I no longer feel the hose tugging and pushing on the mouth piece when moving around in bed, and the swift hose also has a quick disconnect between the mask hose and tubing. Any-one finding the tap-pap hose a little too stiff, might give this fix a try. Really helps me sleep a lot better.

Regards to all,
Dan

[DarrylM]

Yes Dan! Stiff hose, transferring tugging pressure to my mouthpiece and teeth. I shall try the hose switch you suggest tonight. However, my chinstrap has no hose guidance loop.

[sleepngo]

Up date, using the swift fx hose worked great. No pressure was transmitted to the mouthpiece, while turning from side to side. I didn't wake once, slept 7 hours and 50 minutes . AHI of 2.0.

DarryIM, try using a rubber band at the top of the head gear. Loop it under the top of the head gear, twist it once than take the ends and run the mask hose through double ends of the rubber band...allow a little slack between strap and mouth piece which will allow any movement to be absorbed by the flexible hose, before it reaches the mouthpiece. if it works try finding a velcro loop with the metal clip. I have used these on my Opti-life head gear and it worked fine. hope it works for you.

Regards,
Dan

[newsnore]

This is interesting. Thanks for sharing the idea - I might try it myself - although I really don't have any problem with twisting of the hose, even though I am a restless sleeper. However I use the Airway Managements (Tap Pap) chinstrap (it has a special velcro loop for the hose) and I would like to try the Tap Pap without any head gear - just a hose hanger system maybe - so your idea might help with this.
When I clean my Tap Pap (each day - can't stand the thought of old dried saliva going back into my mouth) I pull the hose off the mouthpiece - probably a no no according to the makers - but it makes it so much simpler and easier to clean. It comes off easily and goes back on firmly and never fails to seal. I have been doing this for 6 weeks now and have had no problems. So I am guessing you did this when you separated the hose from the mouthpiece and the new hose just pushed straight on to the mouthpiece.

[sleepngo]

newsnore, your almost right. The first time I tried the mask I felt the mask tube was too stiff. I tried it both ways, with and without the chin strap. Then I thought about my swift fx hose and how flexible it is...wouldn't it be nice if it had the same type hose. while cleaning the tap pap the hose came off, now you know the rest of the story. I agree that a hose tender used with the fx hose attached to the tap pap could work without having to use head gear. I've done this with my opti-life nasal pillows mask and it worked fine, the hose is flexible enough to allow the use of a hose tender. In fact my thoughts were along the same line as yours, to make a hose tender that will fit on the head post of my bed for the tap pap, now that I have a good flexible hose, I think it will work but if not, I'm happy with the chin strap and loop. Will let you know when I make and try a hose tender. If you try it out before I do let me know if it works?

Thanks,
Dan

P/S I had to modify the fx hose and the tap pap mask tube, for it to fit right, small difference in Dia between mask tube and fx hose. You will see when you do the modification...good luck.

[RogerSC]

I found that putting the hose hanger thingie at the head of the bed so it was centered over my pillow worked best for me with the TAP PAP. That even compensated for the less flexible hose, since it never had to flex much that way. No need for the headgear, either. Just the TAP PAP and the hose hanger.

With the Swift FX, putting the hose hanger on the side of the bed works just fine.

[sleepngo]

RogerSC, thanks for the information, my next project will be setting up a hose hanger for the tap pap, but I will continue to use the chin strap and loop for those times when I can't use the hose tender...when traveling and visiting friends.

Regards,
Dan