Calling lab rats

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:14 pm

I'm trying to figure out how to add a hose/swivel to the other side of my swift to make the forces symetrical and less likely to twist it. The hose is $19 at cpap.com, but I don't know where I'll find/invent a way to hookup a second line to the machine.

Any thoughts in collusion?

Thanks,

TerryB

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:20 pm

A Y-connector would do it but where to get one the right size?? You could rig a Y connector if you have an old hose to sacrifice. Let me go to cpap.com and look at the hoses & connectors.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 8:46 pm

The comfort curve has tubing you might be able to use-you could cut the smaller tubes off above the Y & insert the cut ends into the swift hoses that connect to each side of the nose piece or v.v.-or connect them with a connector-reinforce connection-if not secure-with electical tape (it comes in basic black and several colors) or with heat shrink tubing. You can even get a fleece cover for it. The comfort curve hose is arout $30. Good luck.

IORHHI · Post by **IORHHI** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 11:55 pm

PVC plumbing pipe sells Y connectors in different sizes. that might fit.
Barbara

JP · Post by JP » Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:31 am

The idea is to have a short mask hose going into both sides of the swift's pillow frame?

A "Y" connector is what first occurs to me (as it already has to others) or a "T" if there's no such thing as a "Y" available.

It might be possible to manufacture a "Y" out of something like CPAP hose quick connectors and a PVC "Y" fitting if you could find one the appropriate size. What I do when I've got a similar project is take one of the things I'm trying to fit and wander along the aisle of PVC plumbing bits at Home Depot hoping to find something compatible. If that aisle fails you then I'd suggest the section of connector & adapter bits for underground garden sprinkler systems, that's come through for me in the past (I build and maintain water and air pressure-powered pop bottle rocket launchers for my kids' girlscout and boyscout troops).

The problem in manufacturing your own "Y" would be gluing the whole thing up if the friction fit of the parts isn't strong and reliably air-tight enough. As safe as they are for drinking water, all the PVC glues outgas fumes you definitely do NOT want being piped into your head. You could forget glue and use rubber o-rings, but again it'd be a question of whether it'll hold air-tight together under whatever stress gets put on it as you move around.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): hose, swift

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 2:06 pm

Duct tape

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:28 pm

I'm not sure if I understand your question. Is it because the swift seems heavier on one side because of where the tubing connects? This is the problem I'm facing. I would love to be able to rig something on the other side of the nose pillow that would counterbalance the one-sided heaviness that I experience. I've tried to look for links...anyone know of any? There are lots of ideas for other modifications to the swift, but I haven't seen any that discuss the problem I'm having with it.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:43 pm

maybe you should try the Nasal Aire II?

It has two hoses that could connect if you have the other swift coupler to install on the other side. A lot of people liked the NAII, but keep in mind it can be:

1. Noisy, exhaust is like that of the swift made up of only 2 holes (seems 6 more smaller exhaust holes make a mask quieter).
2. Since there is no dead space, the incoming air can feel cold and direct on your nares, this can cause discomfort and keep you from sleeping.
3. Since it has dual smaller approximately 3/8" ID hoses compared to a single 22mm ID hose some autopaps can have difficulty reading your SDB events.
4. Nasal cannula is not like the pillow designed interfaces you may be used to, these fit more inside the nares than on the end of the nose, nearly everyone develops irritation to the nares as a result, ayr gel is almost a must. Some toughen up to them, many don't.
5. Innomed has really good direct customer service, unheard of in this industry.

The 2 hoses on the NAII go into a 2-in-1 swivel coupler worn at the chest. Headgear is simple velcro straps.

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 6:20 pm

NYNurse33,
That is exactly thee problem I am trying to overcome.

Snoredog,
I want to modify the Swift so that the two tubes both go forward then up as I have the single tube now. The torsion is what I am trying to eliminate. I wouldn't like the NAII tubes behind my ears.

I may not need more effort along this line because I may have finally got my CL2 dialed in to fit. Fingers crossed.

TerryB

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:54 pm

Wish I could use my comfortlite 2, but it just seems that for now until I get my heated hose, during the winter, I'll have to settle for the swift. Hey! At least I'm staying dry.

Snoredog--I've thought about the nasalaire 2, but I do want to try it on first, I think I will @ the DME when I get some time. I understand that because it resembles a nasal cannula, you have to be sure to get the perfect fit, otherwise you're looking at leakage. So I figured I would be better off @ the DME for a fitting.

Right now, what I'm doing with the swift tubing is keeping in a downward position and not using the velcro to have it attach over my head. I'm pulling up slack on the tubing by using a hair scrunchie and a little butterfly hair clip (ladies, you know what I mean) and attaching it to the front of my PJ's. The pulling on the one side is not as bad by doing this.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:00 am

Maybe the 2 in 1 swivel coupler would work though-- with some electrical tape to secure the joints.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Oct 30, 2006 10:15 am

TerryB wrote:I'm trying to figure out how to add a hose/swivel to the other side of my swift to make the forces symetrical and less likely to twist it. The hose is $19 at cpap.com, but I don't know where I'll find/invent a way to hookup a second line to the machine.

Any thoughts in collusion?

Thanks,

TerryB

I don't understand what part of the Swift is twisting nor how you are trying to prevent it by adding a second hose.

- r

Calling lab rats

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