No longer an original headgear virgin.

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 12:57 pm

Since recently becoming a member of this forum, I've admired the many members who are able to customize their gear and make it work for them. I have no hope of becoming a customization specialist (forgot the term used), but I did solve my problem.

I'm learning to keep my mouth shut when asleep (there is no hope for when awake : ). I have been thinking about having a device to help while I'm learning. I didn't want a full-face chin strap, as for me it would be overkill. I decided to keep watch on the forum for an idea.

As it turns out, I got the idea myself when looking in my hair accessory drawer for a hair clip. I spotted a cloth circular headband. Before CPAP, it would have remained a headband - now it is a chin strap. I slipped it on my face, under my chin and over the top of my forehead onto my head. I smiled at myself in the mirror at this most momentous occasion. I'm no longer an original headgear virgin : )

It would be fun to hear the stories of other member's first time, or other customization experiences.

I decided to add a poll so we could see at a glance how many of us need to customize.

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oceanpearl · Post by **oceanpearl** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 1:02 pm

Before I went headgearless I used a pieceAce Bandage.

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 2:53 pm

Good Job Gasp!

I've been thinking this AM about how to design a BREATHABLE chin strap. I like the design of my Tiara Topaz, it works well for me. But I dislike the neoprene's lack of breathability.

I've been contemplating drawing a pattern off the Topaz, and then recreating it out of silk charmeuse and cotton. The silk charmeuse goes inside, the cotton on the outside. Probably just a smooth pima cotton (like your sheets). The cotton will keep the charmeuse from over-stretching.

I dunno. I may have to wade through my fabric stash and think some more. I liked the idea of silk next to my face, but couldn't think of anything I thought was sturdy enough on it's own. Maybe if I doubled the charmeuse?

Your thoughts are welcome!!!

Cheers,
B.

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 5:55 pm

Babette wrote:I dunno. I may have to wade through my fabric stash and think some more. I liked the idea of silk next to my face, but couldn't think of anything I thought was sturdy enough on it's own. Maybe if I doubled the charmeuse?

Your thoughts are welcome!!!

Cheers,
B.

Ah, isn't a fabric stash a beautiful thing? My husband doesn't understand this addiction. Are you a quilter? I think we're the worst when it comes to fabric stashes! Anyway, in response to your query, what if you were to do something like make a tube of charmeuse, about 2 1/4" across and maybe 26" long (or however long you need it so that there's about 3/4" overlap of the ends when wrapped around your head), put a 2" wide strip of polar fleece in the middle of the tube (kind of like a "filling"), stitch the ends closed, and then add some sort of snap, clip, or velcro closure. I don't know if this would work, just came off the top of my head (so to speak!)

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 6:03 pm

Not a quilter, a costumer! We're WAY COOLER than quilters...

The problem with polar fleece is that I'm trying to create an all-natural, BREATHABLE chin strap. Might as well use Neoprene if I'm going to use Polar Fleece.

I'll have to fiddle with it and report my findings.

Cheers,
B.

darthlucy · Post by **darthlucy** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 6:08 pm

Babette wrote:Not a quilter, a costumer! We're WAY COOLER than quilters...

The problem with polar fleece is that I'm trying to create an all-natural, BREATHABLE chin strap. Might as well use Neoprene if I'm going to use Polar Fleece.

I'll have to fiddle with it and report my findings.

Cheers,
B.

I'll let the quilter slam pass cuz you've given me lots of valuable advice over the past couple of weeks. Maybe some kind of light-weight meshy iron-on stabilizer on the charmeuse before sewing the tube? That would firm it up a bit without adding bulk.

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:10 pm

I have no hope of becoming a customization specialist (forgot the term used), but I did solve my problem.

Affectionately referred to as lab-ratting...

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:58 pm

Bonnie wrote:
I have no hope of becoming a customization specialist (forgot the term used), but I did solve my problem.
Affectionately referred to as lab-ratting...

SisterShotgun · Post by **SisterShotgun** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 7:44 am

After last night I too will be going through my fabric stash to make a chin strap that does not overheat or itch. I woke up ever hour trying to adjust that strap and finally took it off..Bad idea, my mouth opened and Darth Vader invaded my bedroom At one point my husband placed his hand over my mouth and threated to get the 400mph tape

There has got to be a better way of doing this..My children are still asleep so I am going back to bed

Jefe · Post by **Jefe** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 11:27 am

Just last night, I lab ratted my Quattro. I developed the hissing elbow leak of doom. So, I popped off the elbow in question, and teflon taped. No muss, no fuss, no leak. It is a little harder to rotate the elbow in the mask now, but it loosened a bit with rotating.

I probably shpuld have done it before develpoing the leak -- because let's face it -- evreyone with that mask (and the liberty, I hear) is going to get that same leak.

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Tue Jun 26, 2007 9:46 pm

Jefe,
That is the same kind of leak I had with the Swift II but a little teflon tape and no more hissing. I'm wondering if people who use the Swift II that say it doesn't seem to be any quieter have that elbow hissing. It's not enough to drastically change leak numbers but it was very annoying. How was your leak rate with the Quattro before telfoning??

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 4:16 am

About 400 views, and 16 votes?

O.

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 6:24 am

ozij
Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:16 am

About 400 views, and 16 votes?

Yeah, what's up with that?? C'mon guys, cast a vote. It's just a little click...

Lepeu63 · Post by **Lepeu63** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 7:20 am

I customized both masks I've had - but not the strapping/headgear - I've had to use tape on the mask itself for leaking.

Being a scuba guy, I LIKE neoprene

Babette · Post by **Babette** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 8:11 am

Oh, you mean I have to vote for every mask I customized? Lessee... 7 masks, at least one tweak per mask....

LOL,
B.

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger

No longer an original headgear virgin.

Have you needed to customize? (Vote no if you were able to use all equipment supplied with no customizations.)

No longer an original headgear virgin.