Zip Ties an alternative to O rings fix for Nasal Pillows

[SleepyT]

Had an aha moment earlier...think this may work. I had an assortment of zip ties (purchased to quieten a noisy dog crate when traveling) and thought the smaller ones would work great for ResMed's famous collapsing nasal pillows. I am trying them out tonight....so far looks like it will do the trick. Just passing it along....

[Muse-Inc]

Zip ties? Say what? No dog here...what are these?

[PetrusKy]

Zip ties? Say what? No dog here...what are these?

When they're taking you to Da Big House!

[SleepyT]

Ok...yep...they worked just fine last night! I placed the zip ties around the collar of the nasal pillows...and the pillows didn't collapse. AHI numbers were good...felt like I could breathe better. Think this is my solution to having to buy new pillows every month! I used small zip ties...only about 3 or 4 inches in length...and made sure to position them so when I cut the tail off...the "stub" wasn't pointing near my skin. Hope it can be a solution for others!

[Geminidream]

Excellent idea, SleepyT. Necessity truely is the mother of invention

[tattooyu]

I'm trying it tonight!

[plr66]

Why not just use a couple of O-rings on each one? Smooth, no sharp edges, reusable...
I must have missed something

[GumbyCT]

Why not just use a couple of O-rings on each one? Smooth, no sharp edges, reusable...
I must have missed something

I honestly don't see how you can avoid the knob of the lock or a sharp edge. The smaller the ring the harder this will be.

[SleepyT]

Why not just use a couple of O-rings on each one? Smooth, no sharp edges, reusable...
I must have missed something

Haven't missed anything...I just had a hard time finding the O rings at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc. The zip ties were handy as I had them from another project....and once size fits all....since you can adjust them.

[SleepyT]

I honestly don't see how you can avoid the knob of the lock or a sharp edge. The smaller the ring the harder this will be.

Wasn't a problem for me. Worked fine. I am relieved to know (if this continues to work) I can save the cost of a new pillow every month....

[plr66]

The O-rings are readily found in the plumbing dept at Lowe's or Home Depot. Ask an employee to take you to them....usually hanging on posts in small blister packs. #11 is perfect for Medium pillows.

[SleepyT]

The O-rings are readily found in the plumbing dept at Lowe's or Home Depot. Ask an employee to take you to them....usually hanging on posts in small blister packs. #11 is perfect for Medium pillows.

I seem to have stepped on a nerve here. I am not dissing the O rings (and I did look in the plumbing department with an employee) but couldn't find them. I'm sure they work just fine. I am simply offering up an alternative solution....more than one way to fix a problem? Perhaps the zip ties offer more support as they are hard plastic? Who knows? It's just an idea. I'm not twisting anyone's arm ..... no one has to try it....I simply saying it worked for me last night...and my numbers were better.

[plr66]

No nerves stepped on at all! Heavens to Betsy (or SleepyT )
Just trying to be helpful, and the rings do seem so much more user friendly is all....
As you said: whatever floats your boat (or similar).

[jdm2857]

I find that the #11 o-ring works well on the Swift FX large pillow. I have two on each side, stacked.

I also think that while the zip ties may work, o-rings are more suitable for the purpose. Any employee at Home Despot or Lowe's that can't find them should be shown the door. They should be in the same aisle as the toilet and faucet repair parts, typically hanging right by the faucet replacement knobs and stems in clear plastic packages of 10. You can pop open the package (they are reclosable) and try the ring on the pillow for size right in the store.