Velcro Straps!

[harmon k]

Hi. Getting real annoyed because. at times, the velcro straps  keep popping off, like they're losing their "stickiness"? Mask is only 2 months old. Suggestions please? Thanks.

[RichardVT]

Do you peel them every time you remove the headgear from the mask?

[Beej]

You can get replacement velcro patches and strips at most sewing and craft stores - ex JoAnns or Michaels.

[trish6hundred]

Hi harmon k,
How often do you wash your headgear? If you wash it to much, they ware out faster. I very rarely, if ever wash the headgear.
Hang in there for more ideas.

[nadprok]

I had the same problem with my headgear when I first started on Bi-Pap almost 2 years ago. The velcro would wear out within 2 months because I would always undo the velcro  to tighten the straps to stop leaks. I also used to wash my headgear. 

Finally I got wise and and now I never wash my headgear because I have the strap covers from Pad-a-Cheek. I just wash the strap covers. Also I hardly ever undo the velcro straps. After much practice I was able to adjust my mask so it would not leak so now all I do is undo the buckles. As a result of this I am able to extend the life of the headgear. I have used my present headgear now for one and a half years. The velcro is still excellent.

[2PAPs]

Learn to be very gentle with the Velcro tabs, make sure they're aligned good. As mentioned, don't wash. Check around the web, especially eBay for replacement head gear. Depending upon your headgear, you might be able to use another brand which may or may not work better than your OEM.

[harmon k]

thanks, all. yeah i never wash/washed the headgear so...anyway ordered a new mask today . will come in about a week. felt it was best way to get the new straps.

[2PAPs]

When you get to Medicare, you only get headgear with every other facemask.

[Ockrocket]

When I was doing my CPAP trial to see what machine and mask worked for me the supplied head gear velcro was not holding.

I got a roll of Elastoplast "Paper Tape B.P.Low Allergy" from the chemist.

Once I had the straps adjusted to the right position I wrapped three or four turns of the tape around the straps close to where they loop around the frame and double back on themselves. (you wrap the tape around the straps at right angles the same as you would put a bandaide around your finger)

The tape won't damage the headgear and can be removed as it can be pealed off again easily.

[mmoore2274]

I had same problems with Velcro straps working loose in the middle of the night thus causing air leaks and associated noises.
 
Got very frustrated because my headgear was relativity new and the Velcro should be holding my mask in place. Out of frustration,
I was willing to try anything to get a good nights sleep with my cpap. So frustrated, that I tried something really stupid...  that
actually has worked out to be a great solution for me.

I "turned" my headstrap  to my mask "inside out". When doing this, the Velcro attachment is next to your face and head and is not on the outside subjected the friction of laying next to the pillow when you turn your head during your nights sleep. Sounds stupid, but this process has reduced 95% air leaks and has improved my AHI scores by 80%.

Give it a try..... what have got to loose...one more restless night of sleep.

Good luck & blessings to you all

---