Mask Strap Maintenance

[Jeremy H]

Thought I'd share how to improve your mask straps so they don't unhook while sleeping. The velcro can loose it's ability to stay attached
and slip off. Instead of buying a new strap, try this. Tear off a piece of duct tape, lay velcro on table face up, press duct tape into the 
velcro, slowly pull it off, so it grabs any fibers, hair or whatever off. Repeat it 4 or 5 times on both sides. The attachment becomes much stronger
and won't come loose. Beats having to buy a new strap. Eventually the velcro does wear out and you have to replace it.

[LindanHotAir]

Cleaning the Velcro hook side is useful to extend its adhesion. Normally the pile side wears out first. You can get some Velcro pile and attach it to your straps. Stitching it on with a sewing machine will extend the life of your straps.

[DaveL]

Thanks very much!
My issue is mask strap stretching....eventually requiring replacement of the mask or headgear.

dave
toronto

[Casuco]

Thanks for this. Will give it a try!

[Big Guy]

Washing the headgear in really hot water and dish soap will return a lot of the tightness to the straps. I let it soak a good while after washing it.  

[DaveL]

Thanks Big Guy!

My DME supplier charges $325 CDN for masks if I go to the store. That buys me a fitting, a lie down hooked to a machine to see about leaks, and then a new mask sealed in the original packaging. Or...if I go the store to pick up a new mask and the attendant hands it to me---same cost. Extending the life of head gear is important to me.

[Deborah K.]

DaveL, my husband has the problem of his straps stretching out too. I have successfully washed in hot and dried in the dryer, but in time they still stretch. When that happens I cut the strap, remove some of it and sew it back together, making the strap shorter. This can help extend the life of your straps for quite a long time.

[Big Guy]

DaveL, my husband has the problem of his straps stretching out too.  I have successfully washed in hot and dried in the dryer, but in time they still stretch.  When that happens I cut the strap, remove some of it and sew it back together, making the strap shorter.  This can help extend the life of your straps for quite a long time.

That's probably the best solution! My wife is a skilled seamstress (she made her own wedding dress) and she's made me many things over the years.