Patient-Invented hacks

Written By VIKTORIA SCHULER

Today, we're celebrating patient ingenuity - clever solutions to common equipment challenges invented by those who use the gear daily.

Why Patients Innovate

Daily equipment frustrations lead to creative solutions:

  • Individual needs not met by standard designs

  • Cost-effective alternatives to expensive accessories

  • Comfort improvements for long-term use

Did You Know? Many commercial respiratory products started as patient-invented solutions.

Popular Equipment Hacks

CPAP/BiPAP Solutions

  • Pool noodles: Wrap around tubing to prevent kinking

  • Moleskin padding: Add comfort to mask pressure points

  • Toilet paper tubes: Organize tubing storage without tangles

  • Small coolers: Perfect CPAP travel cases with foam inserts

Oxygen Equipment

  • Garden hose guides: Route tubing around furniture

  • Fishing swivels: Prevent tubing tangles during movement

  • Shopping cart method: Attach small tanks for grocery trips

  • Baby clothes pins: Secure tubing to clothing

Inhaler Organization

  • Large pill organizers: Hold multiple inhalers and spacers

  • Magnetic strips: Keep metal inhalers visible on refrigerator

  • Carabiner clips: Attach inhalers to bags for constant access

"I modified a small wagon to carry my oxygen concentrator for outdoor activities. Now I can garden again!" - Oxygen user

Home Therapy Hacks

Airway Clearance

  • Tennis ball in sock: DIY percussion tool for chest therapy

  • Pool noodle sections: Comfortable positioning aids

  • Balloon therapy: Blow up balloons for respiratory muscle training

Cleaning Solutions

  • Denture tablets: Clean nebulizer parts effectively

  • Baby bottle drying racks: Perfect for air-drying components

  • Lingerie wash bags: Protect small parts in dishwasher

Comfort Improvements

  • Body pillows: Create oxygen tubing tunnels for side sleeping

  • Camera bags: Discrete carrying for portable oxygen

  • Clear umbrellas: Protect equipment from rain

"My respiratory therapist now recommends my sock-and-tennis-ball percussion tool to other patients!" - Bronchiectasis patient

Safety First

Important Rules

  • Never modify electrical components

  • Don't interfere with device function

  • Check with healthcare providers before major modifications

  • Replace worn modified parts

  • Don't compromise safety for convenience

Avoid These Modifications

  • Device electronics

  • Anything affecting medication delivery

  • Changes compromising sterility

  • Prescription device settings

Sharing Solutions

Community resources:

  • Online patient forums

  • Support group meetings

  • Social media communities

  • Healthcare provider networks

Documentation tips:

  • Photo successful modifications

  • Write simple instructions

  • Share cost information

  • Report helpful solutions to manufacturers

Wrap-Up Challenge

Disclaimer: Never compromise safety or device function. Consult healthcare providers before making equipment changes.

VIKTORIA SCHULER
Next

Breathing for Two