Heavy circuits

[Jimmysmom]

I was wondering if anybody might have some ideas on how to lighten the weight of the circuit. When Jimmy is sitting up we often get low min vol alarms from the weight of the circuit pulling his trach down. I have tried to tighten his trach ties up and this helps with the alarms but it really tears up his neck. This has been going on for the past two months but before this we never had this problem.

Thanks

Anne, mom to Jimmy (4), Infantile Axonal Neuropathy, trach, vent dependent, g-tube

[Shari]

One idea that I used was to put a rubber band around the circut and then pin or tape the rubber band to his shirt (leave a lot of slack). That way, the majority of the weight is on the shirt, not on his neck. Just a thought.

-Shari

[Jacob's Mom]

Anne, We have always had this problem while Jacob is sitting up. About the only thing I can do is either hold it up for him or run it under the chest and lap belts on his wheelchair (or car seat if he is sitting in that). Fortunately Jacob is usually only on the vent while sleeping, but when he does have to be on all day it kind of makes it difficult.

Sorry I couldn't be more help, but I will be following this thread to get some ideas.

[Jacks Mum]

We use what Shari said, we have 2 rubber bands togther,with a safety pin attached, When Jack is sitting up in the Chair, we pin the circuit above him to the side - he can then move his head around and put toys in his mouth without the vent being in the way.
We always have the circuit pinned down somewhere, as with a 5 year old I dont want any accidental trips or unexpected tugs http://www.tracheostomy.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Jessica