The latch on the pump door will weaken over time and break from normal use. It is part of the molded plastic door and is flexible, but within 8 months, it will begin to crack and break off. This is a problem since the pump will not operate unless the door is latched closed. Usually, the equipment provider can switch out the pump for you, but this takes time and feedings cannot stop while you wait for a replacement. The first sign of the cracking is when the latch feels looser than normal. Then, if you look closely, you will notice a hairline crack across the top of the latch.
We have found a couple of ways to deal with this. Before the latch piece actually breaks off, I will cut a strip off of an index card length wise and then fold it in half over and over until it is the right thickness to wedge under the latch. (see the next photo) It just has to be thick enough to firm up the latch so that it can still flex enough to work, but not flex as far as it was. By making it tighter, it gives more time before it actually will break off.
Once it does break off, the pump door will no longer stay closed and therefore not function. To remedy this, we have used the velcro strap inside the backpack (the larger one only) to strap the pump in place tight enough to hold the door closed.
The straps in the mini backpack will not do this. The only problem is that the elastic in this strap will wear out over time and not hold the door as well. So, there is a small size bungee cord that works perfectly. As far as I know, it is the smallest one they make. After the set from the bag is installed over the wheel and the pump door is closed, this cord will hold the door closed tight enough for it to function.
These are just a couple of things we have done to make this system work while waiting on a replacement pump or just the replacement door for the pump. I have emailed the company about its design, but they have yet to respond. There is another couple of flow problems I will talk about in the next post.
1 comment:
Hi there. I've been tube fed for nearly six years using the same pump. Although branded as the European version in purple the "Flocare Infinity" by Nutricia works in the same way. I have 2 pumps currently one for daytime and the other for night use. Yes I agree the the opening mechanism has a tendency to de elop a hairline fracture and eventually snap off. This can. Be prevented by gentle use and not being too heavy handed. If it does break then a replacement door can be easily fitted by literally snapping of the old one and snapping on a new door. This is definitely a design fault. The pump should be able to withstand more from heavy usage.
By Melanie, Scotland, UK
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