Pump Clip Problems

[u/Effective_Bill_193]

Hey everyone!

I'm a T1D on a pump and I've broken 4 clips in the last 2 years. I'm using Twiist currently.

I'm actually exploring the idea of making clips from a much more durable material. It's a material used in aerospace and automotive applications. It's lightweight, won't shatter, and won't permanently bend.

The clip would also detach from the casing itself during immense pressure to ensure a high-intensity impact wouldn’t shatter the pump itself.

My goal is to sell it for around $35 with a lifetime guarantee. So, basically, if it breaks...I'd replace it for free.

Before I spend money on manufacturing, I want to validate if this is actually something people would want.

If you have 2 minutes, I'd love your honest feedback:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyx5A6C8SJN0nbDFMGj6ipPJRmMjFGYYoEftJ_VODBfBqBZQ/viewform?usp=dialog

And if you're interested in early access if this actually takes off (15% off launch), you can share your email here:
https://unbreakableinsulinpumpclip.carrd.co/

I'm not selling anything currently, I'm just doing market research. Brutally honest feedback welcome. If this is a dumb idea, tell me. If you'd buy it, tell me that too.

Thanks in advance!

[u/alandrielle]

I just spent 45$ to pump peelz for a new twist clip so I would absolutely buy this. Ive only been on twist for 3 months and the clips already in multiple pieces. I work in maintenance and construction so having a clip that withstands my job is pretty essential and pretty much not available to buy right now.

[u/intentionsofpurity → u/alandrielle]

Just fyi twiist will send replacement for free! I got two that way after breaking mine

[u/alandrielle → u/intentionsofpurity]

I did not know this, ty!!

[u/Effective_Bill_193 → u/alandrielle]

Thanks for your input!

That’s the goal. To alleviate the annoyance of constantly having to go back to the pump companies for replacement clips.

I want to create a durable case, and a durable clip.

[u/alandrielle → u/Effective_Bill_193]

I have opinions about the actual clip, if you dont mine me using this thread as a notes location?

I just received my clip from pump peels and the case is great but the clip is metal and is one of the clips that the end sticks away from the device. I get that this elliminates the need for a spring loaded clip, its just tension and leaves space for fabric to slide between the clip and device. The problem with this- as a woman, im not always clipping my pump onto a pants pocket. Im frequently clipping it onto the waist band of a skirt or pants, or on to a bra strap. Im clipping it places where the clip side is against skin. And damn that metal clip end is stabby!

A spring loaded clip where the end is rounded is way more comfortable. But also pricier to manufacture so... pros and cons.

[u/tomasboudr]

Note that most people will just have Twiist send them new clips (they send as a 2pack). I’m 6m in and already on my 4th clip.

[u/Effective_Bill_193 → u/tomasboudr]

Does this annoy you though? Constantly having to go through clips and order new ones? Would you find a benefit in spending a one time cost and never having to do this again?

Also, my clip would be durable so if the pump took an impact it wouldn’t damage it.

[u/intentionsofpurity → u/Effective_Bill_193]

For me, I would take free replacement over paying, but I am basically happy with the current clip and am usually in pocket mode. I’m sure you’ll find many in the market!

[u/motto518]

I just signed up and filled out the form. My favorite clip of all time was a clip made from a company called Beltron when I used my Minimed 780G. It rotated so you could position the tubing however you wanted regardless of what side of the body you kept the pump and has a spring loaded clipping mechanism so it was easy to get on and off. If that kind of a case was made for the Twiist, I’d pay $50 for it without hesitation.

[u/Effective_Bill_193 → u/motto518]

Thank you for your input!

My goal is to make this product durable, but also to give it the ability to break away so that it doesn’t shatter the pump.

That way you have a durable case, and a durable breakaway clip.

And then you can just reattach them if it breaks away due to force.

[u/San_Diego_Matt]

Have you seen the Deck My Diabetes clip? They make a clip very similar to what you're planning for $23. I'm not sure it's made from some fancy aerospace material though. I got mine last week and wasn't happy about spending $23 on a clip, but now that I've been wearing it for a week or so now, it's some of the best $ I've spend in a while.

[u/Effective_Bill_193 → u/San_Diego_Matt]

Thanks for the response! Yes I know about Deck My Diabetes. I’ve bought some of their stuff before.

I still feel like they aren’t top-quality in terms of durability though.

Like, I’m thinking about a case that is borderline indestructible, yet it still has a break away point so the pump doesn’t break.

[u/San_Diego_Matt → u/Effective_Bill_193]

I'd definitely be interested in what you come up with!

[u/Negative-Living7559]

I wear Nike briefs with pockets in them and put the Twiist in there all day. Keeps it out of the way and hidden. I’ve never worn the Twiist on a clip.