Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the pump cases made and who makes them?

Every case is handmade by me, Cindy, Ashley’s Grandma. When you place your order you will be asked for the wearer’s waist size and the type of pump and I will make the pump case to those specifications. You have the option of designing your own case or choosing a case as it is pictured on our website. Once you make your choices, the case is handmade and shipped as soon as completed.

Your website says “Design Your Own Pump Case” – what does that mean?

On Angel Bear Pump Stuff Inc.’s website you have two ways to choose a pump case that is perfect for you; (1) choose a case as it is pictured and proceed to checkout or (2) design your own case. To design your own case, you choose the style (vertical or horizontal), the closure type (zipper or Velcro) and the belt type (1 piece or 2 piece Velstretch, 1 piece or 2 piece fabric, hook on belt loop or slide on existing belt), then you choose your fabric. Voila! You’ve designed your own pump case!

What type of fabric are the cases made of?

We have a variety of types of fabrics; for example, cotton, twill, denim, corduroy, and flannel. Cotton is our most common, however we will be adding new fabrics all the time. If you visit our fabric’s page you will be able to see the various fabric patterns we have. Please note that due to computer monitor color differences, shades of color may actually be slightly different than what is viewed on the computer monitor. If you are trying to match a color exactly, please contact us and we will be happy to send you a color swatch.

How are the cases worn?

Cases with 2-piece Velstretch belts are worn around the waist; either snugly around the waist or loosely around the hips, whichever is more comfortable. There is hook Velcro at both ends that connect anywhere along the belt making it fully adjustable-just pull off and re-attach. The Velcro at both ends eliminates a “loose” end. Cases with 1-piece Velstretch belts are also worn around the waist. One end of the Velstretch is fastened permanently in the seam of the case. Sewn into the other seam at the other end of the case is a loop of basting tape that the Velstretch “threads” through. Sewn at the end of this Velstretch is Velcro hook that attaches anywhere along the belt making it fully adjustable.

Two piece fabric belts are made of half elastic sewn inside matching material (for ease of movement) and half Velcro. One side of the belt is hook Velcro and one side is loop Velcro. The two sides hook together. This belt must be made to the exact waist size and is only adjustable to the length of the Velcro (a couple inches). 1-piece fabric belts are made similarly to one piece Velstretch belts. One end is sewn in the seam and one end is threaded through a loop sewn in the other seam. At the end of this belt is a 10-inch section of Velcro hook and loop that folds over and attaches to itself. This belt is also only adjustable by a few inches and must be special ordered to the wearer’s waist size.

We also have cases that have a hook sewn on to clip onto existing belt loops and cases made with a “sleeve” sewn on the back to thread onto an existing belt. The hook that clips onto an existing belt is free hanging and not suitable to small children or active children.

Are the pump cases washable?

Yes. If specific washing instructions are required, they will be sent along with the pump case. To wash the case, simply fasten the Velcro, to avoid it catching on other clothing, and toss it in the washing machine along with similarly colored fabrics, on a normal wash cycle and tumble or hang dry.

Is the fabric color fast or will it bleed onto other clothes when washed for the first time?

We have never had a problem with a fabric when washing, however it is a good idea to hand wash very dark fabrics or belts for the first time to test for color fastness. The Velstretch belts are dyed to match the fabric case, so there is a possibility of dark colors bleeding.

Is the fabric pre-shrunk or do I have to worry about shrinking after washing?

We do not pre-shrink our material before making a case. We find that the case shape comes out better when sewn with unwashed new fabric. All the fabric cases are made a little larger than the pump it is made to fit, so even if there is a little shrinkage it is not noticeable. We guarantee our products so if it does not fit your child’s pump after washing, contact us for a replacement.

Will the pump case chafe my child’s skin?

Our pump cases are made out of soft fabric so the likelihood of chafing is pretty low. However, if your child has sensitive skin the pump case can be worn over clothing. If your child wants to wear it under their clothing they can wear a T-shirt or slip, then the pump case, then their shirt or dress. The pump case is still hidden, if that is what they want, but it isn’t touching skin. The other alternative is to wash the pump case. Sometimes children’s skin is sensitive to the sizing that is put in new fabric and a washing or two will remove the sizing. The pump case on a belt doesn’t really move around all that much so it shouldn’t chafe because of movement.

How long does a pump case last?

That is difficult to say, because it depends on the activity level of the person wearing it and whether they wear it inside or outside their clothes. Like anything made of fabric, eventually it will need to be replaced. The pump cases are very durable but will start to show “wear spots” in areas of the case that rub a lot against clothing such as jeans or leather belts. Pump cases can be made to match any outfit or type of attire so having more that one case on hand will make them last even longer!

What do I do with the tubing?

The tubing can be wrapped around the pump and then the pump put inside the case or the tubing can be coiled along side the pump in the case or you can put the pump in the fabric case and simply tuck the tubing in however it fits. The case is worn on the side where the infusion set is inserted to avoid long sections of tubing hanging out.

Can the case fall off?

If the belt if securely fastened, it is unlikely to fall off. Velcro is very strong and we use Velcro as the belt closure for all types of our belts. Ashley has been wearing a pump case for a year now and it has never fallen off even though she is very active in Gymnastics, Ballet and just being a kid. It is always safer to check the belt occasionally to be sure that it is securely fastened.

What do I do if the pump case is defective?

Return it and I will replace it. We want everyone to be as satisfied and happy with his or her cases as Ashley is with hers.

What if I have a question?

Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions, comments, or ideas of any kind, by going to the “contact us” button on our home page. We will answer you as quickly as possible. Our goal is to help diabetic children and their families be happy and comfortable wearing an insulin pump. We will constantly be looking for new ways to update our website and for new ways to make wearing an insulin pump fun!

How long does it take to get a pump case?

Two weeks. It may take less time, but I don’t like to promise a shorter period of time and then not be able to deliver. A lot depends on the time of year (holiday shipping is slower) and Angel Bear Pump Stuff’s conference schedule. Rest assured that we do everything we can to get your pump case to you as quickly as possible.

What do you mean Angel Bear Pump Stuff’s conference schedule?

Angel Bear Pump Stuff Inc. is an exhibitor with Children with Diabetes. We attend several conferences a year that are put on by Children with Diabetes. During these times it may take the full two weeks to deliver pump cases.

How do you ship the cases and what are the charges for shipping?

I use ordinary mail and there it no cost to you.

What about taxes?

Illinois residents are required to pay whatever sales tax rate is in effect at the time of purchase.