Good vaporizer for an 80 year old man with dementia and parkinsons?

[rwsll]

He can't handle lighters anymore.

Ease of use is very important, for both physical steps and for memorizing what you have to do. Learning new processes that involve screwing, adjusting knobs, etc. is out of the question now so it should be as simple as "press button, receive vapor".

Budget is $300ish.

Portability and stealth are not important.

 

[Morty]

Welcome to FC rwsll. Whew. This is a tough one. Maybe check out the Boundless CF ? Mind you, they're are a ton of people on here with a ton more experience than me. Best of luck on your search and happy hunting.


Edit: Just re-read your post. Nix the CF. I think steama may have nailed it. Just an FYI, the Firefly 2's vapor path is glass, maybe something to consider w/ the Parkinson's ? Maybe mvapes could throw his in ?

 

[Andreaerdna]

Arizer solo with Ed tnt wooden stem.
Solid and very easy to use IMO (and cheaper than your budget)

 

[uhranium]

something mighty style with dosing capsules

temperature gets remembered, auto shutoff, 1 button on/off

 

[HD Springer]

I feel you need somthing that turns on and he takes a toke. Nothing that has a button that needs to be pressed to hit. I'd look into the cf or cfx. Or really any conduction style vape. Or even plug in vapes like the ssv or maybe even a log that can be kept on 24-7 and you just need to load your stems and hit it.
To be honest I'd research the log threads. Good luck.

 

[kellya86]

This thread really does highlight an issue.... there are many medical patients out there, but vapes are inherently fiddly and awkward....

For someone with Parkinson's, even loading a stem could be a frustrating nightmare...

Someone should invent a vape to address these issues...

I think condition is the way to go. With a simple on/off button....

It would be great if a vape could be loaded with say, 3 grams, in a reservoir..
Then as you turn it on, it spins an internal bucket that scoops up a load (0.3 or something), ready for the user to vape....

Basically a self loading vape....

 

[newVaper420]

My vote is for the Mighty.

Has two methods of loading. Capsules or direct. Both methods include a container for ease of use. Capsules aren't too expensive, can buy a few packs and he can throw them out when done. Instead of fiddling with opening them etc you or someone else can preload the capsules for him. Direct method attaches a filling tool to the top of the unit and you just sweep it into the bowl.

No chance of combustion and very easy to use. Turn on, wait till vibrates and then go. It does have a 2 min shutoff so they have to make sure they keep using it, otherwise they have to hit power button again.

They also have silicon tips, but those are quite pricey.

Hope this helps.

 

[stickstones]

This is a job for @Vitolo !

 

[Morty]

Learning new processes that involve screwing, adjusting knobs, etc. is out of the question now so it should be as simple as "press button, receive vapor".

You do have to slightly unscrew the tops to the CF, CFX, & Mighty about 90 degrees to load the chamber, though there doesn't seem to be much resistance when doing so. Just some food for thought rwsll.

This thread really does highlight an issue.... there are many medical patients out there, but vapes are inherently fiddly and awkward....

Well put kellya86

 

[Mr. Me2]

I was thinking the Mighty too. Very easy to use. It has a loading tool, or use the capsules.

Before you make a decision on that one, I suggest you look at some of the @Ratchett accessories. At a minimum, I think you would want his Mighty stand.

My concerns about the ff2 (although I don't have one) is the reported need to stir between pulls and it's learning curve for best results. The Mighty has neither of those limitations.

But the ff2 is pure convection so you can take one pull and put it down. The Mighty has much longer heat up time and you generally need to finish what you started.

 

[Greenfinger53]

The fenix vape from china is very easy to use aside from the 5 pressed to start.

But 5 presd on and heat up is quite quick, it remembers last temp setting, the herb chamber is easy to load with a magnetic top 3minute auto shut off.

plus it's only $60 delivered so a spare is still hugely under budget

 

[Vitolo]

This is a job for @Vitolo !

I vote for the Boundless CFX or a Solo with an Ed's stem.
The boundless being easier to use, and the vibration a good warning signal. Nothing to burn hands, as it is self enclosed.
The Solo with a wooden stem has potential to burn a finger in the removal process, so the CFX is a very safe bet.
I thought about the Iolite , because I like it and find the hiss a good reminder/locater.
I am sticking with the CFX on this one.

 

[RUDE BOY]

Learning new processes that involve screwing, adjusting knobs, etc. is out of the question now so it should be as simple as "press button, receive vapor".

I'd take a look at the Underdog with the nylon stems or wooden stems from Ed's Tnt.

No knobs, no buttons. Just suck the herb into the stem, set it in the vape and go to town.

 

[Morty]

After reading Vitolo's post above and not wanting to go against the sage wisdom of one THE top shelf members here (cotton anyone ? PIF ), I would like to recant my nix of the CX in my first post. Having said that, if you do end up going w/ a Boundless vape, I would suggest the CFX over the CF for the same reason Vitolo mentioned, the haptic feedback (the vibrating of the vaporizer to let you know it's heated up to temp and ready to rock ). I would also second Mr. Me2's concerns over the FF2 (stirring, learning curve) and the positives (on demand heating & the need to use very little). Whatever vape you end up choosing, I wish the best for your friend/family member and hope he kicks the shit out of the dementia/parkinson's. Be well.


(On a side note, I just watched a couple of your LSV vid's recently Vitolo. Your one cool ass mofo man. Keep fighting the good fight. All the best to you & your wife Patty.)

 

[grokit]

I would suggest the plenty by b&s. Solid product no glass just fill and hit button/suck on coil.

 

[ChooChooCharlie]

I would suggest the plenty by b&s. Solid product no glass just fill and hit button/suck on coil.

@grokit - Being a Plenty-holic myself, normally I would agree with your recommendation. But, with senility involved, don't think it would be a great fit. Sometimes they get fixated on something, and want to touch or grasp it. Coil would not be a good object of fixation.

 

[uhranium]

I feel you need somthing that turns on and he takes a toke.

elevape afaik

 

[EverythingsHazy]

No votes for the Volcano? You can get a used one for a few hundred, and it would be as simple as loading once a day and just hitting a button to turn on and then another to fill bags. No guess work involved, no draw speed to worry about, and no tiny parts to fiddle with, using the Easy Valve system.

 

[grokit]

@grokit - Being a Plenty-holic myself, normally I would agree with your recommendation. But, with senility involved, don't think it would be a great fit. Sometimes they get fixated on something, and want to touch or grasp it. Coil would not be a good object of fixation.

They could be attracted to the hot thing, because it's shiny?!? That sucks for future us; hopefully my cellular memory will be functionally fixed by the time I get to that point, and I will have no problems vaping until the end. Of course we who imbibe may never get to this point, because of thc's neuroprotective properties.

 

[His_Highness]

Parkinsons' involuntary shakes...a simple desktop that uses whip tubing instead of a hand-held unit might be better. Those tremors would make a hand-held unit tough to hold and not drop. With a whip you'd lessen the weight and dropping it wouldn't be a problem.

I don't have any experience with whip tubing so I will defer to the group for any suggestions. @steama mentioned the SSV above.

 

[grokit]

Parkinsons' involuntary shakes...a simple desktop that uses whip tubing instead of a hand-held unit might be better. Those tremors would make a hand-held unit tough to hold and not drop. With a whip you'd lessen the weight and dropping it wouldn't be a problem.

I don't have any experience with whip tubing so I will defer to the group for any suggestions.

I like the ssv/etc. idea too, but the issue would be the glass pieces like the wand, which could definitely become a problem if it gets dropped and shatters.

 

[herbalist33]

A log vape with a wooden stem could be ideal, because dropping either wouldn't really be a problem, and for ease of use/loading it would be great.

A whip is also a good option, as stated above. I use a magic flight whip with a wooden dart stem, so not too much glass pieces to break (apart from the joint, but that is pretty sturdy IMO).

Also, even though I'm loathe to recommend it because of my preordering experience with them, and the good chance of needing to warranty it, the grasshopper could be quite a good option- dropping it 'shouldn't' be a problem (theoretically), but then they seem to break on their own accord... But as for ease of use, click on, hit it, click off... Auto off feature too...

Anyway, just my two pence. Good luck!

Peace

 

[FreddieFresh]

I didn't see anyone mention the herbalaire so I figured I'd toss that out. It was made to take abuse. And there's no need to grind, which could be difficult for someone with Parkinson.

 

[Vitolo]

I am concerned about the log vape idea.
I delivered over 50 Aromazaps to local patients, and the patients with shakes could not control the Zap with Nylon stem.
An 80 year old man trying to aim the tip of the stem and get it in place is not an easy thing.
Then there is the cleaning aspect.
Yes... you can blow the ABV out, but crumbs must be gotten from edges with a tool.... especially if you blow the stuff out, as moisture from the mouth clings to the screen's residues, and makes the buil-up happen faster.
The Volcano.
It would have to be the EZ valve, and even then my patients have issues. I had two Volcano out in Hospice situation, and saw the issues with seniors. The chamber can be unscrewed easily while the bah gets filled if the user lifts the bag off the valve with any movements other than up.
Changing the Volcano chamber (emptying/filling) can be very hot if one does it without allowing it to cool, which hinders the immediacy of vapor need. For that much money, and for a real patient speed is of the essence. Even if one were to have help getting set-up, there is my concern over speed. Waiting for the Volcano to hit temp is not as fast as I wish sometimes.
Please do not get me wrong. I use the Volcano daily... only not when I am in a hurry.

I LOVE whips.
My SSV is my go to vape... on 24/7 for years now.
I can wake up and get a fast ass hit. But maintenance may be an issue... but users do adapt.
I have two patients here with Parkinsons, and they both use a DaBuddha, and with success.
They are young and can easily go to the "vape station".

These reasons were why I voted CFX.
No need to touch metal if you are changing the load (dumping ABV and pouring more herb in gets accomplished with one hand, as the unit stands upright and ready). I recommend no After market fixes other than perhaps the simple Q basket fix... and it may even go easier without that.
The maintenance routine that causes me to need to remove the inner silver colored filterpiece gets done about every ten days even after daily use... (all day every day).
@Morty made a comment about the vibration being a plus, and that it is.
No mouthpiece to aim.
All the way from fill, to use, it can be done with one hand.
I have dropped it and of course the mouthpiece stayed in place... and nothing broke.
An 80 year old may not always feel in the mood to go to the place they vaporize at, and not all can setup a station bedside.
The CFX has come in handy for me at those times when I want to stay in the bed, or want to go for a ride in car.
Finally, is the speed of heatup.
I did not expect to love the CFX.
I expected to like it a little bit and to speak a polite word in the thread saying my piece as nicely as I could.
The CFX heats up faster than my Inhalater 06S!
I hope the above rant explains why I thought of the CFX for this senior Citizen with Parkinson's.
Perhaps he can watch videos of all of the discussed units and see which he feels good about!

I didn't see anyone mention the herbalaire so I figured I'd toss that out. It was made to take abuse. And there's no need to grind, which could be difficult for someone with Parkinson.

HERBALAIR!! .... I like THat idea!
One handed operation, and you cans suck it like soda through a straw while holdong it... and the cannisters are simple to fill (and pre-load).
I heel almost as good about the Herbalaire for this gent as I do the CFX... except the CFX is not tethered to a wall outlet. (but not much trouble to find one...) and the CFX heats up much faster than the Herbalaire.

Coil would not be a good object of fixation.

Very sentient point.
Same deal with an LSV!!
Speaking of which....

(On a side note, I just watched a couple of your LSV vid's recently Vitolo. Your one cool ass mofo man. Keep fighting the good fight. All the best to you & your wife Patty.)

Thank you very much.
I made 14 LSV videos, but for reasons of nervousness during our probation, I made most private.
Here is the one that is about my favorite:

 

[macbill]

Are concentrates-in-cartomizers available in your area? Some battery bases have no buttons: just inhale to activate the pen-style delivery system.