Apparatus (200) for the application of topical negative pressure therapy toa user of the apparatus (200) is described together with a method for protectingsaid apparatus (200) when subjected to abnormal stresses, the apparatus (200)comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) releasably connected theretowherein the device (202) and waste canister (204) are connected together by clipmeans (222), said clip means (222) being subject to failure upon applicationof abnormal stresses thereby permitting separation of the device (202) and wastecanister (204).