CPAP Hose Lift System

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CPAP tubing/CPAP hose?

CPAP tubing and CPAP hose can be interchangeable terms. CPAP hoses/tubing are used for two main purposes: either to connect the machine or humidifier to the CPAP mask, or to connect the machine to a humidifier.

Machine to Mask Hose. Machine to Mask hoses are the standard hose used with most therapy setups. The hose is placed to the air outtake of either the machine or humidifier and connects to the CPAP mask to deliver the airflow to the mask. There are three types of machine to mask hoses:

• Standard/Performance Hose. Standard 6 foot hoses come included with each cpap machine purchase. The posts on all CPAPs, humidifiers and masks are a standard size, so a standard CPAP hoe will fit on all. The standard hoses are also available in 8 foot and 10 foot sizes. There are also lighter hoses available that were designed to be more flexible and put less pull on the CPAP mask.
• Hose with Sensor Line. A few auto-titrating CPAPs and Bilevels require a pressure line sensor to detect breathing patters and pressure needs. The machines that require this tubing have been discontinued and are no longer sold.
• Heated Hose. A heated CPAP hose contains copper coils embedded in or wrapped around it. These coils conduct a constant temperature through the hose. Heated hoses can only be used with specific machines.

Are all CPAP hoses the same?

All CPAPs use basically the same hose, but there may be additions that are necessary to operate certain machines.

A standard CPAP hose is six feet long. The ports on all CPAPs, humidifiers and masks are a standard size and so a standard CPAP hose will fit on all. The best hoses are smooth-bored for less noise.

Many auto-titrating CPAPs and bilevels require a pressure line senor to detect breathing patterns and pressure needs. The sensor may be in the form of an adapter with narrow tubing attached, or narrow tubing threaded inside the six foot hose. In both cases, one end of the narrow tubing is plugged into the machine. Those machines will not operate without the pressure line sensor.

There are certain delivery devices, such as the Comfort Curve, which require a special CPAP hose, too.

What is a heated CPAP hose?

A heated CPAP hose contains copper coils embedded in or wrapped around it. These coils conduct a constant temperature through the hose.

Heated hoses are more expensive alternatives to cloth tubing insulation, but they prevent rainout in nearly all cases. An example of a heated hose, the ThermoSmart Heated Hose is shown below.

What is rainout?

Rainout is the accumulation of water in a CPAP tube due to warm moist air cooling on its way from your CPAP machine to your CPAP mask.

Solutions to rainout include raising the temperature of your bedroom, insulating your tubing with a Snugglehose, or purchasing a CPAP machine with an integrated heated hose.

How do I clean a CPAP hose?

Your CPAP hose will last longer if you detach it every morning and hang it to air dry. It should be removed by grasping it on the rubber ends, rather than on the hose itself. A "Hose Quick Connect" is available to help remove and replace the hose more easily.

Drying the hose each morning will also prevent bacteria from growing in the damp interior and help reduce the possibility of colds and other health issues.

If you are not drying the hose daily, then be sure to replace the hose very frequently as negative health issues will result!

How often should I replace my CPAP hose?

CPAP hoses can last a long time, sometimes up to a year if taken care of properly.

Signs of wear are dry, cracked places on the inside lining or on the rubber ends; "stretch marks" near the rubber ends; and mineral deposits or mold from water left inside the hose.

Your CPAP hose will last longer if you detach it every morning and hang it to air dry. It should be removed by grasping it on the rubber ends, rather than on the hose itself. A "Hose Quick Connect" is available to help remove and replace the hose more easily.

Drying the hose each morning will also prevent bacteria from growing in the damp interior and help reduce the possibility of colds and other health issues.

If you are not drying the hose daily, then be sure to replace the hose very frequently as negative health issues will result!

How do I avoid getting tangled in CPAP hoses?

There are a few ways to keep from getting tangled up in your CPAP tubing. Try running your CPAP hose behind the headboard of your bed. There are also several types of suspension systems we carry here at CPAP.com. You can see the different types of Hose Management Systems under our Comfort & Cleaning section. An example of a hose management system, the CPAP Hose Lift System, is shown below.

What is a hose cover?

A hose cover is placed over the hose in order to insulate the hose and to make the hose more comfortable. The simplest and most cost effective way to insulate a CPAP hose is to wrap it in an insulating fabric. This enables the hose to remain flexible and adds little weight.

Companies such as Snugglehose provide a cost effective tubing insulation available in several colors and styles. Not only will the covers reduce or eliminate rainout, they also provide a more personal and less institutionalized appearance. An example of a Snugglehose is shown below.