Travel HoseBuddy Tangle Free CPAP Hose Suspension 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, the hose. These coils are gently heated to conduct a constant temperature throughout the length of the hose. This enhances the comfort of the therapy and reduces or eliminates rainout caused by the water compensating as it travels through the hose to the mask.

Heated hoses are more expensive alternatives to cloth tubing insulation, but they prevent rainout in nearly all cases. The Hybernite Rainout Control System is a stand alone option that can be used with any machine to prevent rainout and increase delivered humidification.

Some manufacturers have developed heated hoses to work with specifically with select machines in their product lines. The ClimateLine Tubing is used with S9 and H5i Climate Control System machines.

The PR System One Heated Tube is used with PR System One 60 Series CPAP Machines.

The ThermoSmart Heated Hose is used with Fisher & Paykel 600 Series machines.

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.

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.

Will my CPAP operate on DC / battery power?

All CPAPs will operate on DC power with the use of an inverter to change the current from DC to AC before it reaches the machine. However, many will operate on DC power without the need for an inverter, just a power cord that plugs into the CPAP and ends in a cigarette lighter plug.

Inverters do require a lot of power. If you need to use an inverter to run your machine on battery power, the inverter will probably take about half the life off the battery.

To determine if your CPAP will operate without an inverter, look for a DC outlet on the machine, either at the back or on the side, with a single opening directly in the center. It should be labeled "DC Power" or similar term. You can also review our Compare Charts to see if your machine has a optional DC cable option.

Will my CPAP operate overseas?

An adapter may be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country. CPAP.com sells an assortment pack of World Traveler Power Adapter Plugs, which allow CPAP machines to plug into different types of wall sockets found in different countries.

All the models CPAP.com sell contain power converters that enable the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment. Check with your dealer or manufacturer to see if your machine needs an external converter that lowers the voltage from 240 to 120 VAC.

How do I use a battery to operate my CPAP?

First you need to determine if your machine is configured to operate on DC power and has a DC power outlet. If your machine does have a DC power outlet and you want to run your marine battery, then you will need the correct DC cable for your machine and an adapter cable that fits over the cigarette lighter plug and ends in alligator clips.

CPAP.com sells complete battery kits with everything you need for your machine including the right cables for your machine and the battery. You can find the right battery kit for your machine here.

If your machine does not have a DC power outlet, then you will also need an inverter to be able to run your machine on battery power.

If you have questions about the specific power needs of your machine, review the "Power" tab on your machine's product page, or give us a call at 1-800-356-5221.

What type of battery should I use?

For longer battery use, we suggest a deep-cycle marine battery. A CPAP set at 10cm will usually run for about three nights before having to recharge a deep cycle marine battery. A car battery will usually run a machine for 8 hours and still start the car.

There are small, portable battery packs that will operate a CPAP set at 10cm for at least one night, or about eight hours. CPAP.com sells full battery kits that come with everything needed to run your machine off battery power including the right cables needed for your machine and a battery. You can find the battery kit for your machine here. On each battery kit page, you can input your machine and pressure setting to see an estimate battery life for your machine.

How do I prepare for plane travel with CPAP?

Your CPAP does NOT count against your carry on limits. Allow for an additional 10-20 minutes in security, not likely but it happens. If airport personnel ask about the CPAP, let them know politely that it is a medical device (a CPAP unit). Most of them understand what it is and that it is an exception to the normal rules. We provide a luggage tag for CPAP systems: http://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identification-luggage-tag-cpap-equipment.html

You can use your CPAP on board, just use batteries or make sure you're seated by a power outlet. You can call or reserve one of these seats online with most airlines. Alternatively visit Seat Guru , a website that works with most major airlines.

Be sure to bring spare parts and a back up mask. If you're in a bind, CPAP.com delivers all over the US and to most international destinations.

How do I prepare for international travel with CPAP?

To prepare for your international travel, be sure to:

• Check the voltage of your destination. You may need a plug adapter for your machine.
• Go ahead and pack spare parts to your equipment, CPAP.com can ship to most destinations around the world, but you may not want to additional wait and cost when you know you have a spare mask sitting at home.
• Review the general travel tips above.