CPAP Hoses & Tubing

A CPAP hose is a cylindrical hollow plastic tube that connects the CPAP machine to the CPAP mask. Air is compressed in the CPAP machine and then delivered through the hose to the mask. There are two main types of hoses: standard and heated hoses. 

A standard hose is roughly 6 feet long, plastic, and not heated. On the other hand, a heated hose has heating coils woven into the length of the hose. So why would you need a heated hose? Heated hoses counteract a specific problem when it comes to CPAP therapy called "rainout".

Condensation can form inside the hose as the humidified air from a heated humidifier travels down the hose to the mask. The formation of condensation inside the hose is known as "rainout" and can lead to water spitting into your CPAP mask. Heated hoses help prevent condensation from forming. 

The other option many CPAP users like is a product called a hose cover, which works to prevent rainout by wrapping a blanket-like material around the outside of the hose, maintaining the temperature naturally. Hose covers are a good alternative to a heated hose.

Standard hoses are compatible with most CPAP machines and are 19mm in diameter with a 22mm end. In addition, all CPAP hoses except for the AirMini Tubing is compatible with any mask. 

Recommended Replacement Hose: Standard CPAP Tubing - 6 Foot Long 19mm diameter with 22mm Rubber Ends

Slim Tubings are 15mm in diameter with a 22 mm end. Unfortunately, not all machines have the setting options to use both Slim and Standard tubing.

• ResMed AirSense 10 Slimeline Tubing
• Respironics Pure White Slim Tubing

Heated CPAP hoses are designed specifically for your machine and are not universal.

• ClimateLineAir Heated Tubing is specifically for ResMed AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 machines.
• DreamStation Heated Tubing is exclusively for DreamStation machines.

Cleaning a CPAP tube is often difficult because of the length and requires using a tube brush to scrub the inside of the tube. It's important also to run vinegar or mild soap and water through the hose, rinse it, and then hang it on a towel rack to drip dry. The alternative is to use a Lumin Bullet which disinfects your CPAP hose using UV light.

The standard length for CPAP tubing (CPAP hoses) is 6 feet. Longer and shorter hoses are available, but in order to use them, they would need to be compatible with your machine. If your machine isn't compatible with the desired length, it may make sense to shop for a longer power cord. With some machines, power cords are available in 6 feet and 10 feet lengths.