Travel HoseBuddy Tangle Free CPAP Hose Suspension System

CPAP Video & FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CPAP tubing / CPAP hose?

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

Machine to Mask Hose. A hose is connected to the air outlet of either the machine or humidifier and it connects to the CPAP mask to deliver the airflow to the mask. In the past, the hose used to connect a machine to mask was a standard size. Today, there are a number of different hose options. There are three types of machine to mask hoses:

• Standard / Performance Hose: A long hose or tube is included with each CPAP / BiLevel machine purchase. The connections on all CPAPs, humidifiers and masks are a standard size, so a standard CPAP hose will fit on all. Standard hoses are also available in 8 foot and 10 foot sizes. There are lighter hoses available that were designed to be more flexible and put less pull on the CPAP mask.
• Heated Hose: A heated CPAP hose contains copper coils embedded in or wrapped around the length of the hose. These coils conduct a constant temperature through the hose. The majority of heated hoses are specific to the machine.
• Hose with Sensor Line: A few auto-titrating CPAPs and Bilevels require a pressure line sensor fitted into the hose to detect breathing patterns and pressure needs but the majority of those machines are no longer in production. (Machines which use the tubing pictured below have been discontinued by the manufacturer.)

Humidifier Hose. Humidifier hoses connect a CPAP or BiLevel machine to a stand alone humidifier. Humidifier hoses are shorter than standard hoses. They come in either 18 or 24 inch lengths.

Are all CPAP hoses the same?

In years gone by, the answer to this question would have been "yes", but today not all hoses are the same and some machines use different hose types. All CPAP hoses / tubings serve the same function: directing the air stream from the machine to the mask.

Historically, a standard CPAP hose is six feet long, has an internal diameter of 19mm and a connector cuff with an internal diameter of 22mm. Today some hoses are 6 feet long, others are 4 foot long, 8 foot long and 10 foot long. Some hoses have an internal diameter of 19mm (standard) and others have an internal diameter of 15mm (thin or slim style). To use a slim 15mm hose, the machine must have a menu option setting to accept the narrower diameter of a 15mm hose and still deliver the prescribed pressure to the mask to ensure effective therapy.

All hoses have a 22mm connection cuff and fit on all CPAP masks. The connection ports on all CPAP, APAP and BiLevel machines, humidifiers, and masks are a standard size, so a standard CPAP hose will fit on all. Some of the very small machines use a hose adapter between the machine and the 22mm cuff of the hose.

Some manufacturers offer a heated hose option designed to work only with their machines. To read more about heated hoses see the "What is a heated CPAP hose?" article included in this FAQ section.

A few auto-titrating CPAPs and BiLevels require a pressure line sensor to detect breathing patterns and pressure needs. The sensor may be in the form of an adapter with narrow tubing attached or the narrow tubing is 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.

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 condensing 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 specifically with select machines in their product lines. The ClimateLineAir™ Heated Tube for AirSense™ 10 and AirCurve™ 10 Machines is an example of a heated hose used by the AirSense™ 10 and AirCurve™ 10 Machines.

Here are some heated hoses we carry:

ComfortLine Heated Tubing Kit

ClimateLine™ Tubing for S9™ and H5i™ Climate Control System

PR System One Heated Tube for 60 Series Machines

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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.



Here are some hose covers we carry:

Tubing Wrap for AirSense™ 10, AirCurve™ 10, and S9 Series SlimLine™ Tubing
Respironics Insulated Hose Cover
ResMed Zippered Tubing Wrap
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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 it is detached every morning and hung to air dry.

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. Remember, what is in the hose goes into the airway.

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

• Remove the hose by gripping the end or cuff, not the hose itself
• Hang the hose to dry after each use
• Wash hose weekly to avoid residue and maintain health
• Protect the hose from curious pets

Hose care tools:

• A Hose Quick Connect helps the tube to easily disconnect from the humidifier
• The Tube Cleaning System is a tube care kit to rinse, soak and dry the hose.
• The CPAP Tube Brush Second Gen is used to scrub the inside of a tube. It is available for both slim line and standard diameter hoses.
• A SnuggleHose Cover wraps the length of the tube in soft fleece material. Although its intention is to help reduce rainout (water collecting in the tube) many CPAP users report it deters pets from using the hose as a chew toy. The SnuggleHose is available for 6 foot; 8 foot and 10 foot hoses.
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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 include dry, cracked places on the inside lining or on the rubber ends; "stretch marks" near the rubber ends; mineral deposits or mold from water left inside the hose; or a visible puncture or tear in the material.

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. Also, there are 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. One example is the HoseBuddy Tangle Free CPAP Hose Suspension System:

Here are some items we recommend that may help with hose comfort:

CPAP Hose Lift
HoseBuddy
Tube Management Clip
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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.

Here is a video describing different DC cable and battery options for various machines:

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.

How do I use a battery to operate my CPAP?

All machines can connect to DC power. Some machines are configured to operate on DC Power and have a DC power outlet. Other machines require AC power and will need an Inverter that turns DC power to AC power.

Having the proper equipment is the biggest key to successfully operating the machine from a battery. For example, if your machine does have a DC outlet and you want to run your machine from a marine battery, be sure to get the correct DC cable for the machine, as well as an adapter cable with alligator clips that fits over the cigarette lighter plug.

CPAP.com sells complete battery kits with everything you need for many machines including the correct cables for those machines and batteries. You can see if there is a battery kit available for your machine Here. If you have questions about the specific power needs of your machine, review the 'Power' tab found on the 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 using a deep-cycle marine battery to power the machine. A deep-cycle marine battery is heavier than the ordinary battery, but it has many advantages. The battery is easily found at auto shops and it provides power to the machine for an extended period of time. For example, a CPAP machine set at 10 cm H20 and charged on a deep-cycle marine battery will usually last three nights before it needs to be recharged.

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 correct 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.

Some machines have batteries created to be used specifically with them only. Here are some of the machines we carry with integrated or specialized battery options:

Transcend EZEX miniCPAP™ Machine
Z1 Travel CPAP Machine
Transcend Auto miniCPAP™ Machine with EZEX
Z1 Auto Travel CPAP 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: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identification-luggage-tag-cpap-equipment

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.
• It is recommended to pack spare parts for your equipment.
• Review the general Travel Tips found in this section.
• It may be necessary to bring a travel-sized surge protector with you when you travel. Some countries have issues with power surges that can damage your machine. It's hard to say which country has power surges and which ones don't, so it's helpful to be prepared and bring a surge protector.
• While CPAP.com can ship internationally, we cannot guarantee any delivery date, and you may not want to incur the additional costs of having a replacement sent to your hotel.