Anatomy of Hose and CPAP Hose Connector

We all know that using a CPAP machine is mandatory for all patients with sleep apnea. In addition, the same treatment can be used for other conditions and disorders. It simply helps you breathe and makes sure your airways won’t collapse during the night. The CPAP machine is the main element here. But, it uses a hose, CPAP Hose Connector, and a mask, alongside other elements (optimal) to complete the task. The hose is designed to connect two points, A and B. However, there are different types and different applications of hoses. They are explained below.

· Connecting humidifier or a CPAP machine to a mask

This is the longest hose which is available in lengths of 4, 6, 8, or 10 feet. First of all, there are 2 main types. The first is standard which is smooth inside, non-heated, and will not make noise while you move at night. A most common option is 6 foot in length with rubber ends.

The heated hose is similar but it contains coils inside and a heater. This is used to heat the air that passes through the hose. It must be compatible with your CPAP machine. When the humidifier is connected, it will add moisture to the hose. A heater is used to decrease the condensation.

· Humidifier to a CPAP machine hose

This hose is generally 18-24 inches inlength. It connects your machine with a humidifier which is a standalone unit.

· Longer mask hose

It is another hose that is 18 inches in length and is used to extend the original machine-mask hose. The idea is to make usage more comfortable and more flexible.

Diameter and Connector

CPAP hoses are generally available in either 19 or 15 mm diameter. 19 mm is standard and fits most CPAP machines. 15 mm is known as slim or thin type and it is compatible with selected machines only.

All hoses have connectors on the end. They can be made from rubber or hard connection which is known as stability end. At the end, where the mask will be connected, all of them have a diameter of 22 mm.

Many of the hoses, have just one connector,allowing you to connect it to one mask. However, some users who need or want additional elements to be added can use adapters such as Oxygen Enrichment Adapter. Those connections are used to add supplemental oxygen connectors to the system. Adapters are usually compatible with all CPAP machines but some maybe made for a specific type.

Cleaning the Hose

All patients need to know that hose in a CPAP machine system must be cleaned on a regular basis. Ideally, you will need to clean it once per day, but cleaning it a few times per week is possible as well. Not cleaning it is a common mistake and can be linked to various issues,symptoms, and also decrease in therapy success.

How you can clean the hose?

The simplest method is by using soap and water. It is far from the best method though. First of all, you will create an environment that is great for bacteria and germs.You are trying to kill them and not to help them grow, so you can see the problem here.

An ideal solution these days is Prime Clean. It is an ozone cleaner that will do all the hard work instead of you.You will need to connect it to the hose, activate it, and leave it for 40 minutes. Once done, detach it and leave it for 10 additional minutes. This is done so the ozone can be returned to ordinary oxygen.

After this process, you will have a perfectly clean hose. Ozone will be removed meaning it is a 100% safe method, period. The process will kill 99% of bacteria and germs. It is the most effective option today.

Managing the hose

While you sleep, your CPAP hose must be managed. This simply means that you need to lay it down in such a way it won’tt angle while you sleep. There are optional accessories such as tube management,hose lift system, and hose management systems that will prevent that from happening.

Using these accessories isn’t mandatory but it is very desirable. If a hose is tangled the airflow may be decreased which will have side effects on your therapy!

The Final Word

Here you were able to learn all about CPAP hoses, CPAP Hose Connector, and all the links in between. Keep in mind that you need a hose that is compatible with your machine and you need to clean it on a regular basis.