Aging heated cpap hose...?
How do you all keep track of how old your cpap hoses are? I have two heated hoses that I use in rotation and I clean them in a vinegar/water soak regularly. Lately I've developed some kind of a leak that I cannot isolate so I'm looking first at the age of the hose. I actually have no idea of how old the hose is as I don't have any way of marking them. I am confused as most nights I have a very low leak rate and the same for the AHI number. How is it that one night I have low leak rate and the next night it is higher than 24L?
I have nightmares at random and it seems that my leak rate is higher on "those" nights. Any comments are appreciated.
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
You could use a permanent marker pen to place a mark, code, or date somewhere on the tube...not the parts you handle often or that may get wet/soapy often as that may erase even a permanent marker mark.
To determine if you have a substantial leak, enough to show up on your results, place one end in your mouth, and the other in your palm, aperture tight against the palm. Blow forcefully and bend the entire tube at the same time in a sinuous motion. You should feel a substantial leak, or hear it, if there is one. If you don't find the idea of putting one end in your mouth appealing, maybe for hygiene, simply plug in the hose to the machine and turn it on manually and slowly press your palm over the open end. Listen or feel for a leak near one of the two ends, which is the more likely place.
Alternatively, you could fill the hose to both brims with water and flex the hose to see if there are any dribbles. You may need a third hand to dry the hose's exterior surfaces before looking for any drips.
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
I would submit that if it was your hose that was leaking, your higher leak rates would be constant. If it is intermittent, then likely you have some air leaking past your mouth on certain nights or the mask is getting dislodged when you have a nightmare. Data from Sleepyhead would be helpful.
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
I'll ditto the magic marker idea. In fact, I could ditto both the above responses, as they are quite good ideas.
I have yet to use my second heated hose, it's still sealed in the bag. I will swap to it when the old one dies in some way. The old, original, heated hose was issued when I received the ASV in August or September 2017. I have washed the heated hose, um, 2 times so far, via Dawn and very warm water and fully immersed then air dried over several hours BTW.
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RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
Age of hose is less of an issue than how it is used and this varies widely. My brother, who has had a cpap for about 14 years, averages about 2.5 years with a hose before either the end starts cracking, or some kind of leak starts. I tend to step on them thus breaking the heating coils within 6 months. Yes, I need a hose buddy. Other people have their hose rub up against head board which causes holes over time.
My suggestion is to switch to a new hose for a month and see if you still have problems. I know my leaks were coming from the pillows failing - replace the pillow and bam, leaks were gone. I'm assuming it's nose architecture.
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
(03-03-2018, 01:08 PM)Mosquitobait Wrote: Age of hose is less of an issue than how it is used and this varies widely. My brother, who has had a cpap for about 14 years, averages about 2.5 years with a hose before either the end starts cracking, or some kind of leak starts. I tend to step on them thus breaking the heating coils within 6 months. Yes, I need a hose buddy. Other people have their hose rub up against head board which causes holes over time.
My suggestion is to switch to a new hose for a month and see if you still have problems. I know my leaks were coming from the pillows failing - replace the pillow and bam, leaks were gone. I'm assuming it's nose architecture.
I have sometimes stepped on the cpap hose also whilst making the bed. I need to be more careful I guess. I did change out the hoses and put in a brand new one plus new pillow and I also made an earnest effort to keep a chin strap in place. What I got for my effort was a sore nose this morning and a respectable leak rate (I suppose) of 10L. I have ordered online some of that cream mentioned by others on this board - the one that is used by breastfeeding mothers. I think it is called lasinohol ?
03-05-2018, 11:29 AM
(This post was last modified: 03-05-2018, 11:32 AM by Marillion.)
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
Lansinoh.
Make sure your mask isn't on too tight. It doesn't have to be super tight as once the air starts going and you have a closed loop the mask interface with your nose will inflate and create somewhat of a seal. As long as the alignment is correct.
Having the mask on too tight is a prime cause of soreness at the interface area.
RE: Aging heated cpap hose...?
...or Barrier Cream....it's name by which you would ask the drug store attendant. It's not a type of cream, that's the brand name. Worked for a hot spot on my left nostril quickly.
