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+--- Thread: 3D printed parts for CPAP (/Thread-3D-printed-parts-for-CPAP)
3D printed parts for CPAP - buggy285 - 07-28-2019
Is it safe to use 3D printed parts with my CPAP?
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - alshayed - 07-28-2019
Safe in what sense? Will it explode? Doubtful. Will those parts be more porus and grow more bacteria if used in the airstream? Yes, likely.
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - buggy285 - 07-28-2019
Thanks for the quick response. I was curious about bacteria growth on a 3D printed coupler to attach two 3' hoses together
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - Melman - 07-28-2019
(07-28-2019, 04:41 PM)alshayed Wrote: Safe in what sense? Will it explode? Doubtful. Will those parts be more porus and grow more bacteria if used in the airstream? Yes, likely.
What is your basis for this statement? Are 3D printed objects more porous than the plastic components we use routinely?
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - alshayed - 07-28-2019
Yes 3D printed plastic objects typically are more porus than injection molded plastic. It's because of the way layers are added when they have a short period of time to cool, you end up with small holes or grooves and not a perfectly smooth surface.
Google something like "watertight 3d print" and read some of the info. It's possible but I don't know that I would do it for a CPAP type of thing. It's pretty inexpensive to buy a hose coupler that's been injection molded.
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - RNeil - 08-02-2019
Yes, you can make a coupler wither a 3D printer. These parts are watertight, but the surface is not as smooth as a molded part. Bacteria growth would not be a problem if you don't get condensation.
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - RayBee - 08-03-2019
I have a 3D printer and probably would opt to not make my own parts just because prices online are so reasonable. Unless it was a part so unique that 3D printing was my only answer for a mission critical need. Also, some filament for 3D printing are considered not "Food Safe" while others are. Search for "Food Safe" filament, check the properties of those particular filaments and see what may be acceptable. I agree on the discussion above about porosity of 3D printed parts too.
Best of luck.
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - Sleep2Snore - 08-03-2019
(07-28-2019, 04:54 PM)buggy285 Wrote: Thanks for the quick response. I was curious about bacteria growth on a 3D printed coupler to attach two 3' hoses together
Just buy a coupler for both hoses.
RE: 3D printed parts for CPAP - buggy285 - 08-03-2019
Thanks for the advice, I will just buy a coupler.