Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices are a common therapy and treatment for many around the world. For those suffering from nightly breathing issues, and Sleep Apnea in particular, CPAP devices grant the ability to sleep peacefully and breathe easily thanks to the relief provided by these amazing devices. But how are these devices able to provide clean and consistently air to those that need it? The simple answer is through a convenient device, a comfortable and all-important mask, and different types of tubing. Considering the entire point of the device is to provide unobstructed oxygen to your lungs, it’s of the utmost importance that its tubing be both suitable and durable enough to do the job.
When it comes to the tubing for your CPAP device though, one type isn’t going to cut it. For a complicated device with such a significant medical purpose, the exact implements will always be needed for the exact situation. To put it even simpler than that: the right tool for the right job. Considering the many kinds of CPAP devices, varying in size and power, there must be a ton of different CPAP tubes and hoses, right? Not exactly.
Many manufacturers have their own tubing specifications and requirements, so it’s incredibly vital to your health that you check the specs of any new device and buy the right equipment! But you’ll also find that CPAP devices only have a few general kinds of tubing that you’ll need to know. So let’s dive in and take a look at the two most important kinds of CPAP tubing.
Standard and Heated Hoses – Important Differences
As was previously mentioned, CPAP tubing/hoses connect your mask to your CPAP device, providing you with clean and continuous air to give you peaceful rest and a good night’s sleep. Seems fairly simple, doesn’t it? Standard tubing and heated tubing are the two most important and general kinds of tubing for CPAP devices, and have few but rather significant differences.
Standard tubing is what will typically come with most standard CPAP devices, and will be the basic requirement. Depending on what the manufacturer provides it could be upwards of 6 to 10 feet long. While “standard” is the appropriate word, that’s not to say that this is in any way a subpar form of tubing/hose. Many only need CPAP devices in certain cases, or simply don’t use them that often. Without the need for specific instances in which heated hoses could provide relief or benefits, standard tubing will work just fine. However, to avoid certain issues and to ensure that some of the most elaborate CPAP devices are working correctly, you might have to purchase and/or use heated hoses.
Initially, heated hoses were designed to prevent one single issue: rainout. When it comes to CPAP tubing and hoses, it should come as no surprise that quite a lot of moisture can build up. Considering that this can happen for a number of reasons, it’s a consistent issue that can disrupt or affect the effectiveness of the CPAP device. “Rainout” is the name for that excess buildup of moisture that could potentially affect the CPAP system. In the long run, it could cause numerous health issues for someone who already suffers from breathing issues. Problems like: sore and dry throats, coughing and possible congestion can all be caused by rainout. Heated tubing was designed to prevent this issue, and since many manufacturers have been rightfully catering to their users’ needs, many CPAP devices now include or require specifically-designed heated tubing.
So if your CPAP device doesn’t require heated tubing, and doesn’t include it, should you run out and get it? That depends on how you like your air! Other than preventing rainout, one of the major benefits of using heated tubes and hoses can be found right in the name. Many modern humidifiers or CPAP devices can now deliver heated air through their system. The only problem is that if you’re using standard tubing, the air will be cooled before it gets to you, it may not become freezing but it could become an issue. If you live in a cold climate, or simply want your air to be warm as you breathe it, it’s probably better to see if there is a heated tubing or hose option for your specific CPAP.
Traveling With Your CPAP
Many people will eventually have to travel with their CPAP device. While this isn’t necessarily difficult, it can be an arduous process for you to go through. That’s why having the best and most appropriate tubing will make it easier! What exactly is the biggest factor going to be for choosing the best CPAP tube travel companion? Most likely it’s going to be size.
One of the convenient, and in this case inconvenient, factors of CPAP tubes is that they tend to be around 6 feet in length. That’s to ensure that you have the ability to remain somewhat mobile even while using your CPAP device. Some standard tubes and hoses can even be upwards of 10 feet long, once again to give you as much mobility and convenience when you need to use the device. But it’s not exactly feasible to travel with 10 feet of tubing in your duffel bag, carry-on or luggage. That’s why many heated hoses and tubing for CPAP devices or even humidifiers will be of a smaller size and more convenient length to make it easier to travel with. Unfortunately, these may be costly options but that can be a great help for those able to afford them. When it comes to your health and your breathing, make sure to purchase the product that is right for you and your devices.
When you need to disinfect those many types of tubes we just discussed, there’s no more convenient option than the Sleep8 Ozone Cleaner. Rather than some cumbersome or massive device, or a system with a messy clean-up, you simply place your tubes and masks into the reusable zip-locked bag included in the package and clean your supplies with the touch of a button
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