Hose Drying

jilkurtz · Post by **jilkurtz** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:16 am

Since I got my new APAP machine I've noticed more moisture collected in the air hose - probably because the pressure levels are so much lower.

Instead of having to wash it once a week I was having to do it 2 or 3 times per week in order to keep it from smelling "musty".

I finally decided the problem was I needed something to dry the hose and finally hit on the idea of using one of those small air-bed pumps.

There are lots available - here's a link to Amazon so you can see what I'm talking about ....

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_sg/10 ... +pump+120v

I purchased mine at the local Target for $20 and it works absolutely great! (you'll find them in sporting goods near the camping stuff on the aisle with all the air mattresses and airbeds).

I just hook the hose to the pump, turn it on and let it run while I empty the water reservoir and wash out the head gear. Then I put the small headgear hose on the end of the big hose and put the end inside the water reservoir. Everything is dry in minutes and ready for another night.

Problem solved.

cpapernewbie · Post by **cpapernewbie** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 11:24 am

buying another hose might be cheaper.
$6 for the hose, I bought one from the Yahoo auction (now closed)
Install alternate hose daily - if you need it

TGregg · Post by **TGregg** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:15 pm

After I clean my hose, I let it drip dry for an hour or so, then put it back on my machine and set the empty (since I cleaned it) humidifer on warm. The machine blows a small amount of air for a while while the humdifier is set to it's lowest setting (no heat). That dries out the hose right quick.

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Wed Jun 27, 2007 12:28 pm

TGregg Said:
The machine blows a small amount of air for a while

HA! Caught you! Manipulating your compliance data! Call the police!

I laugh at myself every morning for my equipment drying scheme. That's a GREAT idea about the air-bed pump! It's a lot cheaper than the spare CPAP I use to dry mine, the bare bones DS100 that my DME so kindly provided me with!

When I first got the PB420E, I posted the question about washing the hose because it has a smaller internal hose inside the main one. I was cautioned by several - don't get water in the small hose, it'll affect the measurements. I didn't really like that answer, because moisture gets in there anyway from my breathing. So now, I hook up the big hose to the spare CPAP, and the little hose to a fish tank bubbler! I even intentionally flood the smaller hose, and think myself clever for thumbing my nose at the establishment. I know, pretty sad, but it takes so little to amuse me...

Great post, jilkurtz!

jennmary · Post by **jennmary** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 7:26 pm

lol. I put on my machines mask fitting feature...it doesnt interfere with my data as it is only meant to be used to fit the mask. So if I still have a little water in there I hit the mask fit and let it run for a minute to dry it out. I like the air pump idea. It will eventually be cheaper than buying a new hose all the time. My ins pays for a new hose every month....so I dont stress about it too much.