Does hose length cause changes/problems with Auto CPAP?

[ddpelp]

I have the M series respironics CPAP with heated humidifier. It came with a 6 foot hose which would work but I kinda felt leashed up while in bed. I bought a 10 footer and the cover for it as I did think about the humidification in the longer hose.
What I did not think about is the extra 4 feet and if it could/will affect how the Auto cpap adjusts to my needs. Could the extra length dampen the machine's response? Should I go back to the 6 foot hose.

One thing I have noticed with 10 foot hose it will not auto start the machine where with the 6 foot hose it would. I assume that is just because of the extra volume in the hose but got to thinking maybe the 10 footer is too long to be effective.. I know they make and sell a 8 footer but not sure if the 2 feet shorter would be much difference.

I sure like the freedom of the longer hose I have it tied to edge of bedpost so as no way can I pull the machine off the table during the night with the 6 footer I actually turned the machine 90 degrees one night.

You opinions?? thanks

[peacefrog]

possibly. My APAP has a place to select hose length in the clinical menu, so i'd imagine there is a reason for that, though you'd probably want to verify w/ someone more experienced.

[nightingale]

The director of the sleep lab I go to advised me that extending a hose will change the pressure delivered. There probably is a way to accomodate this, but I am no expert.

Nightingale

[CollegeGirl]

ddpelp, I don't have an answer to this one. But as far as feeling "leashed' with your six foot hose, hanging the hose up above your head will help immensely with that. I don't have the link handy right now - but there are many ways to do that. I'm sure someone will be along with it shortly. If I weren't doing homework right now I'd track it down for you myself. Good luck

[rested gal]

Stick with your homework, CG!

LINKS to Hose hangers and methods of managing the air hose
viewtopic.php?t=10640

[CollegeGirl]

How did I know it'd be you that came along with it, RG? Thanks! Okay, back to Henry James. Urgh.

[Snoredog]

I have the M series respironics CPAP with heated humidifier. It came with a 6 foot hose which would work but I kinda felt leashed up while in bed. I bought a 10 footer and the cover for it as I did think about the humidification in the longer hose.
What I did not think about is the extra 4 feet and if it could/will affect how the Auto cpap adjusts to my needs. Could the extra length dampen the machine's response? Should I go back to the 6 foot hose.

One thing I have noticed with 10 foot hose it will not auto start the machine where with the 6 foot hose it would. I assume that is just because of the extra volume in the hose but got to thinking maybe the 10 footer is too long to be effective.. I know they make and sell a 8 footer but not sure if the 2 feet shorter would be much difference.

I sure like the freedom of the longer hose I have it tied to edge of bedpost so as no way can I pull the machine off the table during the night with the 6 footer I actually turned the machine 90 degrees one night.

You opinions?? thanks

The pressure displayed on the LCD is calibrated for use with the stock length hose.

If you extend that length, theoretically it could change that calibration or impact how the machine responds. How much? Never tested it myself.

Doesn't really matter much with cpap, that is one-way except the newer machines with EPR and Cflex need to accurately sense your breathing so they can kick in exhale relief. Of course the autopap machines would also need that patient feedback.

I think you are more likely to see a dampening effect from a mask that takes the 22mm hose down to two smaller diameter hoses, some mfg's advise against the use of those, that is until they come out with their own.

Best thing to do is check air pressure delivery with a water manometer and a 4mm leak. Then extend the hose and check it again. If it is going to cause a problem you should see the pressure drop by adding 4ft.

[ddpelp]

As always this forum has the answers <g> I appreciate that much. After looking thru the answers I believe since I am using a CPAP machine that it would adjust pressures. I did read somewhere in the forum that anything over 10 feet is not recommended... AND.. I feel a little better about the hose length as last night while I was putting the mask on and before I reached to push the on button it sensed my breathing and started automatically!! Surprise!! I tried it again just to push my luck and it did it again so seems that it does sense enough to auto start I was wrong there.

I should add the CFLEX works fine with the 10 foot hose. I have tested it by switching levels and I sure can tell a difference so that has to be a good sign huh?

Thanks again for the replies this is the best place to get quick and good info for sure....
Dan

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, hose, auto

[alsarnac]

Just wondering . . . what if you're unit is PB420E with a sensor line that makes it more sensitive to pressure? Will there be a problem with hose length?

[Snoredog]

[quote="alsarnac"]Just wondering . . . what if you're unit is PB420E with a sensor line that makes it more sensitive to pressure? Will there be a problem with hose length?