Questions about Aussie Heated Hose

[macmermaid]

I'm getting my equipment together and I am looking for some feedback from those of you who use the Aussie Heated Hose - I have a few questions about the hose and rain out in general:

1. How has the Aussie Heated Hose worked for you? How long have you been using it? How cold is your room at night? Do you still use it in the summer and / or when it is warmer in your room? Is rain out still a problem with regular hosing if the room is kept fairly warm - say 68 - 70 degrees?

2. How often do you need to replace the Aussie Heated Hose? I understand I will need to replace regular tubing every six months or so...hopefully not true with the Aussie Heated Hose?

3. How long is the Aussie Heated Hose? I would like to use a 10 foot hose - does it still work if you attach a regular hose in between the machine and the AHH to extend the length?

Thanks!

[TerryB]

I have used two Ausie heated hoses over the 3yrs 9mos I've been on the hose.
I like me room cool and the temps run between 68 in the heating season ans 78 in the cooling season.

Remember that rainout is a problem when the relative humidity gets high.
That's a combination of factors, not just temperature.
For over a year now, I've used my humidifier in passover mode so the heater is off, but the air passes over the water.
I have seen water condensed on the small diameter hose between the mask and heated hose.
I'm not sure whether this is condensed from the machine supply or from my exhalations.
I have seen a couple of drops inside the mask a couple of time, but I have never had a serious problem with rainout.

Good luck with your therapy.

TerryB

[KatieW]

I have been using the Aussie heated hose from day 1 of my cpap therapy, about 1 1/2 months now. When I was in Washington state, the room temp was 70, humidity 50%. Now in Arizona, the room temp is about 74, humidity 25%. I do use a heated humidifier, and set it between 2-3.5, depending on the mask I am using (higher for pillows than nasal)and relative humidity.

Are you experiencing rainout now? If you are, and the usual tricks don't work (lowering the machine, using a hose hanger, using a hose cover), then that would be the next step to consider.

It is 6 feet long. I don't know about adding another hose to it--it might affect the pressure. I suggest checking with the manufacturer of your cpap.

[macmeraid]

Thanks for sharing!

I haven't started yet - still waiting for the DME appointment when I can get my machine.

I need to understand better about "relative humidity" I think.

[bearded_two]

I use mine in the winter time to heat the air when the bedroom is cold -- I don't use a humidifier.

It should last a long time, it seems to be a high quality hose.

I am not sure why you feel that you need to replace your hose every six months. A regular hose can last for years, it does not need to be replaced unless it becomes unserviceable.

It is six feet long. You could connect two Aussie Heated hoses together, and although 12 feet is a bit long, it should be OK. A 12 foot hose is fine if you have an autoPAP. If you connect a heated hose and a non-heated hose together, you defeat the purpose of having a heated hose.

[pmcall57]

I've been on APAP for 3 weeks, have been using the heated hose about 10 days. It made all the difference -- I went from waking at least twice each night with severe rainout to sleeping like a baby straight through the night.

I like my bedroom cool -- in the low to mid-60s -- and I live near Seattle, so the humidity is pretty high this time of year. And I use the APAP humidifier, on a low setting. (Tried going without and stuffed up my nose.) Probably worst case scenario for rainout, and the heated hose solved the problem completely. Don't know yet whether I'll need it in the summer.

It does seem to be a high-quality product. I wouldn't think it would require replacing twice a year, but even if it did I'd still use it. I'll be buying another soon as a backup.

Also, I really like the warmer, moister air I'm getting with it. Seems to help my tendency to get congested at night (allergies).

Pam

[WearyOne]

I've been using the Aussie heated hose for almost three years. It's not long enough for me either, so I attached a regular two-foot hose between heated hose and the mask and covered that was a hose cover I already had. Works wonderfully! Never have rainout. Temp in room is winter is about 67. I do use it in the summer a lot, but mostly because I find the air to be too cold otherwise. (My husband want's the AC on in the summer at a temp I consider too cold.)

The only problem I had with the Aussie heated hose was that because it is a heavier hose, it pulled on my mask too much. But adding the two-foot regular hose with cover between the mask and the heated hose not only made it long enough for me, but also fixed this issue as well.

Even though it's expensive, I'm considering buying another one just to have on hand.

[billbolton]

1. How has the Aussie Heated Hose worked for you? How long have you been using it? How cold is your room at night? Do you still use it in the summer and / or when it is warmer in your room? Is rain out still a problem with regular hosing if the room is kept fairly warm - say 68 - 70 degrees?

A. Yes

B. 2 x Winters

C. Generally in the 4 to 8 degrees Celcius range in the deepest part of Winter

D. No, winter only

E. Pass, it doesn't get cold enough for long enough here to justify central heating, so I don't know.

How often do you need to replace the Aussie Heated Hose? I understand I will need to replace regular tubing every six months or so...hopefully not true with the Aussie Heated Hose?

F. I haven't replaced my heated hose and have no expectation of replacing it any time soon.

G. I am still using a regular hose that is at least 5 years old and does fine with periodic cleaning.

3. How long is the Aussie Heated Hose? I would like to use a 10 foot hose - does it still work if you attach a regular hose in between the machine and the AHH to extend the length?

H. Its about 75mm shorter than my regular hose.

I. Yes, that will work.

Cheers,

Bill

[pmcall57]

4 to 8 degrees Celsius?! You Aussies are really tough cookies. I thought my bedroom was cool -- hah!

[macmermaid]

Thanks everybody!

Our DME told me that they are authorized by our insurance to provide replacement hoses, masks and pillows every 4-6 months, depending on which type of mask you have.

Good to know that the Aussie hose has a long life.