tightly coiled hose

[cosmetics4you@msn.com]

I've been using my CPAP for 1 year. I have problems with my hose staying so tightly coiled that I usually have to disconnect it from the machine to try to straighten it out. Even then, it doesn't stay flat, as I would prefer. I don't want to use any special contraptions, if I can help it, but wonder if anyone has had a similar problem & found a solution?

[katcw]

It sounds as if the place on your mask where you attach the hose does not rotate. Is that so? Is it jammed, or just poorly designed? If you detach the hose from the mask, uncoil it, and then reattach, does it stay flat? Just some suggestions.....

[Julie]

If the connection from the machine is fairly direct (not going over a hook in the ceiling or whatever), maybe you could tape a thin but fairly stiff type of wire or something to the hose to keep it straighter.

[sronsen]

Often the best solution to a problem is to eliminate the problem. Your problem isn't typical of my experience and hoses are cheap, even if you must pay without insurance reimbursement. Replacing the hose will make the problem go away and the old one will make a great toy for your little kids/grand-kids/nieces/nephews/cats. Just be sure to unpack the new hose and place it in a non-coiled position relatively quickly.

[potholerepairman]

Just be sure to unpack the new hose and place it in a non-coiled position relatively quickly.

Great advice, if you buy a travel machine and put it the closet and get to a hotel without un-coiling the hose its like trying to use the corpse of a snake with Rigor mortis .

[sronsen]

potholerepairman wrote:
. . . its like trying to use the corpse of a snake with Rigor mortis .

Another great use for an old hose, a snake sarcophagus!

[qjosea]

I had the same problem with a hose I got from my DME, it was very stiff and never seem to uncoil. It was always coiled and would work around my neck at night. I noticed the hose was different from the one that I got with my equipment, it was rigid and the kinks would not come out. I tried a hair blower on high setting, hot water, nothing seemed to work. I took back to my DME and explained the issue, they tried to give another one. We opened the bag and the same issue, it was a cheap knock off made in China. I said I wanted a resmed or repironics hose. Hesitantly they went to the back and got me a good hose. The problem was solved. I hope this answers your question.

[Gerryk]

I have had a couple hoses that had minor kinks in them but nothing major. I always had another hose around, so I could just hang it up where I usually hang them to dry. Once it hung and straightened out, I could then use it. But it seems the cheep knockoff hoses are the ones that do that.

Gerry

[cosmetics4you@msn.com]

Thanks for all the responses regarding my hose problem. Here's an update: I checked the rotator on the mask & it was working. I hung the hose tubing vertically all day, but it coiled up just as badly when I used it that night. (It has never laid flat since I received it at least 6 months ago!) Today, when I called Apria to order a new Mirage Quatro mask & tubing, I mentioned the problem & was told that they had been aware of it, and the NEXT hose I received wouldn't do that! The company rep said they had had to find a new supplier, & the new hose would be a Res-med, like my mask. I thought it already WAS a Res-med! I guess the company had sent the "cheaper" hose the last time I ordered! (Apria is the only place I can order CPAP supplies from, under Cigna insurance, which will change to Anthem Jan 1, 2010; I'm hoping that I will have a few more options under the new policy.) It's very reassuring to know that when I have a question, there are so many experienced CPAP users ready to offer their suggestions & encouragement! Thanks!

[harry33]

it may be from your rolling over when asleep, fix or clamp the hose to the bedhead