Climate line hose - mold spores

[tfh]

Hi,

I'm new to posting so many apologies if I have got something wrong. I have read lots of the posts here and found them very helpful - both when I first got diagnosed with OSA and now because of the problems I'm having with my hose (I think).

My machine has made a huge difference in the 9 months since I started treatment and I can't imagine sleeping without it.

The filter is changed every month, the mask is washed every day and the hose I leave to air hanging up in the bedroom but on Saturday I notice mold in the bit where it attaches to the machine. Thinking about it - because I don't actually submerge it in water and use a scrubbing brush (or similar) on it - the position of the mold is probably because of the L shape of the hose at that end.

For about 5 weeks now I have had a hacking (very productive) cough and my nose gets bunged up, lots of phlegm - sort of yellowish brown colour, and tightness in my chest. In the last couple of days the phlegm has sometimes contained blood. Until I saw the mold I hadn't connected the phlegm with my CPAP machine but now it seems likely there is a link - is this possible do you think?

Has anyone else had similar symptoms and what was the outcome? I have made an appointment with my Doctor but have to wait for over 2 weeks for that and am getting really fed up as there doesn't seem to be anything I can do to improve the situation. I have ordered another hose though and hopefully won't get any worse

Thank you,

tfh

[BlackSpinner]

Try using a hair dryer to really dry it out immediately after you wash it.
Add vinegar to the rinse water.

Make sure that if you use more toxic cleansers that you rinse it really well.

[Julie]

I'd go to ER rather than wait 2 wks if you've seen blood. It may be nothing serious, but pneumonia is possible as are even more serious things and why not get checked out if you can. A doctor is fine if you're waiting for routine stuff, or referrals, but I don't think I'd want to wait 2 wks in your case. The mold may or may not actually be mold and may or may not be incidental to what you have.

[AlanE]

How old is the hose? My DME, granted take that for what it is worth, will replace my hose every 3 months "to prevent infections". I have a standard hose so the cost is pretty cheap, less than $10. Might be worth just getting a new one. Not trying to spend your money though.

[Cardsfan]

Time to go to the ER when you are coughing up blood.

[Sonnyboy]

I agree with Julie, Cardsfan and AlanE.
If you do not have insurance, consider an Urgent Care facility.
Better to be safe than sorry.