Hose connector: rubber? silicone? latex?

[gem]

I just purchased the M Series CPAP. My wife has severe latex allergies and she is concerned about the air hose. Anyone know what are the flexible connectors on the hose composed of? Silicone, rubber? I couldn't find any information. Thanks in advance.

[Wulfman]

Rubber.

Den

[gem]

anyone know where to get a non-latex, non-rubber hose? preferably silicone connctors? Thanks in advance

[Snoredog]

you are NOT the only one with latex allergy a lot of people have an allergy to latex reason they make the equipment from non-latex materials.

As Den mentioned the hose does not contain latex, they are rubber or silicone with most having rubber connector ends.

[Bob...]

anyone know where to get a non-latex, non-rubber hose? preferably silicone connctors? Thanks in advance

Try here:

http://www.thecpapstore.com/

Select "Tubing / Hose"

They claim to have all kinds!

Bob

[gem]

Respironics web email wasn't working, so I didn't get a response from them, however the consensus from email was the hose had rubber connectors. A search showed most other internet providers were also selling the rubber tipped hoses.
Although rubber can be made from latex, it can also be made by other means. Unfortunately some people are allergic to latex, some to rubber, and some to the chemicals used in the rubber synthesis. Some people have mild reactions upon exposure, others can have very serious reactions. As my wife is one of those people who is allergic to latex & rubber; my wife (she is an ICU nurse) and several of her physician colleagues stated I had to use another hose.
A check with the respiratory department in the hospital provided a CPAP/bipap hose that does not have rubber connectors. It is disposable, which means it probably won't last as long as a regular hose, but is 6ft long and standard connector size on each end. Reinforcement (using duct tape) over the plastic ends might help the hose from wearing out. I'll let you know.
If you are interested in the hose, Intersurgical's part number given includes a vent connector and pressure line, which aren't normally needed. A check with Intersurgical by your provider would probably have a number just for the hose. Photo, part no are available at http://www.domine.net/chose.htm
Hope this helps.

[gem]

Found a better way to help reinforce the non-rubber plastic hose connector from wearing out. Before installing, place a couple of thin beads of silicone glue around the outside surface of the tube. (Kitchen grade form your local hardware store.) Let the silicone dry thoroughly (24 hours), before installing. You don't want to be breathing these fumes. The silicone will act like rubber bands, reinforce the plastic, and give you a grip to remove the hose when necessary.

[REMmaster]

In 1997, FDA issued a rule requiring labeling statements on medical devices, including device packaging containing natural rubber that contacts humans.

There is no latex in the mseries tubing. And as a side note, no Respironics products contain latex.

You could possibly try using the lightweight cpap tubing if your provider will order it. I believe it is made from silicone. The ends are not as flexible as the standard tubing, but it does not contain any rubber.

[birdshell]

Since the rubber/latex problem is becoming more and more prevalent, I'm surprised that CPAP hoses aren't all latex free. Especially as medical devices, and having us all breathe air passing by the connectors--

Sensitivity to latex is a problem that we should all be concerned about. More and more people are being sensitized. Some of those are confined to their homes. Many of these folks are medical personnel who have greater exposure to the latex gloves, etc. The loss of experienced medical personnel is a life-threatening situation.

It seemed to me that I read that some of the masks, and maybe machines, are latex-free. My humidifier definitely has a silicone seal. I am surprised that my hose, acquired in April, may have rubber connections. This is so recent that it seems astounding that this medical device would include rubber.

Perhaps if we all seek latex-free CPAP hoses (or any other CPAP equipment) then we can find more alternate products being provided. Just asking for them sends a message to the suppliers, eventually.