Save money--- tips

Splash51 · Post by **Splash51** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 8:47 am

Just some things I've found that help me.

For a hose connecter that will last a lifetime I use a 2 inch length of 3/4 inch pvc pipe.If you don't have any pvc pipe around or don't know anyone that can provde you with some you can buy a 1/2 inch pvc coupler at a hardware store usually for less than $.50. Although a coupler is a little short to grasp when removing from the hose.

If you are worried about your cpap machine falling off a stand you can attach it with velcro. I prefer the plastic mushroom type as it is easier to clean and very strong. Two 6 inch strips seem to work well. I know that if I ever try and remove them from the bottom shelve of my stand they will probably damage the finsh. But I'm not worried as I'll probably always have a cpap there.

With a little work another short length of of pvc pipe can be turned into a hose cover installer. Drill a couple of holes in one end and add some string. Run it through your cover, than "plug" it into the end of your hose and pull it thru.

A length of 3/4" pvc pipe with a pipe cap glued on it on it can be used to plug your hose to keep bugs out when not in use. Or if you need to vent some insect or window screen can be wrapped over the end of the pvc pipe and secured. This makes a very easy to use "cork".

I have a Respironices hose and this size pvc pipe works perfect on mine. I do not know if all hose is the same.

If you have any question about these tips please feel free to ask. I feel I owe this forum a lot and would be happy to pay it forward.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 12:15 pm

Good tips, Splash!

You're definitely paying it forward. Thanks!

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 12:31 pm

Splash,

Always appreciate a few great tips.

The amount of creative wisdom on this board is amazing. Our dear CPAP manufacturers should hire some of this crew as consultants.

I bet we could help them increase their profit margin, while giving the customer what they need.

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:30 pm

I love the one about the hose cover installer. I'm going to have to run out and get some of that pvc pipe.

Bearded_One · Post by **Bearded_One** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 6:58 pm

A piece of Saran wrap or plastic bag and a rubber band can also make a good hose end cover

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:04 pm

The one about the " hose cover installer" totally lost me -

"Run it through your cover, than "plug" it into the end of your hose and pull it thru."
I have No idea what that means?

What cover?

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:25 pm

Gumby........

I think the cover they are talking about is the "hose cover" that a lot of us put over our hoses to help prevent condensation inside. Some people have problems with what's known as "rainout"....and they try to prevent it with a hose cover.

I suspect, however, that most "rainout" is caused by exhaled breath.

Bearded_One · Post by **Bearded_One** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:34 pm

Exhaled breath should not cause rainout in the hose as exhaled breath does not enter the hose while the flow generator is operating.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:39 pm

While fabricating a mask drier, I found that an "Atwood Bilge Pump Hose Kit" has a corrugated pvc hose that is exactly the same size as the one that came with my "M" series.

I know that the words "bilge hose" sound really nasty....but this is a neat plastic hose kit that's inexpensive. I found it at Academy Sporting Goods (a place sort of like Home Depot....but for sporting goods) in the boating equipment area.

I use the bilge hose to attach my mask hose to the drier....which is made from a computer fan that runs inside a boot drier (purchased from Harbor Freight).

During the day, a filtered, gentle breeze flows through my hose and mask. When I get ready to "suit up", I turn off the boot drier, disconnect the bilge hose......and re-connect the mask hose to the back of my "M" series. I'm then ready to go with a dry mask & hose assembly.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:39 pm

ahhhh...Thanks Gerald.

I haven't experienced rainout as of yet or done any reading on it because, well, I haven't experienced it. That was the furthest thing from my mini mind.

If I understand it correctly, rainout likely has to do with the room temp. being colder than the hose temp.? Causing the moisture within the hose to condense?

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:48 pm

Beard......

You're absolutely correct. Exhaled breath does not enter the hose.

I've found that the moisture I sometimes have problems with is all contained inside the mask I use (Invacare Aura).

I've never had a problem with condensation inside the hose.....I've got a hose cover on it.......and I keep the bedroom at 73 degrees with approx 45% relative humidity.

My "M" series integral humidifier is set on "2".....and I rarely get a snoot full of water. About the only time it happens is when I roll over on my back (where I shouldn't be) and the exhaled breath condensation inside the mask creates some big drops that drain where they shouldn't go.

Gerald · Post by **Gerald** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 7:54 pm

Gumby.....

You've got a clear understanding of it now.

The trick is to not let any cold drafts......or a cold wall.......or a just plain cold room that allows condensation inside that hose.

Think of the problem as a sort of "inside-out iced-tea glass".

Trust me.....the first time you get a snoot full of cold water.....you'll wake up cussin'.

zzzzzz!! · Post by **zzzzzz!!** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 6:20 am

Splash51 wrote:If you are worried about your cpap machine falling off a stand you can attach it with velcro. I prefer the plastic mushroom type as it is easier to clean and very strong. Two 6 inch strips seem to work well. I know that if I ever try and remove them from the bottom shelve of my stand they will probably damage the finsh. But I'm not worried as I'll probably always have a cpap there.

Thanks for posting your tips.

Regarding the velcro: 3M's "Command Adhesive" line has velcro strips that will stick to both machine and nightstand, yet remove easily and cleanly without damaging any surfaces.

(Yes, I'm a big fan of those products!)

Pam · Post by **Pam** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 8:25 am

Another tip for the plugging the end of your hose is to use a piece of panty hose and attach it with a rubber band.

Pam

gasp · Post by **gasp** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:20 pm

Splash51 wrote:. . . With a little work another short length of of pvc pipe can be turned into a hose cover installer. Drill a couple of holes in one end and add some string. Run it through your cover, than "plug" it into the end of your hose and pull it thru. . . .

I'm running out this week to get some pvc - I love this hose cover installer idea! You should see me wrestling with the hose and cover. I feel like I'm fighting a snake every time. Finally I stood up on the bed and let gravity assist with the hose falling straight through the cover. Your idea will allow me to do it much more easily. Thanks!

Gerald wrote: . . . During the day, a filtered, gentle breeze flows through my hose and mask. When I get ready to "suit up", I turn off the boot drier, disconnect the bilge hose......and re-connect the mask hose to the back of my "M" series. I'm then ready to go with a dry mask & hose assembly.

I had a good laugh at the term "suit up" which is what I feel like I'm doing every night! You are one handy fellow. My dad was handy and I miss him terribly as he dies over 6 years ago. He was on CPAP and you could probably imagine the many ways he made his system work! Just now when I typed this to you a memory came back to me from many years ago, when dad walked in to the living room and proudly showed me changes he had made to his headgear. At the time I just didn't get how anybody could be so excited about something like that. If I knew then what I know now, I would have jumped up and hugged him telling him what a genius he was. Live and learn.

Gerald wrote: . . . My "M" series integral humidifier is set on "2".....and I rarely get a snoot full of water. About the only time it happens is when I roll over on my back (where I shouldn't be) and the exhaled breath condensation inside the mask creates some big drops that drain where they shouldn't go.

I agree. I think it is my breath blowing into the mask that warms the air in the mask making it warmer than the air is outside of my mask that creates the droplets. Also when I set up my humidifier too high I get droplets, even when the room was hot, like this summer.

zzzzzz!! wrote: Regarding the velcro: 3M's "Command Adhesive" line has velcro strips that will stick to both machine and nightstand, yet remove easily and cleanly without damaging any surfaces.

Thanks! I just looked at their entire line - very nice.

Save money--- tips

Save money--- tips

Re: Save money--- tips

Re: Save money--- tips

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pursleep, Padacheek, Regenesis™ Pillow, Neti Pot, Travel Buddy hose hanger