a hose hangup question

[araminta]

I've just purchased my first CPAP a few days ago. And while it's difficult to get familiar with all the techie talk of "numbers" and "measurements", this morning I have a more logistical question about the hose.

I notice that all the photos people have posted on this wonderful forum show the hose elevated above the head -- and I have enjoyed the various creative methods people have used to jerryrig a setup, from a complex home repair project to a completely simple use of rubber bands or velcro attachments to a headboard.

But I'm wondering why bother suspending the hose at all? Is it just for the comfort of those who move around while they sleep? Or is it a way to help reduce the problem of rainout? Does it matter to just leave the hose on the bed -- if it's under the covers, there's no need for a hose cover, right? or wrong?

Thanks.

[JimW203]

But I'm wondering why bother suspending the hose at all? Is it just for the comfort of those who move around while they sleep? Or is it a way to help reduce the problem of rainout? Does it matter to just leave the hose on the bed -- if it's under the covers, there's no need for a hose cover, right? or wrong?

Essentially, right. However, in my vast depth of experience -70 some odd nights- I have discovered the following:
1) If the hose is allowed to lie in an attitude where there is a low point in its path that is below the humidfier outlet, water can accumulate there - much like a P-trap in the drain under a sink. Under the pressure of the air, it is forced along the hose to the mask. Hence, rainout. With the hose lying on top of or under the covers there is still a chance that during the night the hose may be pushed off the side of the bed to form this valley. If you are a particularly stable sleeper who does not move about much this practice might not be problematical.
2) I have found that if the hose arcs up over the bed and suspends over my head I can move with relative freedom. It is critical that the hose never actually supports the mask in this. That is to say, the hose should not pull on the mask at any point in your movements in the night. It should just follow and never pull. That way the geometry of the mask is stable relative to your face. With this arc, - assuming the xPAP is below your head level - the lowest point in the hose will always be the humidifier outlet, thus any condensation ends up there, not your mask.

JimW203

[araminta]

I should have mentioned that my CPAP sits on a shelf about 6" lower than the mattress. So the hose will never drop below the humidifier port. And I tend not to move around while I sleep.

Thanks for your help.

[elader]

I turn and yank the hose off my face or cause leaks. Also I have actually yanked the hose off the mask and off the machine (nearly pulling the machine off the table) - after 5 months on cpap, I have used the hanger for about a week and absolutely love it.

[Bonnie corgi lover]

I used CPAP with the hose under the covers for about 3 months and thought it was fine. Just started using a hose hanger (two weeks) and find it's more comfortable, I don't wake as fully to turn over and I have a lower leak rate.

[Debjax]

For me, it was the difference between being able to sleep with CPAP or not. On my titration study and my first night at home, I got almost no rest, the hose kept tangling, dragging and being a general PITA.

Hung the hose the day after my first night at home, and have not "looked back". With the hose hung, I barely notice the mask and don't notice the hose at all.

[Jason S.]

I just let the hose fall over the headboard. It stays out of the way and I've never had a rainout in two months of use.