Where do most people put the hose?

[maliolani]

I just received a CPAP machine 2 days ago and am struggling with the hose that runs from the mask to the machine. If I let it just go out towards the bottom of the mask and fall over the side of the bed, then it is always in the way or I have to pull on it when I want to turn. If it could come out towards my head, it seems turning would be easier, but I don't see any way to hold the hose there, plus it would bang into the wall. I saw advertised some kind of frame that would hold the hose up off the bed, but I'm guessing most people don't use those. What do you do?

I'm assuming the answer to this doesn't depend too much on my mask/machine? I have a loaner for one week and I don't know what kind of machine I will be given as my own next week.

Also, if anyone wants to comment to me on whether I should finally get a face mask or "nose pillow" whatever it is, I'd appreciate that, but it is unrelated to the above question.

[Pugsy]

Lots of people use some sort of hose management system..all the way from store bought to DIY.
I don't but I just lay the hose along my pillow. I tried routing over my head and didn't care for it.
It's a highly individual preference.

If you normally breathe through your nose just fine during the day and don't have problems with congestion that point to needing to mouth breathe during the day....I would suggest starting with a nasal pillow mask.
They are small and surface area needing to seal is very small.

[nanwilson]

I route mine up over the top of the headboard, then just enough hanging down to allow me to turn over without pulling on my mask. I used a couple of cup hooks screwed to the headboard to keep the hose in place with elastics.

[msla]

I'm assuming the answer to this doesn't depend too much on my mask/machine? I have a loaner for one week and I don't know what kind of machine I will be given as my own next week.

You should be proactive and get a machine that has full reporting of your CPAP treatment and not just that it ran for 4 hours.

[Slartybartfast]

It really depends on what sort of mask you have and how you like to sleep. I'm a side sleeper and have a nasal pillows mask (Opus 360). The mask is connected to the short section of hose via a ball joint, so the hose can go in any direction. I've found that I'm most comfortable when I route the hose over the top of my head. The hose just lies there, not connected to anything, and that seems to be the best for me. Whatever you do, make sure the hose is supported and not hanging off the side of your bed. Otherwise, the weight of the hose will be pulling on your mask and you will feel it every time you move.

As msla said, now is the time to get yourself up to speed on the differences between CPAP, Automatic and data capable machines. The price differences between a "brick," a dumb, manually set machine that collects no data other than the fact that it was used (or not) is trivial, but the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) supplier gets reimbursed the same regardless of whether they fit you with a cheap brick or a fully data capable automatic machine (which I would lobby for vigorously). It's your health, your diagnosis, your life. Get the best machine and learn how it works. Lots of good information on this forum. Take some time and read about the machines. This is a good overview of what's what: http://www.osahelp.com/

[chunkyfrog]

Rube Goldberg would be proud of what my darling husband hath wrought!
See my signature.

[xenablue]

I use a 3M Commander cable minder on my headboard. This is awesome at a couple of things - being able to easily hold my hose exactly where I position it, but if I happen to pull on it, there is room for movement; I can use the removable adhesive strips to move the cable minder, and have several that I take on vacation for hotels and our trailer.

There are some really great hose hanger systems - just find one that suits you best.

I also usually route my tubing over my head, either with the attachment on my Swift LT mask, or the loop on my PapCap.

You'll get lots of good ideas from this forum.

Good luck!

Cheers,
xena

[Heavylids]

My machine sits on the night stand on my side of the bed with the hose running on the wall side up the side of the bed to my head. Doesn;t snag on anything and I can roll left or right with no problems. What it is that your hose is getting hung up on that you have to pull on it? I'm using the hose that came with the Resmed s9 and it is very lightweight.

[cowlypso]

My mask and headgear allow me to attach the hose to the top of my head. I do that, and from there (making sure there's some slack for tossing and turning easily) I run the hose under my pillow from the middle of the top over to the bottom of the side closest to the machine. This way the hose stays put, doesn't get in my way at all, but leave me enough room to turn over without tugging on it. And my system is completely portable!

[Guest]

Thanks for all the excellent ideas. After a trip to Home Depot and about $13 (with spare parts), I now have a workable system with a 3M Command holder, an expandable wristband/keyring, and some velcro strips. If that doesn't work (or falls on my head at night), I'll try something else.

I also found a good comparison between the Remstar Auto A-flex (what I have on loan till next week) and the Resmed S9 AutoSet.

[portiemom]

I usually route my over head suspended from my iron bed, but now that I love the Bella Loops or Mirage FX, I put the hose under the pillow from the bottom and over the top of my pillow, that way the hose doesn't pull on those 2 light weight masks.

[rjezuit]

I use an Opus 360 nasal pillow mask. I route it over the top, through the headgear and over the headboard. I like to sleep on both sides and back, and this seems to be the least obtrusive. It almost never pulls and I can't get my arms tangled in it.

[mindy]

Last fall I started running the hose from my nightstand directly to my bed around my upper arm and pull the slack under the covers. I have a Swift FX so the hose has that extra piece of tubing. I have the ResMed cover over the rest of the hose and if I sleep on the hose it doesn't collapse. Keeps it nice and warm, too. No rainout this winter at all.

Mindy

[2 B Sleeping Soundly]

I use a 8 foot hose and about 2 feet of it is on my left side. The hose then crosses over my lower chest/upper stomach area, and the rest of it hangs down to the right side and off of the bed to the humidifier (which is on a small table next to the bed). With my SnuggleHose cover I just cuddle the part of the hose that is under the bed covers and ignore the part of it that is outside of them.

John

[GumbyCT]

What do you do?

A lot can depend on your bed frame.

Always take a walk thru the Dollar Store (or Walmart) just to get ideas. Look at things - a little differently.

I use a Hair Scrunchie - stick the hose thru it. Then hang it on a corner post of the bed or one of those 3M hooks. Or just hold it on w/some painters tape. The scrunchie is a rubber band that will stretch to allow some movement.

I also use knee high panty hose to hold my mask in place on my face. It's light-weight and strong. Tie a know to fit your head... It will keep the mask from moving away from you face w/o making it too tight.

$1 store 3pr/$1.