Hybernite vs SZ4 Heated Tube

[mellodrone]

Hi all!

I need some help with my heated tube. I have a ResMed AutoSet II (purchased in 2008) and can't afford to get a new AutoPap machine right now (otherwise I'd get an S9 series that has its own heated tube) so I'm looking into options for replacing the SZ4 Heated Tube that I got from cpapusa 5 years ago. They no longer carry it. I've been reading about the Hybernite - seems like it's getting mixed reviews, including from cpaptalk forum users.

Has anyone here switched from the SZ4 to the Hybernite?

I did spot the SZ4 on an Australian CPAP site. It sells for $139 + shipping from Australia. If the SZ4 is superior, then I'll have to spring for another one. But would like to know how they compare.

Can anyone help?

Lynn

P.S. I use a Swift FX nasal mask, and crank up the humidifier because of sinus issues. If I try going without a heated tube I'll drown.

[mellodrone]

No clue why I typed Swift. I use the Mirage FX For Her nasal mask.

[big_dave]

The Hybernite gets the job done but it doesn't have any temperature control. If it puts out too much heat, I have to add a short length of unheated hose to let the air cool off. Some people use rheostats with it for this reason. When it's very cold, I don't get enough heat out of it and I have to use a hose cover with it. I keep my bedroom between 55-60 degrees in the winter; most people don't have a problem with it not putting out enough heat.

I've never used the SZ4 so I can't compare the two.

Edit: I may have been thinking of the Repti heat cable when I mentioned rheostats. I'm not sure if a rheostat will work with the Hybernite hose since it has a transformer.

[mellodrone]

This is the heated tube that I currently have:
http://www.sleepzone.com.au/8997/SleepZ ... 8/product/

It used to be the SZ4, now it's the SZ1. Mine has lasted me 5 years, but now sometimes the heat is super hot, and sometimes it's barely there, and there appears to be a kink in the heating coil where it attaches to the machine, so I definitely need a replacement. The SZ1 doesn't have any temp control, either. It never occurred to me to add a short length of unheated hose! Great suggestion. What length? I have a ResMed insulated hose cover that I've never used, so I've got that covered.

The Hybernite universal tube costs about $75 so I'd be saving more than $60. If I can get a couple more years out of my S8 AutoSet II that would be a huge help.

I love how sleep medicine doctors say, "You're eligible for a new machine!" And when you say, "Yeah, but it'll be several hundred dollars out of pocket..." they say, "Don't you have insurance?" They seem to assume that everyone gets 100% reimbursement. Strange.

Thank you for your input!

Lynn

[big_dave]

It's just the short hose that came with my mask, which is about 18 inches. I usually connect my hose directly to the elbow without using the short hose.

[mellodrone]

Thank you! I think I have a short tube from a previous mask. So I'll be all set. Your information has been very helpful.

Lynn

[Pugsy]

I bought the Hybernite 2300 in November 2011 and used it until I ended up with a S9 with the ClimateLine in Feb 2012.
It worked great. In the winter when it is really cold and since my bedroom is North exposed with minimal insulation it gets cold in there and I rather prefer sleeping like that...it gets colder than 55 degrees because I set the house furnace to 55 degrees at night. Bedroom gets colder than where the thermostat is.

I never experienced any "too warm" air but then my mask has a short hose as part of the standard equipment to start with so it never was an issue for me and I never thought about it. I was very pleased with the Hybernite 2300.

The reason I got the S9 was the lure of the S9 and not because I was unhappy with the Hybernite.. I had never used a ResMed machine and wanted to give it a try.