Question about heated hoses

Folks,

My trusty BiPAP is now almost 5 years old. My insurance company will pay (50%) for a new machine every 5 years, and neither Hubby nor I have a back up machine since we're still on Machine #1. So I'm starting to shop around for a possible replacement machine, which will most likely be bought at the end of the summer.

First a bit of background: My current machine is a PR System One Series 50 machine that has no heated hose option. I've been at this for 5+ years, and I got it after my then sleep doc switched me from a Resmed S9 APAP to bilevel when I could not tolerate either CPAP or APAP due to aerophagia issues and a very nasty case of CPAP-induced insomnia. While switching to bi-level helped tremendously with the aerophagia and the insomnia is technically under control (for the most part), I still don't sleep particularly well with the machine. (Efficacy data shows the AHI is usually below 2.5 and leaks are well controlled.)

One issue that I have always had with my BiPAP is that the exhaust flow from my mask is COLD. Even when I have the heated humidifier set to C5. I have the hose in a hose cozy and I run the hose under my bed covers. But I'm tired of sleeping with long sleeves all summer long and needing both long sleeves and a robe to protect my arms and chest from the COLD exhaust flow in the winter time.

My question: Would a heated hose do anything to warm up the COLD exhaust flow from my mask?

Finally: A note about my mask: I typically use a Swift FX or an AirFit P10 nasal pillows mask. The P10's exhaust flow is well diffused, so it's cold not like the jet stream of frigid air emitted by the FX, but I don't like the fit of the P10's headgear or angle of the pillows quite as well, so I don't use it as often as the FX. But even when I do, there's still this pool of cool air that accumulates over my chest and arms.

Most heating elements in humidifiers don't really do much besides introducing a small amount of humidity into the hose. I've been using heated hoses (aftermarket Hybernite hoses - sad to say, hard to find now) for about three years and they really warm things up unless your room is totally cold all night long. That happens here in California every so often, therefore I put my hose under the covers. I suppose one could use a hose cozy for that type of night. Anyway, I like the Hybernite because it really does warm up the air (unlike my backup ResMed's factory supplied heated hose):

Here's one of the only places I've found that still has them. Since they have a heating wire molded in some people find them a little stiff to shift around. I'm used to it, so I guess I'm biased.

http://1800cpap.com/hybernite-universal ... upply.aspx

Sorry, CPAP.com, our kind sponsor, just doesn't carry them.

No it won't. I have a PR system with a heated hose and the air feels cold on my arm if it gets in the way so it is always covered with a sheet. I have the heat / humidity turned up as far as possible and not get that nasty hot metal smell as a wake up.

DirectHomeMedical.com carries them and are currently having a sale.
I use one with my PR 960 and it does heat the air.

JDS74 wrote:DirectHomeMedical.com carries them and are currently having a sale.
I use one with my PR 960 and it does heat the air.

how much?

I notice my nose does not turn into an ice cube, as opposed to how an unheated hose feels.
The exhaust is still cool, so you need bedcovers if you wish to sleep nekkid.

chunkyfrog wrote: The exhaust is still cool, so you need bedcovers if you wish to sleep nekkid.

Or you could have arm cozies. Also known as long fingerless gloves. I am at the moment knitting a lace pair for my daughter for her "Klondike Days" costume.

BlackSpinner wrote:

chunkyfrog wrote: The exhaust is still cool, so you need bedcovers if you wish to sleep nekkid.

Or you could have arm cozies. Also known as long fingerless gloves. I am at the moment knitting a lace pair for my daughter for her "Klondike Days" costume.

Hmmm. you might have a nice little cottage industry there Blackspinner

JDS74 wrote:DirectHomeMedical.com carries them and are currently having a sale.
I use one with my PR 960 and it does heat the air.

Dang, you're right, JDS. I just bought a spare Hybernite yesterday somewhere else and could have saved $20. Oh well, they tend to last lots of years, especially if you don't step on them (don't ask)

Arm cozy

BlackSpinner wrote:Arm cozy

Nice! Did you design/make these?

Lucyhere wrote:

Nice! Did you design/make these?

Yes I am in the process of getting the pattern beta tested.

I originally made them for my oldest daughter in Whitehorse YT where they have a Klondike Days festival where she often bartends for charity fund raisers in sort of a dancehall girl costume. All the gloves I could find were for skinny arms and she is more of the Diamond Lil shape.

I read this the other day and have never actually thought about this being a problem before, so I attempted to see if my heated tubing and heated humidifier help with the exhaust ports. I use my humidifier maxed at a setting of five with my tube temperature setting at 5 as well on my Dreamstation Auto. I ran with the setting on zero for a night versus maxed as I usually do. Besides waking in the morning with an excruciatingly dry nasal passage and throat I could not find a single difference in the heat of the exhaust port.
I used the Dreamwear Medium and the Eson Medium and couldn't find any difference in the air temperature. However, I could most certainly feel the difference without a doubt. I hope this helps!