PRSI 60 heated tube is stretched

Something odd I noticed this morning; don't know what to make of it. At the end of it, next to where it connects to the mask, it has gotten sort of stretched out. The 5th coil out, to the connector, the clear plastic between the coils is stretched - it makes a scratchy sound if I pull gently and push together, accordion style. I checked the rest of the tube and that is the only place where I see this, there are no holes in it. I toss and turn all night long, and I'm wondering if maybe the tube is getting twisted in too many directions too many times a night. I've been using the tube for 3 months, is it time to get a new one? I don't know how long they should last with ordinary wear and tear, but if this is not normal I will have to figure out to keep that from happening.

Maybe this will shed light on something I've noticed in sleepyhead the last few nights. I don't quite understand what I've been seeing, and just now as I type this the light bulb comes on! The last three nights sleepyhead's flow graph shows about a 90-minute break at some point between 2 AM and 4 AM. I can't figure out why, because I haven't taken a break of longer than 10 minutes at any time in the last week, although one night I woke up to find that the tube was disconnected.. put it back on, wen back to sleep... Maybe the tube is twisting to the point of cutting off the flow between 2 and 4?

I have the same problem. In fact with mine it is both ends just before the connectors. It doesn't seem to hurt anything and I am just more careful with the hose now. But I have been on CPAP for just a couple of months so far so maybe someone else has had more experience with this issue.

Mike

Are you using a hose support system?
Is the swivel functioning smoothly so it can rotate easily?

The swivel is functioning well I do not have a hose support system; I know I need to have one but I'm currently in temporary quarters after selling my home while on waiting list at an apartment. When I get my own bed back I will be able to rig a system up as it has an antique wrought iron headboard that will allow me to do that, so I'd rather not invest in a hose buddy.

I wrap the ends of my hoses with the stretch tape they use when they take blood. I overlap the connector and wrap about 3 inches out on the hose, this reinforces the hose end. You can buy it at Walmart.

Squid, how do you fasten the tape when you finish wrapping it?
I have figured out a way to manage the hose until I have my own bed again, have ordered a couple of hose clips and will set it up, see if that helps.

library lady wrote:Squid, how do you fasten the tape when you finish wrapping it?

It sticks to it's self. Have you ever given blood or had blood drawn at the Doctor. When there done they put some gauze on the spot and then wrap it with the tape that sticks to it's self. Like I said before you can get it at Walmart.

The tape Squid uses is also sold in farm stores as Vetwrap--at a fraction of the price! --and in colors!
The only downside is a bit of stickiness that never quite goes completely away.
An even costlier solution is silicone tape--it sticks to itself when stretched, but stays clean after.

Squid, I think I know what you're referring to now; they don't use that stuff at my clinic when they draw blood. They use a gauze roll over the pad, wrap it and tuck it under several layers. That's why I didn't know what you were using, all I could think of was the rubber tubing they use to tie around your arm to bring the veins up so they can find one to stick you with.