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+--- Thread: How often to replace tubing (/Thread-How-often-to-replace-tubing)
How often to replace tubing - BobbieM - 01-23-2022
The general recommendation of manufacturers is that tubing should be replaced every three months. They say there are micro-tears that cannot be seen that would affect the effectiveness of treatment. Three months seem a bit frequent. How would you know if the tubing is getting worn if damage is at the micro-level? I'm having delivery delays in my part of the world due to lockdowns and I wonder how long I could keep using a tube safely? Any advice would be appreciated.
BobbieM
RE: How often to replace tubing - StevesSp - 01-23-2022
Use the force (i.e. Oscar), Luke.
If your data sees no change that could be attributed to "micro-tears" (whatever that means), keep using that hose. Mine is currently two years old. I had my old S9 for around six years and only replaced the (heated) hose once - when I damaged it.
The term 'micro tears' suggest tiny faults in the hose material. Even if that's a real possibility (which I doubt considering what an easy life the average hose has) any resultant leaks would be immaterial compared with the leaks most of us experience due to mask seals.
I think that advice can be translated as follows: "Buy more stuff from us."
RE: How often to replace tubing - GuyScharf - 01-23-2022
(01-23-2022, 04:28 AM)StevesSp Wrote: I think that advice can be translated as follows: "Buy more stuff from us."
Yes, indeed, that is the best translation! In the U.S., the replacement frequency stated is usually the maximum that Medicare will allow -- not the frequency that the patient needs.
Hoses typically last for years. A hose cover helps protect the hose from cats and general wear and tear.
'Micro tears" would have the same effect as "pinhole leaks." They are in fact very small and hard to see (but you can usually feel the air leaking out).
I've seen very small tears in the tubing where the coil in the hose flexes. The CPAP machine can compensate for those tears as their volume is usually just 1 or 2 lpm. I recently talked with someone who was seeing a steady 5 lpm leak rate. While she could not find the leaks, replacing the hose eliminated that steady leak. The leak was not affecting therapy and was only visible in OSCAR reports.
Bottom line is that I keep using a hose until I see a steady background leak reported or other obvious damage.
RE: How often to replace tubing - Sleeprider - 01-23-2022
My insurance ships new heated tubing if requested every 3-months. I have never had problems with tubing lasting for years, and had acquired a surplus tube. I finally just quit asking for more tubing. I do use a Snuggle Skins fleece cover which probably protects tubing against abrasion, but I can't imagine the need for 3-month replacements.
RE: How often to replace tubing - BobbieM - 01-23-2022
Thanks very much guys. The reason I ask is that on and off for the past month or so, I have been seeing the red frown face on my VAuto. I changed my cushions and even switched from prongs to nasal cushions. I'm very good about washing the tubes and mask. But for the past week I've had nothing but the red mask leak face. I've also started getting headaches and I feel that even with the machine going, I am not getting much air even though the pressure is now consistently at 13-14 compared with my previous 10-12. The AHI has also crept up. All the problems I had with with my old Philips machine is coming back. So I thought it might be the hose. It looks in good condition and when I wash it, no water leaks out. What am I doing wrong?
RE: How often to replace tubing - Sleeprider - 01-23-2022
Double check the outlet gasket from the humidifier to the tube. You can turn on the machine and check for air-leaks using a light smoke to see any blowing air (light a match or small paper). If you have any doubts about the tubing, it is a good idea to have at least one known good standby. By swapping out the tube you can see if results remain consistent or if a change occurs.
RE: How often to replace tubing - BobbieM - 01-23-2022
Thanks. Will try that tonight.
RE: How often to replace tubing - BobbieM - 01-26-2022
Just to let you all know that the problem was me not fitting hose back properly on the machine after cleaning. I gave it a proper shove this and the leak problem is gone. Thanks everyone for helping.
RE: How often to replace tubing - mper6794 - 01-26-2022
_ Hi,
_ good discussions and ideas to check eventual leaks....
_ my tube/hose has now some 2.5 years.... I monitored leaks all this time, every day, and never see significant changes. Changes in leaks has to do with the cush itself and its positioning shifts due to many reasons...
good luck
RE: How often to replace tubing - Sleeprider - 01-26-2022
BobbieM, glad to hear the problem was easily solved.