Sleep apnea hoses might not be the stuff of titillating dinner conversation, but they’re a critical consideration for anyone who uses a CPAP machine. These hoses help ensure that air flows evenly and consistently from the machine to your mask, which is essential for combating the symptoms of sleep apnea.
The general rule of thumb is that sleep apnea tubing should be replaced approximately every three months, which means you’ll want to identify the best sleep apnea hoses for your needs sooner rather than later. We’ve put together a list of great (and universally compatible) options to get you started on your search.
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How We Picked
To select our top choices for best sleep apnea hoses, we emphasized the following factors.
Durability
As a general rule, sleep apnea tubes should be replaced approximately every three months — so any tube worth its salt should last approximately that long. For this reason, we prioritized options that are designed with durability in mind.
Materials
Sleep apnea hoses can be made from a variety of materials, and some might appeal to you more or less than others. For example, people with latex allergies will need to steer clear of hoses that use latex; some hoses contain special materials (such as thermoplastic rubber) to help minimize wear and tear; and so on. We included hoses made from (or without) various materials so you can choose according to your needs and preferences.
Length
Every sleep apnea tube on this list is at least 6-feet-long, and some come in other length options. We made 6 feet our minimum length because this size should provide some room for you to switch sleep positions comfortably without having to worry about pulling over your CPAP machine.
Universality
Every option on this list is meant to be a universal sleep apnea tube, meaning it should be compatible with most CPAP machines. We deliberately steered clear of brand-specific recommendations, because those would only be useful to people who already own that brand of CPAP machine.
Sleepopolis Buying Tips
Trying to settle on the best sleep apnea tube for your needs? Consider the following:
- What kind of CPAP machine do you have? While the options on this list are meant to work with a variety of CPAP brands, it’s still a good idea to confirm that any hosing will be compatible with your specific machine.
- Do you have a latex allergy? Then make sure to seek out options that are latex-free.
- Do you want an extra-long tube? Most sleep apnea hoses are sized up to 6 feet, but it’s possible to find options that are 8- or even 10-feet-long.
A quality sleep apnea hose is essential for getting the most benefit out of your CPAP machine. To find the best sleep apnea tube for your needs, make sure the tube is compatible with your machine, think about the length of tubing that you want, and consider whether you need a hose that’s made with (or without) certain materials.
FAQs
Are all CPAP hoses the same?
Not necessarily. CPAP hoses generally follow universal sizing guidelines, including a 22mm connector cuff at the point where the hose and mask connect. But CPAP hoses can also vary a bit when it comes to length, materials, construction, and so on.
When should I replace my CPAP hose?
Recommendations vary from around three to 12 months, but it’s probably a good idea to stick to the lower end of that spectrum. Bacteria and germs can build up inside of the tube, and even regular washings might miss some buildup. If you’re concerned about when to replace your CPAP hose, consult the doctor who prescribed your CPAP machine.
Is air supposed to come out of the CPAP hose?
Air comes through the CPAP hose from the CPAP machine, but it shouldn’t leak out around your mask. If air is escaping around your mask, then the machine isn’t working as well as it should. This is a sign that you might need to look for a CPAP hose with a more secure fit.
