Three Reasons To Use A Short CPAP Tube

If you're about to start using a CPAP machine to deal with your sleep apnea, you'll need to acquire a handful of supplies to use with the machine. An essential piece of gear is the tube, which runs between the machine and your mask. Tubes are available in several different lengths. It might initially make sense to get a longer tube, as this may help you to feel as though you can move more freely in bed. While this is true, you shouldn't overlook the benefits of equipping your CPAP machine with a shorter tube instead. Here are some reasons that a shorter tube can be a good choice.

Less Chance Of Getting Tangled

A long CPAP machine tube will allow you to move around in your bed, but there's also a risk that you'll get tangled in the tube. This isn't necessarily dangerous, but it can lead to sleep interruptions. For example, getting tangled could pull on the tube and cause the mask to slip off your face, which would likely wake you up. A shorter tube can be desirable because there's less of a chance that it will get tangled around your body. Provided that you don't move around a lot in your sleep, you can likely use a short tube successfully.

Easier For Travel

If you travel a lot for business or you simply enjoy traveling as a pastime, you'll need to get in the habit of taking your CPAP machine and supplies with you. The longer your tube, the more space that it will take up in your luggage. If you're the type of traveler who favors taking a minimalist approach to packing for a trip, you'll likely appreciate how a shorter tube will occupy less space in your carry-on bag, backpack, or suitcase.

Simpler To Clean

It's vitally important for you to clean your CPAP supplies per the manufacturer's instructions. The last thing that you want is for there to be a surplus of bacteria in your mask or tube, as you'll be breathing in the bacteria night after night. Properly cleaning your CPAP tube involves inserting a long brush in each end. The shorter the tube, the quicker it will be to clean. Longer tubes require the use of longer brushes, which can complicate the cleaning process. If you favor simplicity, a shorter tube can be a good choice.

Visit a medical equipment supplier to learn more about CPAP supplies.