Supply Quality

Quality CPAP supplies are essential to good therapy.  About 6 months ago the sleep center where I get my supplies changed to a different manufacturer for the tubing that goes from the power unit to the mask.  The tube was much lighter weight and felt quite flimsy.  The first time I got this replacement tubing it developed a hole in the plastic after a couple weeks of use. I had to order a replacement.
Last month I began feeling very tired during the day.  I just thought work was maybe a little more stressful than normal and didn't think too much about it.  After about a week I noticed that I could hear more air flowing through the tubing than normal. Upon closer inspection, I could see that the tubing had been stretched at a certain point along the tubing and the plastic had little pin holes along the wire coil of the tubing.  Knowing that I would have to call the next day for a replacement, I pulled an old length of tubing out of a closet that I had kept as a "just-in-case" something happened my current tubing (very foresightful of me!!). It was the old thicker tubing that had been in use before the sleep center changed suppliers.
After 2 days, of using the old tubing that didn't have wholes, I could tell I slept better at night as was less tired during the day. When I called in to order my new tubing, I asked the sleep center if I could order the old tubing.  Yes! It was possible, it just wasn't part of their normal stock and would cost me a few extra dollars to order in.
I have the new tubing.  I have asked the sleep center to mark my chart that I only want the brand of the heavier duty tubing.  It may cost a little more, but I think it will hold up much better than the flimsier new brand of tubing.  I have had several good nights of sleep!
Your CPAP supplier may not be as accommodating as mine. However, this is a good reminder to monitor the quality of the supplies you are receiving.  If the goods are inferior, ask for a different brand or maybe even switch suppliers.  A few extra bucks, no problem - because your life really does depend on it!