The Hybernite Superday Heated Breathing Tube 'Rainout Control System' by Plastiflex is suitable for the Lowenstein CPAP Machines, Drive DeVilbiss and most CPAP machines or non-invasive ventilators that don't have a specific heated hose system built into the machines to use with the humidifier.

What is 'rainout' and what does this Hybernite Heated Hose achieve?

1. The purpose of heated hoses is that sometimes people find the air pumped into the mask from CPAP or non-invasive ventilator feels cold, and especially on the nose and up the nasal passages. (Note, the temperature of the air is dependant on the actual temperature of the bedroom, so the colder the bedroom, the colder the air will feel). A heated hose, in combination with a CPAP humidifier, will warm up the air and most humidifiers have a temperature setting to adjust this further.
    

2. 'Rainout' is another problem that can occur, in that water can collect in the hose and often enters the mask, and is caused by the heated water from the humidifier reacting with the cold/cooler temperature in the bedroom. This is an annoying problem, and to try to fix this issue, patients tend to turn down their humidifiers making the dry mouth and nose worse. One of the main solutions is either a Heated Hose that is available for some brands of machines, or a Hose Cover which will insulate the hose. (Please note that a Hose Cover must not be used with this Hybernite Heated Hose due to risk of over-heating). Therefore, adding the Hybernite Universal Heated Hose can certainly be a successful solution!
    

3. Some manufacturers already supply a heated hose to work with their machines, but the Hybernite Heated Hose is for machines where this facility is not provided for, so gives the option for most machines to have the facility of a heated hose working with their own CPAP or non-invasive ventilator's humidifier. The only difference is that the Hybernite Heated Hose works as a stand-alone heated hose and needs to be powered separately, which is why there is a power adapter supplied (with both a UK and EU plug). Occasionally, patients find the heated hose supplied by the manufacturer of their machine isn't adequate, which is another reason some patients opt for this Hybernite Heated Hose. (This Hybernite Heated Hose will not work with the Fisher & Paykel machines though, but Fisher & Paykel are the world leaders in humidification anyway, so patients shouldn't struggle with problems on their machines).
    

4. The heated hoses are particularly good for very cold bedrooms or countries with colder climates. It should also be pointed out that some patients do find the heated hoses too hot for the breath, so only use them in the winter. 

Using its own, medical grade power source, the copper wires embedded in the walls of the Hybernite tubing uniformly heat along the length of the tube to maintain the temperature inside the tubing and prevent the humidified air from condensing as it travels from CPAP and humidifier to the mask.

Box Contents:-

Our starter pack comes with the following:-

• Hybernite 6 ft long Heated Hose (19mm diameter with 22mm cuffs)

• 12V Power Supply

• UK 3-pin Plug

• EU 2-pin Plug

• Hybernite PowerPal Switch (to save the need from unplugging the power from the wall socket for turning off the Hybernite Heated Hose)

The warranty for the Hybernite power kit is 2 years from purchase.
The warranty for the actual hose is 30 days, based on 8 hours usage per day (although it would be unusual for it not to last for such a short time without accidental damage).

Compatibility

The Hybernite can be used with most machines that accept a 19mm standard tube and has a humidifier attached. (Sometimes manufacturers describe these as 22mm wrongly, as it's the cuff ends that are 22mm and the diameter is usually 19mm).

The Hybernite can be used with the following Lowenstein machines without the external power plug, but it does need the external power supply for the Prisma SmartMax and SoftMax which we sell at the charity:- Prisma 20C/20A, 25S, 25S-C, 25ST, 30ST, CR, Prisma LAB with tube heating option, and Prisma VENT devices.

The Hybernite CANNOT be used with machines that use a smaller slimline diameter (15mm or 12mm) hose.

The Hybernite CANNOT be used with the older System One REMstar CPAP devices with software versions EARLIER than 1.24. (The version of software flashes on the display screen when the machine is first turned on).

Frequently Asked Questions:-

What happens if I connect the mask-end cuff to the humidifier and the humidifier end cuff to the mask? 

The Hybernite System works exactly as if the tube was connected correctly (mask cuff to mask and humidifier cuff to humidifier). However, for safety reasons and to ensure maximum comfort, connect the tube as described in the user’s manual. 

Can I use the tube without a power supply? 

Yes, the tube will then works like a standard tube for respiratory therapy devices. Respiratory air condensation can however form in the tube. 

When do I have to replace the tube? 

The tube must not be used for longer than 12 months. If the tube is damaged or a leak or malfunction occurs, then the tube should be replaced immediately. (The actual power unit will last a lot longer than 12 months).

Which humidifier or flow generator can I use the Hybernite System with? 

The cuffs of the Hybernite have the same diameter as standard tubes for respiratory therapy systems. Therefore, you can use the tube with all humidifiers that are intended for the connection of a standard tube

How do I get maximum comfort from using the Hybernite Rainout Control System? 

The maximum comfort will be different for every patient. The patent is advised to change the settings of the humidifier to find the zone of optimal comfort. It can be advised to increase the settings of the humidifier to the mid or top third of the range (e.g. setting 3, 4 or 5 if the range is from 1 to 5 or settings 4, 5 or 6 if the range is from 1 to 6). 

Cautions:-

A fleece or material Hose Cover MUST NOT be used with the Hybernite due to risk of overheating.

DO NOT use the actual heated breathing tube longer than 12 months under any circumstances. (Replacement hoses can be purchased separately without the power packs, as the power pack itself should last a lot longer and is under warranty for 2 years).

Replace the heated breathing tube immediately if any damage is noticed (including any holes, kinks, tears or exposed copper wires).

Only use the Hybernite Heated Breathing Tube with the included power supply. DO NOT use with any other power source.

DO NOT use the Hybernite V12 Power supply in an oxygen enriched environment or in an area with anaesthetic gases.

DO NOT use the Hybernite V12 Power supply at height higher than 2000m above sea level.

Always use the Hybernite System in combination with humidification to avoid an elevated airflow temperature.

DO NOT use the Hybernite System when the room temperature exceeds 30°C (or 86°F) in order to avoid an elevated airflow temperature. 

Click to download Instruction Manual

ORDERS

Shipping

We try our best to ship all orders received by us Monday-Friday on the same working day if received before 12 noon, and more often than not orders processed before 3pm will be despatched the same day whenever possible.  Weekend or UK bank holiday orders are sent out the next working day.  An automated email is sent when products have been despatched so please check your spam box and add us to your safe senders list.  Also, if you do not receive an email confirmation, please check that you have typed the correct email address in your account.

All orders are sent via 1st class mail within the UK.  Masks and some other more expensive products are always sent via 'signed for' insured delivery and cannot be left in 'safe' places, but there is the option for an alternative shipping address when processing the orders. 

Delivery charges are worked out automatically by weight and you can clearly see the delivery charges before making a payment.  On the rare occasion delivery charges are miscalculated by the website, a refund will be sent, as it is not our policy to make money on postage charges and neither do we add the cost of delivery into the price and offer so-called  'free delivery' like some sites and Ebay pressurise sellers to do! 

Wherever possible with larger parcels, we try to re-use boxes to keep shipping costs down and protect the environment.

If a product is out of stock and the order contains multiple items, the 'in stock' items will be sent immediately and further items will follow upon arrival with no further postage charges incurred.  

Important for International Orders

We can ship most products internationally, but all prices are in UK British Pounds and if paying by debit or credit card the bank will automatically convert to the current conversation rate.  Likewise, if you choose the Paypal option, they will convert into your currency for you as payment is made.  

International orders are sent via tracked Airmail, and whilst we're happy to ship internationally, we cannot be held responsible for any delays at Customs at your end, or charges that may be added in your own country, such as customs fees and import tax on delivery, which are determined by your country’s import laws and are beyond our control. Therefore, it is the customer’s responsibility to pay these charges, and certain courier companies will not be able to deliver the goods to you without pre-payment of any charges. From our experience, it appears to be randomised as to which parcels incur extra charges, but please know that all accompanying paperwork is filled in correctly when shipping and there is nothing more we can do, as much as we'd like to.

If you purchase from us out of the UK or you move to another country after purchasing products, please be aware that the warranty for CPAP machines, masks and parts from the manufacturers are under warranty  with the manufacturer based in the UK, so you will be responsible for sending the product back to us and will need to pay postage to get the product back to you after exchange or repair, as the manufacturer will not pay for shipping in any country outside of the UK.

RETURNS

Masks, CPAP machines and and most other products are exempt from a refund or exchange unless faulty due to health and hygiene issues - as stated in our 'Terms and Conditions', and in particular due to the risk of cross contamination as they cannot be re-sold. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 28.(3)(a) confirms exemption as follows:-  "exemption in the case of a contract for the supply of sealed goods which are not suitable for return due to health protection or hygiene reasons, if they become unsealed after delivery."

Unopened (sealed) products in their original packing can be returned within 14 days for a refund of the product cost, but the purchaser is to pay the return postage, and we would advise retaining proof of postage. This excludes any faulty goods, for which postage will be reimbursed.  A full refund for the price of the product will be issued when received by us, less the original postage charges when the order was sent to you.

VAT DECLARATION/INFORMATION

Most of the products we sell are eligible for Zero Rated VAT in the UK, and in order to qualify, you should meet the criteria for the following HMRC VAT Declaration:-

1. You or the person you are purchasing on behalf of have "a condition that the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness, that is a long term health condition" (sleep apnoea and sleep disordered breathing, which require therapy, are such conditions).
2. "The goods or services are for the personal or domestic use of the customer."

Please note, you do not need to be registered as disabled or in receipt of any other benefits in order to be eligible for VAT relief - you only need to meet the criteria of the above 2 points.

We cannot advise on individual cases, but more information can be found on HMRC’s website under notice 701/7 on the following link  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-7017-vat-reliefs-for-disabled-people. 

If you are not eligible for Zero Rated VAT then please make sure that the VAT Relief box in unticked so that VAT is applied to the order.

If you are purchasing on behalf of someone else who meets the above criteria, you must provide their name and address, and you will be prompted of this during the checkout process.

Customers living outside of the UK do not pay UK VAT charges, so please leave the the VAT Relief box ticked.  However, we cannot be held responsible for any additional costs incurred when the products reach your own country.

If you are purchasing with the intention of re-selling any products, you are liable to pay VAT on all products so you must untick the 'zero rate eligibility' box which will add VAT to your order.

Any products that our not eligible for zero rate VAT, will not display the VAT Declaration, and VAT will be added at checkout.