CPAP Question: How Far Does the Hose Reach?

I’ve been asked a number of questions in response to the previous post, CPAP (or: Snorkeling While I Sleep), both via the comments and email. I’ll answer them over a few posts.

Mike asked this question:

I sleep on my side, and usually turn to the other side at least once during the night.

I may need a similar device, and one thing that concerns me is will I still be able to do that? That is, is the hose long and flexible enough to sleep on your side, facing the inside of the bed?

I thought I’d help mike out by taking a photograph of how I’ve got the CPAP machine set up in my room, with the hose reaching over the pillow to show its reach. Keep in mind that the pillow in the photo is a king-size pillow (in accordance with my rock and roll lifestyle, we have a king-size bed):

If you sleep on your side (I prefer to sleep on my right side, and I sleep on the right side of the bed), you need to find a mask that will accommodate that position. The one I have flexes a little; it also allows the hose to be positioned at any angle.