Noninvasive blood pressure monitors which use twin‐ and single‐hose cuffs complicate the movement of patients between bed spaces with different cuff‐hose systems. We assessed, using a commercially available noninvasive blood pressure monitor function analyser, the use of single‐hose cuffs coupled via a Y‐piece adaptor to the twin‐hose of noninvasive monitors designed for use with twin‐hose cuffs. Assessments were made at three simulated pressures (200/150 mmHg, 120/80 mmHg, and 60/30 mmHg) and at normal and weak arterial pulsations. The use of a single‐hose cuff attached with the Y‐piece adaptor did not adversely affect the performance of the monitors. Copyright © 1993, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved