I've read lots of posts where people say they have dry mouths or noses even when using the humidifer attached to their xPAP machine.  They've tried heated hoses, hose covers, all kinds of tricks, and the dryness persists.  I myself have had dryness problems, even with my humidifer cranked up all the way.  I'm not convinced these humidifers are as effective as they should be.

Is your humidifer effective?

jla930 wrote:

They've tried heated hoses, hose covers, all kinds of tricks, and the dryness persists.

Heated hoses & hose covers are to prevent condensation in the hose (aka "Rainout"), not prevent nose dryness.

My first heated humidifier I would have to crank to the max to get decent humidity.  The one I have now (exact same model) I only need to put on "2".  I suspect that either my first humidifier wasn't functioning properly or there is a wide range of performance with humidifiers, even among model lines.

If yours isn't working, try another...you may have a bum unit.

I've got a Resmed VPAP Auto (the Bipap one) and at pressure 15 my humidifer is NEVER effective.  I wonder if anyone else is using the resmed integrated humidifier (same as on S8) that is effective at higher pressures.  Maybe I got a bad one....  I don't think so because the tank is almost empty in the morning...

I am not sure that they are of value at all.  I tried to use one, I gave up on it.

Mine is affective...I can tell when it has run out of water or when I do nto use it.  If the nose or mouth is very dry it may be other things going on unless you have already banged your head against the wall tryong to figure it out.

Bearded One wrote:

I am not sure that they are of value at all.  I tried to use one, I gave up on it.

So, bearded one, I assume that you're bearded.  (I'm very intuitive).  I'm bearded as well.    The DME has suggested that the leaky seal of my hybrid (full face) mask caused by my beard could be causing the humidity problem.  I almost shaved last night.  Could this be the cause?

I don't have any problems with the mask leaking, I use a ComfortGel nasal mask and I get very little leakage where it contacts my mustache.  The only problem I have is that it crushes my mustache.  

I just don't see any value in a humidifier and I see several drawbacks.  I had used a CPAP for about 13 years before I got a new CPAP with a built in humidifier: I used the humidifier for a while and it never did anything for me.  Ironically, I use an Aussie heated hose in the winter time to warm the air.

On here and other apnea forums a goodly number of posts are about humidifier problems.  One person said that a humidifier incident water damaged an expensive piece of furniture.  Other people have damaged their machine with water.

Some drawbacks I noticed with a humidifier:

#1  It uses water -- this counts for about six drawbacks
#2  Rainout
#3  Extra stuff to carry when traveling
#4  Another thing to clean
#5  Additional cost of replacing disposable water chambers

Quote:

#1  It uses water -- this counts for about six drawbacks
#2  Rainout
#3  Extra stuff to carry when traveling
#4  Another thing to clean
#5  Additional cost of replacing disposable water chambers

I need the humidity... it does not matter what it involves.

1. Needed element
2. Cover takes care of this... mine is quilted
3. Fits in travel pack, really not extra
4. Rinse with hot water and occasionally with vinegar and water
5. Worth any extra cost

So, if it helps you... use it!!!  The 'trouble' it is... it only what you make it to be
Barb


_________________
Remstar auto CPAP... mask=Hans Rudolph V2
Peace begins with each of us, as individuals

I have been using a CPAP for about 2 weeks now and the humidifier has only been effective once. On that night it was raining outside, the humidity in the house was way up and I finally got to know what others on the forum meant by 'rainout'. I get congested very easily and get claustrophobic if my mouth gets too dry. I really need that humidity. Mask leakage was a real problem at first and I am on my 3rd trial mask, a Mirage Liberty with nasal pillows. In the last couple of nights the leakage has gotten much better but the congestion & dry mouth hasn't. Now I am thinking of getting a room humidifier & putting it right up to the one built into the ResMed S8. Could this cause problems with the S8?


_________________
Machine: ResMed S8 Elite
Humidifier: HumidAire 3i

Hi Jeff:  Yes I use the humidifier and have severe problems with nasal irritation if I don't. (Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes)  I have a hose cover for the winter months and found that mouthbreathing occasionally resulted in dry mouth but the nasal passages were still OK.  It took some juggling but I found the right number for me, the happy medium between rainout and irritation.  

As for room humidifiers.  We have a house unit that dispenses enough moisture to stop static electricity and too dry air throughout the house.  It really depends on the climate where you live.  In northern climes, where heating is necessary a house or room humidifier is a must.


_________________



____________________________________________

ResMed S8 Elite, F&P Flexifit 406, Optilife
AHI 54/hr, Pressure 8, desat. 73