CPAP Basics - 3

[SleepWellCPAP]

Hello All and happy Sunday afternoon!

In order to highlight the fundamentals of equipment usage, I started this post a few weeks ago to cover just the basics of what new users need to know.

So far we've discussed initial mask fit, cleanliness, data collection, being educated on your condition and tube control. This weeks question,

What do you believe to be the third most important element of success for a new PAP user?

In my opinion, the third most important factor in optimizing the use of this equipment is humidification. Your upper airway provides moisture for your lungs. If your humidity isn't set right, or you have leakage letting the humidity out, you will not feel much if any benefit from your device.

Please post any and all opinions you have on this subject, it will be very interesting to see what you all think.

Jim

[Wulfman...]

#3 - "Attitude" (could also be termed as: mindset, acceptance, outlook, etc.)

Den

.

[chunkyfrog]

Distilled water only; always check for "unwanted biological agents" and remove when found.
Learn how to use the humidity controls, and heated hose (if any).
Be aware of the effects room humidity and mouth breathing have on water consumption.
:: In a disaster, using a heated humidifier may not be an option--what do you suggest?

[SleepWellCPAP]

Hello Chunkyfrog,

In a disaster situation I usually suggest using a battery back up. You have a point for sure, with that set up they say not to use the heater.

Maybe bigger batteries? Nasal products?

I would still attach the heater though, at least it would function as a passover.

Thanks for the post!

Jim

[chunkyfrog]

I ask the question, since only the Transcend has humidity while under battery power;
but it involves recycling exhaled moisture with the aid of a consumable filter/reaction device
with a short life span. I wonder what would be the jerry-rig in a field hospital--(MacGyver style)

[Denial Dave]

+1 on Wulfmans choice


Humidification is a close 4th..... All I knew when I got home was that I had an H5i system..... it took a week or so until I figured out what level of humidity I preferred.... but having humidity did not help me succeed....

having a good attitude is what put me on the road to success.

[squid13]

I ask the question, since only the Transcend has humidity while under battery power;
but it involves recycling exhaled moisture with the aid of a consumable filter/reaction device
with a short life span. I wonder what would be the jerry-rig in a field hospital--(MacGyver style)

You can use the humidifier and climate line on the S9 using this.https://www.cpap.com/productpage/DC-Con ... hines.html If you use the humidifier it will just use up your battery quicker. If using at home for power outages just make sure you have a good ampere hour battery.

[caffeinatedcfo]

Assuming you've got the right attitude (#1) and mask (#2),

#3 = SUPPORT SYSTEM (i.e. supportive spouse, family, this forum, doctor, DME, etc)

[ArmandXP]

Distilled water only; always check for "unwanted biological agents" and remove when found.
Learn how to use the humidity controls, and heated hose (if any).
Be aware of the effects room humidity and mouth breathing have on water consumption.
:: In a disaster, using a heated humidifier may not be an option--what do you suggest?

I'm new to this and could you help me understand the humidity control a little better. I've been leaving it at 80 the last two nights and all seems well. How do I know if I've got it set wrong? Thanks!

[newsnore]

Assuming you've got the right attitude (#1) and mask (#2),

#3 = SUPPORT SYSTEM (i.e. supportive spouse, family, this forum, doctor, DME, etc)

I totally agree - although I wonder if this possibly should be No 1 = Support from the likes of this cpaptalk.com forum is vital. Professional help is very necessary, but it comes and goes (not always there when we are needing it either) whereas forums like this are always here for us - the fellow experience sharing and info posted here keeps us alive in the CPAP world. It would be great if Sleep OSA professionals would have the courage to point new users to support like this forum because, going by the statistics, far too many give up when they hit a snag early in their CPAP journey.

[jencat824]

Assuming you've got the right attitude (#1) and mask (#2),

#3 = SUPPORT SYSTEM (i.e. supportive spouse, family, this forum, doctor, DME, etc)

Ditto!

[SleepWellCPAP]

Hello Armand,

What you are leaving set to 80 is the temperature you are asking the machine to provide at your nose. With climate control tubing you are assured 90% humidity relative to room air without rainout or condensation forming in the tube. Humidity is important because if it set wrong, you will either get dried out or stuffed up. The result is usually a limitation of flow and thereby you don't feel very rested.

If you are getting through the night and feel better than when you did not use the machine, I would say to leave the climate control set to auto at 80 degrees. The nice thing about climate control is it maintains that humidity level, regardless of what temperature you feel is comfortable. If you need more humidity, set the climate control to manual and turn up the number next to the water drop on the main menu.

Good luck, hope that helps, please keep posting progress.

Jim

[Denial Dave]

humidity level setting depend a lot on personal preferences, interior & exterior environment and other similar changes.

In my 6 month journey, I've never experienced rain-out at all. But on occasion, I have experienced condensation inside my Full Face mask early in the mornings.

That tells me that I am full of hot air.



But mostly it means that I need to move to a lower humidity or temperature setting for my climate line hose. Pretty soon, it will get warmer here in New England and I'll be changing back over to a standard hose and settings.

[LSAT]

Distilled water only; always check for "unwanted biological agents" and remove when found.
Learn how to use the humidity controls, and heated hose (if any).
Be aware of the effects room humidity and mouth breathing have on water consumption.
:: In a disaster, using a heated humidifier may not be an option--what do you suggest?

I'm new to this and could you help me understand the humidity control a little better. I've been leaving it at 80 the last two nights and all seems well. How do I know if I've got it set wrong? Thanks!

With humidity, there is no right or wrong. It is strictly a comfort issue. Some people do not use the humidifier at all. You set it to a temp. that you are comfortable with.

[NotLazyJustTired]

Humidity setting: Is it really just for comfort? I don't think so. As Jim has pointed out, an incorrect setting for humitidy/temp can result in dryness or stuffiness with the net affect of flow limitation. Some of us are particularly prone to flow limitation and RERAs which can disrupt our sleep. So while many may see it just as a comfort setting, for many of us it can (and in my experience does) effect sleep quality.