Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
jackiewalts

Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by jackiewalts » Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:19 am

So, I’m not sure my new CPAP humidifier works. The first night, the water level didn’t go down at all and I still woke up with a stuffy nose. And the hotplate didn’t get hot when I touched it.

The second night I turned it up to 5 and some of the water is gone and the hot plate got hot during testing, but I still have a stuffy nose and the hot plate was cold when I woke up.

Is mine defective or do I not understand it? Is it like an old fashioned room vaporizer or more subtle than that?

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Pugsy
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Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by Pugsy » Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:26 am

It's much more subtle than one of those old time room vaporizer.
Water consumption will/can vary a lot depending on settings used and the ambient room humidity.

Which brand and model machine are you using?

Which mask are you using? Nasal congestion can come from too little humidity or too much humidity or even pressure of the mask on the nose.

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jackiewalts

Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by jackiewalts » Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:33 am

I am using Phillips Respironics Remstar auto flex with a System One Heated Humidifier. I have a Swift FX Res Med mask (the kind that has two plugs that go into my nose). Does that help narrow it down?

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palerider
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Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by palerider » Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:38 am

jackiewalts wrote:Is mine defective or do I not understand it? Is it like an old fashioned room vaporizer or more subtle than that?
you really don't want to be scalding your lungs with hot steam... ya know?

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Pugsy
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Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by Pugsy » Fri Feb 27, 2015 10:51 am

I am going to assume that you probably have the PR System One 60 Series CPAP Auto model 560 but you should look on the bottom of the blower unit for the 3 digit model number to be sure.

The 60 series machines have an optional heated hose which you may or may not have or know about.
If your hose has a black coupling on the end where it attaches to your humidifier then you have the heated hose and there are additional humidity and hose air temps available.
If your hose is white/gray on both ends then you don't have the heated hose and by default the humidifier uses the new System One humidification system which doesn't use as much water even at max level.

I don't know if you need more or less humidity to help with the nasal congestion.
If you don't have the heated hose option I would suggest that you get it as it offers much more customization as to humidity delivered and air temps.
There is also the option of changing the humidity delivery (when not using a heated hose) to Classic mode which uses more moisture if you determine that is what you need but that mode increases the chance of rain out so in that case using the heated hose would be a better way to go.

Yes, I am familiar with the Swift FX nasal pillows. It doesn't put pressure on the bridge of the nose area which can cause congestion in some people...so that eliminates that potential culprit for the nasal congestion you are experiencing.

Most likely the nasal congestion is going to be related to humidity and you are just going to have to experiment to see which way your nose wants to go in that regard. Google CPAP rhinitis and you will see what I mean.
There is no right or wrong way to go...there's only what works for the individual and in this area of cpap therapy there is a high degree of variability with individuals.
My nasal mucosa happen to need as much moisture as the humidifier will put out and would gladly take more if I could get it but there are people who do better with less or even none. Your nasal mucosa will tell you which way they want to go but it may take a bit of experimentation to get it figured out.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

jackiewalts

Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by jackiewalts » Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:06 am

Thank you. I was mainly concerned that my machine wasn't functioning. It sounds like it's working correctly and now I just have to mess with it a bit and maybe invest in a heated hose if things need adjusting.

I really appreciate your help. Good news - I got my machine quickly from my medical provider. Bad news - they don't have a phone number for questions which makes getting this kind of information hard.

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Re: Humidifier Questions from a Newbie?

Post by Pugsy » Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:24 am

Be aware that if you do have the 60 series machine and want to use the heated hose option you need to make sure that your humidifier lid and power supply will work with a heated hose.
A special lid is needed and there needs to be an 80 watt power brick (check yours as it may be a 60 watt) along with the heated hose.
There is a little upgrade kit available to make sure you have all necessary components.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/pr-hea ... e-kit.html

If you wish to change over to classic mode all you have to do is go into the clinical setup menu area and turn off the "new system one humidification" mode.

If you don't have the clinical/provider manual that explains how to get to the clinical setup menu area you can request it here.
Just make sure you are requesting the manual for whichever model machine you are using.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.