Humidifier that works with Respironics Trilogy Ventilator?

I am having problems with severe dry mouth due to high inspiratory pressures that are prescribed. When I wake up my mouth feels caked dry and it takes several hours to go away even when hydrated well.

Matt00926 wrote:I am having problems with severe dry mouth due to high inspiratory pressures that are prescribed. When I wake up my mouth feels caked dry and it takes several hours to go away even when hydrated well.

Try the HC150 external humidifier.


Our host has them.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... m_device=c

There may be other sources at different prices.

JDS74 wrote:

Matt00926 wrote:I am having problems with severe dry mouth due to high inspiratory pressures that are prescribed. When I wake up my mouth feels caked dry and it takes several hours to go away even when hydrated well.

Try the HC150 external humidifier.


Our host has them.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/fisher ... m_device=c

There may be other sources at different prices.

This is what I use with my Trilogy. Please note the water tanks are DISPOSABLE and cannot be cleaned. You need to replace them every 30 days, even with distilled water.

I did not know that! xPAP therapy is such a cash crop I swear.

Madalot wrote:Please note the water tanks are DISPOSABLE and cannot be cleaned. You need to replace them every 30 days, even with distilled water.

Kind of strange for a product with a one year warranty. I used mine years ago for 6-7 months with just distilled water before I got a machine with a matching tank. Just rinsed it out occasional.

I've been using mine for a long time now and am still using the original disposable tank that came with it.
I use distilled water and there is no sign of wear or other problems.
I did order a tank that can be cleaned in case this one failed in some way but it is still in the box waiting patiently.

Do not let the DME convince you to replace every 30 days, especially if you use distilled water and change it every day.

JDS74 wrote:I've been using mine for a long time now and am still using the original disposable tank that came with it.
I use distilled water and there is no sign of wear or other problems.
I did order a tank that can be cleaned in case this one failed in some way but it is still in the box waiting patiently.

Do not let the DME convince you to replace every 30 days, especially if you use distilled water and change it every day.

Valid points. I had completely forgotten that you CAN buy a tank that can be cleaned. Sorry about that -- I'm getting old...

The website states the tank should be replaced every six months. The humidifier comes with two tanks and I'm going to purchase the additional bacterial filter - maybe this will help. I also don't think I will need to run the humidifier higher than 1-2 setting but we shall see.

I don't mind replacing it more often - I guess I will just need to observe monthly to see if it needs replacing.

Matt00926 wrote:The website states the tank should be replaced every six months. The humidifier comes with two tanks and I'm going to purchase the additional bacterial filter - maybe this will help. I also don't think I will need to run the humidifier higher than 1-2 setting but we shall see.

I don't mind replacing it more often - I guess I will just need to observe monthly to see if it needs replacing.

I do it that way because my insurance covers the three new tanks per quarter. But you do have the option of buying one or two tanks that CAN be taken apart and cleaned. If you have to pay for the disposable tanks, buying the other two might be more cost effective in the long run.

Matt00926 wrote:I am having problems with severe dry mouth due to high inspiratory pressures that are prescribed. When I wake up my mouth feels caked dry and it takes several hours to go away even when hydrated well.

You probably should get the humidifier as recommended.

The humidifiers are good for keeping the nasal airways from drying. But, if you are mouth breathing, they are not as effective. In that case, here is a popular aid:

For dry mouth - Orajel For Dry Mouth - http://www.drugstore.com/orajel-dry-mou ... tid=340685

I use this every night - a bit between the gums and teeth lasts all night. Put a dab on the end of your tongue and work it between your lower teeth and gums. Repeat for upper teeth. Apply it just before the mask goes on and try not to suck it down before you fall asleep.

- CG

Are you still using Resmed Airfit F10?

Matt00926 wrote:When I wake up my mouth feels caked dry and it takes several hours to go away even when hydrated well.

This is bothersome. Are you taking any drugs that have dry mouth as a side effect?

Does the problem go away, say by lunch, and not return until you use your CPAP at night?

ChicagoGranny wrote:

Are you still using Resmed Airfit F10?

I moved on to the Fisher and Paykel Simplus full-face mask. It seems to handle higher pressures better with less leaking.

ChicagoGranny wrote:This is bothersome. Are you taking any drugs that have dry mouth as a side effect?

Does the problem go away, say by lunch, and not return until you use your CPAP at night?

Only medication I take is Cardizem which is used to control a high/irregular heartbeat and chest pain (angina). I've had dry mouth before starting the medication.

The problem does go away by lunch and doesn't return.

I received and set up the humidifier last night. I still have a bit of a dry mouth but it's a lot better overall and at least my nasal passages are clear.

I noticed that it makes the flow of air seem a lot quieter, and I also noticed that the peak flow seems to have lessened. I hope I'm not losing out on needed therapy.

It's good to hear you are doing better.

Matt00926 wrote:I still have a bit of a dry mouth

For dry mouth - Orajel For Dry Mouth - http://www.drugstore.com/orajel-dry-mou ... tid=340685

I use this every night - a bit between the gums and teeth lasts all night. Put a dab on the end of your tongue and work it between your lower teeth and gums. Repeat for upper teeth. Apply it just before the mask goes on and try not to suck it down before you fall asleep.

I also wear every night, even with my FFM, a soft cervical collar - http://www.amazon.com/Carex-Health-Bran ... rds=collar

The collar helps keep the jaw from dropping during REM sleep. It also keeps the neck/airway in an optimum position for breathing.

ChicagoGranny wrote:It's good to hear you are doing better.

Matt00926 wrote:I still have a bit of a dry mouth

For dry mouth - Orajel For Dry Mouth - http://www.drugstore.com/orajel-dry-mou ... tid=340685

I use this every night - a bit between the gums and teeth lasts all night. Put a dab on the end of your tongue and work it between your lower teeth and gums. Repeat for upper teeth. Apply it just before the mask goes on and try not to suck it down before you fall asleep.

I also wear every night, even with my FFM, a soft cervical collar - http://www.amazon.com/Carex-Health-Bran ... rds=collar

The collar helps keep the jaw from dropping during REM sleep. It also keeps the neck/airway in an optimum position for breathing.

Thanks! I will have to definitely pick up the Orajel and soft cervical collar. I tried using Biotene and it's decent but wears off pretty quickly (I assume since it's just a spray instead of a gel).

Any idea on the reduction in peak flow? It seems my average IPAP was a few cmH2O higher than usual in order to achieve the same target volume. I noticed the peak flow drop from an average of 30 or so to sometimes being below 20. All the hoses seem to be pretty snug.

I did some reading - it seems that the extra bacterial filters between the hose/humidifier is what can cause a drop in air flow/pressure. I will try removing that to see if the peak flow rate goes back to normal.

Matt00926 wrote:I did some reading - it seems that the extra bacterial filters between the hose/humidifier is what can cause a drop in air flow/pressure. I will try removing that to see if the peak flow rate goes back to normal.

Be careful doing that. When I first got the Trilogy, nobody told me that filter was supposed to be changed monthly. When they finally saw it months later, it was BLACK. And I mean black. Made me ill to think air I was breathing was coming through that.