water in my hose keeps me up please help

Hi. I've tried best I can to search this subject. Maybe you can help. I have been using CPAP for about 10 months now, and could not be happier, with the exception of stomach bloat...but I'm learning to live with it. But the reason for my post is that from time to time, I get drops in my hose and when i inhale it make a "pop pop" sound. I usually disconnect and swing the hose like a lasso in the middle of the night to try to get the water out of the darn thing. Upon occasion, I wake my husband up by getting him wet...lol!! It's the craziest thing. I usually don't wake up until about 5 in the morning, so I am getting a great night sleep, but I would really like to sleep until my usual waking of 6:30. I do put it back on after getting the wet out of it and it helps. My humidifier is on 3, but I have tried it on 2 and didn't help. My sinuses need the humidifier, as I usually get blocked, so it helps. I have placed my machine lower than my bed. I just recently bought a material "sleeve" for the hose but have not put it on yet (do they work?). I don't usually fill up my humidifier to the "fill" line hoping that may help. I live on the east coast and have normal weather conditions; windows are open with Fall upon us. My nasal mask and hose are new, as I had to replace the old ones. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My machine is REMstar Auto-A-Flex; Philips Respironics System One Heated Humidifier; nasal pillow w/hose.

I am so happy that I am on cpap therapy. I haven't slept like this for years; I truly do not know why I waited so long. My husband is also very happy...no more of my snoring!! And I'm not a cranky lady!

First, the question you asked about: This is called "Rainout". As the heated water travels through the non-heated tube it condenses, usually closer to you. There are several ways to resolve this. Newer machines actually have the option to use a heated tube, but the concept of a heated tube has been around for a while, so you could buy a standalone heated tube. However, MOST people find that simply wrapping the tube solves the problem (so 'yes' they work). Depending on which Respironics you have you might be able to upgrade to the heated tube.

Now, the question you didn't ask: You mentioned being bloated. This is from swallowing air (aerophagia). You might be able to resolve this without just getting used to it. One possibility is to use your machines' exhaust relief feature. That's the A-flex your machine offers.

If your pressure is high, you might need to get a BiPap machine instead.

No one should have to live with aerophagia ... but you are doing a fantastic job with your treatment!

And if your machine/humidifier is placed higher than your head, change it - water doesn't run uphill.

If you use a Hose Buddy like the one below then even if you have condensation in your air hose it would not knock and also it would make no difference if you place your CPAP above or below your mask level. However, if you use a Resmed humidifier, then water might collect at its base if the chamber was too full with water to start with or the air condensated at the rising leg of the hose. In such a case it would make clicking sounds until you dry out the accumulated water in the humidifier base. As to condensation in the down leg of the hose it would not make clicking sounds b/c the condensated water would flow into your mask and wet your T shirt or pajama.




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http://www.amazon.com/North-American-He ... m_indust_2

Wouldn't it be cool if we could put a spit valve in the bottom of the loop?

The inexpensive heated hose solution is to put a 15 watt Zoo Med Repti heat cable in a straight line under a hose cover. It is the perfect length for a six foot hose. Heat is low enough (as long as you use only the 15 watt) that you can leave it on 24/7 without damage to the hose. Eliminates all rainout. Do a site search for more info.

http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/Entry ... F0aW5nIjt9

If your Auto is a model 550 all you can do are 2 things mentioned above. Get a hose wrap cover (see Padacheek.com or cpap.com) and have your machine 12"-24" lower than your head.

If you have model 560 you could add the heated hose setup which should resolve it.

Edit: I should have mentioned that the Hybernite heated hose is an option if you have model 550: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/hybern ... -hose.html

Wow. Thank you for your responses. Much appreciated. I will be wrapping my hose tonight to see if that helps. I'll go from there. Even though my machine is on a table about 12" below my mattress, perhaps I should try to lower it more. Thanks again.

I found that the short hose that connects the main hose and the mask was enough to cause condensation problems for me. So, I got some fleece fabric and made a little wrapper to cover that section as well. Be careful that you don't cover the vent for the mask if you choose to add the additional insulation. I just cut the fabric and fastened it with a couple of Velcro straps and I was good to go.

Pad a Cheek makes a nice cover for the short slinky hose and barrel cozies for the nasal pillows. I'm in Mich, like the bedroom at 50 -55 in the winter, the hose cozies and comfy barrel cozy work very well for me. If you are uncomfortable from aerophagia, even if your pressures aren't very high, a bipap could be a solution. Kathy

If the OP or anyone else by the way needs a hose buddy, just send me a PM.

I've got one in brand new condition you can have for free, you'll just have to cover the cost of getting it to you.