Question about Humidification

[elixeus]

I have a ResMed S9 AutoSet, APAP, 5-9 cmH2O. I have the H5i humidifier ClimateLine tubing, and use a FFM since I am a mouth breather and have a deviated septum for the past 11 years. In any case, I was wondering, I have the temp cranked up to 86, and the humidification set to 6.0, which is also max. While I don't have an unbearably dry mouth, it is unpleasant. I wanted to know if this normal/expected given these pressures and high humidification. When the humidifier says cooling down and I take it out, it isn't cold, but it isn't warm. I didn't detect any leaks in the unit, tubing, or mask. Wondering if this is normal, or some defect per other people's experiences.

Thanks in-advance for your responses!

[SGearhart]

The temperature setting is for the ClimateLine hose. To the best og my knowledge, about the only thing that controls the heating plate is the humidity setting. The humidity setting takes in to account the ambient humidity and will only add moisture to the air is too dry.

[Pugsy]

The mouth breathing is what is drying out the mouth and unfortunately for some people even maximum humidity delivery simply isn't enough to rehydrate the mouth sufficiently. Any number of factors might be involved including meds that might dry out the mouth some or other health conditions.
We see lots of full face mask users complaining of dry mouth and using maximum humidity. Can't really offer much other than don't mouth breathe as much and that's obviously not an option for people who have to mouth breathe due to nasal issues.
What we usually do is suggest that they perhaps try one of those products that is supposed to help with dry mouth...I think Biotene makes some and even OraGel has been mentioned here in the past.

These humidifiers can do a good job hydrating the nasal cavity but the oral cavity is simply much larger and it can't put out enough moisture to do the best job for some people. Some people just get dry mouth easier, faster and worse than others.

[elixeus]

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I will check out the Biotene gel if it remains a persistent problem for me. I was just more concerned I got a defective humidifier unit.

I was playing around with the settings a bit. I noticed that with the ClimateLine temperature and humidity when configured separately.

Humidity of 6 and a heated hose maxed out to 86 for me at least produces drier air, even though heated air can carry water vapor better
So I turned down the temperature a bit and that has helped with the dry mouth. Like you had mentioned Pugsy: the mouth is a larger surface area, more area to dry out. The nose is a little more resilient than the mouth when it comes to warming, humidifying air before you breathe it. I still wonder how the setting: Pillows, Full Face, Nasal and Nasal Ultra alter the humidity. I would imagine humidity should be enhanced on a FFM setting. I live in a dry climate, so sometimes it can still feel inadequate.

Again thanks for the replies and feedback, it is much appreciated

[Pugsy]

I still wonder how the setting: Pillows, Full Face, Nasal and Nasal Ultra alter the humidity. I would imagine humidity should be enhanced on a FFM setting.

Those mask type settings don't/won't alter the humidity at all. Those settings are to help the machine figure out your leak numbers.
Now the humidity may be perceived as feeling different depending on the mask used but the actual humidity delivered doesn't change with the type of mask used.