stand alone humidifier question

[nomad]

I'm wanting to replace the ResMed HumidAire 3i that came with my new machine. The air in our house is fairly dry (even when we run a whole room heated humidifier at night). The 3i is set on the maximum setting. I could however use a little more humidity if possible. Plus, the 3i tends to run out of water towards morning if I want to sleep in. And no, I don't get rain out.

I've started looking at the HC150 (and would get the 300 tank to go with it). I did a search for the 150, but got back close to 500 hits. If this has been covered before, sorry, but I don't have the time to sort through 500 posts.

The 150 has a listed water capacity of 1 2/3 cups while the 3i is listed at 385ml (1.63 cups)... basically the same. Would the HC be a better solution for my needs or is there something better... very high humidity setting/ very large water capacity?

I need help.

[nomad]

Also... any feedback on the Devilbiss 9200DI-H Heated Humidifier for my specific needs? Thanks.

[nomad]

Last night I got just about (maybe a little under) 7 hours of sleep before the tank ran dry. I over filled it as much as I could and woke up this morning with a very dry throat. It seems this is about typical with the 3i. I've got to find a solution soon.

[GumbyCT]

Last night I got just about (maybe a little under) 7 hours of sleep before the tank ran dry. I over filled it as much as I could and woke up this morning with a very dry throat. It seems this is about typical with the 3i. I've got to find a solution soon.

You do know that leaks use up more water, right? What are your leaks like? Hopefully you have the software to check. Else you will just have to assume that leaks are too high.

If you do get the HC 150 you can (within reason) hook both humidifiers together in series but will have to experiment with your settings on each. You may even want to just leave one on pass over.

[deerhound]

I highly recommend the HC150. I always have water left in the tank, even on a bad leak night. I have mine set on level 2 and with the Padacheek hose cover I never get rainout and I never have a dry mouth.
Dale

[nomad]

The software and card reader are on order from cpap.com. Hopefully it'll ship any day now (the reader was suppose to be on backorder until Jan. 2... a couple of days ago). Anyway, the few times I've had my data checked at the clinic, I've always had relatively low leak rates (but it is possible that may have changed). I can't wait to get the software.

If I do get the HC150 and hook both tanks up (using one as a passover), should I use the first or second tank as the passover? I'm thinking the first tank.

I know I'm not telling anyone here anything new when I say this... but, this constant balancing act (changing settings, adjusting straps, getting different equipment) to find just the best possible setup is tiresome.

[deerhound]

I think you will be happy with the HC150 just by itself. If by some chance you run out of water, then I would try using the integrated humidifier in passover mode. By not using the integrated humidifier you make it a little bit harder to get water into your cpap machine in case of an accident.

Dale

[GumbyCT]

I used my integrated M series HH many diff ways but like the way the HC150 controls the humidity the best. Right now (while connected) there is no water in the integrated water chamber and using the HC150 for my moisture control. I find it easier to add water to the HC150 too, plus you can see how much water is left. The integrated I save for warmer weather and traveling.

Yes, using cpap can be a balancing act. Esp. humidifier needs seem to change with the seasons.
Pray for spring.

GumbyCT who is getting cabin fever.

[gailandartie]

ResMed has come out with a ResMed HumidAire 4i, which is susposed to give more humidity and has a larger chamber and heating element. One advantage is that it would be integrated with your ResMed machine.

Gail

[kopoloff]

I have had both an H3i and H4i. Have a look at this topic

viewtopic/t37469/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37149

Cheers

k

[roster]

Nomad,

Like Gumby, I suspect your water usage is due to mask leaks, unless you are using a high pressure like 16 cm or above. I am also in the Old North State and do not use nearly as much water as you to achieve a good level of humidity. The entire state is in a humid climate and so far it has been a mild fall and winter. In any case it is not a mistake to purchase an HC150 as it is an excellent humidifier.

Sounds like you are making it a priority to get your software running to check apneas, hypopneas and leaks. This is a good decision.

Good luck,

[rested gal]

I think you will be happy with the HC150 just by itself. If by some chance you run out of water, then I would try using the integrated humidifier in passover mode. By not using the integrated humidifier you make it a little bit harder to get water into your cpap machine in case of an accident.

Dale

I agree with Dale. The Fisher & Paykel HC 150 has long been my favorite standalone heated humidifier.

viewtopic.php?p=206305
A link to my comparison of the amount of water several humidifier chambers can hold.

_________ From my post ....

I just now measured the water capacity of three water chambers, filling each just to their "fill line":

Respironics M series humidifier - 11 ounces
I wouldn't try to overfill this one at all.

Respironics non-M (classic) humidifier - 14 ounces
Can be overfilled another two ounces without problem - to 16 ounces.

Fisher & Paykel HC 150 separate humidifier - 16 ounces
Can be overfilled one more ounce without problem - to 17 ounces.

Those "overfill" numbers I'm using are from my own experience using cpap pressures in the range of 8 - 16 cm. If a person is using more cpap pressure than 16, you probably wouldn't want to overfill a humidifier chamber much, if any. The greater force of air hitting the water is going to cause more turbulence on the surface of the water.

You know you've overfilled a humidifier tank if you hear splashing, spitting, or gurgling sounds when you turn on the air. Need to pour a little out and not fill it that much next time. Been there, done that!

When I use an M series machine, I never use the integrated humidifier for it. I always use my good old F&P HC150 humidifier connected to the M machine. Holds a LOT more water than the M humidifier.

Such a handy humidifier to have, that F&P HC150. Can be used with any brand/model machine.

[nomad]

I hope this works... (fingers crossed). I ordered the HC150 and the 300 tank today.

[BASCONERO]

Hi, on my Respironics Auto Cflex the HH ( set on 2 ) has a duration of 2 nights ( about 14/15 hours ); my pressure is 15 to 20.

[sleeplessinaz]

wow!!! I live in Arizona--the desert and I never had my setting higher than 2 1/2 --and this is a DRY Climate!! You must have some MAJOR leaks going on or something to be using up that much water at night --either that or your HI3 is not working properly. It must not be heating up the water or something for you to need that much humidity. Maybe you have small pin holes in your hose --have you checked that too? it seems odd that you have it on MAX. setting and are not getting any rainout or water in your mask. Let us know what you find out?

Carrie