Do you use the F&P HC150 and why???

[mallen4258]

I see a lot of people here use the F&P HC150 humidifier instead of the integrated one for their particular xPAP machine. Does it give any advantages over the integrated unit?? I use my "built-in" humidifier in passover now that it has gotten HOT!!!! In cooler weather(winter) I usually set it at 1 or on cold nights (few and far between here) on 2.

[KSMike]

I originally planned to buy the integrated one, but was persuaded by some of the very knowledgeable people on this board to go F&P instead and I'm glad I was. I hate the looks of it and it doesn't seem very practical to travel with, but it works like a dream, doesn't leak, is very well built, has been 100% trouble-free so far, and holds enough water for 2-3 nights during the winter and 3-4 nights during the summer. I'm going to buy an integrated one for travel purposes, but that's all it will ever be used for.

[Pirateghost]

I didn't see any advantages. In fact, I'm selling mine, hasn't been used much.

[TheDreamer]

The big reason is that it's quieter.... there was kind of a whoosh sound of air going back and forth (though I don't know if it would still be there now that I have C-Flex turned off) with the integrated humidifier....and listening to my breathing throws off my breathing.

The original reason was the bigger capacity...

Don't know if the ambi-tracking actually works to help with rainout....since 'winter' was over by the time I got it.

Though before I removed the built-in humidifier...I did go on a trip...where the night stand in the hotel room did a good job blocking the machine sounds...and I had the best sleep so far there. Unfortunately, the nightstand wouldn't fit into my carry-on bag, so I couldn't steal it from the hotel. I didn't even take extra shampoo, soaps, or coffee, like I normally do, this trip....partly because I put the 'do not disturb' sign up the first night and left it there for the whole stay....no housekeeping to worry about touching my machine.....

Though just before it arrived, my doctor suggested that the solution to my congestion problem might to be use pass-over....which is pretty much all I've been doing since. There was the occasional night at first where I used heated....

I'm keeping the integrated one for travel. And, I'm trying to figure out if there's a way I can transport it safely/easily but not have machine and humidifier together....some way to minimize what TSA get's to play with when I go through security. Also wondering about smaller case that will still carry everything....that will fit into tiny overhead that exists on some small planes. Or maybe leave me some room under the seat in front of me for my feet.

The Dreamer.

[6PtStar]

I would not trade mine!! I love the larger capacity!! I did run dry on my intergrated one a time or two and it smells for a couple of days after that. I had all kinds of leak issues with my intergrated one. The chambers are much cheaper to replace although I did bite the bullet and get the one that can be opened and cleaned and is a bit heaver than the standard one. I think it makes my cpap a bit quiter also. It has an almost unlimited number of settings unlike the 1,2,3,4 and 5 settings.

Jerry

[LouC]

I use mine all the time. The built-in humidifier on my Respironics never put out enough humidity for me and always ran dry. (Very dry in AZ though)
I built a small shelf on the side of my end table so the HC150 would be lower than my bed -- and condensation would drain back into the chamber. There's a threaded insert on the base that accepts machine screws, so I bolted mine to the shelf. Makes it a one hand change out of the chamber. I wish the little "ON" light was a bit brighter, I forget to turn it off some times.

[rested gal]

it works like a dream, doesn't leak, is very well built, has been 100% trouble-free so far, and holds enough water for 2-3 nights during the winter and 3-4 nights during the summer.

Yep, those are among the many reasons I've continued using my Fisher & Paykel HC 150 humidifier. Also, I find it easier to fill than most integrated humidifer water chambers. It can be used with any brand of machine, and it's easy to see the water level...chamber isn't hidden or frosted.

[Hawthorne]

I like mine for all the reasons already stated - good size, easy to fill, water level in plain view just need a very little humidity (use heated humidity on very cold Canadian winter nights) but usually use it in pass over mode!

I keep my integrated one attached to my travel (backup) machine in it's case ready to go anytime, without water in it of course.

[6PtStar]

I wish the little "ON" light was a bit brighter, I forget to turn it off some times.

Lou, I used to forget to turn mine off once in a while so I went to Lowes and bought a small digital timer and pluged my HC150 into it. Set it 30 min to an hour before and after my normal sleep times. If I forget it does not run very long. There is an on button that will manually turn it on if I get in bed early and will still turn it off. Works very well except I have gotten to where I don't forget as often now.

Jerry

[roster]

I see a lot of people here use the F&P HC150 humidifier instead of the integrated one for their particular xPAP machine. Does it give any advantages over the integrated unit?? I use my "built-in" humidifier in passover now that it has gotten HOT!!!! In cooler weather(winter) I usually set it at 1 or on cold nights (few and far between here) on 2.

Mallen,

F&P without a doubt makes the best humidifiers on the market. Some people claim to need a very good humidifier to deliver a lot of humidity. This is often overstated, but it may be true for someone living in an arid climate or in a centrally heated house in a cold climate.

You and I live in humid conditions in the South. Last summer I did not use the humidifier and had no problems. This summer I am using it on a setting of one and am having some problems. I think I will discontinue the use and see what happens. During the coldest parts of our winters when the gas furnace is running often, I will set the humidifier to two and it does fine.

So as far as delivering an appropriate amount of humidity, you and I are set with the M Series humidifier. Now what do you not like about the M series? For one thing you have to pull the humidifier tank out to see the water level. No big deal, IMO, just do it at bedtime and add water if needed.

Now you have to consider the convenience and simplicity of an integrated humidifier. Buy an HC150 and you are going to have to deal with another appliance, another electrical cord, and another hose. That's really increasing your equipment's footprint and complicating life. KISS.

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence but what you already have is high in fiber, low in fat, high in antioxidants, and already paid for.

Suit yourself,

[momadams]

Easier to fill
Holds more water
Seems to work better for me
No worries about pulling the machine off the shelf and getting water in the motor
No worries about getting the integrated humidifier seated just right
No leaks.

[mallen4258]

The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence but what you already have is high in fiber, low in fat, high in antioxidants, and already paid for.

ROFLMAO

True, the GRASS always seems GREENER , I like the integrated unit that I have (and the fact that it is paid for ), but I have noticed that many have the HC150.
So I was curious if there were any advantages for using the HC 150.

[sleepycarol]

Last winter I got wild in my sleep and apparently pulled the humidifier and pap machine off the shelf. Didn't realize it until I woke up to find it all wedged in behind my head. I have it all setting on my headboard, which is an old waterbed headboard modified for our bed now. Since I was using the stand alone humidifier, didn't have the worry about the water getting into the machine, in fact the water didn't leak at all since the container was in a semi-setting wedge along with the base. The hose comes from the top so no water even entered the hose. I doubt if I would have been so lucky with the intergrated humdifier.

[roster]

Last winter I got wild in my sleep ....

Call me this winter.