Humidifier Use

jcobb607 · Post by **jcobb607** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 4:28 pm

Just wondering how many use a humidifier with their CPAP. Specifically I am interested in opinions of whether or not it is merely for comfort or if it assists with OSA. Thanks in advance......

Jay

Rod · Post by **Rod** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 7:24 pm

Hi Jay: My doctor said the humidifier was a necessity, so your throat doesnt get dry. She said your nose helps to do this when you breathe normally, but when using cpap,the air flow so fast it doesnt get humidity unless you have a humidifier hope this helps. Rod

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:47 pm

Not only is it a necessity, but when I got my heated hose and was finally able to turn up the humidifier to what I though was a comfortable level without rainout, my wife reported that I was less restless! The moist air does seem to have a beneficial effect on the quality of my sleep. Highly recommended!

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 5:35 am

Without the h/h I find the dry nose/mouth too uncomfortable.

For me, rainout is more tolerable than lack of humidification.

Cheers DSM

regisb50 · Post by **regisb50** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 7:30 am

I live on the east coast. I find that although the humidifier is only mildly beneficial during our humid summers. The real need is in the winter when the humidity in the house is 40% or lower. If one lived in the desert southwest, the humidifier would probably be a year round necessity.

As far as having the unit give me a dry mouth, I was a mouth breather before CPAP therapy, and I always woke up with a dry mouth anyhow.

So in short, don't panic if you don't have a humidifier. Learning how to use the CPAP and getting the mask set properly is a much larger issue.

If you do use a humidifier, consider keeping it AND your hoses clean and free of mold. It needs to be washed out regularly. Most of the units are made to go through the dishwasher for a reason.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Oct 22, 2005 9:47 am

For me - living in a dry climate - the humidifier is necessary, and so is the heated hose.

As for the term "merely for comfort" - there is so much discomfort in xPAP therapy for some of us, the anything that makes it more comfortable, is very very important. I would say the term doesn't apply to anything in xPAP therapy.

O.

jcobb607 · Post by **jcobb607** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 7:42 am

I tried the humidifier last night. I woke up feeling like I was suffocating, even though it was only on 2, and turned it off. Here in Mississippi, the humidity level gets pretty high. This winter when it gets really dry I may try it again, but for now, I think I do better without it.

Humidifier Use

Humidifier Use

humidifier

You can live with out a humidifier