Heated humidifier question

[jshuler43]

I am about to buy my first CPAP. I am confused about the humidifiers. If you have a heated humidifier can you have cool water if you desire? I have read where most people say that heated is better over the passover, so I think that's what I should get, but the CPAP that I was tested on had cool mist and it was pleasant. I'm wondering if you can have both?

[Guest]

With most heated humidifiers you can just not turn them on and then you get the cold passover effect. So, get the heated humidifer and you can have both heated and cold....

[kurtchan]

J - with most heated humidifiers, you have to really "crank" them up to get any heat out of them, so there's no problem having cool, somewhat humidified air if you want it.

[bdp522]

I keep my humidifier on 3. I had to get the aussie heated hose to keep my nose from freezing.

Brenda

[jshuler43]

Thanks everyone for the info! Just reading everyone's posts on the board has really helped me know what I need to get. I guess the only problem, which it seems most people have as well, is what mask to get. I guess you just end up trying several and hoping for something not too bad! Thanks again everyone.

[Bookbear]

Sadly, the "buy BEFORE you try" business model seems to be the rule rather than the exception with masks. Now that you have joined the League of Hoseheads, you will shortly embark on the fabled Quest for the Perfect Mask (similar in many aspect to the Search for the Holy Grail, and with about as much success).

Seriously, many here regard the nasal masks and nasal pillow interfaces as the least obtrusive and easiest to get a good seal with; although they are problematic of you are a mouth breather, and do not work well when you have a cold or other heavy congestion.

It sounds as if you have some choices from your insurance co. or are buying the equipment yourself. If so, I would echo what has been said and go for the heated humidifier. You always have the option of setting it at the 'off' position or lowerst setting, effectively making it a passover unit. You would then also have the ability to boost the humidity level if it gets dry at times of the year in your area, or to compensate for household heating in the winter.