Help Setting CPAP Temperature and Humidity Level

[ChambersBayWalker]

I use the Resmed AirSense 11 CPAP Machine, CPAP Heated Hose and AirFit F20 Full Face Cushion.

I would like to maximize the hose humidity (to avoid a dry mouth) and minimize the chance of water droplets in my face mask.

Does anyone know if there is a formula to take into account my bedroom temperature and humidity level to find the optimal CPAP machine temperature and humidity level?

Thank you very much.

[ChicagoGranny]

I would like to maximize the hose humidity (to avoid a dry mouth)

CPAP humidifiers are designed to aid in dry nasal passages. They do a poor job at adding moisture to the much larger opening of the mouth. You need tactics to avoid mouth-breathing.

1. Do you have any ideas about why you breathe through your mouth?

2. Do you practice keeping your mouth closed with your tongue on the roof of your mouth?

3. Have you had a consultation and examination by an ENT?

BTW, I use a FFM and tape my lips to prevent mouth-breathing.

[LSAT]

Use Xylimelts for dry mouth...Available all over.
[attachment=0]xylimelts.jpg

[mlmollenkamp]

The ResMed machines have an algorithm built in to optimize the humidity level and avoid rainout. I set the tube temperature manually and leave the humidity level in Auto. In the auto setting the machine will vary the humidity to avoid rainout. If you set the tube temperature high it will add a lot of moisture because the warm tube will be resistant to rainout. At lower tube temperatures the machine will add less humidity. I have a lot of problems with sinus swelling from the pressure. If the temperature/humidity is too high the nasal congestion is worse, but if its too low I get pain from dry throat and trachea. I used to try to adjust both the temperature and humidity, but this disables the automatic adjustment and the results were inconsistent as the room temperature and humidity changed with the seasons. I've had good results with setting the tube temperature 5 to 10 degrees above room temperature and letting the machine do the rest. I've never had rainout problems when the humidity is in Auto mode. If you want maximum humidity, try setting the tube temperature to maximum and the humidity to Auto.....

[ChicagoGranny]

... If you want maximum humidity ....

That's nice what you wrote. However, you use a nasal-only interface. The OP uses a FFM, presumably because they mouth-breathe.