humidity & temperature experiment

[nomad]

Machine: REMstar Pro2
Heat (Humidity) Setting: 5

I often wake up in the mornings with the area behind the soft palate (heading up into my nasal cavity) fairly dried out. So, I decided to run a little test. I taped a 1 gallon Ziploc to the hose. I then placed a temperature/ humidity sensor in the bag and zipped it almost closed. I left a corner of it open to simulate the air that normally comes from the exhaust ports on the mask (see picture).

The baseline for this experiment was 68.4 degrees and 36% humidity. These are fairly average readings for our house. After putting the sensor in the bag and letting the CPAP (and heat/ humidifier) run for 15 minutes or so to let the readings level out, I ended up with 73.2 degrees and 63% humidity.

Temperature rose almost 5 degrees and the humidity increased by 27%. Now with these results, you wouldn't think that I'd wake up all dried out. I mean 63% humidity should be enough to keep me comfortable throughout the night.

Has anyone else ever tried this type of self test?

Baseline:


Vent in bag to simulate exhaust ports:


Humidity setting at 5:

[DreamStalker]

Your experiment does not represent what is going on within the CPAP system. For one normally exhales much more humid air then they inhale. But more importantly, you are using a FF mask. You are likely opening your mouth as you sleep (good thing you are using a FF mask but unfortunately also the reason you have a dry throat). If you go around all day breathing through your mouth for 8 hours or however long you slept with your yap open, I think you would have a similar dry throat.

You need much more humidity if you sleep with your mouth open than closed. The F&P HC150 has much higher capacity to deliver high humidity for longer period of time than any integrated humidifier.

[nomad]

[quote="DreamStalker"]You need much more humidity if you sleep with your mouth open than closed. The F&P HC150 has much higher capacity to deliver high humidity for longer period of time than any integrated humidifier.

Thanks. I might look into that.

As far as the experiment went, I didn't expect it to be totally accurate. I was just looking for a rough idea as to how much humidity my unit was throwing out. Btw, as far as exhaling more humid air than the unit is able to supply, doesn't that air (your exhaled breath) get pushed out through the ports on the mask between each breath? I'm pretty sure it doesn't stay in the mask.

[DreamStalker]

You need much more humidity if you sleep with your mouth open than closed. The F&P HC150 has much higher capacity to deliver high humidity for longer period of time than any integrated humidifier.

Thanks. I might look into that.

As far as the experiment went, I didn't expect it to be totally accurate. I was just looking for a rough idea as to how much humidity my unit was throwing out. Btw, as far as exhaling more humid air than the unit is able to supply, doesn't that air (your exhaled breath) get pushed out through the ports on the mask between each breath? I'm pretty sure it doesn't stay in the mask.

Sorry ... my bad. I thought you were trying to understand why you were still getting dry mouth despite a near doubling of the ambient humidity by your HH.

Technically there may be some mixing of exhaled and incomming air but you are correct that most all exhaled air is pushed out through the mask vent ports ... hence the humidity defecit in your mouth.