help! condensation problem~

[jjocelyn]

Hi,

The second night using the cpap machine. Since it is summer here and we sleep in air-conditioned room, the humidifier was adjusted to level 4. However there are significant condensation moisture observed in both the mask and the hose. What's going wrong here? My hubby has to remove the mask to get rid of the excess water accumulated in the mask. This is so wrong.

With the air-conditioned temperature at 24 Celsius, what level should i use for the Resmed H4i humidifier?

Again, what's the best placement for extra hose? Hang up or let it freely hang at the side of the bed?

Thanks in advance.

[KatieW]

Do a search on Rainout, and you will find many useful posts.

As for the Humidifier setting, it really depends on the temperature and humidity in your room. Try turning it down a notch, until the Rainout stops. Good luck.

[scrapper]

This is discussed frequently.........Use the Search area at the top for instant gratification to search for rainout or condensation, rather than waiting for someone to answer the question again. Good Luck........

Here are a couple recent threads:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34883&view=unread#unread

viewtopic/t47827/Middle-of-the-night-Rainout.html

viewtopic/t47817/coupla-mask-qs.html

PS I tried several things.....the Aussie hose eliminates all problems once and for all.

[Linus]

The condensation is caused by the heated moist air comming in contact with the colder walls of the hose and mask. I had the same issue. The water in the humidifier can be as high as 70 C. In a room that is 15-20 C, condensation will develop. I use a heated hose and an additional hose cover and my problems with condensation are gone. I sleep in the winter with my heat turned down because I do not like being hot while I sleep. My room has been as cold as 10 C. Even at that temp, the humidifier was at its highest setting. I had no condensation issues. Occationally a few drops of water might appear, but that is it. The heated hose resolved everything for me. If you search on Aussie heated hose, you will find details on getting one.

Other things you can try (with less success) are:
Lower the humidifier setting
Increase the room temperature
Sleep with the hose under the covers.

[rested gal]

LINKS to discussions about the Aussie heated hose - to prevent rainout
viewtopic.php?t=5305

In those discussion links, there are also posts about many other ways to control rainout. However keeping the main air hose itself warm (heated cpap tube from sleepzone.com.au, or using a Repti heat cable with the present air hose) is the most "for sure" way to prevent rainout without having to worry about what temp you like to keep your bedroom, or the level of humidification you like.

[jjocelyn]

Thanks all for your timely response. And RG, i saw your amazing post before your reply. ~~

However, is there anything we can do right now without a heated hose, nor a hose cover?
I just switched the air-con 2 Celsius higher.

[Muse-Inc]

...However, is there anything we can do right now without a heated hose, nor a hose cover?

Got an old pr of sweat pants or shirt? Cutoff the legs or arms and thread the hose thru, put elastic bands on the ends to snug them to the hose. The cuffs of several prs of athletic socks would also do. If these work and you turn down the humidifier, then order a hose cover...it'll be less bulky. Or buy some fleece and make your own.

[Gerryk]

Raise the hose up so it runs back into the humidifier chamber and only have just enough come down to the mask so you can roll over. Don't let the hose form a trap like a j trap for a sink or you will end up with lots of water in your hose and it will be gurgling.

Turn the humidifier down a little and if you can raise the temp in the room until you get the hose covered. Lots of people use a heated hose, but I suggest that as a last resort if you can't stop it any other way.

Gerry