the CPAP machine-- why does it have to be lower?

[Happy Bamboo]

This may be a totally crazy question, but I've been looking at all the newbie stuff, and trying to figure this out--
Why does the CPAP machine say it has to be lower than the sleeping position?
Will putting it on a nightstand or dresser that's above the bed where the mask-wearer sleeps make the pressure different or something? How does that work if it's just a foot higher or so?

Also, if you habitually drool buckets at night... will that likely result in mouth leaking and have to wear a full face mask or taping the mouth or something?

[GumbyCT]

This may be a totally crazy question, but I've been looking at all the newbie stuff, and trying to figure this out--
Why does the CPAP machine say it has to be lower than the sleeping position?
Will putting it on a nightstand or dresser that's above the bed where the mask-wearer sleeps make the pressure different or something? How does that work if it's just a foot higher or so?

Also, if you habitually drool buckets at night... will that likely result in mouth leaking and have to wear a full face mask or taping the mouth or something?

It doesn't have to be - it just helps for the rainout to run back to the humidifier instead of into your mask/face. When you hear gurgling sounds in the hose you'll see it is from the water condensing in the hose.

[Wulfman]

The other primary reason is "sound". If the machines are slightly lower than ear-level (bed level), they're usually quieter.

You can put it wherever is convenient. Those were just suggestions for those folks who were bothered by the "noise" from their machines or had "rainout" issues.


Den

[bdp522]

And don't forget...the higher you have it placed, the further it falls when pulled over! I keep mine on the floor, can't fall and no moisture in the hose/mask.

Brenda

[Joe50]

And don't forget...the higher you have it placed, the further it falls when pulled over! I keep mine on the floor, can't fall and no moisture in the hose/mask.

Brenda

I think you have to much faith in the gravity theory.

[Wulfman]

And don't forget...the higher you have it placed, the further it falls when pulled over! I keep mine on the floor, can't fall and no moisture in the hose/mask.

Brenda

I think you have to much faith in the gravity theory.

And, "dust bunnies"........


Den

[echo]

heck with gravity, i've managed to pull mine off the floor even when it was sitting right on the floor

I use the nightstand method: stick the cpap on the lowest shelf of the nightstand, make sure the drawer is open at night so there's airflow, close it during the day to keep the dust out.

[pdean44]

It helps to drain any condensation that collects in your breathing hose back to the machine rather than to your mask which makes for a condition called rain out. Having water running down your nose while sleeping is very annoying. In my mask it created a whistling gurgling noise that wakes me up when it occurs. Which is not too often these days.

[Happy Bamboo]

So, how does that work if you have the hose hanging above you so you can roll around? Does it matter in that case, since you're going to have the last half of the hose above you anyhow?

[Redeye]

My answer to this is "because the manufacturer's instructions say so!" What a take-charge CPAP'er I am!

Redeye