FF Mask Users how do you handle high humidity

[REK]

Full face mask users (or any CPAP user).
How do you handle using your mask and machine when the weather is hot and humid? Lately that has been the weather conditions in my part of the country and I find that I have a hard time keeping my mask on all night. Even if I use Claritin or Astelin before bedtime I will wake up in a short time all stuffed up and feeling like I am suffocating. I have my CPAP humidifier turned off, but full of water. We do not have AC but do keep our windows open for the fresh air. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[brazospearl]

Have you tried removing the humidifier completely? Don't know if it will help, but it certainly won't hurt!

[DoriC]

How about a fan to circulate the air?

[LSAT]

Without air conditioning, you may be out of luck. How about a dehumidifier?

[BlackSpinner]

some people put ice cubes in their humidifier. Also you may want to use a gasket made of well washed knit fabric between you and your mask to absorb the sweat.

[jweeks]

We do not have AC but do keep our windows open for the fresh air. Any suggestions?.

Hi,

My suggestion is to get A/C. You can find window units at Walmart for less than $100 that will cool a bedroom. A good night sleep is worth far more than money, so do whatever it takes to get your sleep.

-john-

[chunkyfrog]

I love my central air conditioning;
Never had it before this year--it's wonderful.
Had a dehumidifier, gave it to my son.
It was cheaper to use, but surprisingly helpful.

[torontoCPAPguy]

We have central air conditioning (and a good friend in the business or we would be sweating I assure you) and an electronic air cleaner. Worth every penny of it. Every penny. And in the end, as a realtor, I can assure you that the recapture on the sale of your home will be significant; so if you own the home it is a worthwhile investment.

Failing which, if you are living in a home that permits windown air conditioners, as suggested, a window air conditioner is cheap these days and a very worthwhile investment.

Last but not least, if you are in a condo or apartment that does not permit window units there are self contained indoor units that will vent through a small tube out your window, dryer vent or whatever. It is very unobtrusive. And cools like heck. Well worth the investment.

If all else fails, take the humidifier right off and take the air from the output of your blower. I have a tiny fan that blows across the blower and seems to help somewhat; it also blows into my face gently and that keeps the mask cooler than the room as well.

I commiserate with you as I hate warm humid air blowing into my face at any time; when I have a cold or am plugged up I will crank the humidifier up and it generally clears me out but I still hate the hot air.

You have my empathy, well and truly. If you can do the window air conditioner thing get out to Walmart tomorrow and pick one up for a hundred bucks. They install in ten minutes and are well worth the investment I can assure you. My mom has COPD and could not live without air conditioning in the condo. Trust me, they were cheap.