Opus Nasal Pillows mask - water in pillows and tube

[lmhayes]

I am having problems with my Opus Pillows mask and waking with water in the tube and the pillows. I have tried flipping the hose over my head, letting it hang down, putting light gauze over the CO2 exhaust to try and soak up the fluid. Any ideas on what I can do to stop the water? - thanks, Lisa

[ozij]

Hi Lisa,
Water in pillows masks is a common problem, it's a result of condensation, when the humidity from the humidifier and from your breathing hits the cold hose or mask - and it happens more frequently to those of us who don't need high pressure.

The solutions - step by step:

1. Get a hose cover for the main hose
2. Also get a cover for the narrow hose that connects the Opus to the main hose
3. Lower the humidifier temperature - that will make the air you breathe dryer: this is good for some people, very bad for others
4. Consider making the room temperature slightly higher
5. Use a heated hose

Back when I used nasal pillows masks (Opus included) I needed a heated hose, as well as a cover for the small hose, and during the period when my hose was touching the cold wall, I had to use a hose cover for the heated hose as well - not something recommended by its makers, but then, they had no idea how cold that wall became in the winter...

[chunkyfrog]

This problem is called "rainout", and that word typed into the search window will direct you to even more discussion on the topic.
Welcome.

[lmhayes]

Thanks for the help. Will investigate getting a hose cover.
cheers, lisa

[Pugsy]

If rain out is still present after utilizing hose covers you might check with Karen at Padacheeks to see if she has a barrel cozy that would fit the Opus pillows. I had problems last winter with rain out in the pillows despite doing all the other usual stuff. So I got one of these and the moisture, that was condensing only in the pillows themselves from my own breath, ceased to form.
http://www.padacheek.com/PACSwiftII_Barrel_cozy.html
It is also a very nice soft comfy item. I use it now (no chance of rain out in this heat) simply because it feels so good against my nose.

[cowlypso]

Yes, she does make one for the Opus, but it's not on the website:

I do make a PAD A CHEEK Opus Barrel Cozy. It is not on the website, I am sorry for that. If you wish to order one, you can order a barrel cozy on the website and in the Comments Section, put a note that it is for the Opus mask and I will make sure you get the right one.

I haven't gotten around to ordering it yet, but I probably should before winter.

[okitoki]

+1 on the cover.
Used to get rain out too till I bought the cover. Haven't happened this winter compare to last year