Resmed H5i water level problem

[newsnore]

Does anyone else have trouble seeing where the water level is in the water chamber of their Resmed H5i Humidifier? I love my S9 Autoset - but I have to say the humidifier is in a different class. It is almost as if it was an after thought when they made this CPAP unit. I find it quite difficult to see where the water level is on the yellow depth gauge inside the water chamber. And often you can't see the depth gauge properly anyway - because it is obscured by mist/condensation coating the container. I find I have to be careful I don't misread the water level marks and overfill the humidifier, as then the water is blown into the hose and we have all sorts of gurgling going on. It is useless looking at the side of the water container to read the water - the aluminum is just too hard to see through!!! I think I am going to make myself a dipping stick to poke down through the center hole of the water container - or has anyone else found a better way? All the other CPAP units I have had have just had clear plastic humidifier,s and seeing the water level was never a problem. Does anyone use the Dishwasher Safe Water Chamber in their H5i Humidifier? Is it any better? It can be opened up for cleaning, so I am guessing you can fill this container before reassembling it.

[RandyJ]

The h5i water chamber was designed to be emptied in the morning, washed and air-dried before being refilled in the evening before bed. If you use it that way, you'll never have a problem seeing the water gauge. So there really is no design flaw.

The dishwasher safe version has the same issue if you don't rinse it and let it air dry.

I, however, like you don't use it as indicated, so sometimes have to turn it a bit when filling to see the gauge from a different angle.

[Denial Dave]

I shake it a little & it clears up the condensation.

[zoocrewphoto]

The h5i water chamber was designed to be emptied in the morning, washed and air-dried before being refilled in the evening before bed. If you use it that way, you'll never have a problem seeing the water gauge. So there really is no design flaw.

The dishwasher safe version has the same issue if you don't rinse it and let it air dry.

I, however, like you don't use it as indicated, so sometimes have to turn it a bit when filling to see the gauge from a different angle.

i used to empty mine every morning. And it was never dry by night time. So, I figured what was the point.

I do have to be careful as I fill it as it is hard to see the level sometimes.

[Pugsy]

Yeah...they are all hard to see that little yellow thing even without condensation and all.
I use a dipstick...sort of. The tip of my finger. If more than just the tip of my finger gets wet I have too much water.

Unless someone has a tendency to use all the water during one night there is no real pressing need to fill it to the max line anyway. I have been known to use almost all the water so I had to figure out something easy.

[Mongo]

What I do is turn the machine on for 10 sec about a half hour before I fill it. The air flow through the humidifier will dry it enough to see the lines.

[StuUnderPressure]

1st I find that the fill gauge on the "dishwasher safe" tub is easier to see than the yellow one on the non dishwasher safe tub - primarily due to where it is placed.

I am one who only "tops" off the level each morning, so I do agree that the condensation does make it difficult to see either gauge.

I keep a small flashlight near my machine.
Shining the light directly on the gauge does make it more visible.
Sometimes it works directly from the front. Other times, I have to shine the light from the corner or the right front side.

[newsnore]

Thanks for the pointers (no pun intended) . One of the things that doesn't help matters is the layer of plastic (probably a baffle) that divides the chamber (top and bottom) and sort of looks almost like a water level itself.
I guess I am a bit lazy and know I can get at least 3 nights out of a full tank, but I like to check it especially as it gets to the last of the 3 nights . I haven't run it dry yet and really don't want to either. Perhaps I'll follow Pugsys idea and flag the 3 nights thing away and fill it every night as you can always feel the weight and know that there is enough water without getting too fussy about topping it right up to the top mark (and straining my eyes in the process ).
To my mind it is a pity that they have sacrificed a simple practical "easy to read at a glance" user friendly system (the S8 that had an exposed clear chamber) for the aesthetics of an enclosed chamber that is not user friendly.
However this would not be a deal breaker I still like my S9 - but I really do hope Resmed go back to the old design/system of a clear exposed water chamber when they bring out their new (future) models. (Pretty please Resmed - I hope you are reading this!1 )

[Denial Dave]

if you just shake just enough to get water to splash on the upper level, the condensation clears up completely.

[msla]

I rotate tub 90 degrees to get water on the plastic lid, return to horizontal and fill. I can see the little "dip stick" clearly.

[newsnore]

The h5i water chamber was designed to be emptied in the morning, washed and air-dried before being refilled in the evening before bed. If you use it that way, you'll never have a problem seeing the water gauge. So there really is no design flaw. .

I am sorry but I beg to differ - I think it is a design issue, because I still struggle to see exactly where the water level is at even without the misting. Where the previous model works better or when a product takes a step backwards in its design - then I would call it a design flaw. As I wrote previously - it isn't a big issue/deal breaker (I still like my S9) but it is something - if it is improved - that will make a good product even better. I am sure not everyone has this problem, but it does seem there are a few of us that do.

Anyway thanks everyone for all the little helpful tips.

[chunkyfrog]

I lift the tank out of its home and tilt it toward me about 45 degrees to rinse the mist off the inside front.
I then add water before returning it to the machine.

[idamtnboy]

I tilt mine to let the remaining water splash on the top to clear off the condensation like others have said. I then set it on the bathroom vanity with vanity lights on bright and the marks on the yellow level gauge facing toward the lights. It's easy to see then. But, if the tank is starting to get crud building up in it then it is hard to see the level gauge even under bright light. That's when I know for certain it's time to clean it.