Call For Questions: Fisher and Paykel Thermosmart Technology

[floydcs]

I've had a F&P HC604 for about 3 months now. This is my first CPAP so I don't really know how bad rainout can get. Occasionally, I will get some drops in my mask. The heated tube has worked great during these warmer months. The real test will be in the winter.
The machine is very quiet, but I have nothing to compare it to. I must say I only have heard slight exhale turbulence in the machine while using the P&B Breeze nasal pillow mask. I don't hear any noise from the machine while using a nasal mask or my F&P FF. I set it on a milk stool next to my bed, so it's below the mattress and I don't hear a thing.
Titrator, I weigh it at 6lbs. It measures 6.5"W x 10.5"L x 6"H.
Mile High Sleeper, The power req. are, 100-115V @ 1.5A (1.7A max) or 220-240V @ 1A (2A max) 50/60Hz. Suitable for use with DC Inverter - 115V@200W (300W surge) or 230V@300W (500W surge).

[MaskedMechanic]

Well I read the Thermosmart information but I have questions.

1) I know what it does but not how it does it. What sensors does it have and where are they?

2) It seems logical that anytime a patient has an extreme mouth leak, CPAP is a very bad idea as it cannot provide theraputic pressure below the mouth. Does the HC604 decrease flow in this circumstance? Isn't the absolute humidity delivered to the patient adversely affected by large mouth leaks and all cpaps that do not recognise this and decrease flow are actually harming the patient in this circumstance?

[thisgeek]

According to the product spec sheet (http://www.fphcare.com/osa/pdf/HC600/60 ... DSPECS.pdf)

Dimensions: 273mm x 170mm x 175mm (10.7" x 6.7" x 6.9")
Weight: 2.1kg (4.6lbs) unit only

[wading thru the muck!]

I believe any automatic device should have a manual override for extreme cases. I would like to turn off my "Ambient Tracking Technology" on my HC150. I have it set a max and I get just enough moisture with high flow rates (any time its close to 20). When the temp drops and the machine compensates, I wake up with a dry mouth. I've never had a rainout problem with my high flow rates. I would like higher settings.

Good point... this is my concern too. I agree that avoiding rain-out is a worthy goal, but not at the cost of losing an adequate level of humidity. The best solution is to create a system that allows the integration of the appropriate level of humidity into the cpap circuit no matter what the ambient temp/humidity conditions are. Seems this is the goal of the "F&P Thermosmart technology"

My question for the F&P rep is... Does this system offer the ability to operate the cpap circuit to achieve significant levels of humidity in ambient conditions that would normally make this difficult with typical equipment?

[Guest]

is there such a problem as getting too much humidity?

Absolutely.
Too much humidity can cause a whole new set of problems.
I would adjust humidity only in small increments at a time.

[roster]

is there such a problem as getting too much humidity?

Absolutely.
Too much humidity can cause a whole new set of problems.
......................

Such as?

[lorrie]

I am a new user (4 wks) of the 604 FP thermo smart and I am not happy with this unit and the way it works. I have a constant dry mouth and nasal also. I am extremely sensitive to warmth and when the hose warms the air I cannot get enough humidty no matter how much adjusting I do! Ready to go back to older machine ...I agree not enough humidity. thermo dumb????
[/list]

[Vader]

is there such a problem as getting too much humidity?

Absolutely.
Too much humidity can cause a whole new set of problems.
......................

Such as?

I can't speak for the OP, but I think you can get a sinus infection from too much humidity.