Adding External Humidifier affect therapy?

[cby1]

I have my Airsense 10 set to max humidity (8) and it's not enough - still dry, nose and mouth (and some water actually left in the humidifier after 8 hours). I have an external F&P HC325 humidifier that I used with my old machine - I'd like to add that in between the CPAP and the mask hose for additional humidification.

Is there any reason that this might affect therapy? The short hose going from the CPAP to the external chamber would be a regular hose, and the one coming out of the chamber would be the slimline that came with the Airsense 10. Just wondering if it might affect what the machine sees or the pressure it delivers?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[Wulfman...]

I have my Airsense 10 set to max humidity (8) and it's not enough - still dry, nose and mouth (and some water actually left in the humidifier after 8 hours). I have an external F&P HC325 humidifier that I used with my old machine - I'd like to add that in between the CPAP and the mask hose for additional humidification.

Is there any reason that this might affect therapy? The short hose going from the CPAP to the external chamber would be a regular hose, and the one coming out of the chamber would be the slimline that came with the Airsense 10. Just wondering if it might affect what the machine sees or the pressure it delivers?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Maybe you're trying to go the wrong way with your HH settings. Too much humidity can actually make nasal congestion worse, which can result in more mouth-breathing and the symptoms you describe.

On the other hand, others have added the external HC humidifiers. If you're using an APAP in a range of pressures, I wouldn't totally rely on the machine to be able to sense the events and make the proper adjustments.......and would suggest straight pressure as that would be more reliable with a steady column of air going through all the hoses and humidifiers.


Den

.

[CaptainRaven40]

I have my Airsense 10 set to max humidity (8) and it's not enough - still dry, nose and mouth (and some water actually left in the humidifier after 8 hours). I have an external F&P HC325 humidifier that I used with my old machine - I'd like to add that in between the CPAP and the mask hose for additional humidification.

Is there any reason that this might affect therapy? The short hose going from the CPAP to the external chamber would be a regular hose, and the one coming out of the chamber would be the slimline that came with the Airsense 10. Just wondering if it might affect what the machine sees or the pressure it delivers?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Maybe you're trying to go the wrong way with your HH settings. Too much humidity can actually make nasal congestion worse, which can result in more mouth-breathing and the symptoms you describe.

On the other hand, others have added the external HC humidifiers. If you're using an APAP in a range of pressures, I wouldn't totally rely on the machine to be able to sense the events and make the proper adjustments.......and would suggest straight pressure as that would be more reliable with a steady column of air going through all the hoses and humidifiers.


Den

.

Wulfman makes a good point about using straight pressure if you are having to go through so many devices and hoses. I would have to agree with him unless someone else has better knowledge about this kind of thing. And Wulfman is a pretty smart individual.

[Julie]

And I would think that you're being in NJ (vs e.g. Arizona) would be humid enough - not summer humidity, but being close to the ocean.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Send a PM to this guy. I think he used an external humidifier for awhile, maybe still does:

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=54364

I used to like lots of humidity but then after awhile I came to realize that less was more. Sometimes what you think you want is not really what your body needs.

[JDS74]

I'm still using the HC150 external humidifier in series with the Respironics heated humidifier and all is going well.
The HC325 is the water chamber for the F&P external humidifier and, used alone, only provides pass over humidification.
I tried that and it was a total failure. You really need to have the second, external chamber heated.

Link to my external humidifier design:
Here is my setup to solve this problem

Things to be aware of if you choose to go this route:
1) The extra hose length is the equivalent of going from a 6 foot hose to an 8 foot hose.
2) You lose the ability to use the manufacturer's heated hose. I use the Hybernite hose instead.
___It will work better if you turn on the external humidifier 10 to 15 minutes before going to be to pre-heat the system.
3) You will, most likely, need to utilize some insulation on the hoses as the humidity level will be significantly higher.
4) If you are not now using a soft cervical collar, it's probably a good idea to use one to minimize leaks.

[ChicagoGranny]

dry, nose and mouth (and some water actually left in the humidifier after 8 hours)

I don't know what your problem is, but here are some thoughts. It sounds like you are using nearly a tank of water per night. The high pressure you are running will cause more water to be used. You are not living in an arid climate. So, I suspect there is something wrong that more CPAP humidity will not fix.

What is your system leak? Is your CPAP machine placed where a HVAC vent is blowing on it? Do you stay well hydrated by drinking a quart or more of water daily? Are you eating a high salt diet?

I would explore some of these ideas before adding a second humidifier into your CPAP loop.

[cby1]

Thanks all.

I end up with about 1/3 - 1/4 of a tank left in the am - makes me wonder if the integrated humidifier is working correctly, being maxed at 8. The water chamber plate is warm to the touch in the morning, but not much - nothing like my old external setup - that got hot enough that you wouldn't want to touch it right away - and it was not maxed.

The CPAP is not near any HVAC. And I absolutely agree about the problems associated with too much humidity - but that's not happening here, trust me.

I'll look into some of the proposed solutions - maybe a room humidifier would be a possibility.

[ChicagoGranny]

maybe a room humidifier would be a possibility.

Yes. But first, I would get a decent hygrometer for the bedroom. Room humidity, just like CPAP humidity, is something you want a happy medium of. You may already have enough room humidity. That water vapor coming from your CPAP is added to the room.

[HST]

The AirSense 10 has a function to detect ambient humidity and will auto adjust. I would suggest using that.

[ChicagoGranny]

dry, nose and mouth

I would be remiss not to mention the "relief" products many of us use.

For dry mouth - Orajel For Dry Mouth - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... +dry+mouth

I use this every night - a bit between the gums and teeth lasts all night. Put a dab on the end of your tongue and work it between your lower teeth and gums. Repeat for upper teeth. Apply it just before the mask goes on and try not to suck it down before you fall asleep.

- CG

For dry nose - Ayr Gel - http://www.drugstore.com/ayr-saline-nas ... tid=184155

or Lansinoh Lanolin - http://www.target.com/p/lansinoh-hpa-la ... oh+lanolin

Don't overdo those last two products in the nose. There is a slight chance of lipoid pneumonia with long-term heavy use.