Can the humidifier be at head level or should it be lower?

[babydoss]

I read that the position of a machine that includes a humidifier should be either lower or at the same level as the person's head. True or false? Does it really matter?

Thanks, Lee

[Lubman]

If the humidifier is lower than your head, if you have any moisture build up in the hose, it will hopefully drain down into the humidifier rather than into your mask.
Also true if you overfill the humidifier - although not as helpful.

[Guest]

the position of a machine that includes a humidifier should be either lower or at the same level as the person's head. True or false?

I believe that statement to be true. Its better if the water that condenses
in the hose, flow back to the humidifier, instead of your face...

[WearyOne]

The manual that came with my Respironics Heated Humidifier said the humidifier should be lower than my sleeping position.

Pam

[CPAPinSeattle]

Do not try this experiment. IMPORTANT: following these instructions has you waiving any responsibility I had in this suggestion. I accept no responsibility for any damage or injury that may result, even if accidental.

1. Fill your sink with water.

2. Grab a small hose.

3. Place one end of the hose in the sink.

4. Place the other just a little lower than the drain of your sink.

5. Pull a tiny bit of air through the hose (careful, don't inhale that water).

6. Watch your sink drain itself entirely through the hose using siphoning technique.

And for those that are truly adventurous, use your humidifier tank instead of a sink and your hose/mask as the interface that is lower than the humidifier tank. Glug, glug, glug.

I really don't recommend an xPAP/humidifier combination that is at the same height or higher than your head and there is also a reason that the manufacturers also don't recommend it, gravity.

[blarg]

Only problem with your analogy is that the hose is not actually submerged in the water in your humidifier.

Mine is at head level, it can be lower, or if you like getting rainout, it can be higher. It's not rocket science.

[GeneS]

In my opinion the risk of water draining to your mask is small but there is a risk if the machine is tipped or something unusual happens and water enters the outlet hose. Water can siphon if the humidifier is above mask level and water can also be pumped up to the mask if the cpap is running and acting like a water manometer. The water level in the outlet hose will rise until the pressure equals your cpap pressure. It is true that if the hose is looped up high on the bed post and taped or tied the risk is not the same but you could still get condensation or if it was not looped high enough you could get siphoning or water could be pumped over the high point.

The other reason I put the machine on the floor is to reduce noise. I have not actually measured the decibels but if the machine is further away it should be quieter. Also I assume that the matress and covers would help baffel the noise for both me and my wife The most direct path for the sound would be through the bed and not direct through the air.

GeneS

[JohnMudie]

1/ My machine ,a M series Auto, has air in and out passagess that are above the water level in the humidifier. So, as long as the machine is level, there is no way the water in the humidifier can get sucked up into the hose. Please disrregard the sink drain with hose analogy. There is no hose dipping into the water in my humdidier

2/ If the hose goes to a hook above my head, there is no way any water between the hook and and the humidifier is going to drain into my mask.
Yes I might get draining from the hose between my head and the hook, but thats it.

John M
who luckily hasnt experienced rain out so far