M-Series with HC150 Humidifier

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:35 pm

As some of you know I using Mandibular Advancement device in combination to CPAP. Because of on going nasal problems I breathing though my mouth with a modification to my MAD and using a full face mask. Using the M-Series humidifier does not provide enough moisture and leaves me with a very dry tongue. Worse yet if I sleep to long the water runs out and then my airway is really dry. To rectify this I have added a F&P HC150 humidifier in series with the M-Series humidifier. I run the 150 just high enough that it doesn't run out of water by morning and I set the M-Series to 2 or 3 to add a bit extra. Can't really go any higher since already get some rain out even with a hose cover. Its not perfect but it all helps.

Thing is I'm used to the M-Series humidifier that automatically turns on when the CPAP comes on. What I would like is the HC150 to do the same. Does anyone know of a device that I can plug inline to the CPAP and when it detects current being drawn will turn on the power for the HC150? Yeah I know its a small thing but I am a geek and want it to be all automatic. Plus twice I have forgotten to turn on the 150 and man those nights are not fun the next day with the dry tongue.

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:21 pm

jskinner wrote:...I am a geek and want it to be all automatic....

I know the feeling, I am currently going thru this very thing myself. While not auto - what I have done is to use a power strip for my 500M & HC150 - so I have to turn the power on to get the blower working - so far I have NOT forgotten, ha.

At 1st I tried just the HC150, now I am experimenting w/the M - humidifier in series. The only other auto thing I can think of is a timer. But that would be a pain too.

For the time - I am happy not to run out of water before waking up.

GumbyCT

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:32 pm

I hope someone comes up with this one. The on/off switch is the only thing I don't like on the HC150. I punch it and sometimes it does not come on and sometimes I punch it and it does not cut off so it sits there all day and the water goes away. I thought about using the switch on the surge protector and cutting both on but I don't really like to cut my CPAP power off during the day. Don't really know if it makes any difference. I know some people have posted that they unplug theres during the day.

Maybe if I could figure it out someone would give me the Lab Rat award.

Jerry

jskinner · Post by **jskinner** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:47 pm

I found a DIY solution but what I really want is just something I can buy.

http://sound.westhost.com/project79.htm

and

http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/loadswitch.asp

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:57 am

hi james,

a dual head socket would lp in this case.

mckooi

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:37 am

You would think someone would make one for that type application. The first one I don't thinki I could handle without a parts list it would take a bit more understanding than I have. The second one I might could handle. It has been a while since I did anything along this line. I printed a copy and may run by the electronic supply house and see if the parts are still available and what the cost would be. IC's change rapidly although there should be an equivilent if it is no longer made.

Jerry

xface · Post by **xface** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:37 pm

I use a power strip for both my bipap and humidifier. I like this arrangement because I can pre-warm the water. It seems like the humidifier never gets warm enough if I don't start it 15 to 20 minutes before I use it.

ps James, thank you very, very much for the software-- I use it regularly and it sure points out some interesting stuff to me.

p2pjunkie · Post by **p2pjunkie** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:10 pm

This one looks great, but I don't know how well it actually works.

https://earthaidkit.com/buy/smallsmartstrip.php

The SCG4 Smart Strip power strip senses when your computer or television turns off - and automatically powers-down all peripheral devices (printers, monitors, speakers, DVD players, anything...) How is this possible? Plug your 'control' device into the blue outlet and plug all peripheral devices connected to it into the white outlets. When what's in the blue outlet comes on, what's in the white outlets turns on - when what's in the blue outlet turns off, all power is cut to the white outlets. You've also got three handy red 'hot' outlets that always supply electricity to devices plugged into them, whether the 'control' device is on or off.

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:23 pm

I use a separate power strip for my HC150 and my Aussie Heated hose, so I just switch the power strip on/off to turn those two devices on/off without having to plug in the heated hose and switch on the H150. Also, the first thing to go on things like the HC150 is that little switch, so it is left in the "on" position, never switched.

Hey, and then there's the Clapper--clap on, clap off :<)

stevoreno · Post by **stevoreno** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:36 pm

How about connecting a few X-10 home automation power modules rated at 15 amps each to each appliance which you could then plug into a grounded power strip which would of course be plugged into a grounded electrical power outlet; possibly one on a dedicated circuit. You could then use one of X-10's home automation remotes to turn the modules on or off. That might work as well as generate a lot less noise and be much easier on the hands than the "Clapper" I would think.

Stevoreno
Biloxi, Mississippi
01/23/08

Sleep_Depraved · Post by **Sleep_Depraved** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 6:14 pm

This is a pretty low-tech solution, but it's inexpensive and it works.

Go to RadioShack and buy one of their Wireless Remote Switch units (under $30 when I got mine, but that was several years ago). These are RF-controlled units that go between the power source and the devices you want to control. The controller I got has ON/OFF buttons on a small keychain device--the base unit only has one plug, but I added a three-plug adapter to accommodate both the APAP and HC150 (I believe they make multi-device controllers as well, but I like the simplicity of a single switch). I just leave the HC150 in the ON position, when I activate the remote it immediately begins heating. The APAP also powers up but doesn't begin blowing until I put the mask on and it senses breathing. Best of both worlds, one button press.

I hope this is helpful to you Mr. Skinner, as I am very grateful for the Encore Pro analysis software you have generously provided. Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've checked--have you added any new features?

Cheers!

M-Series with HC150 Humidifier

M-Series with HC150 Humidifier

Re: M-Series with HC150 Humidifier