Update on coughing problem

[staje]

I posted a while back about having a horrible cough every time I used my cpap. Here is the link:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=34377&p=293650#p293650

I tried all the suggestions but still kept getting the cough. Most suggested that I didn't have enough humidity and that I was getting a dry throat. I tried all the humidity settings, I tried all the cflex settings, I tried literally everything I could think of to make the machine work as it had before. I really felt there was something with the machine/parts so I ordered new parts. I got a new mask, tube, water reservoir, and filters. I carefully changed them all out and threw away the old ones.

I still got the cough when using the machine.

After this I got the idea to try it without the humidifier to see if that part of the cpap might be causing the cough (my next step would have been to try my old machine). Like magic it went away. No humidifier = no cough. Since I used to use the humidifier without a problem I can only guess that when I was traveling abroad that I got some mysterious contaminant in humidifying part of the machine (other than the reservoir).

My current issue is that I can't figure out how to clean it since it has electrical components. I'm thinking I may just have to get a new one. Needless to say I will not ever travel with the humidifier again and I won't put any tap water anywhere near it.

[Babette]

Whoa. Really weird.

I think I'd contemplate buying a new humidifier, too. Is it the M Series integrated humidifier that's causing you problems? I wonder if it might be possible to swap with someone, and test the theory that there's something weird about it?

Would your DME consider swapping you humidifiers on a trial basis?

Cheers,
Babs

[Goofproof]

Your problem and, precieved results, don't compute. The Electronics of the HH aren't in the air circuit and therefore aren't being breathed in unless the HH is on fire. Cleaning the HH tank should, make it like new, unless you are allergic to your water, (or what's in it) it shouldn't make you cough. Maybe you don't do well with the added heat from the HH or the added moisture, I would think this would be more likely. Jim

[Babette]

Jim makes a good point.

I wonder if you've just CHANGED your needs and don't need to use the humidifier right now? My needs change CONSTANTLY.... Something will work FINE for a few weeks, then it needs to be tweaked.

Maybe you should just put the HH away for awhile, and see what happens.

Cheers,
Babs

[Goofproof]

I have mine attached, and usually use it with distilled water, turned off (as Passover), but the last two months I have ran it without any water at all. I leave it on the unit because it acts as a muffler, without it the machine makes more noise. (I thought my Defibulator, set off it's alarm) That gave me something to really worry about for the night. Jim

[Snoredog]

if you don't need the humidifier, then separate it from the machine, it will have a much smaller footprint and better air flow.

To remove it:

1. Place your left hand on the Humidifier,
2. In the center of the machine at the front about 1/2" up from the bottom, you
should feel a finger pull or lip.
3. Now, pressing down with your left hand and lifting up firmly at the front of the machine,
with right hand, lift up the machine separating it from the base.
4. Now included with your machine should be a square plastic bracket with hose port,
snap that on the back of the machine then connect your hose to that bracket. You can separate
the power plug from the power supply and keep that with the humidifier chamber.

[staje]

Your problem and, precieved results, don't compute. The Electronics of the HH aren't in the air circuit and therefore aren't being breathed in unless the HH is on fire. Cleaning the HH tank should, make it like new, unless you are allergic to your water, (or what's in it) it shouldn't make you cough. Maybe you don't do well with the added heat from the HH or the added moisture, I would think this would be more likely. Jim

No no, I don't think it has anything to do with the electronics, but there are some that are part of the M series humidifier and that would prevent me from putting it in the dishwasher.

I did change the tank and still have the problem. Even with the changed tank there are parts of the humidifier that the moisture must go through to get from the tank to the hose. Possibly there are HH that don't work this way, but my M series definitely does.

[staje]

Jim makes a good point.

I wonder if you've just CHANGED your needs and don't need to use the humidifier right now? My needs change CONSTANTLY.... Something will work FINE for a few weeks, then it needs to be tweaked.

Maybe you should just put the HH away for awhile, and see what happens.

Cheers,
Babs

This is possible though I live in Colorado and things here get really dry as the winter sets in. I think I will try one of the other suggestions and see if I can switch it out through the device provider.