Excessive Condensation

[raveneap]

Following is an email I sent to Philips/Remstar today. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

... ed ...

1/13/09 – Sent to Phillips/Respironics from their web site.

"... For the past year I have had a REMSTARPLUS Series M CPAP with heated humidifier. Recently I've experienced excessive condensation to the point where I have to remove the mask in the middle of the night. There is condensation visible in the mask (Comfort Fusion - Small) plus the hose will drip water when removed from the mask. There is also a "gurgling" sound when breathing. My provider yesterday replaced my humidifier with one of a new design but results are the same. We keep our bedroom very cool but always have and didn't experience this problem last winter. I've tried heat settings from low to high with no relief. I obviously do not want to go without the protection provided by the unit. Can you advise?..."

[birdshell]

My first thought is rainout. This is a phenomenon that strikes many of us.

There are a few suggestions that have worked:

1. Turn down the level of humidity.

2. Use a hose cover. (Consult http://www.padacheek.com should you wish to support fellow Forum Folk.)

3. Be sure that you are NOT overfilling your humidifier, as if I go above my fill line, that gurgling happens.

4. Try a heated hose, sometimes called the Aussie heated hose. Following is a link, provided by Rested Gal:

LINKS to discussions about the Aussie heated hose - to prevent rainout
viewtopic.php?t=5305

5. Hope that someone else has a machine like yours and knows specifically what will help.

Karen,
Who has stuck with ResMed but always liked Philips products

[RonnieAdl]

I too would like to know the answer to this.. I was in getting a new mask last week and told the guy about it and is all he said was to put the unit on the floor. Never really gave me an answer.. I hate pulling it off when I am half asleep or being awakened with liquid allover my face. If you find out , please let us know.. It is so annoying..

Thanks!
Ronnie

[raveneap]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm going to look in to the insulated sheathing for the hose - my provider mentioned it the other day - didn't want to go that route as, for some reason, my insurer doesn't balk at the total cost of the machine and masks but won't cover the sheathing. Oh, well, apparently it's only $20.00 or so so will give it a try. If & when there are any results to post, I'll do so. In the meantime, any further ideas appreciated.

Thanks,

... ed ...

[birdshell]

I forgot to add that to my previous posting/list...

I have always placed my machine on the floor or on a flat object (i.e., upside down storage bin or hotel bedside table). I do not personally use a hose hanger of any kind, but many folks do. It bothers me, and I like the hose overhead anyway, so it just stays there as I toss and turn during the night.

Here are some more suggestions, thanks to rested gal--Laura:

(The entire post may be found at Lab Rat Awards )

LINKS to Lab Rat Trophy awards.

<big snip>
_____________________________


Main Air Hose Management

yorkiemum01
how-to make a hose hanger from tube sock and duct tape
Sep 25, 2008 subject: My Best Nights Sleep Yet... a Hose Hanger! to yorkiemum01 for description of using a tube sock with toe cut out and duct tape for a hanger.
viewtopic.php?p=299823#p299823

Georgio
hose hanger where there's a window at head of bed
Sep 24, 2008 subject: My Best Nights Sleep Yet... a Hose Hanger! to Georgio for pictures and description of making a hose hanger to work if head of bed has a window with venetian blinds behind it.
viewtopic.php?p=299547#p299547

jkmnop
tripod hose hanger
Sep 07, 2007 subject: Old or Cheap Tripod to jkmnop using a tripod for hose hanger
viewtopic.php?p=207318

jkmnop
travel suitcase handle
Sep 07, 2007 subject: CPAP Travel Tip to jkmnop using a travel suitcase's extended handle to hang hose beside hotel bed
viewtopic.php?p=207316

painterman
how-to make a hose hanger from metal shelf support
Jun 16, 2007 subject: An idea for hose handling! to painterman for directions and pictures -- making a swivel hose hanger from a metal shelf support
viewtopic.php?t=21157

Craig
how-to make a hose hanger from PVC pipe
Oct 08, 2005 subject: Homemade Hose Stand by Craig to Craig for directions and pictures for making a hose hanger from PVC pipe
viewtopic.php?t=5006

cktan
hose hanger from ceiling
Aug 9, 2005 Where does the hose go? Under or Over the bed covers? to cktan for pictures of suspending main air hose from ceiling.
http://www.apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?p=2108

Jeff V
sockball to wedge hose behind mattress
Apr 20 2005 subject: Are some hoses lighter than others? to Jeff V for "sock ball" idea to wedge hose between mattress and wall
http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=10416

Bellcrest
ceiling plant hanger for hose
May 22, 2006 subject: Hose management to Bellcrest for pictures of 'Adjust a Hook' ceiling plant hanger for air hose
viewtopic.php?p=120867


_____________________________
<another big snip>

[sleepycarol]

Insurance most likely will not cover "creature comforts" and a snuggle hose cover is consider optional and in no way actually affects your therapy (yea I know when you have a face full of water it is extremely frustrating).

Covers for the headgear, hoses, aromatherapy, hose hangers, etc. will probably be out of pocket. Most of us are happy to pay out of pocket to make it more comfortable sleeping with the hose. If you decide to go the Aussie heated hose it too will not be covered -- at least to my knowledge.

[Babette]

I have the same unit. This is my solution:

1) Make sure unit is placed BELOW LEVEL OF HEAD. I had to re-arrange my entire sleeping setup to do this. It works well, so I'm good with it now. I have it on a bookcase beside my bed, on a lower shelf. Works just fine.

2) COVER YOUR MAIN HOSE. I made my own fleece hose covers by sewing a rectangle of fleece, then cinching them at the end with a length of Velcro One Wrap. I recommend that rather than bothering to sew Velcro to the ends. It helps to keep the fleece from becoming a pill-y mess when you wash the cover in the machine. BTW, use zippered lingerie bags when you wash it in the washing machine.

2a) My new favorite hose cover is the Resmed brand zippered cover. It's NIFTY! And it works REALLY WELL! And it's fun zipping it on and off! If you dislike the cold nylon cover, cover THAT with fleece.

3) Cover your MASK HOSE. Very important to make sure that all parts leading from your mask to your main hose are ALSO covered. You'll probably have to jerry rig these yourself.

4) TURN YOUR HEAT UP. Just learn to live with this next factor in your life. You'll have to play around to find the sweet spot between warm enough to fight rainout, and too warm to sleep. I use a small space heater in my bedroom, and shut the door, so I'm not heating the entire house. Yes, your electric bill will go up. It just comes with the territory.

If all these tricks don't work - you need an Aussie Heated Hose. If you search the forum on this topic, you'll also find some "DIY" tricks people have tried to replicate the Aussie.

Good luck!
Babs

[nate fry]

I had that problem and my ex mother in law took an old scarf and sewn it up to make a cover and it worked like a charm.

[raveneap]

Again, thanks for the info. I got a reply this morning from Respironics Customer Service who said basically the same thing as we've discussed here; lower humidifier temp, raise room temp or sheath hose. Well, I don't want to increase the room temp so last night I set the humidifier heat to zero. This morning I could see only slight traces of condensation in the mask and no dripping, etc. I don't need the heated water and as I understand it, the humidifier will function even with the heat off. So, if that's true, I might be all set. We'll see.

[Pineapple]

You can also put your hose under your covers to insulate it from the room temperature.

[JOMOMA]

It's good to see the suggestions out there for this problem. I was beginning to feel as a newbie I was destined to waking up with a cold wet nose.
I know it means your dog is healthy but makes cuddling in the morning strained.
Will be looking into the hose covers as well. Does the heater hose work with any machine?
Jo Elen

[Babette]

Yup! The Aussie Heated Hose works with every machine.

BTW, You can also jerry rig a cover for your hose by sliding some tube socks over it (cut the toes out), and then wrapping some Velcro One Wrap around those to stay in place. I've even heard of people using rubber bands and duct tape instead of Velcro.

That's for you folks who don't sew, and don't know anyone you can bribe to sew for you.

Cheers,
B.

[raveneap]

Turning off the heat in the humidifier seems to have done the trick. Got up this AM after no sleep interruption from rainout and there was barely noticeable condensation in the mask. Seems to have solved the problem. Thanks to everyone for the info.