Why a stand alone humidifier

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
deesnider
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Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by deesnider » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:33 am

Hello all. I'm new to the whole CPAP thing. Ive been reading many posts and have come to the overwhelming conclusion that a Full data is a must. So i have it narrowed down to a S8 Elite II and the M Series Pro. I there an advantage between one or the other??

They both have built in humidifiers, but ive been reading that a HC 150 is the way to go. Do they make a heated/passover humidifier? Why use a stand alone instead of a built in?

I went for my sleep study for the machine setting deal last Saturday, and now im starting to get the runaround from the DME the sleep center uses. I asked for the phone number for where they sent my prescription, and they told me my respiratory therapist need to make and appointment with me. I did insist over the phone to see the S8 Elite II and the M Series Pro. My insurance will basically do 80/20 on what ever i decide to get this first time since ive meet the deductible so far this year.

Thank you for all your help in advance

Steve

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roster
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by roster » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:46 am

deesnider wrote:......
They both have built in humidifiers, but ive been reading that a HC 150 is the way to go. ........ Why use a stand alone instead of a built in?
..........
The HC150 is a better humidifier than most of the integrated models. But for myself, I prefer an integrated humidifier as there are less pieces to deal with and the footprint is more compact. The integrated is not as good but it still does a suitable job.
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SharkBait
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by SharkBait » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:58 am

rooster wrote:
deesnider wrote:......
They both have built in humidifiers, but ive been reading that a HC 150 is the way to go. ........ Why use a stand alone instead of a built in?
..........
The HC150 is a better humidifier than most of the integrated models. But for myself, I prefer an integrated humidifier as there are less pieces to deal with and the footprint is more compact. The integrated is not as good but it still does a suitable job.
Word. I don't know if the HC150 would work better for me, but I do know with my Respironics integrated set at only "2" that I'm receiving plenty of moisture for comfortable CPAPing...
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OldLincoln
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by OldLincoln » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:18 pm

I specifically insisted on the HC-150 stand alone because:
1. I got the Respironics pump and they had a leaky tank design.
2. For traveling, I don't take my humidifier and an integrated unit is more difficult to break down.
3. The tank unit is in the open so I can refill / clean it easier.
4. Being a stand alone, the power cord is separate and easier for when I get a battery backup (don't put the humidifier on the battery).
5. The folks here said the HC-150 is the best humidifier available and I trust them.
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wjb1044
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by wjb1044 » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:39 pm

Hey Steve,

I have used a Respironics M Series (plus, not pro) and am now in the Resmed S8 II Elite. I much prefer the Resmed to the Respironics. It's easier to breathe and quieter, as well.

As for the humidifier, I, too, was looking at the HC150. In the end, I opted for the H4i integrated humidifier. I don't travel much, but if I do I, the H4i fits in the case with the CPAP. Also, there are no extra cords or hoses to hook up. It is well designed, also, and easier to fill than the Respironics humidifiers.

I hope this helps. Good luck with what ever you end up with.

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dsm
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by dsm » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:59 pm

deesnider wrote:Hello all. I'm new to the whole CPAP thing. Ive been reading many posts and have come to the overwhelming conclusion that a Full data is a must. So i have it narrowed down to a S8 Elite II and the M Series Pro. I there an advantage between one or the other??

They both have built in humidifiers, but ive been reading that a HC 150 is the way to go. Do they make a heated/passover humidifier? Why use a stand alone instead of a built in?

I went for my sleep study for the machine setting deal last Saturday, and now im starting to get the runaround from the DME the sleep center uses. I asked for the phone number for where they sent my prescription, and they told me my respiratory therapist need to make and appointment with me. I did insist over the phone to see the S8 Elite II and the M Series Pro. My insurance will basically do 80/20 on what ever i decide to get this first time since ive meet the deductible so far this year.

Thank you for all your help in advance

Steve

Reason HC150 tends to be popular is that it is a very effective H/H - F&P have been designing & producing H/H units for hospitals for many years & their designs are among the best. The one downside to a stand-alone H/H is operating it (turning on & off) seperate to the cpap.

I've used a HC150 for a couple of years - really effective. The 3i H/H is pretty good (never let me down) - I haven't used the M-series so can't comment on them.

DSM
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AuntieNae
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by AuntieNae » Tue Feb 10, 2009 3:01 pm

If you are getting the M series, I have the R3 or most current version of the M series humidifier. I keep mine set at 2 on the dial and have been pretty happy with it. I will say, since I am a mouth breather, I do use more water and have come close to using the entire tank.

If you are getting the ResMed, I do like the H4i humidifer. I like how the hose COMES OUT THE FRONT, the tank is also bigger.
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deesnider
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by deesnider » Tue Feb 10, 2009 4:17 pm

The size that the two seperate machines would take up dosnt bother me. the speep center had me on a HC100 from what i saw, and i used 3/4 of it on a nose piece, and it was set to 3. With the more im reading the S8 Elite II keeps soundnig like a better machine. I do very little traveling, so thats not too much of an issue. Here in a few days if the DME ever sets up an appointment ill make sure to ask about a HC150.

Im just looking to buy this all at one time, So i want to make the best informed decison i can possiably make.

Is there a benefiet to a passover humidifier then a Heated Humidifier?

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rested gal
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by rested gal » Tue Feb 10, 2009 4:43 pm

deesnider wrote:Is there a benefiet to a passover humidifier then a Heated Humidifier?
No. If you put water in a heated humidifier and don't turn the heat on, then you are getting passover humidification. So the heated humidifier gives you either one. A humidifier specificially designed to be a passover humidifier probably has a much larger water surface area, but if a person doesn't really need or want "heated" humidification, then I'd think the small amount of passover humidification a not-turned-on-heated-humidifier gives would probably be enough anyway.

I've used a Fisher & Paykel HC 150 heated humidifier for years. Love it. So easy to fill.
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deesnider
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by deesnider » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:21 pm

So basically a HC-150 is a Heated and passover humidifier in one. It looks like, and i maybe wrong, but the passover uses 2 chambers while the heated uses one chamber.

It seams like all i have left to do is make a decision on a machine and tell the DME what i want.

jules
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by jules » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:26 pm

I believe 2 chambers gives you an extra one- not both are used at once.

If you are using a local med supply place, you need to be prepared to fight a battle on machine - they will give you what they want - not what you want unless your script is machine specific.

deesnider
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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by deesnider » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:33 pm

Ive read that im in for a fight if they want to give me a 200 machine and i want the bigger more expensive one. I want the full data, easier breathing, quieter machine. But right now its a battle just to get someone to talk to me so i can even look at a machine

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Re: Why a stand alone humidifier

Post by Guest » Tue Feb 10, 2009 6:36 pm

I found the HC-150 to be a massive overkill. I can only set it around 1 or 1.5, past that and I get rainout. Why have the option to go to five when you can't even turn it up higher? I still have to fill it daily. I should have saved my money and kept using my integrated humidifier.