Thanks for "Rainout" advice~

[eloise1253]

When I began with my CPAP in June, I was constantly awakened by what I learned is called "rainout" inside the mask. It continued, even after I stopped using the humidifyer. I brought it up here on this board, and one suggestion I received was to put a cotton string inside the mask. I cut up an extra sports shoelace and I wind it inside my mask, and have not had to deal with "rainout" since. I am so thankful for that advice! Now I plan to try using my humidifyer again one of these nights.

[Gerald]

Eloise.....

I'm glad the string worked for you.

When you crank up the humidifier, you might start at the lowest setting......or maybe even "off"....just let the air pass over the water without heat.

Also, be sure that your hose has an "insulated cover"....they sell 'em at CPAP.com

Finally, if you can do so, position your hose so that most of it is lower than your nose.

You have conquered the "exhaled breath" cause of rainout......and when you crank up your humidifier, you need to be prepared for the "inside the hose condensation" cause of rainout.

Just remember....you're fighting two different problems......that appear to be one and the same.....somewhat related, but different.

Gerald

[OneCatBelleSundance]

I've only been using CPAP since mid-July and had no problems with rain out until I went on vacation. A couple hours into my first night on vacation I woke up with a nose full of water. Oh that's rain out, I laughed to myself and turned down the humidity level on my machine. Once winter comes I plan on getting a hose cover.

[provider]

We saw our Respironics rep today and they said their new PAP supposedly solves the rainout issues!

[rested gal]

We saw our Respironics rep today and they said their new PAP supposedly solves the rainout issues!

"supposedly" is the operative word.

I've not tried the new machine but I doubt it will solve serious rainout issues at all. I remember when the Fisher & Paykel HC 150 humidifier touted "ambient tracking" as the way it would prevent rainout. However, I couldn't tell one bit of difference in the amount of rainout I got using their "ambient tracking" way compared to using an integrated humidifier. Of course there was no way to know if F&P's lowest temp setting was the same as the Respironics' humidifier's lowest temp setting. There could have been a lot of variables, but my point is that "ambient tracking" didn't really do much good at preventing rainout -- not for me, anyway.

I may be completely wrong about this, but it sure sounds to me like the new Respironics machine's way of dealing with rainout is pretty much like the old "ambient tracking" method a F&P stand-alone humidifier uses.

If a person wants to use a certain level of heated humidification and that level is producing rainout, the best way to prevent the rainout in the first place is by keeping the main air hose itself warm enough to prevent condensation along the plastic walls of the hose. If a hose cover doesn't accomplish that, then a heated hose like Sleepzone's "heated cpap tube" is the surest way to stop rainout, in my opinion.

If the rainout is being produced from condensation of exhaled breath within the mask rather than by condensation of humidifier air traveling through the main air hose, a homemade wick has been reported by several on the message board as an effective solution.

[Uncle_Bob]

We saw our Respironics rep today and they said their new PAP supposedly solves the rainout issues!

"supposedly" is the operative word.

I've not tried the new machine but I doubt it will solve serious rainout issues at all. I remember when the Fisher & Paykel HC 150 humidifier touted "ambient tracking" as the way it would prevent rainout. However, I couldn't tell one bit of difference in the amount of rainout I got using their "ambient tracking" way compared to using an integrated humidifier. Of course there was no way to know if F&P's lowest temp setting was the same as the Respironics' humidifier's lowest temp setting. There could have been a lot of variables, but my point is that "ambient tracking" didn't really do much good at preventing rainout -- not for me, anyway.

I may be completely wrong about this, but it sure sounds to me like the new Respironics machine's way of dealing with rainout is pretty much like the old "ambient tracking" method a F&P stand-alone humidifier uses.

If a person wants to use a certain level of heated humidification and that level is producing rainout, the best way to prevent the rainout in the first place is by keeping the main air hose itself warm enough to prevent condensation along the plastic walls of the hose. If a hose cover doesn't accomplish that, then a heated hose like Sleepzone's "heated cpap tube" is the surest way to stop rainout, in my opinion.

If the rainout is being produced from condensation of exhaled breath within the mask rather than by condensation of humidifier air traveling through the main air hose, a homemade wick has been reported by several on the message board as an effective solution.

Arizona, humidity 30%, thermostat = 78.

F&P SleepStyle 608 (heated hose) set to high humidity result = no rainouts
Resmed S8 Elite II (hose cover) anything set above 2 = rainout

at $170 the heated tube is expensive, to replace my hose now costs me $8 i hate to be replacing a $170 hose
What i would like to see is a heated fleece snuggle hose, kinda like an electric blanket for your bed but as a cover for your hose.

[zaban3]

You can get the Aussie hose directly from Australia for $129.00. I think it was worth it.

[Jeeper]

My Aussie heated hose has seen nightly use since I bought it in early February 2006. All parts are still the originals. I did buy a backup Aussie last year as a precaution but so far it is still in the package. I am very happy with my Aussie purchase.

Jeeper

[rested gal]

My Aussie heated hose has seen nightly use since I bought it in early February 2006. All parts are still the originals. I did buy a backup Aussie last year as a precaution but so far it is still in the package. I am very happy with my Aussie purchase.

Jeeper

Same here. I also have a backup Aussie heated hose (Sleepzone heated cpap tube) that I've not had to use yet. My original one bought quite a few years ago is still working fine. I like having a heated hose that can be used with any brand of machine. I'd not want to be tied into using just one brand of machine in order to have a "heated hose."

[GaryG]

I experienced rainout last night for the first time. (temp is getting cooler outside, so obviously cooler in my house). Figure I'll try and turn down humidity a bit. But I have a general question. Is it worth getting and insulated cover, do they work? Or do folks recommend going directly to an Aussie heated hose?

[Gerald]

My bet is that the insulated hose cover will do the trick......because you haven't had a problem until now.

Remember....the hose cover is for condensation inside the hose....and it doesn't help condensation caused by exhaled breath.

If the hose cover doesn't help stop the rainout, check to be sure the problem isn't caused by exhaled breath. If it is exhaled breath that's the culprit, think about a way to capture it (a wick will work) before the droplets can get big enough to go up your nose.

Gerald

[Agape=Love]

I just ordered the 3 "new" respironics auto's that taut the elimination of rain out. The rep told me they solved the rain out problem. Along with other upgrades I will post an evaluation of this unit when I have it in the field.

Agape!

[ozij]

experienced rainout last night for the first time. (temp is getting cooler outside, so obviously cooler in my house). Figure I'll try and turn down humidity a bit. But I have a general question. Is it worth getting and insulated cover, do they work?

It depends on your pressure as well: lower pressure = more rainout, but Gerald's right. If you haven't had any rainout till now, covering your hose, and you mask's hose (if it has a separate one) is worth trying.

Me, I've had my Aussie heated hose 4 years now -- and its still working. Had to change the power supply -- but that was locally bought anyway.

And I need hose covers on top of the heated hose.

O.