H4i Humidifier Reservoir "Boils"

[tabcourt]

Just got a ResMed S8 Escape II CPAP with an H4i humidifier. Had to use it last night without the H4i because I couldn't get it to stop making this really loud gurgling sound and the water in the tank was "boiling" on every inhalation.. The CPAP is about even with the bed, the water level was at the MAX line. I tried detaching and reattaching the unit. Finally, I just used the CPAP without it. Has anyone experienced this with these units?

[Wulfman]

Just got a ResMed S8 Escape II CPAP with an H4i humidifier. Had to use it last night without the H4i because I couldn't get it to stop making this really loud gurgling sound and the water in the tank was "boiling" on every inhalation.. The CPAP is about even with the bed, the water level was at the MAX line. I tried detaching and reattaching the unit. Finally, I just used the CPAP without it. Has anyone experienced this with these units?

What you describe sounds like "rainout". Your humidified (warm, moist) air is condensing in the hose and turning back into water. You need to turn your humidifier setting down. It's extremely unlikely that the water would be getting hot enough to "boil"........it's probably the airflow that's pushing the water around in the tank......making it "appear" to boil.

You can also make a hose cover out of fleece material or purchase pre-made hose covers to help reduce the condensation.


Den

[tabcourt]

Hi, thanks for the reply. The machine does this immediately upon turning it on so it can't be rainout. Of course, I don't mean it actually boils, but I am usimg the word in quotations to describe what it physically looks like.

[Country4ever]

What's your pressure set at?
I would try putting less water in your water chamber.

[fiberfan]

I couldn't get it to stop making this really loud gurgling sound and the water in the tank was "boiling" on every inhalation.

It sounds like you had too much water. I was told by a reliable source that the max line on some H4i water tanks is a bit too high. I had water slightly above the line one night and had sounds like you describe, it was fixed by removing a bit of water from the tank. Since that night I slightly under fill.

[Wulfman]

You also want to make sure that you don't over-fill the tank (it should have a fill-line on the side)......and that the cover is closed (if that applies to your humidifier).


Den

[oscar98]

I second the vote for over filling. My husband has this humidifier and if you fill it right to the max line it is too full as mentioned above. The pressure of the air flow makes the water bubble and gurgle and it does look and sound similar to boiling. Try dumping a bit of the water out of the tank and see what happens.

[Country4ever]

Or.....try adding some rice and you'll have breakfast by morning.

[base2balls]

I had a little trouble with the heat plate getting too hot, but then I went ot the ResMed site and found out you can turn it off by turning the dial on the humidyer down to 0. It works. I also fill mine just below the seam line on the tank. I never have mine set higher than 2. I have the same machine. I also made a hose cover out of double sided prequilted fabric and it helps. The other day I saw some pretty yellow fleece that I wished I had gotten to make another one, but I went back to get it and it was gone. It was sure pretty. Good luck with your H4i humidifyer. I have pretty good luck with mine. Have a great day, Huggies, Fay........Hey let us put hot chocolate mix in the tank and we'll have a nice hot cuppa in the a.m. Just kidding.

[BlackSpinner]

Just got a ResMed S8 Escape II CPAP with an H4i humidifier.

I hope your realize that that tank has no data capability. you will never know if your therapy is doing you any good! If you are renting I suggest you return it at once and insist on at least an Elite.

[tabcourt]

Okay, good responses, all thanks. Firstly, I will definitely try dropping the water level tonight. My pressure is 14. This unit does download data to a removable memory card. Is that not what you mean? I am told that I will be asked to occasionally download data to it and mail the card to the med equipment place.

[brain_cloud]

It will do this even if filled to the correct level if the humidifier tank is not closed tightly.

[roster]

This unit does download data to a removable memory card. Is that not what you mean? I am told that I will be asked to occasionally download data to it and mail the card to the med equipment place.

No, all that machine does is record the hours of use - worthless information for monitoring your therapy.

Everyone should have a machine that reports efficacy data. That is things like number of apneas, hypopneas, snores, flow limitations, mask leak, machine pressure adjustments, etc.

Your immediate priority should be to switch out the machine. If you are lucky, your insurance is still renting the machine and you can switch it out before they purchase it and stick you with it.

[tabcourt]

Okay, I will call them on Monday and ask to switch it out. Will the Elite still accept the H4i?

[roster]

Okay, I will call them on Monday and ask to switch it out.

That is a good plan and if it works, great.

However, be aware that the DME likely makes more profit from the basic machine and may put up a strong resistance. Steel yourself for battle and do not be timid with your words and threats should the need arrive on Monday.