Extreme Dryness

[barrett1179]

I have an S9 auto set with the Hi5 Humidifier. The problem that i am having is my nose keeps drying out real bad to the point that it gets hard to breathe. I have the humidity level at 5.5 and the water temp set to 70. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[avi123]

I would try another mask such as full face and see if it is better.

[OutaSync]

When I have my humidity too high, I have a hard time breathing through my nose. Same thing happens outside on humid days and when I'm in the shower. I have to turn down the humidifier as low as it will go to be able to breathe better. Could that be happening to you?

[SleepyInSeoul]

I have a similar problem. But last week, I suddenly remembered that I had bought the headed hose for my S9, and it was still sealed in the original packaging. I got it out and used it, and clearly it is better. I just wish I could set the humidity level - it appears to only offer temperature control. While it is better than before, I would still like more humidity (my apartment is really dry). Any tips?

[harry33]

study the handbook to get a clear idea of how the humidifier operates
needless to say, if the water level doesnt go down, its not working

[SleepyInSeoul]

study the handbook to get a clear idea of how the humidifier operates
needless to say, if the water level doesnt go down, its not working

Thanks, Harry, I'll double-check the manual. I did go back and re-read it after a few days, but don't recall that it was very helpful. Good point about the water level - Seems like the very first night I used it, the humidity was great - indeed, I had to refill the water in the middle of the night. But since then, it doesn't use as much water. I'll monitor that more closely.

[christinepi]

You can change the humidity level only when the tube is NOT attached. Who invented this??

[Bill B]

Second post and really don't know much about apnea yet. I've been on the system just over a month.

REMstar System One with humidifier set at 5. Room temp 62 to 65. Room humidity is 45% Water usage during the night is 4 oz. This thing causes enough dryness in my throat that I end up drinking a glass of water prior to bed, and then 3-4 times during the night, I wake up and have another glass to rehydrate. Between this, getting used to the mask, and the noise of the machine, I think I'm getting less sleep than before.

Am I wrong, doing something wrong, not even sure what to ask?

[barrett1179]

Thanks to all who have replied I have changed the level a few times but have not moved it down i will try it tonight. I do have a heated hose. but only the nasal pillows to use.

[sol]

having the same problem with congested nose ,get better when turn humidity down.

[SleepyInSeoul]

still no joy for me. i wonder if there is something wrong with my humidifier. Wake up during the night with really dry mouth and throat. Like the previous poster, I'm always drinking water. My apartment itself is pretty dry, but with the addition of two heavy duty humidifiers, I've brought the room RH up to about 40 or 45%.

I did increased the setting to the max with the hose disconnected. I've tried turning up or even down the temperature (with the heated hose), and it doesn't seem to make any difference. Next I think I need to measure my water usage.

Personally, I wish there was a way to cool the humid air, not heat it. That's just a personal preference.

[snnnark]

still no joy for me. i wonder if there is something wrong with my humidifier. Wake up during the night with really dry mouth and throat. Like the previous poster, I'm always drinking water. My apartment itself is pretty dry, but with the addition of two heavy duty humidifiers, I've brought the room RH up to about 40 or 45%.

I did increased the setting to the max with the hose disconnected. I've tried turning up or even down the temperature (with the heated hose), and it doesn't seem to make any difference. Next I think I need to measure my water usage.

Personally, I wish there was a way to cool the humid air, not heat it. That's just a personal preference.

Are you using a nasal mask? If you are then you could be mouth breathing.

[Julie]

It is very possible that Cpap has nothing to do with your problem. There is something called Sjogren's ("showgren's") disease that dries out your tissues, also your eyes, and is related to arthritis. It's nothing terrible in terms of your health or the future, but you should be checked out and until then, you can buy artificial tears and mucous membrane help at the pharmacy.

[SleepyInSeoul]

Good suggestions. I do use a nasal mask. I also use a chin strap to help with the mouth breathing, because when I first used the CPAP I was swallowing a LOT of air each night. That isn't a problem anymore, but maybe I am breathing some through my mouth and don't know it.

I agree that I probably have a problem with dryness in my nasal tissues, even without CPAP. Before I used the CPAP machine, my mouth would get a little dry, enough so that I kept a glass of water by my bed. I also remeber whenever taking a vacation to Florida, how wonderful I would feel after just one day in that humid climate. But since starting CPAP, it has become 10x worse. That's why I wonder if the humidifier is working, I wouldn't think that a humid air flow would worsen my dryness, seems like it would actually improve it. And the design of the humidifier/hose seems strange that you can't adjust the humidity level.

[Slartybartfast]

Two words:

Saline Nasal Spray. My sleep doc told me it's very important to thoroughly saturate your schnoz with saline before putting on the mask. Said otherwise nasal congestion and drying will be a problem.

Give it a try.