(UPDATE) Pressure Increased-not enough humidity (HC150?)

[Orchid]

Greetings! This is my first post and I'm in dire need of help. Please forgive me in advance if I've not made my problems clear. AND THANK YOU for a wonderful forum...YOU ARE A BLESSING because I know I'm not alone..even though it feels like it sometimes. The docs, rt's, and DME's have no clue how to help my situation ... But judging from what I've read since being diagnosed with apnea in '08, I know I'm not the only one LOST...

I've had 2 sleep studies, The first one was in '08 and the last one this past June. It confirmed what we knew in January of '10, that my pressure level had to be increased. Since then, I found out from the sleep lab that the mask was not fit correctly, (I now have a zest, small) and I needed a chin strap. No problem. Unfortunately, the cpap machine is not providing enough humidity for my sinuses and I wake up feeling HORRIBLE with sinuses dried out and burning, and headaches.

Since the so called "medical team" have not been able to suggest anything to offer relief (and I put this mildly... short story my patience is GONE with them)... I googled and googled and finally found a product called HC 150 stand alone humidifier by Fisher and Paykel. After reading about it on some forums, I decided to order one (even though I was told it's old school by one rt, docs haven't heard of it, and no input as to whether it will help me or not).

I was ready to make the appt for the rt to bring the machine to me, until I read the words "ambient tracking". I WANT CONTROL of the humidty. I do not want the machine to tell me what it thinks is best for my nostrils and sinuses After having a HORRIBLE 2 night mess with the Resmed S9 Elite CPAP with H5i Humidifier and ClimateLine Tubing, I fear the words ambient, climate control and any thing else that leaves me helpless. The brilliant RT who said Resmed S9 would provide wonderful relief, and also provide QUIET results, I was SO EXCITED... It failed miserably and was akin to turning my remstar humidity settings to zero.

Knowing the temp of the room affects the amount of humidity, rainout vs dryout (lol), we can't seem to get the temp of the room 'just right'. Knowing that some survivors have used covers on their hoses to prevent rainout, and water puddles I decided to do the opposite. I was able to increase humidity a little by laying a hot water bag filled with ice on my tubing. I know I know, it sounds archaic, but desperate times called for desperate measures. Obviously this is very temporary and not convenient. The bag falls off, or the ice melts too fast.

I hope I've provided enough information to answer the following questions.
Are there any product or ideas out there to help me attain more humidty? Will the hc150 w/AMBIENT tracking help or be the same as resmeds9?

[Pugsy]

There is a member here with specific knowledge about the F & P and can answer your questions much better than I can.
I will send her a note so she does not miss your problem.

I have never used the F & P nor do I use ResMed so I can't help but I do believe there is a way to set the new ResMed back to the more classic heated mode that will add more moisture. I know with my PR S1 I have 2 choices now in modes of operation on my machine. I also need more moisture so I understand where you are coming from.

[Orchid]

Thank you so much! I can't tell you how many tears I've had over the loss and lack of sleep from sinus issues. But I do use REMSTAR, and I think it's the exact model you have under your signature.. (I may have misread it) I have remstar auto m series a-flex. But I don't know what the PR system means. If I could override the humidity control I would do it in a heartbeat!

[Pugsy]

I only this spring got the PR S1 machine. I still have the M series APAP as backup.
The PR S1 doesn't use a heated hose. Instead in uses sensors for humidity control plus it can also be set to work just like the M series did.

I get the same comfort on the PR S1 setting of 3 in either mode but the new mode uses less water overnight.
At least it won't go dry in 8 hours like the M series would. The PR S1 humidifier needs a PR S1 machine. I don't think it will work with any other model or brand.

Classic mode mentioned is like you had with M series.
http://systemonehumiditycontrol.respironics.com/

The stand alone F & P is pretty sweet. I just don't know enough about it to comment.

[rested gal]

Hi Orchid,

About the stand-alone Fisher & Paykel HC 150 heated humidifier:

I was ready to make the appt for the rt to bring the machine to me, until I read the words "ambient tracking". I WANT CONTROL of the humidty. I do not want the machine to tell me what it thinks is best for my nostrils and sinuses After having a HORRIBLE 2 night mess with the Resmed S9 Elite CPAP with H5i Humidifier and ClimateLine Tubing, I fear the words ambient, climate control and any thing else that leaves me helpless.

I understand absolutely what you're saying about fearing the words, "ambient", "climate control", and anything else that might keep you from having CONTROL of the humidity.

You'll be happy to know that the "ambient tracking" mentioned in the Fisher & Paykel descriptions of the HC 150 humidifier really doesn't seem to mean much. I've used the F&P HC 150 humidifier for about 7 years. Love it for the very reason you talked about -- "I WANT CONTROL of the humidity." I've never noticed the "ambient tracking" changing anything about the amount of humidification I prefer.

Here's what I think would give you COMPLETE control over the amount of humidification you want, and need:

Yes, definitely do get the Fisher & Paykel HC 150 heated humidifier.

Also get the "heated cpap tube" made by Sleepzone.com.au (an online store in Australia.)
On the message board we often call it the "Aussie heated hose."

There's an online store in the U.S. that gets the "heated cpap tube" from Sleepzone and sells it as the "Universal Heated Hose":
http://www.cpapusa.com/cpap-sleep-apnea ... T2285.html
I'd get the heated hose and power supply -- the one listed for $145.95.

P.S. If what I've said helps any, you can thank Pugsy for directing my attention to your plight!

[Orchid]

I AM SO GLAD you replied, and I will definitely thank Pugsy! I decided to go ahead and purchase the humidifier today. I went to the supplier instead of making a needless appointment for them to come to me at their convenience. The insurance covered so much, the little amnt I had to pay for it, seemed worth the gamble. I am also dealing with insomnia, which is why I'm here So very happy that you are pleased with the results. I've also read user reviews (I believe they were on cpap.com) and felt like the minor complaints were not a problem, and the outstanding positive reviews pushed me to try it.. so tonight will be the first night to try it and I'll let you know in a few days if I have good results...


You wrote: "You'll be happy to know that the "ambient tracking" mentioned in the Fisher & Paykel descriptions of the HC 150 humidifier really doesn't seem to mean much. I've used the F&P HC 150 humidifier for about 7 years. Love it for the very reason you talked about -- "I WANT CONTROL of the humidity." I've never noticed the "ambient tracking" changing anything about the amount of humidification I prefer. "
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU... I so wish the sleep experts understood and were compassionate about it as you are!!!!!!

Oh and none of the so called experts in the field from docs to RTs did not have a clue as to how to help my lack of humidity problem.... (after what 30yrs of learning how to treat it, it's like they're still on step one on how to treat it) and that infuriates me. I just saw the sleep doc monday, she referred me to their sleep lab manager, who had no clue and admitted she knew nothing about the equipment we use. I asked if there was someone in the lab who could offer advice and she said no. :p then she identified herself as a secretary rather than manager (she uses the labels interchangeably).. so I called the office back (I think wednesday) and they said to come back in and discuss the humidity problem with the doc.. another $50 co pay? I don't think so and said I would think about it.

When I picked up my humidifier, I let the rt know what I thought (as I've been doing for 2 weeks to anyone who will listen).. I think it's really odd that all the professionals in the field have differing opinions, rarely know the products, and don't know what to do about increasing humidity for people like me. She said "most people don't have problems with the built in humidifiers on cpap machines".. I was like, well yeah, I didn't either until they increased the pressure. Now it's like a leaf blower blowing into my sinuses ...

Bless you guys for replying and for that link too! ((crossing fingers and praying for relief))

[Orchid]

HOORAY! No need to wait a couple of days to tell you whether or not this machine worked! It's fantastic. It worked exactly as I wanted it to, and I could not be more pleased! Moisture was just right, only needed a 2.5 setting and NOW I can be comfortable taking my allergy pills during the day when I need them, knowing that the cpap will not dry me even more after the antihistamines. FINALLY since January of 2010, I'm So So happy and truly believe my quality of sleep will just continue to improve!

LOVE heart LOVE

[Pugsy]

I am so glad it works well for you. I have always thought if I happened to come to a point where I am maxing out my humidifier that the F & P would be the way I would go. I understand the need for the extra moisture. I am the same way.