New to CPAP -- Humidity Question

[pjconstantine]

HI All--
I've been on C-PAP since Monday (ResMed S9 Autoset with Heated Humidifier). Each night I have filled the humidifier tank to the fill indicator. Each morning, it looks like the same amount (perhaps a tad less) of water is in the tank. The humidity on the machine is set at 3. Should it be using so little water or is the thing not working??? Also, if there is water left in the tank, can I continue to use it a second night, or must the water be changed each night.
Thanks for your help!!
--Paul

[apneawho]

Hi Paul,
I have same machine, but use the climate line so humidty is set to a temperature. You will find you use more water some nights and less others. Depends on climate conditions and your body. I fill mine below max fill line and usually have plenty left in the morning. You can continue to use the same water as long as you are using distilled. Manufacturer says to dump in morning and refill at night but I have stopped doing that and see no consequences from it. Have been doing it since July 2011.

[jweeks]

Each night I have filled the humidifier tank to the fill indicator. Each morning, it looks like the same amount (perhaps a tad less) of water is in the tank. The humidity on the machine is set at 3.

Paul,

Try these experiments...

1) run your machine for a bit, then turn it off, then pull out the water tray. See if the heating element and the bottom of the water tray are warm. If not, the humidifier is probably not working right. I don't know how your autoset works, but both of my machines can have humidifier problems if the tray isn't seated just right, or if the humidifier isn't locked into the blower just right.

2) turn it up really high and see if you notice a difference.

Note that even if it isn't heating, you do get "pass through" effect of the air blowing through the water. It could also be that if you live along the coast or somewhere really damp and warm that you won't use that much water.

Also, if there is water left in the tank, can I continue to use it a second night, or must the water be changed each night.

You can do that if you are not overly paranoid. I dump and rinse my tank about once a week, but I just keep adding to whatever is there most nights. If I am using my travel machine, I always dump it. I don't want to risk getting out of the habit of dumping and drying the tray before packing it up.

-john-

[Sheriff Buford]

I always ask this... but ask yourself if you really need to humidifier. Some people need one because they get plugged up and may have sinus issues. The reason I ask this because mine was also acting up. I went a few nights without one and realized that I didn't need one. I use it only a couple times per year when my "honker" starts acting up... I saves me alot of the "cpap-maintenance". Just sayin'

Sheriff

[pjconstantine]

Thanks!