need Comfortlite 2 rainout help or suggestions

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sat May 13, 2006 10:59 am

Would anyone have a clue how to end rainout with the Comfortlite 2? I do not have any rainout in my hose (has a nice cozy) no evidence of moisture in it or in the short hose attached to the headgear. The only place I have moisture accumulating is in the nasal pillows or the simple cushion. It may not seem bad to those who have severe rainout problems but this is killing my sleep. I get water buildup in the pillows or cushion and then roll over and it drains into my nose causing enough discomfort to wake me up. I had a similar problem with the Breeze but since the headgear wasn't comfortable enough to sleep with on my back I usually slept on my side and the water would build up and leak out the pillows as I slept and lost the seal every so often.

I have checked the hoses whenever I wake up so the water is definitely not running into the pillows from there. I must have a lot of moisture in my exhalations that builds up quite quickly. I have my humidifier set at 1 which is as low as it goes. When I can't tolerate the rainout I switch masks back to my Swift during the night and then if I have forgotten to raise the humidity level back up to at least a three I am so dry it is terrible.

As I said earlier I have my hose covered and even went so far as to wrap the short hose on the headgear. I don't know if turning the humidifier off and just letting the air passover will help but I could try that tonight. Other than that I am at a loss as what to do.

The comfortlite 2 is for me the most comfortable nasal mask that I have tried so far and I would like to be able to continue to use it. If I can not find a solution I will have to buy another Swift which is functional just not as comfortable.

Dale

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat May 13, 2006 11:43 am

If you don't have the Aussie heated hose, that should help solve the rainout problem.

Also, turn your heated humidifier to it's lowest setting.

If neither of those work, raise the temperature in your bedroom at night - unfortunate for those of us who like cold bedrooms to sleep in.

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sat May 13, 2006 11:54 am

Thanks Linda
I had thought of the Aussie heated hose but since I didn't see any condensation in my hose with the regular cozy I figured it wouldn't help. Since my rainout is only in the pillows or cushion I didn't think that would help. Does the heated hose raise the temp of the air that much that it might help? I thought the heated hose would only end condensation collecting in the hose itself. I suppose I could order one and give it a shot I have got nothing to lose except money and isn't that what CPAP treatment generally does is drain your wallet? I'm not bitter just trying to find a little humor.

Oh, I did raise the temp in our bedroom about 7 degrees last night and it didn't slow the rainout. Maybe I will up it again another few degrees tonight.

Dale

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:15 pm

Dale92 wrote:Does the heated hose raise the temp of the air that much that it might help? I thought the heated hose would only end condensation collecting in the hose itself.

Dale, I can tell you from my experience that since installing the heated hose, I haven't experienced any rainout. I run the HH at its highest setting of 5 and am currently using the CL2 interface without any problem whatsoever.

I suppose thinking this through analytically, if the hose didn't at least keep the moisture laden air coming from the humidifier at the temperatue it was in the humidifier, then condensation would have to occur (assuming nearly 100% RH).

Regards,
Bill

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:19 pm

Once the heated hose becomes heated, it actually blows warm air. So, that should help keep moisture out of the CL2 itself. The heated hose helps with the Aura, but not completely with mine. I still get a few droplets of water, but usually it doesn't drain out. Kind of like when you wash the pillows and a few droplets of water are visible inside before it dries.

Also, I have 3 hose covers on my heated hose - lol.

Plus, many members prefer the warmer air from the heated hose - especially in the winter.

I don't really notice the warm air blowing into my nostrils, but you can definitely feel it with your hand over the end of the hose - especially when you first turn your cpap on after the hose has been preheated.

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:21 pm

Thanks Bill
I will look for the Aussie Heated hose and then bite the bullet and try it. I know there have been a few references on the forum for where I can get one I will do a search and order one.

Dale

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sat May 13, 2006 12:31 pm

So Linda I would take it that you would recommend that I keep a cozy on the heated hose 3 covers huh I guess that would do it.
thanks again
Dale

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Sat May 13, 2006 9:14 pm

For the heated hose....nice people, great product!

http://www.sleepzone.com

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sun May 14, 2006 8:53 am

I contacted The Sleep Zone which sells the Aussie Heated hose and the owners (the Fischers) got back to me last night. This was there response to my condensation problem in the nasal cushions:

" The condensation you are experiencing in the nasal cushion and the nasal pillows would be caused by the exhaled humidified air condensing to water due to exhaled air coming into contact with the plastic shell of the mask which unfortunately can't really be heated or insulated, we could therefore not state confidently that the SHT would entirely solve this problem it would minimise it" .

I guess I am not willing at this time to spend $100 on the "possibility" that it might minimise the condensation in my nasal cushions. Being off work for a couple of months due to carpal tunnel surgery on each hand I will not have any extra money for the foreseeable future.

Dale

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Sun May 14, 2006 9:26 am

Dale92 wrote:" The condensation you are experiencing in the nasal cushion and the nasal pillows would be caused by the exhaled humidified air condensing to water due to exhaled air coming into contact with the plastic shell of the mask which unfortunately can't really be heated or insulated, we could therefore not state confidently that the SHT would entirely solve this problem it would minimise it" .

Interesting analysis. I'm sure the Fischers are correct about this. You might want to consider though that with the heated hose the air flowing through the pillows would be significantly warmer than the air you currently get, therefore the pillows shell would also be at a warmer temperature. Hence, building on their analysis, this means there would be less condensation.

Don't underestimate the last part of their statement.

Not trying to talk you into the heated hose or anything. I don't have any idea how bad the issue you're experiencing is, just trying to keep things in perspective for you.

Regards,
Bill

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sun May 14, 2006 9:42 am

Thanks Bill
The condensation is bad enough to wake me up about every hour or so when the water gives me a burning irritation into my nose.

I don't doubt that the heated hose might help or if I am lucky even eliminate the condensation but being without a paycheck our household money is extremely limited right now.

Maybe I should look at some home improvement stores for a spray on insulation that can withstand the daily cleaning in soapy water I could tape off the vent holes and the cushions itself mmmm.....

Dale

DME_Guy · Post by **DME_Guy** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:18 am

I have the same problem Dale. I tried the Swift but it causes nose pain for me. The Comfort Lite 2 is more comfortable for me but I get rain-out as well. I just ordered the heated hose and will let you know if it helps when it arrive.

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:34 am

Thanks DME_Guy! That would make it a little easier to order if I knew it helped you since you have the same problem. With my birthday coming up in the not too distant future maybe my wife may try to surprise me with a heated hose for my birthday. Although last year she got me a sewing machine and the year before that a washing machine. Just kidding!

I hope the heated hose works out for you! Please let me know how it turns out for you.

Dale

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sun May 14, 2006 10:59 am

Obviously the CL2 is having the same problems as the Aura Headrest.

Dale - I know that the heated hose will help reduce (if not solve) the rainout problem. I wouldn't be able to use the Aura if I didn't have the heated hose. The warm air definitely reduces the amount of condensation within the pillows on exhale.

Understand about the money problems - but get it when you can because you need to remain compliant.

Dale92 · Post by **Dale92** » Sun May 14, 2006 11:19 am

No need to worry I am totally compliant! I have only missed a couple of hours here or there since August last year, besides the few days I was in the hospital in November for my appendix.

I am waiting to hear how DME_Guy does with his heated hose since he has the Comfortlite 2 and has the same condensation. When he gets back to me on his results I will try to see what I can do about getting my own.

Dale

Humidifier

Additional Comments: ResScan and SleepyHead software