Are you happy with the integrated humidifier on your pb420

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:47 am

I am going to order the pb 420e and am thinking of ordering the separate humidifer like rested gal. Are the controls on the very backside of the machine to where you can't even see them. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks. This keyboard won't type question marks.

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:17 am

I have the integrated heated humidifier and I like it. The controls on the back are a bit of a pain in the butt however, not a big pain. Having the unit integrated makes it very stable and manageable.

The integrated humidifier is not available here in Canada yet so I had to go to the US to get it. I wanted to avoid having multiple devices next to the bed and felt that having the humidifier integrated would make for one, neat package -it does.

I think that Rested Gal's thoughts make sense, but for me, having the CPAP and humidifier as one package is more desireable.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:29 am

The integrated humidifier keeps the footprint nice and small. This is good because my nightstand is deliberately small.

The controls on the back aren't a problem.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:29 am

I have not used the integrated humidifier, but have used one with my other apap and have used the 420E with the separate humidifier. As WillS states, using an integrated set-up makes the whole thing much more stable. If I were to go back to using my 420E I would get the integrated humidifier for it.

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:37 am

Wading--- which machine are you using.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:45 am

seagull wrote:Wading--- which machine are you using.

I currently use the REMstar Auto w/c-flex with the integrated HH. The PB420E with the Fisher Paykey HC150 heated humidifier was my first machine. The intergated humidifier for the PBs was not available at that time or I would have gotten it.

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:02 am

My computer is in the other rooom. If I got integrated humidifier wouldn't I have to disconnect it each time I carried machine into the other room to check software data, or do you just carry the whole thing. I am thinking it would be better to just disconnect the tube of the fisher and paykal hc150 humidifier.

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:06 am

wading thru the muck! wrote:
seagull wrote:Wading--- which machine are you using.

I currently use the REMstar Auto w/c-flex with the integrated HH. The PB420E with the Fisher Paykey HC150 heated humidifier was my first machine. The intergated humidifier for the PBs was not available at that time or I would have gotten it.

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Wader, why are you using the remstar. What is your pressure. Which machine do you prefer. Thanks again. That was helpful.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:27 am

seagull wrote:My computer is in the other rooom. If I got integrated humidifier wouldn't I have to disconnect it each time I carried machine into the other room to check software data, or do you just carry the whole thing.

The 420 machines slide attach so simply to the humidier that just picking it up disconnects it, and putting it back on the stand built into the humidifier automatically reconnects it. Simple!

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:01 pm

WAFlowers comment is spot on; removing the 420E from the humidifier is a big nothing. I'd think that having to move the power cord is more of a pain.

I have Silverlining on a notebook. I just leave the serial cable plugged into the 420E all the time and pop the other end into the serial port on the notebook.

I don't know if you can do this with other machines but, you can have Silverlining running on your computer with cable attached to the 420E and turn on the 420E so that you get a 'real-time' view of what is happening. This would be hard to do while you are sleeping, however, but if you had someone who was keen to observe your movements/position/etc., in bed while watching treatment given by the 420E, it could be interesting.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 2:44 pm

OOOPs -had a big mistake here, edited it out.

Disconnecting the humidifier is no problem. I do it daily, because the instructions say so, and I can see the humidity in the humidifier, and can imagine all that humid air steeping into my very expensive machine...

I've never tried another combination, the controls in the back are really not a brilliant idea - but the whole thing is very practical, easy to travel with, and an unexpected advantage - the humidifier seems to muffles some of the PBs noise - not that there is much of it.

O.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): 420E, humidifier, Travel

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 2:44 pm

Its comforting to hear the trend seems to be recommending the intergrated unit, since thats what I just ordered through my DME.

I ordered the 420E with the integrated unit based on sifting through a LOT of posts. I think EITHER way would really be just fine, which is a good thing, but does make it harder to pin down a decision for us indecisive types.

I want a unit thats easy for travel, after lugging my Remstar Auto with integrated humidifier and heated hose power supply, Boat Anchor around on a few trips. The general trend was that the integrated unit was smallest for travel, but maybe only by a hair.

Now I just have to hope I get one of the quiet 420E's, after being stuck for a couple of years with one of the noisier Remstar Auto's.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Wed Aug 10, 2005 3:14 pm

I am happy with the integrated humidifier with the PB GK420E. I don't mind the control being in the back, but then I never adjust the heat (I like where I have it set). I've never had a separate humidifier, but I'd probably like that too.

You may want to consider placing the entire unit below your bedside table. Then you wouldn't have to be limited by the space it takes up. I know a lot of users on this forum have mentioned they keep their cpaps on the floor, or on a shelf under the bedside table, or even in a drawer!

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:48 am

Ozij wrote:

an unexpected advantage - the humidifier seems to muffles some of the PBs noise - not that there is much of it.

Interesting comment. When I was trialing machines before purchase, I used the PB without a humidifier. I found it to be noisy. Based on features, size and treatment, I decided to buy it and drove to a DME in the US to get the humidifier.

With the humidifier attached, the PB is silent. Having the humidifier attached seems to muffle whatever noise was coming up the hose from the PB.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:33 am

I have the integrated humidifier for my 420 e. I would not purchase it again. The first reason is the water chamber only holds approximately half as much water as my hc150...to have enough water to last the night means I must use a lower temperature. I have to spend far too much time fiddling with the rubber connection between the machine and humidfier to prevent small air leaks.
I find the heat from the humidifier is transferred to the bottom of the cpap, it feels very very warm on bottom of the cpap when I lift it off in the morning, much more than if using seperate unit...Heat isn't good for computer components - and believe the longer hose between humidifier and cpap would help prevent some moisture infiltration.

So I do have the compatible unit, but find the hd150 far superior in delivering the quantity and temperature of moisture I need to ME, more airtight, and less likely to heat the 420 and send moisture into it.
the HC150 does not weight any more, but holds twice as much water, so, save your money, if you have a hc 150, you will be disappointed when you try to change.
Actually been thinking of selling my humidifier on one of the auction sites