Rainout Problem - Not Solved

OK - I'm trying to get through the rainout problem. Have looked at various posts on here but still unsure what to do. I liked the "extreme" solution of just moving to Arizona though, but it is not in the cards for me...

I get rainout moisture in the nose plugs and on the side of my mouth, where the mask touches the skin. I have a full face mask with the nasal pillow. I've completely disconnected the water supply, put the CPAP machine on the floor and tried to cover up the tubing. I still have enough water build up each night to cause leaks, wake me up, etc.

Help me understand why this is happening and how to fix it. I think the warm air from my nose and mouth is obviously mixing with the cooler air in the room (this just started happening a few weeks ago with the temperature change). What if I plugged the water unit piece back in, and then turned up the heater to 3 so that warm air is also going into my mouth, to match the warm air coming out? This seemed to be worse though when the water unit was attached.

How do I prevent this moisture buildup?

I have no idea why you would be getting moisture accumulating if you have the humidifier totally disconnected.
The more heated humidity you add, the more rainout you're gonna get.

I've used "passover" (no heat) humidification since I started......all four seasons......and I don't get accumulated moisture (and my bedroom is COLD).

Rainout is condensation.....caused by the warm, humid air from the humidifier meeting the cooler air surrounding the hose and mask.

You either have to cool the water or warm up the other areas where the warm, humid air meets the other parts (hose/mask).

Turning the humidifier OFF (passover humidification) should work.

Making/using a hose cover made of fleece or other type of material (to help keep the hose insulated).

Getting a "heated" hose. (from an Australian manufacturer)


Den

Thanks for the information.

I will purchase the actual hose cover instead of trying a towel - maybe that will help. I thought there was something that might absorb the moisture inside the tubing though, since this is not coming from the machine but from my breathing - I guess.

Mike_Snodgrass wrote:I thought there was something that might absorb the moisture inside the tubing though, since this is not coming from the machine but from my breathing - I guess.

Some people have used some sort of wick system to absorb moisture that comes from the body and accumulates in the mask interface. I saw some discussion about these little wick things in the nasal pillows but I haven't seen any discussion about that sort of use with a full face type of mask.

The warmth and moisture in a person's exhaled breath could condense in the mask interface if the outside temperature is cool enough. A hose huggy might help keep that mask interface a little warmer and reduce the likelihood of condensation. Worth a try.

If you have condensation in the mask interface even with the humidifier being turned off, then the moisture comes from your body and something either needs to absorb that moisture or prevent the occurrence with maybe keeping the mask interface warmer somehow.

Mike_Snodgrass wrote:Thanks for the information.

I will purchase the actual hose cover instead of trying a towel - maybe that will help. I thought there was something that might absorb the moisture inside the tubing though, since this is not coming from the machine but from my breathing - I guess.

Before you get a hose cover, consider putting your blanket over the hose. I've had mixed results with that.

Mike_Snodgrass wrote: I will purchase the actual hose cover instead of trying a towel - maybe that will help. I thought there was something that might absorb the moisture inside the tubing though, since this is not coming from the machine but from my breathing -

You might give a thought to trying some socks over the hose with special attention to the tubing very close to the mask. Obviously we cannot cover the mask itself to keep things warmer but maybe the tubing from the hose to the mask covered with some warm socks might keep the temperature high enough to prevent condensation.
Cut the toes out of some old warm thick socks and slide them over the tubing and hose.....

I think the "wicks" were just cotton strings or laces that could absorb the moisture, placed inside the mask somewhere. I may look at the store for something like that.

For tonight, I will try putting the hose under the covers with a towel or socks also covering the portion of the hose closest to the mask.

Thanks to all. Will report back tomorrow.

Here's my update. Still had moisture build up inside the nasal plugs (in-between the "layers" that fit into the nostril) and on the right side of my mouth.

Had a t-shirt completely wrapped and taped to the front part of the hose that reaches mask. Most of the hose was also under covers. Still had moisture.

I finally got up at 3am and cleaned my face and the mask and it was fine then. Don't want to make this a habit though. And moisture was still inside there when I cleaned the mask in the morning (to let it dry all day).

Might try the cotton strips next...