Do I need to use the humidifier?

I stopped using it and I seem fine. Is there a benefit to using the water over not? If we do not need it, is it okay to omit? Thoughts?

No, it's purely a matter of personal comfort. I don't use one, and it sure keeps the nuisance factor down.

LisaSch wrote:I stopped using it and I seem fine. Is there a benefit to using the water over not? If we do not need it, is it okay to omit? Thoughts?

I think an important question for those who make and proscribe CPAP is "why in the world do CPAP users often think they need a humidifier?!?" (hint: may it have to do with respiratory control system gain???).

After I got my CPAP induced unstable breathing under control I stopped using my humidifer and have never gone back.

If you start thinking that you need one I think that you should check your nightly CPAP data to find the reason why.

I am happy without one. One less thing to cause problems and all...

I'm not sure where you are from but I think a lot of the answer will have to do with your local climate. If you are in an area of the country that burns away moisture all winter long with a furnace then humidification is likely more important. If I recall correctly, drying of the skin on the soft palate can make it more "sticky" and susceptible to obstructive apnea. Point being with that last statement that it can be more than just a comfort issue as well. If you live in an area with sufficient natural humidity it may not matter a bit (I don't notice much difference between using the humidifier and not where I live).

Todzo wrote:

LisaSch wrote:I stopped using it and I seem fine. Is there a benefit to using the water over not? If we do not need it, is it okay to omit? Thoughts?

I think an important question for those who make and proscribe CPAP is "why in the world do CPAP users often think they need a humidifier?!?" (hint: may it have to do with respiratory control system gain???).

After I got my CPAP induced unstable breathing under control I stopped using my humidifer and have never gone back.

If you start thinking that you need one I think that you should check your nightly CPAP data to find the reason why.

I am happy without one. One less thing to cause problems and all...

In your part of the NW it rains 10 months of the year...that's why you get by without a humidifier. Most areas of the country are dry and/or cold.

I am in Texas and not in the humid part...so far so good.

LSAT wrote:

Todzo wrote:

LisaSch wrote:I stopped using it and I seem fine. Is there a benefit to using the water over not? If we do not need it, is it okay to omit? Thoughts?

I think an important question for those who make and proscribe CPAP is "why in the world do CPAP users often think they need a humidifier?!?" (hint: may it have to do with respiratory control system gain???).

After I got my CPAP induced unstable breathing under control I stopped using my humidifer and have never gone back.

If you start thinking that you need one I think that you should check your nightly CPAP data to find the reason why.

I am happy without one. One less thing to cause problems and all...

In your part of the NW it rains 10 months of the year...that's why you get by without a humidifier. Most areas of the country are dry and/or cold.

Actually 8 months a year we have less than 2" of rain per month and less than 1" three of the months. We saw many days below zero this winter.
When I lived in the Seattle area...

Room humidity level has nothing to do with it. I have been in humid and dry climates with my cpap and saw no need for using the humidifier. It's a personal comfort thang'... though some folks have sinus issues and the humidifier helps the congestion.

Sheriff

and I live in southern New Mexico - it doesn't get much dryer than here.

Ummm I am in Arizona- the desert! Love my humidifier!

No.