Rainout - Some Thoughts
Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 5:32 am
Rainout is a symptom of the relative humidity of the air within the CPAP system being above the dew point of the surfaces of the hose and mask components. If the dew point is too low, condensation occurs and you can get rainout. The rainout can occur in the CPAP hose or in the mask components or both.
Fixes:
Lower the humidity in the system until the rainout stops. For some this works nicely, for others, the lower humidity causes issues with dry mouth or dry nasal passages.
Increase the dew point in the system by raising the temperature of the hose, etc. Using a heated hose is also another option. Here are some from various manufacturers.
Edit:
Hybernite Heayted Hose - works with and external humidifier.
Climateline for AirCurve10
for Respironics Dreamstation
Raising room temperature will raise the temperature of the hose surfaces and that may be enough to solve the problem. Insulating the CPAP hose with fleece fabric or a Hose Cozy may be enough.
Snuggle Skin Hose Wrap
Respironics Hose Wrap
Resmed Hose wrap
Sometimes, routing the hose under the bed covers is enough. Sometimes routing the hose with a hose hanger allows the condensation to drain back to the humidifier will do the trick.
Amazon hose hanger
DIY Hose Hanger
Rainout within the mask components is harder to fix depending on the mask. If the issue is the short hose from the mask to the CPAP hose, the fix is to insulate that short hose. If the issue is condensation in the mask itself, then some form of insulation will be required because the humidity level is controlled by the exhaled air.
Pad-A-Cheek Barrel Cozies
Fixes:
Lower the humidity in the system until the rainout stops. For some this works nicely, for others, the lower humidity causes issues with dry mouth or dry nasal passages.
Increase the dew point in the system by raising the temperature of the hose, etc. Using a heated hose is also another option. Here are some from various manufacturers.
Edit:
Hybernite Heayted Hose - works with and external humidifier.
Climateline for AirCurve10
for Respironics Dreamstation
Raising room temperature will raise the temperature of the hose surfaces and that may be enough to solve the problem. Insulating the CPAP hose with fleece fabric or a Hose Cozy may be enough.
Snuggle Skin Hose Wrap
Respironics Hose Wrap
Resmed Hose wrap
Sometimes, routing the hose under the bed covers is enough. Sometimes routing the hose with a hose hanger allows the condensation to drain back to the humidifier will do the trick.
Amazon hose hanger
DIY Hose Hanger
Rainout within the mask components is harder to fix depending on the mask. If the issue is the short hose from the mask to the CPAP hose, the fix is to insulate that short hose. If the issue is condensation in the mask itself, then some form of insulation will be required because the humidity level is controlled by the exhaled air.
Pad-A-Cheek Barrel Cozies