Do I need a humidifier?

Chickinard · Post by **Chickinard** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:28 pm

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in '01. I have used C-Pap off and on since then. I've never been able to get used to it or be comfortable with the mask. I finally got one that seemed to fit good and I thought would work well and after using it for two nights I got a terrible sinus infection. My face was swollen and I felt like I had been hit in the nose with a 2x4. My question is...I have never had a humidifier with my machine. Never was mentioned to me in the beginning. Is this something I should get? Would it help me not get infection again

Panhandler · Post by **Panhandler** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:48 pm

I certainly feel more comfortable when my humidifier's working. I've turned the machine on a few times without turning it on, and I can feel the difference, even though I run it pretty low (1 or 2 out of 5).

I don't know the impact of it on sinus infections, but I'll bet someone jumps in with an answer!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:36 pm

I also have no idea about the sinus thing, though it does seem to be related. I have never needed a humidifier, but that's just me - the majority of people do seem to need and/or like them. As far as your problem goes, why not add your equipment description to your profile here so everyone will know what you're using, and also add your pressure settings. That way we'll have something to go in terms of advising you with your problem. Using Cpap once in a while isn't going to do much for you, and you're probably too tired to bother otherwise, but it doesn't have to be that way, so provide some info!

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:06 pm

My ENT Doc all but insisted I use a humidifier. Told me sinuses needed to be kept moist. I run my humidifier on the low side (around 2) also. I did run mine without heat during the summer and did Ok. But when winter hit they dried out and cracked and started to bleed. Turned the heat on and all the problems went away. Doc said if they get dry infections set in. I wash with Nealmed salt water rinse (2 hours before bed time) and keep the humidifier filled with distilled water now and have not had any more problems.

Jerry

TGregg_Not_Logged_In · Post by **TGregg_Not_Logged_In** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:53 am

I generally do not use a humidifier, except on the coldest of nights when the furnance has been cranking for a couple days. After a year of CPAP therapy, I can usually tell when I'll need some moist air. And if it's too moist, I can tell during the night. Then I'll either turn the humidifier down or off completely.

OTOH, some people like or need quite a bit of humidification, to the point that attached humidifiers do not deliver. So they get stand alone units that can really kick it out.

IMO, it's all about what works for you.

sharon1965 · Post by **sharon1965** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:24 pm

i used my humidifier as a passover most of the time; right now, while it's really cold i have it set on 1..even so, like Tgregg said, there are times when i get up in the night and turn it off

my RT told me once that the HH is standard here, and that they will not deliver a cpap without one

WNJ · Post by **WNJ** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 2:45 pm

The “conventional wisdom” says a humidifier makes CPAP therapy more comfortable.

Maybe.

I think most of us use a humidifier, but many do not.

I use a humidifier. Heated (setting 2) in winter. Unheated (passover) in summer or when camping.

YMMV

Given your history, I think you would be wise to try one.

Wayne

roncron · Post by **roncron** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:27 pm

Like many others here, I use a heated humidifier. For me, it makes a big difference, even on a low setting. The few times I haven't used it, I felt so uncomfortable I ended up sleeping without my mask.

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:12 pm

[quote="Chickinard"]I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in '01. I have used C-Pap off and on since then. I've never been able to get used to it or be comfortable with the mask. I finally got one that seemed to fit good and I thought would work well and after using it for two nights I got a terrible sinus infection. My face was swollen and I felt like I had been hit in the nose with a 2x4. My question is...I have never had a humidifier with my machine. Never was mentioned to me in the beginning. Is this something I should get? Would it help me not get infection again

trice54 · Post by **trice54** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:12 pm

When I was first diagnosed and given the information about cpap, I thought I was going to have to have my dr. specify a humidifier in the prescription, but she said they all come with humidifiers..? (I am also in Ontario, like Sharon above..maybe it is a regional thing) I have not tried it without the humidification. I have always read that some humidity in the room air is much better for your respiratory system, so it makes sense that adding humidity to the forced air of a cpap is beneficial.
Trice

norm · Post by **norm** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:32 pm

I generally use a humidifier, but I have a travel machine that I take without the humidifier. I do find that the humidifier adds a lot of comfort, especially when I wake up.

I also find that when I have a cold, the humidifier helps me quite a bit--it is like a super vaporizer.

So try using it; it will probably help some, maybe a lot.

Cpaps a lot · Post by **Cpaps a lot** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:59 pm

A humidifier will make a big difference with your sinuses. I have allergies and get sinus inffections too and when I use a humidifier it helps a lot. Make sure you put fresh water in it daily. Heated is even better to prevent sinus problems.

I also use a Netti pot for my sinuses and allergies and that helps too.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 12:18 am

The problem may not be just your sinuses - cpap dries out the nose and that causes the mucosa to overwork giving you Rhinitis. If you use a humidifer it helps with this problem. I live in a reasonably dry climate so I use my humidier mostly at 3.5 but in winter when its cold I will go up to 4.
Ken

bman44 · Post by **bman44** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 6:37 am

I use my humidifier as a passover most of the time. If I go more than a few days without a humidifier, I end up with a sinus infection.

Do I need a humidifier?

Do I need a humidifier?

Re: Do I need a humidifier?