Condensation in humidifier hose

Sometimes I get condensation in the hose and mask and it makes a gurgling noise causing me to wake up. This happens mostly when the room gets down to about 72 degrees.

I realize the long term answer is to get a heated hose but is there anything I can do in the short term (like for tonight), like turn the humidifier up or down. Turning the room temperature up is not an option.

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A little thermal insulation in the form of a SnuggleHose or equivalent hose cover goes a long way for me, especially during cold Utah winters.

1) Try cranking down the HH during the warmer months. I use passover only until it gets colder, then I need increased humidity to offset the dryer winter air.

2) Snuggle hoses come in various types. I made my own - it's very easy to do (see below). I then BOUGHT a "SnuggleHose" branded snugglie. Darned thing is so TIGHT it's a pain in the a** to put on and take off. My home made job works just as well, and is much easier.

3) Contemplate making a snugglie for any short hoses that go from the mask to the main hose, as well.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN HOSE SNUGGLIE:

If you don't sew, call someone you know who does.

You need some fleece in a color you like. Cut a rectangle out that is about 1-2 inches larger than the diameter of the hose, and 2-4+ inches longer than the length of the hoses. You might need to "piece" (or join) lengths together to fit your hose.

Sew the long edges of the rectangle together, with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Turn inside out, so the seam is inside. Fleece does not need to be hemmed.

Now pull the tube over your hose. The extra length will give you a bit of "scrunch" which increases the insulating properties of the fleece.

Secure the ends of the snugglie at the ends of the hose by tying Velcro One Wrap around them.

Don't bother sewing Velcro to the fleece. I did that. Not worth the time. AND, by not sewing the velcro to the fleece, when you take it apart to wash it, you can just leave the velcro on the dresser, and it won't tear up your fleece in the washer, and get all pilly and linty.

I recommend washing the snugglie as often as you feel like, by popping it into a mesh "lingerie" bag and putting it in the normal load of wash. Air dry.

Okay, did a Google search just now and discovered a NEW FUN VENDOR for such items!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?li ... d=11539124

Sigh... I love Etsy! Is there ANYTHING you can't buy on Etsy? Do you really NEED it if it's NOT on Etsy?

Cheers,
Babs

gregnga wrote:I realize the long term answer is to get a heated hose but is there anything I can do in the short term (like for tonight), like turn the humidifier up or down. Turning the room temperature up is not an option.

YES.
1st thing you need to do is turn your humidifier down (to zero or OFF) in this weather. Then you can move your machine & humidifier so its' down below your head level. I have mine on the floor.

The heated hose & snuggle cover will only help during the winter months or if you crank the temp down with your air conditioner. Turn the moisture level up or down as the weather changes and you feel the need.

IMO, the snugglehose / cover works rather well in the summer or winter. The issue is thermal heal loss from your humidifier output to the end of the hose.

Regardless of the season, whenever the room temperature is cooler than the output from the humidifier, water vapor will convert to water in the hose. So if you keep your room cool in the summer, you'll have as much "rainout" as during any other season.