Running on empty

Hi again everyone,

I have been using my Machine: REMstar plus M series with Humidifier
Mask: Comfort Classic and 8cm of pressure now for the past two weeks and noticing a pattern:

I have no difficulties getting to sleep with the unit however I seem to wake up after three to four hours of use with an uncomfortable dry throat- almost to the point of gagging. When I check the humidifier tank I notice that all of the water has been used up.

Am I correct in assuming that as long as there is water in that little tank the humidifier is working and as long as the humidifier is working I seem to be sleeping. The moment the water runs out I seem to wake up.

Is there possibly something wrong with my unit that draws on more water than is appropriate? Are there units out there that hold more water in the tank? Am I operating with an erroneous cause and effect relationship?

Now after writing this post I am going to experiment and fill up the tank again, put my mask on, and see if I am able to get back to sleep. Up until now I have turned off the machine upon waking, drink some water, and go back to sleep without the machine on.

Thanks to all of you, in advance, who take time to help me with this issue.

Snorefore

First impression is that you're mouth leaking... using up the water and waking up dry is a good indication of it. Other though is that it's set at too high of a heat level, but even that doesn't usually make it run out that soon.

If the mask works for you have you considered taping?

Hi Snorefore,

What setting do you use for your humidifier? I find that as long as I keep mine at 1 or 2 (and occasionally 3) it will usually last but with 4 it won't. If it doesn't last for the setting you need, you might want to try the HC150 external humidifer. Search the threads and you'll find people who use that with the Respironics.

Mindy

Thanks for the input

Yes I have been running the the unit at 4. I will try running at 1 or 2. Regarding mouth breathing, if that is what I might be doing. What suggestions do you have to eliminate that?

Thanks again,

Snorefore

For mouth breathing or mouth leaking you can tape your mouth closed, use polident strips to seal the mouth, try a chin strap(doesn't work for most) or use a full face mask.

Brenda

Sounds like mouth breathing to me, also. I'm still a newbie, on cpap for about 2 months now. I do the same thing. Even tho I don't usually breathe thru my mouth, when I'm asleep my mouth falls open. And even when I'm keeping my mouth closed I find it will seep thru my lips since they are relaxed. The best solution for me is to tape my mouth closed with the blue painter's tape, but it doesn't always stick as well as I'd like. Next best is the Polident strips, but you do wake up to sticky lips--but it releases well with water. I tried a FF mask and had a problem with keeping the seal and leaking.

Try the tape, removing it isn't so bad.

Although I agree that mouth leaking could be an issue as it is for many of us, I think Snorefore would be well-served by trying a lower humidity setting first. Since the amount of water the Respironics water tank holds is known to be too limiting for some, that seems like a good first bet. The amount of humidification needed by Snorefore could be high for several reasons, only one of which is mouth-leaks.

Mindy