Humidifier empty in the AM

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Jaylee
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Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by Jaylee » Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:05 pm

I guess it is from the weather change, but now in the morning all of the water is usually gone from my humidifier. I fill it up each night before bed so it is always at the fullest line when I go to sleep. Does this mean that I need to set an alarm to wake up and refill? Can the machine be hurt somehow if the water runs out in the night?

This has never happened before, just this week it started, so I am curious. Thanks for any help

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Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Pressure 18/13.

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kteague
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Re: Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by kteague » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:02 pm

What do you have the humidifier set on? If the weather is affecting the amount of water used, can you tolerate turning it down so you don't run out overnight? Mine has run dry before, and while it didn't scorch or anything, maybe because I use it in passover or on 1, it did have it did have a distinctly different odor that went away after cleaning it with vinegar water. Not sure what having it on high and running dry would do, but I'm sure somebody knows.

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Mask: TAP PAP Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Improved Stability Mouthpiece
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
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Goofproof
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Re: Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by Goofproof » Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:08 pm

Using excessive amounts of HH water can be a sign of mouthbreathing. The HH is designed to meet the needs in your mouth and airways moisture, if you mouthbreath more water will be used, and the wallpaper in the bedroom may fall off. That's why it's important to collect full data with software, the numbers will show you what may be happening and when. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

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echo
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Re: Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by echo » Mon Apr 12, 2010 8:01 am

My HH ran out of water a few months ago, while the heat level was set pretty high... the bottom of the water tank was pretty much destroyed so I had to throw it away. So I would caution you again letting that happen again!

The water in the tank should normally last you the whole night, so it does sound like a mouth breathing problem.

I've noticed that in my case, I need to use a different humidifer setting depending on the season, otherwise I end up all congested (and the congestion can cause you to mouth breath). In the winter I need a higher heating level than in the spring/summer.
PR System One APAP, 10cm
Activa nasal mask + mouth taping w/ 3M micropore tape + Pap-cap + PADACHEEK + Pur-sleep
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TheDreamer
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Re: Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by TheDreamer » Mon Apr 12, 2010 9:33 am

I've run my tank dry on occasion....the M series one, not the HC150. Last occasion was back in November, it was necessary after that to get a new tank...since even scrubbing the tank wouldn't get the burnt plastic smell out of it. Fortunately, I was able to get a replacement quickly from the DME before going on my Thanksgiving trip....

Oddly, the tank survived the night when I was in Calgary in December...even though I had the humidity cranked up extra the last couple of nights. Guess the room being warmer and no rainout means the humidifier doesn't run down as fast...

The Dreamer.

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Jaylee
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Re: Humidifier empty in the AM

Post by Jaylee » Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:29 pm

My tank seems fine, I have checked it a couple of times. It has not happened again, thank goodness.

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Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Pressure 18/13.