Are many of you needlessly using a humidifier ?

Physician wrote:I have never needed nor used a humidifier with either the RemStar nor the S9 Autoset. It seems some members use the humidifier because it was included with the machine.

May I ask why you would care if others used a humidifier on their machine or not? Isn't that a little out of your span of control?

jlk wrote:I would guess Physician is probibly in north part of west coast, or maybe is constantly very hydrated. I can go without humidifier also, but it may cause things I am un-aware of. We use de-humidifier in house in winter to help with wife's allergies. North Oregon coast is fairly high in humidity most of winter. We have dogs in house and need to remove excess moisture at times. Things have been better since aquariums have been given away, they really put the moisture in air. I have been playing with S-9 settings, but left the humidifier part alone until I am totally happy with my low setting on cm. The data capable unit is the only way to go! jlk

Near San Francisco. Geeeez, Didn't think a simple question would cause so many posts and, er ah, "spirited" comments. I just was puzzled that I do not require nor want a humidifier, Inherently it is difficult to understand why a simple increase in pressure (PAP) causes the need for humidification in those would would have not benefitted from it before CPAP therapy was initiated.

I've used two different machines, different pillows and masks, pressures as high as 18, and still no drying effect.

Anyone consider using a room humidifier instead of a CPAP chamber humidifier ?

GumbyCT wrote:

Physician wrote:I have never needed nor used a humidifier with either the RemStar nor the S9 Autoset. It seems some members use the humidifier because it was included with the machine.

May I ask why you would care if others used a humidifier on their machine or not? Isn't that a little out of your span of control?

Sure. You can ask. May I ask the reason you wish to ask and why you feel it's necessary to inquire ? Ha ha. Doesn't this topic interest you without thinking this is a "control issue" ?

GumbyCT wrote:

Physician wrote:I have never needed nor used a humidifier with either the RemStar nor the S9 Autoset. It seems some members use the humidifier because it was included with the machine.

May I ask why you would care if others used a humidifier on their machine or not? Isn't that a little out of your span of control?

Gumby, Isn't your wanting to limit Physician's span of control a little out of your span of control?

Am I out of my span of control by commenting on Gumby's span of control over Physician's span of control?

Several people who have acquired the latest Respironics and ResMed machines with advanced humidity control features have reported that the new devices use less water. Assuming that the new algorithms work properly to deliver an appropriate amount of humidity, that means people were using too much humidity when selecting their settings. I do believe that is the case with many CPAPers. cpaptalk members are probably less likely to overuse humidity because of their study, knowledge, and experience.

Physician wrote:Anyone consider using a room humidifier instead of a CPAP chamber humidifier ?

I've actually had to use both... usually in the winter time.

roster wrote:

GumbyCT wrote:

Physician wrote:I have never needed nor used a humidifier with either the RemStar nor the S9 Autoset. It seems some members use the humidifier because it was included with the machine.

May I ask why you would care if others used a humidifier on their machine or not? Isn't that a little out of your span of control?

Gumby, Isn't your wanting to limit Physician's span of control a little out of your span of control?

Am I out of my span of control by commenting on Gumby's span of control over Physician's span of control?

The Rooster comes out fighting and does a TKO !! Good one.

Physician wrote:

GumbyCT wrote:

Physician wrote:I have never needed nor used a humidifier with either the RemStar nor the S9 Autoset. It seems some members use the humidifier because it was included with the machine.

May I ask why you would care if others used a humidifier on their machine or not? Isn't that a little out of your span of control?

Sure. You can ask. May I ask the reason you wish to ask and why you feel it's necessary to inquire ? Ha ha. Doesn't this topic interest you without thinking this is a "control issue" ?

Fact is I use ALL 3 and I'm not going to admit it. It's obvious when people try to control others isn't it?

My pressure is different from yours too

Hi---I live in Phoenix Arizona---so yes, I NEED to use my humidifier here!! What kind of question was that anyhow? LOL!

Carrie

Physician wrote: Inherently it is difficult to understand why a simple increase in pressure (PAP) causes the need for humidification in those would would have not benefitted from it before CPAP therapy was initiated.

Even a "simple increase in CPAP pressure" can cause more drying out of nasal passages and/or throat from the increased (even just a little increase) in air flow through those passages. That person could be fine breathing on their own, not needing or benefitting from extra humidification without using CPAP. But add that leeeetle extra bit of wind blowing (the CPAP)... well, think of "the straw that broke the camel's back."

Also, think of how much more quickly a wet head of hair would dry if you used a hair dryer set at "cool" and "low speed", compared to how much longer it would take the wet head of hair to get dry on its own.

Physician wrote:I've used two different machines, different pillows and masks, pressures as high as 18, and still no drying effect.

Works for you. That's great. Different people (and the way their nasal/throat passages dry) are different. Some don't need extra humidification, no matter how low or how high the CPAP pressure. Some do. Just as Hawthorne said.

I use heated humidification, with the heat turned very low -- barely on. I've tried going without, but within a very few hours (minimum pressure I use is 10) my nasal passages start stinging and burning from getting dried out. That doesn't happen to you. You're lucky. Happens to me, so I use enough heated humidification to keep that from happening.

Physician wrote:Anyone consider using a room humidifier instead of a CPAP chamber humidifier ?

Might work for some, but here's the thing... having a room with high humidity might not offset the effect of CPAP air blowing directly at the mucous membranes of a mask-wearin' CPAP user. Might not offset it enough.

Keep thinking about the head of wet hair. Person sitting in a room with high humidity, letting the wet head of hair dry on its own.
Same person, same room with high humidity, same wet head -- but using a hair dryer on "cool - low speed." Which way is more likely to dry the hair more quickly?

Long Beach, CA...Started on CPAP 11/09 and wrestled with the proper humidifier settings, rainout, hose covers and finally heated hose. Around May, I DC'd the humidifier, just for grins. Numbers got better, congestion reduced, felt better. Not sure why, but yes, it was good not to care for another piece of equipment. Summer's over, and we'll see how the next couple of months go.

Two words

NOSE BLEEDS

rested gal wrote:

Physician wrote: Inherently it is difficult to understand why a simple increase in pressure (PAP) causes the need for humidification in those would would have not benefitted from it before CPAP therapy was initiated.

Even a "simple increase in CPAP pressure" can cause more drying out of nasal passages and/or throat from the increased (even just a little increase) in air flow through those passages. That person could be fine breathing on their own, not needing or benefitting from extra humidification without using CPAP. But add that leeeetle extra bit of wind blowing (the CPAP)... well, think of "the straw that broke the camel's back."

Also, think of how much more quickly a wet head of hair would dry if you used a hair dryer set at "cool" and "low speed", compared to how much longer it would take the wet head of hair to get dry on its own.

Physician wrote:I've used two different machines, different pillows and masks, pressures as high as 18, and still no drying effect.

Works for you. That's great. Different people (and the way their nasal/throat passages dry) are different. Some don't need extra humidification, no matter how low or how high the CPAP pressure. Some do. Just as Hawthorne said.

I use heated humidification, with the heat turned very low -- barely on. I've tried going without, but within a very few hours (minimum pressure I use is 10) my nasal passages start stinging and burning from getting dried out. That doesn't happen to you. You're lucky. Happens to me, so I use enough heated humidification to keep that from happening.

Physician wrote:Anyone consider using a room humidifier instead of a CPAP chamber humidifier ?

Might work for some, but here's the thing... having a room with high humidity might not offset the effect of CPAP air blowing directly at the mucous membranes of a mask-wearin' CPAP user. Might not offset it enough.

Keep thinking about the head of wet hair. Person sitting in a room with high humidity, letting the wet head of hair dry on its own.
Same person, same room with high humidity, same wet head -- but using a hair dryer on "cool - low speed." Which way is more likely to dry the hair more quickly?

Has it been shown that the FLOW is significantly greater with CPAP ? Just because the pressure is up doesn't necessarily mean the air flow is greater.

Educate me. Sleep medicine and Physics are not my area of expertise.

I only read the original question and will come back and read other responses later. But I started CPAP in April 2009 and about a month ago disconnected the humidifier. Always used it on passover. Never knew what it was doing for me. And when some little thingies started floating in the distilled water, I decided to try to go without it. No problems since.

Physician wrote:Has it been shown that the FLOW is significantly greater with CPAP ? Just because the pressure is up doesn't necessarily mean the air flow is greater.

Good point. Yeah, I can see that my description of a wet head / hair dryer doesn't equate to a closed circuit of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Or almost closed...there is the mask exhaust vent. Perhaps that escaping air through the vent has something to do with causing slightly greater air flow? Dunno.

Physician wrote:Educate me. Sleep medicine and Physics are not my area of expertise.

I can't do that. Neither are my areas of expertise either. Drying wet dog hair is more up my alley.

I only use mine in the winter when it's cold in my room and then only on the 1 setting, or when I am sick. It helps my sinuses feel better. We have more than enough humidity in Arkansas without adding to it.