Humidification And Ambient Tracking®

Moderated Chat Questions with Steve Moore

A moderated chat event was held on Monday, May 29, 2002, featuring Steve Moore with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. The questions and answers from that chat are listed below. We all wish to thank Mr. Moore for generously contributing his time to inform sleep disorder patients regarding sinus problems. Each question is linked to the answer for your easy reference.

Questions:

1. My humidifier uses different amounts of water in the chamber each night, does that indicate a problem?
2. I use two lengths of hose for my CPAP, how might this affect heated humidification? I am having trouble finding the right heat setting.
3. I have asthma. Is it safer for me to always use distilled water rather than tap water with my heated humidifier?
4. My doctor told me I do not need a heated humidifier but I hear everyone in the chat room rave about them. What are the benefits? I have been on CPAP about 6 months, can't say I love it, but am able to wear it all night now!
5. I have had a non-heated humidifier for many years and it seems to work well for me. Would I further benefit from a heated unit?
6. My wife insists on cleaning my mask, hose and water chamber every day. I am afraid she will wear them out before their time. She is afraid of germs. How often should one clean such equipment?
7. Would it be safe to add a fragrance to the water in the humidifier chamber? I was thinking about vanilla extract, just a drop or two.
8. Does humidification have to do with weather conditions? Must we use humidification 12 months a year, or just under certain circumstances?
9. I cannot afford a CPAP humidifier and my insurance won't pay. Can I get any benefit by using a home humidifier in my bedroom at night?
10. What is the best way to figure out what the best heat setting is for me?
11. I am never congested during the day, but within minutes of using CPAP at night, my nose clogs up. Why does this happen and can humidification help solve this?
12. I fill the water chamber to the highest level each night and in the morning all the water is gone. I am worried that it will burn up or start a fire at night, please comment.
13. After being denied coverage for a humidifier, my doctor used the letter of medical necessity that I printed off of the talk about sleep web site, and it was then approved! Thank you for providing it to us! I wonder though, are CPAP humidifiers so new that insurance companies do not yet realize their benefit? How long have they been on the market?
14. On CPAP at high pressure of 16 which causes nasal dryness and discomfort. I can't seem to find a humidification temperature that does not result in giving me a "sweaty face" or excess condensation. What am I doing wrong?
15. I have an old CPAP humidifier, not the heated kind. Can I put it on a heating pad or hot plate to warm the water? I just cannot afford to buy a heated unit and I have no insurance.
16. Please explain Ambient Tracking.
17. Is your company planning on making a larger size water chamber in the future? I seem to use up all the water at night and wonder why they are so small.
18. I need to buy a new humidifier. You have a few different models, please explain the features of each.
19. I have heard that the tubing from cpap to mask should be elevated (like hung over the bedpost) to help keep condensation from dripping into our masks? True?
20. Will humidification wear out my mask and tubing faster?
21. I use a heated humidifier, but my tubing fills up with water every night.
22. What is all of the hoopla about Ambient Tracking, my old HC100 humidifier works just fine?
23. I have a Bi-PAP machine, will your humidifier work with it?
24. I have an Auto CPAP machine. Will your heated humidifier work with it?
25. During the summertime when I run the fan in my bedroom, I tend to get a lot more water in my tubing, should I turn the humidifier down?
26. Why do I use all or most of the water in my chamber each night?
27. How much water should I use each night?
28. I have a Fisher & Paykel heated humidifier with a mounting tray. Will it fit in my ResMed CPAP carry bag?
29. I go camping during the summer. My CPAP will run on DC power, but my heated humidifier will not, what can I do?
30. I live in Florida where it is very humid, why do I still need to use my heated humidifier?
31. Is this Ambient Tracking a gimmick or does it really work?
32. Why don't all humidifiers have Ambient Tracking?
33. Will my humidifier help when I have a cold?
34. Why doesn't someone make a CPAP with a Heated Humidifier built in. I have a difficult time finding two plugs spare at home much less in a hotel room.
35. How long will my new HC150 last? I recently retired my HC100 which was purchased in 1992 and it was still working.
36. I have a new HC221 CPAP, can I expect long life from both the heater and CPAP?
37. I have a cold passover humidifier, if I put boiling water in it won't that work like a heated humidifier for most of the night.
38. I accidentally got water in my Fisher & Paykel HC201 CPAP machine, what can I do? Will this void the warranty?
39. Will the life expectancy of my mask and tubing shorten when I am using a humidifier.
40. How did Fisher & Paykel come up with the name Ambient Tracking and what does it mean?
41. The pressure on a XPAP is determined by either prescription or software in the case of the auto-pap. When it comes to a proper setting for the humidifier, is it really only up to user preference? Should it be as warm as one can get it without invoking rainout? Or are there other factors that should determine my settings?
42. What precautions should be used for patients with asthma?
43. Some patients with environmental allergies have flare up of their allergies when started on humidification. What other than frequent cleaning of the humidifier can be done?
44. What are the inverter requirements (watts for humidifier) for the HC150?
45. I have recently been placed on C-pap w/ heated humidifier. I have tried many chin straps, both nose mask and nasal pillows. The problem is I STILL open my mouth during sleep no matter what I do to prevent it (so far, at least)! Any suggestions?
46. I have a warm air humidifier. I know that it is a Remrest but that is all. I also use nasal pillows. I tired 7 of the facemask in various sizes and the pillows have worked the best for me. My pressure is set at 11 lb. and my humidifier is supposed to be set at 3. When I set the humidifier at 3 I have a terrible time with the condensation build up in my nose. It is so bad that it wakes me. I have tried turning down the humidifier to 2 or even to 1 at times especially when it is wet and rainy out. But then I have a tendency to get bad stinging in my eyes and a runny nose. I really do not want to go back to the facemask because each one gave me sores on my face and leaked into my eyes. A number of different styles and sizes were tried before I was finally given the pillows. Can you give me any advice on how to control the condensation? I have only had my CPAP since October and with the summer months coming I don't know how it is going to react with the humidity.

Talk About Sleep proudly welcomes Fisher & Paykel Healthcare as our special guest tonight to answer your questions on Heated Humidification and Ambient Tracking® for the enhancement of CPAP and Bi-level Therapy.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare are the global leader in the development and manufacture of humidification products for the Respiratory Care and Sleep industries for over 25 years.

Fisher & Paykel introduced the first heated humidifier (HC100) for use with CPAP and Bi-level Therapy in 1992. Since 1992, heated humidification has proven to be the key element in the enhancement of CPAP comfort and compliance. In 1998, Fisher & Paykel introduced the world's first portable integrated Humidified CPAP System (HC200/201).

In 2001, Fisher & Paykel developed Ambient Tracking® and DC capability to be employed in the new model HC150 stand alone humidifier and the new HC220 series, a family of integrated CPAP devices. Ambient Tracking® makes humidifier operation seamless, by minimizing condensation and maximizing humidification in most sleeping environments. Fisher & Paykel products including the Aclaim® nasal mask may be viewed in the equipment fair located in the sleep disorder information page or on their website at www.fphcare.com.

With us tonight is Fisher & Paykel's Steve Moore, Director of Marketing for the U.S. Homecare operation. Steve has a BA degree from Ft. Lewis College, Durango, Colorado and has been intimately involved in CPAP sales and marketing since 1984.

Please limit your questions to topics related to humidification for CPAP Therapy.

Tonight we will give away 2 HC150 Heated Humidifier Systems with Ambient Tracking as well as 3 Aclaim masks! All who are in attendance tonight will automatically be included in the drawing, but you must be present to win when your name is called! Thank you Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for generously donating these prizes!

After the winning name is called, you will receive a private message from TASbill asking for your email address so we can contact you for shipping instructions!

This is a hushed room and does not allow for chat amongst yourselves. Think of it as a lecture hall. Anything typed into the chat room will be presented as a question to Steve Moore. You can communicate with others in the room by sending private messages.

To submit a question, simply type in your question in the chat screen and press the enter key on your keyboard! Please submit your questions any time during the chat. If duplicate or similar questions are submitted, only one will be answered.

Lets begin the chat tonight with those questions that were submitted in advance for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Sit back and enjoy the question and answer session. We are happy to have you with us tonight as we all continue the journey to keep ourselves educated and informed on issues relating to our sleep disorders.

Answers

1. Darlene asks: My humidifier uses different amounts of water in the chamber each night, does that indicate a problem?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: In a perfect world on CPAP, the flow rate for an individual patient at a set pressure would be constant. Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world. What could be occurring is that some nights you are developing a leak (most likely from your mask). Anytime a leak appears there is increased flow over the water, which would lead to more water usage.

 

2. Stan asks: I use two lengths of hose for my CPAP, how might this affect heated humidification? I am having trouble finding the right heat setting.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Excess condensation (rainout) in the tubing is caused when the tubing is allowed to cool down. Typically, if you have a draft in your bedroom or your room temperature is significantly cooler than the humidifier output, you will need to insulate your tubing to keep the temperature loss at a minimum. If you run two sections of tubing you are allowing for a greater chance of cool down. If you are using a standard heated humidifier you will need to insulate or wrap your tubing to protect from cool down. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has a new technology known as Ambient Tracking® which continuously monitors room temperature and adjusts the heater plate accordingly to minimize condensation and maximize humidity.

3. Sleeper asks: I have asthma. Is it safer for me to always use distilled water rather than tap water with my heated humidifier?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: We recommended using distilled water in our humidifiers. Distilled water will help maintain the integrity of your chamber for a longer period of time and it does not have a media for growth. Additionally it will not leave ions in the chamber when the water evaporates.

4. CPAPuser asks: My doctor told me I do not need a heated humidifier but I hear everyone in the chat room rave about them. What are the benefits? I have been on CPAP about 6 months, can't say I love it, but am able to wear it all night now!

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Many patients suffer from nasal symptoms (runny nose, bloody nose, dry nose, and throat) while on CPAP. Our nose is our body's natural humidifier. It adds moisture to every breath we take in. Often times the CPAP flow and pressure overwhelm the nose's ability to condition our breath. The heated humidifier will hydrate our inspiratory breath, thereby removing the burden from your nose.

5. Question asks: I have had a non-heated humidifier for many years and it seems500 to work well for me. Would I further benefit from a heated unit?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: If you are fine with a cool humidifier than you should not need to change.

6. Wife is worried asks: My wife insists on cleaning my mask, hose and water chamber every day. I am afraid she will wear them out before their time. She is afraid of germs. How often should one clean such equipment?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Cleaning your equipment leads to good hygiene. You should see longer use from your Fisher & Paykel equipment of it is cleaned daily after each use. We recommend inspecting our equipment (mask & humidifier) for deterioration before each use. We also recommend a 10-minute soak in warm soapy water after each use, followed by a rinse and air dry. You may disinfect your Fisher & Paykel humidification chamber weekly in 3 parts water and 1 part vinegar, rinse and air dry.

7. Dianne asks: Would it be safe to add a fragrance to the water in the humidifier chamber? I was thinking about vanilla extract, just a drop or two.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: We recommend straight distilled water.

8. Josh asks: Does humidification have to do with weather conditions? Must we use humidification 12 months a year, or just under certain circumstances?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Most patients that use heated humidification have reported that they use it year round. Some patients seem to do better in the humid months of the summer and are able to turn down the heater to a lower temperature.

9. Cheaper asks: I cannot afford a CPAP humidifier and my insurance won't pay. Can I get any benefit by using a home humidifier in my bedroom at night?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Depending on the severity of your symptoms, chances are that you will not receive any benefit to a room humidifier. Room humidifiers do not get warm enough and they do not directly add moisture to the CPAP airflow, for this reason they are not very effective. Check with your local chapter of AWAKE. Often times they will have information on donated or used CPAP equipment.

10. Newbie asks: What is the best way to figure out what the best heat setting is for me?

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare answers: If you are using a conventional humidifier (Fisher & Paykel model HC100, HC200, or HC201) we recommend that you set your humidifier to see moisture in the last 12" of tubing before the mask. You should start by setting the humidifier at the middle setting and turn it up or down as needed. If you have a newer model (HC150, HC220, or HC221) with Ambient Tracking® we recommend that you set the humidifier at #3 and only increase if you experience dryness.

11. Stuart asks: I am never congested during the day, but within minutes of using CPAP at night, my nose clogs up. Why does this happen and can humidification help solve this?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Most likely the CPAP flow is overwhelming your nose's ability to do what it is supposed to do: Humidify your airway. Often times an inflammatory response occurs in which the body sends more blood flow to the nose in an attempt to hydrate the nasal mucosa. Instead, the excess blood flow will inflame the passage causing greater resistance to breathing through your nose. To minimize this, the use of a heated humidifier will augment the body's humidification process.

12. Safety first asks: I fill the water chamber to the highest level each night and in the morning all the water is gone. I am worried that it will burn up or start a fire at night, please comment.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: In most situations, there is enough water in the reservoir to last the night. However, if you have a high-pressure prescription (12cm H2O) or greater and you have a mask leak at the same time, you can use up more water than is necessary. Check to make sure that you have a good mask seal. If you run out during the last hour of the night, there is not a risk of fire. You may receive warm dry air for a short period.

13. Mary in NH asks: After being denied coverage for a humidifier, my doctor used the letter of medical necessity that I printed off of the talk about sleep web site, and it was then approved! Thank you for providing it to us! I wonder though, are CPAP humidifiers so new that insurance companies do not yet realize their benefit? How long have they been on the market?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare introduced heated humidifiers, for use with CPAP, to the U.S. market in 1992. At that time, we knew that patients were more comfortable with heated humidification but we didn't understand exactly why until a series of papers were published starting in 1995. Often times the insurers like to see documentation of medical efficacy before they will reimburse for a product. Fortunately many private carriers and managed care organizations have been paying with the proper documentation from a physician. Medicare recently announced that effective July 1, 2002 it will be covering heated humidification.

14. Julia asks: On CPAP at high pressure of 16 which causes nasal dryness and discomfort. I can't seem to find a humidification temperature that does not result in giving me a "sweaty face" or excess condensation. What am I doing wrong?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: You need to adjust the humidifier for the proper amount of moisture. If the humidifier is turned up too high you will get too much and possibly experience a "sweaty" face. If on the other hand it is turned down too low, you will maintain a dry congested airway. Fisher & Paykel recommend that our humidifiers are adjusted to see moisture in the last 12" of the tubing and light misting in the mask. If you use one of our newer humidifiers with Ambient Tracking® (models HC150, HC220, and HC221) you will only have to set the humidifier once and it will adjust automatically for you during the night.

15. Tom asks: I have an old CPAP humidifier, not the heated kind. Can I put it on a heating pad or hot plate to warm the water? I just cannot afford to buy a heated unit and I have no insurance.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: We do not recommend using hot plates or heating pads. Neither of those products were designed to take the place of a heated humidifier and unfortunately the liability for damage or harm would fall on your shoulders. Try calling your local chapter of AWAKE to see if there is a donated heated humidifier for you to use.

16. JonB asks: Please explain Ambient Tracking.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Ambient Tracking® is a new technique that we employ on our heated humidifiers in which we continuously monitor the ambient (room) temperature to automatically control your heater plate setting and in turn minimize condensation while maximizing humidification.

Steve Moore continues by saying, one of the biggest complaints that we hear from conventional humidifiers is that they fill the tubing with water during the middle of the night. This often times will wake the patient. It happens because while we sleep the temperature in our bedroom drops a few degrees, but the humidifier temperature remains constant. Ambient Tracking® allows the heater plate to adjust to the room temperature and go down when the ambient drops or go up when the ambient rises closer to the morning hours.

Steve Moore continues by saying, in the past, patients were preemptively turning their humidifiers down before going to bed to avoid a pool of water during the night. Now, thanks to Ambient Tracking, the humidifier takes all of the guesswork out of the setting.

17. Chris asks: Is your company planning on making a larger size water chamber in the future? I seem to use up all the water at night and wonder why they are so small.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: We have found that in most settings the size and capacity of our chamber is sufficient for one night's usage. If you are using all of the water before morning, check your tubing and mask for leaks.

18. Ronald asks: I need to buy a new humidifier. You have a few different models, please explain the features of each.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: All of our new humidifiers two features that are unique to the industry: Ambient Tracking and DC capability. The HC150 is a stand alone heated humidifier, which is compatible with most CPAP and Bi-Level machines. The HC220 & HC221 are our new Integrated CPAP machines (Humidified CPAP Systems). They deliver CPAP and a full range of humidification from one compact & lightweight machine.

19. James asks: I have heard that the tubing from cpap to mask should be elevated (like hung over the bedpost) to help keep condensation from dripping into our masks? True?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: If you are using a conventional humidifier, it is a good idea to have the humidifier below bed level so that excess water can drain back into the machine. If you are using a new heater with Ambient Tracking®, you should not have that problem.

20. Deborah asks: Will humidification wear out my mask and tubing faster?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: No.

21. Tom asks: I use a heated humidifier, but my tubing fills up with water every night.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: You are experiencing excess condensation or "rain-out" in your tubing. This means that your room temperature is too cold in relation to your humidifier setting. If you are using a conventional heated humidifier that runs at one constant temperature all night, you have three choices:

One, raise your bedroom temperature and eliminate all drafts on the tubing (ceiling fans, etc.). Two, insulate your tubing with a "Rain Out Reduction Kit" from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare or run your tubing underneath the bedding to keep it warm.

Three turn your humidifier down until the "rain-out" disappears. The newer technology heaters from Fisher & Paykel have a feature called Ambient Tracking®, which adjusts the humidifier according to the room temperature to control condensation.

22. Charlie asks: What is all of the hoopla about Ambient Tracking, my old HC100 humidifier works just fine?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: If your humidifier works well then there is no reason to change. Ambient Tracking® is a result of 11 years in the making of Heated Humidifiers for CPAP and more than 25 years making heated humidifiers for the Critical Care environment. The number one patient complaint of heated humidifiers is excess condensation in the tube. Ambient tracking controls condensation and virtually eliminates the need to reset your humidifier or insulate your tubing.

23. Karen asks: I have a Bi-PAP machine, will your humidifier work with it?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Our humidifiers work with most CPAP and Bi-Level machines. Your homecare company should not sell you the humidifier if it is not compatible with your blower. Also, you can check in your owner's manual before using the Humidifier.

24. Tom asks: I have an Auto CPAP machine. Will your heated humidifier work with it?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Our humidifiers will work with most of the Auto CPAP's, but I would check with your homecare company and read the operators manual before installation.

25. Tracy asks: During the summertime when I run the fan in my bedroom, I tend to get a lot more water in my tubing, should I turn the humidifier down?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: This is happening because you are creating a draft and actually cooling the down the tubing, thus causing the warm humidity to form condensate in the tubing. You can turn the humidifier to a lower setting, but if you had a humidifier with Ambient Tracking®, you would have no worries. The humidifier would automatically compensate for seasonal changes, but in your case you are going to have to find a way to either redirect the draft or insulate your tube.

26. Sleepy asks: Why do I use all or most of the water in my chamber each night?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The answer could be one or both of the following: One, you have a leak somewhere in the system, most likely a mask leak. This would cause excess flow in the chamber water and in turn it would use up the water faster than normal. Two, you are sleeping in excess of 8 hours. If you have a newer heater with Ambient Tracking®, your system will only use the required amount of water for the room temperature.

27. Groggy asks: How much water should I use each night?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The amount of water you use will vary from setting to setting. This means that your water usage is determined by: One, Flow in the chamber (is there a leak that would increase flow?) Two, Rainout in the tubing (is your humidifier set correctly?) Three, Length of tubing (are you running two sections of tubing?) Four, Drafts in the room (is a ceiling fan or open window creating a draft on your tubing?) Once again, a heater with Ambient Tracking will adjust automatically for the wide variety of environmental changes that could occur in your abode from season to season and night to night.

28. Bill asks: I have a Fisher & Paykel heated humidifier with a mounting tray. Will it fit in my ResMed CPAP carry bag?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The HC150 and chamber are small by design and the mounting tray folds in half, thereby making it possible to fit in most CPAP carry bags.

29. Jon asks: I go camping during the summer. My CPAP will run on DC power, but my heated humidifier will not, what can I do?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The HC150 stand alone and the HC201,220,and 221 Integrated CPAPs from Fisher and Paykel are compatible with a power inverter which enables them to run on DC.

30. Tony asks: I live in Florida where it is very humid, why do I still need to use my heated humidifier?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Humidity levels in the air do not necessarily dictate the humidity that you breathe in. When you are on CPAP a greater volume of air is being forced through tiny pathways in your nose. Your nose loses its ability to humidify your airway. The heated humidifier supplements your nose.

31. Carmen asks: Is this Ambient Tracking a gimmick or does it really work?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Ambient Tracking is not a gimmick, it really does work. It takes the guesswork out of setting the humidifier. Unfortunately the temperature in your room drops during the middle of the night. Since you are not awake to make the adjustment, the Ambient Tracking does it for you.

32. Ted asks: Why don't all humidifiers have Ambient Tracking?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The Fisher & Paykel engineers have been working for years on maximizing humidity and controlling condensation. They realize the problems that patients face at home every night. Ambient Tracking is the technique that they found most effective.

33. Harry asks: Will my humidifier help when I have a cold?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The humidifier should make using your CPAP more tolerable when you have a cold.

34. Betsy asks: Why doesn't someone make a CPAP with a Heated Humidifier built in. I have a difficult time finding two plugs spare at home much less in a hotel room.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: We do. Fisher & Paykel introduced the HC200 Series Humidified CPAP System in 1998 and now we are introducing the second generation or the HC220 Series. Each CPAP has 1 plug, I water chamber, 1 on/off switch, and it conveniently fits into a carry bag. The HC220 series is small and lightweight (5 lbs.) and it takes about the same amount of space on your night stand as a standard CPAP.

35. Bob asks: How long will my new HC150 last? I recently retired my HC100 which was purchased in 1992 and it was still working.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: The HC150 should last a long time with good care. It is made with the same quality as the HC100 and the HC100 was a workhorse.

36. Connie asks: I have a new HC221 CPAP, can I expect long life from both the heater and CPAP?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: With good care both components should last a long time. Keep in mind that the entire CPAP has a two year warranty and normally if something is going to happen, it will before the two years is up.

37. Henry asks: I have a cold passover humidifier, if I put boiling water in it won't that work like a heated humidifier for most of the night.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: No, it will lose heat quickly. A heated humidifier will keep the water warm all night long.

38. Matthew asks: I accidentally got water in my Fisher & Paykel HC201 CPAP machine, what can I do? Will this void the warranty?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: In most cases if you remove the filter and invert the machine to empty the water you may run the machine again. You may here a funny noise for a few minutes while the impeller clears the rest of the water, but the machine should be back to normal within 5-10 minutes. If the machine does not run, simply call our Customer Service Department at 800-446-3908. The Fisher & Paykel CPAP machines are warranted for 2 years and water damage is covered.

39. Stephanie asks: Will the life expectancy of my mask and tubing shorten when I am using a humidifier.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: No, If you clean your equipment on a regular basis your mask and tubing should last just as long with or without humidification.

40. Scott asks: How did Fisher & Paykel come up with the name Ambient Tracking and what does it mean?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: From our 30+ years of experience building humidifiers for the Respiratory Care Industry, we have always known that the ambient temperature will effect a humidifier's performance and it's ability to deliver adequate moisture to the patient. Since we are working with less sophisticated humidifiers in the CPAP market we searched for a way to economically control condensation and maximize humidity in cold, drafty environments. Thus, monitoring ambient (room) temperature became the newest and best method available.

41. Kurt asks: The pressure on a XPAP is determined by either prescription or software in the case of the auto-pap. When it comes to a proper setting for the humidifier, is it really only up to user preference? Should it be as warm as one can get it without invoking rainout? Or are there other factors that should determine my settings?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: A user should strive to achieve maximum humidity with minimum condensate. This is the reason Fisher & Paykel developed Ambient Tracking for it's latest generation of products.

42. Hamilton asks: What precautions should be used for patients with asthma?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: No contraindications with the use of humidity have been reported.

43. Hamilton asks: Some patients with environmental allergies have flare up of their allergies when started on humidification. What other than frequent cleaning of the humidifier can be done?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Humidity should not impact allergies, because molecular humidification cannot carry foreign particles.

44. Jorge asks: What are the inverter requirements (watts for humidifier) for the HC150?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: 200-300 watts (continuous).

45. GSp asks: I have recently been placed on C-pap w/ heated humidifier. I have tried many chin straps, both nose mask and nasal pillows. The problem is I STILL open my mouth during sleep no matter what I do to prevent it (so far, at least)! Any suggestions?

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Mouth leaks are difficult to remedy. We therefore suggest increasing your level of heated humidification to reduce side effects of the mouth leak. If the problem continues, we would suggest that you try the Oracle interface, which is soon to be released. Ask your physician for details.

46. Michelle asks: I have a warm air humidifier. I know that it is a Remrest but that is all. I also use nasal pillows. I tired 7 of the facemask in various sizes and the pillows have worked the best for me. My pressure is set at 11 lb. and my humidifier is supposed to be set at 3. When I set the humidifier at 3 I have a terrible time with the condensation build up in my nose. It is so bad that it wakes me. I have tried turning down the humidifier to 2 or even to 1 at times especially when it is wet and rainy out. But then I have a tendency to get bad stinging in my eyes and a runny nose. I really do not want to go back to the facemask because each one gave me sores on my face and leaked into my eyes. A number of different styles and sizes were tried before I was finally given the pillows. Can you give me any advice on how to control the condensation? I have only had my CPAP since October and with the summer months coming I don't know how it is going to react with the humidity.

Fisher&Paykel Healthcare answers: Condensation is due to cooling of gas in your delivery tube which is affected by ambient temperatures. My suggestion is to either insulate your tubing or adjust and stabilize your room temperature. If all else fails, switch to a new humidifier with Ambient Tracking.

This concludes our special event chat! Feel free to now enter the sleep apnea chat room and continue open conversation! We graciously thank Steve Moore with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare for his participation and we thank you for joining in! Please join in our next special events moderated chat on the Aclaim mask with Fisher & Paykel in July followed by another special events chat on the Oracle. Good night and sleep well.