Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Insomnia
Narcolepsy
RLS / PLMD
Children′s Disorders
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Parasomnias
Fibromyalgia
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Sleep Industry News
Log In to Chat Now!
Chat Calendar
Meet Your Chat Hosts
Chat FAQs
Subscribe or Unsubscribe to Chat Reminder
Chat Technical Help
SeQual Technologies
Puritan Bennett
Respironics
Quietsleep
ResMed
National Fibromyalgia Association
PAPillow
Our Mission & History
President′s Message
Medical Advisory Team
Management Team
Chat Hosts
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Contact Us
Feedback
Karla Tate has been a Product Manager with ResMed for the last five years. She currently manages all of ResMed's masks and accessories for the Americas. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design and a Master's in Business Marketing.
Susie Justus, LVN, has 25 years nursing experience and is a Clinical Specialist at ResMed. Prior to joining ResMed in 2000, she spent four years as manager of a very successful ENT/out-patient sleep medicine department.
1. Who should use a humidifier? Who should use a heated humidifier?
2. How is the HumidAire different than the many other types of humidification systems?
3. How much water should a humidifier use during a night?
4. My humidifier sometimes runs out during the night and most other nights is 3/4 empty in the morning. What is going on here?
5. I have a full-face mask; will I need more water during the night?
6. What are the best, second best, and third best types of water to use in the HumidAire?
7. I can't use my humidifier during some nights because my hose fills up with water condensation. What can I do about it and why does this happen?
8. Can I put my CPAP on top of the humidifier? Or should it only go under or next to it?
9. I use cold passover humidification and still get condensation with my mask after a few hours of falling asleep. This awakens me and I have a hard time getting back to sleep, so I just turn off the CPAP. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
10. If I am traveling, do I have to bring and use my humidifier too? It is so much to bring with me. Do you have any suggestions?
11. How long does a humidifier last? And does it depend on the amount of CPAP pressure that you have or the kind of water you use?
12. What if I don't have a short connecting hose between my CPAP and humidifier?
13. Will your HumidAire fit in my CPAP carrying case for travel, or does it have its own carrying case?
14. What are your cleaning instructions for the humidification chamber? What should I clean with and how often?
15. How often should I change the water in the chamber? I never seem to use it all in one nights time.
16. Does heated humidification wear out my mask and hoses faster?
17. I have heard that wrapping the CPAP hose with fabric will help with "rain." Is this true?
18. How do I know what temperature setting to use with my humidifier?
19 . What is the difference between cold passover and heated humidification? Is one better than another?
20. Will the HumidAire work with all brands of CPAP?
21. Why can't I just use a vaporizer in my room instead of an expensive CPAP humidifier?
22. I live in a humid tropical climate; do I need a humidifier with my CPAP?
23. I have been on CPAP for several years successfully without a humidifier, yet I hear others say they are wonderful and make for a more pleasant experience. Am I missing something?
24. I have allergies and frequent nasal congestion. Sometimes humidification helps me, but no matter what I do, it seems to disrupt my sleep with the "rain" effect. I am desperate to make CPAP work and thought humidification was my answer. Am I doing something wrong?
25. I have really enjoyed all of the ResMed moderated chats and have learned so much from you and the Talk About Sleep chat hosts. Thanks for taking the time to have these events! I am new to CPAP and do not have a humidifier yet, what features does the HumidAire have that might be different from other brands, in other words, why should I buy your humidifier?
26. My doctor said that humidification is not necessary with CPAP. He addresses my nasal dryness with a prescription nasal steroid. I would rather not use the spray if humidification will work. What do you say?
27. I am a businessman and travel four days a week. It's one thing to take my CPAP, but I am avoiding buying a humidifier because I don't want the hassle of another piece of luggage, how big and cumbersome is your unit?
28. Why do you recommend distilled water?
29. If I run out of distilled water, is it ok to use tap water once in a while?
30. What is the difference between tap water and distilled water?
31. Should I turn on my humidifier 30 minutes or so before I go to bed to make sure the water is warm first?
32. I usually use my humidifier during only the winter months when the heat is on in our house and, therefore, the air is dryer. Am I shortchanging myself? Should I be using it all year round?
33. Is it common for insurance companies to deny coverage for heated humidifiers? Mine won't pay.
34. Can the HumidAire be used heated or as cold passover?
35. Is the HumidAire the only humidifier you make?
36. What are the overall benefits of CPAP humidification?
37. What are the benefits of using a warm air humidifier vs. cold? Nasal pillows vs. mask? Which is better choice when using humidification?
38. Can this humidifier be placed either at the same height or higher than the bed level? Will this humidifier hook into any CPAP machine, and will it fit into any CPAP carry bag?
39. Is this (humidification) helpful for UARS?
Who should use a humidifier? Who should use a heated humidifier?
Humidification is prescribed to those experiencing symptoms of nasal drying, irritation, congestion, and sore throat. These are common side effects of CPAP therapy, which can be successfully treated with humidification. When trying to decide between passover (non-heated) and heated humidification, you may want to first consider the severity of your symptoms. Generally, heated humidification provides more humidity and is indicated for people with symptoms that don't resolve with passover humidification, i.e. more severe symptoms. ResMed has released an upgradable HumidAire system that allows you to start on a passover and upgrade if you need to. The upgrade path allows you to test the passover system for effectiveness and save money if you need a heated system. Several studies have shown that patients on treatment pressures above about 9 cm H2O are better on heated humidification.
How is the HumidAire different than the many other types of humidification systems?
The HumidAire heated humidification system has a number of advantages. With a larger heater plate and water chamber base, the HumidAire is able to heat water more efficiently. The HumidAire heated system also has a low profile design for greater stability, so you don't have to worry about tipping it over. The HumidAire has a large single control, making it extremely easy to operate. In addition, the HumidAire is upgradable. It has the ability to start out as a cold passover humidifier, and can quickly be converted to a heated humidifier if needed.
How much water should a humidifier use during a night?
The amount of water needed varies form one humidifier to the next and from one patient to the next. The HumidAire heated system will run all night at the highest humidification/temperature level without a refill.
My humidifier sometimes runs out during the night and most other nights is 3/4 empty in the morning. What is going on here?
If you mean "why does it vary form one night to the next?" my guess is that you may be mouth breathing. If you have a HumidAire and it is running out of water, then you might want to check that there are no leaks in the system (e.g., a hole in the tubing, the lid is not latched correctly, all of which increase the flow and the amount of water used). Mouth leak could have the same effect.
I have a full-face mask; will I need more water during the night?
A full-face mask should not change the amount of water used each night. If you had a mouth leak before, you could have been losing lots of air and humidity through your mouth, in which case you should use less water now.
What are the best, second best, and third best types of water to use in the HumidAire?
The HumidAire is a stainless steel tray with a durable polycarbonate lid. The unit can be easily opened to clean, so it does not require any special water, thus tap water should be adequate. If you live in an area that has very hard water, or question your source of water, ResMed recommends the use of distilled water.
I can't use my humidifier during some nights because my hose fills up with water condensation. What can I do about it and why does this happen?
What is happening is that you are getting "rainout" in the air tube. If your room is cold, the warmed humidified air passing out of the chamber is hitting the colder room temperature and cooling. When air cools, the amount of humidity or water vapor that it can hold is reduced, causing the humidity to rain out. The warmer the surrounding air is the higher the water content the surrounding air can hold; conversely, the colder the surrounding air is the less water content it can hold. There are a couple ways to deal with this situation. (1) You can try turning your humidity level down. (2) You can raise the temperature of your bedroom at night to lessen the difference between the room temperature and the humidifier- make sure that your bedroom window is closed. (3) You can run the air tubing beneath your blankets to keep it warm. The goal is to keep the tube and its air warm.
Can I put my CPAP on top of the humidifier? Or should it only go under or next to it?
HumidAire systems are designed to have the CPAP rest on top. The CPAP should always be placed either at the same level or above the humidifier to reduce the risk of water entering the CPAP machine.
I use cold passover humidification and still get condensation with my mask after a few hours of falling asleep. This awakens me and I have a hard time getting back to sleep, so I just turn off the CPAP. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
Here are a couple of suggestions. (1) Heat your bedroom at night so that the difference between the air temperature in the humidifier and room is not as great-make sure that your bedroom window is closed, or (2) you can run the air tubing beneath your blankets to keep it warm. If all else fails, you may want to place the humidifier at a lower level than your head so that the moisture will run back into the humidifier-placing the tubing over the bed headboard may help also.
If I am traveling, do I have to bring and use my humidifier too? It is so much to bring with me. Do you have any suggestions?
The decision of whether or not to bring your humidifier depends on the effects you experience without humidification. If you can use the therapy for a couple nights without the humidification, then it may not be an issue. You may want to try this at home prior to going away. Another option is to use saline spray prior to going to bed to moisturize your nasal passages. If the lack of humidification means that you cannot use your CPAP, then you should travel with your humidifier. The ResMed S6 CPAP fits with the HumidAire humidifier in our CPAP travel bag. Your system may do the same.
How long does a humidifier last? And does it depend on the amount of CPAP pressure that you have or the kind of water you use?
I can't speak for other manufacturers devices, but the HumidAire heated humidifiers will vary in lifespan, depending on how well they are maintained. The heater plate housing should last for years (I haven't talked with anyone who has had to replace one since they were released two years ago). The water chamber requires regular cleaning but is made from durable stainless steel and polycarbonate. The manufacturer's warranty for this unit is one year. Treatment pressure should not affect lifespan, and regular washing and drying of the unit will ensure maximum lifespan. The HumidAire does not require distilled water. However, if you live in an area that has very hard water, you may want to use distilled or purified water to reduce the amount of build-up that needs to be cleaned off.
What if I don't have a short connecting hose between my CPAP and humidifier?
The proper hoses are important for maintaining proper treatment pressure. The longer a hose, the more resistance created and less air pressure that reaches you. Our CPAP devices calculate the extra resistance created with specific systems and compensate for this. A do-it-yourself solution may have adverse effects on therapy.
Will your HumidAire fit in my CPAP carrying case for travel, or does it have its own carrying case?
If you have a ResMed S6 CPAP and the black travel bag, either of our HumidAire systems will fit.
What are your cleaning instructions for the humidification chamber? What should I clean with and how often?
Ideally, the water chamber should be washed every day after you use it. The chamber should be washed in warm water with a mild detergent. It should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and allowed to dry out of direct sunlight. Suggestions for mild detergents are (no antibacterials, no moisturizers, no scent) Ivory dishwashing liquid, Neutrogena liquid soap, Jergens, Planet dishwashing liquid.
How often should I change the water in the chamber? I never seem to use it all in one nights time.
The water should be changed for each use.
Does heated humidification wear out my mask and hoses faster?
No, the tubing supplied with CPAP machines can withstand far higher temperatures than the heat generated by the humidifier.
I have heard that wrapping the CPAP hose with fabric will help with "rain." Is this true?
Yes. Wrapping the hose helps to insulate your treatment air from the lower temperature of the room, reducing "rain out."
How do I know what temperature setting to use with my humidifier?
What I would recommend is that you turn the HumidAire on (indicated by the green light) and then gradually turn up the control dial until the orange light shows - this indicates that the heater plate is actively heating. With the HumidAire, the heater plate is thermostatically controlled: it will heat until the required temperature is reached and then switch off. Once you have reached the stage where the orange light is off, then turn the dial up one setting and try it at that level. If your symptoms are not resolved, you may need to turn it up another setting. Continue in this manner until your symptoms are resolved. If you start to experience moisture in the mask /tube, you need to turn it down or heat the room.
What is the difference between cold passover and heated humidification? Is one better than another?
A cold passover system passes the air from the CPAP over a room temperature body of water in order to pick up moisture. A heated system heats the water and is able to provide higher levels of humidity. If a passover system resolves your dryness symptoms, then that is all you really need.
Will the HumidAire work with all brands of CPAP?
The HumidAire works with all ResMed CPAP, VPAP® and AutoSet T™ (with an external pressure sense line) devices. The majority of CPAPs should work with the HumidAire, but you should confirm this with your homecare provider.
Why can't I just use a vaporizer in my room instead of an expensive CPAP humidifier?
Good question. You may want to try this. If it works, you're in luck. If not, you may want to try a CPAP humidifier, like the HumidAire. In-line humidification typically provides higher levels of humidity and help to reduce side effects, particularly when on higher treatment pressures.
I live in a humid tropical climate; do I need a humidifier with my CPAP?
If you experience the symptoms I listed previously, you may benefit from a humidifier. Living in a tropical climate, you are less likely to need humidification, but the HumidAire is able to provide higher levels of humidification, which may be required if you are on higher pressure levels.
I have been on CPAP for several years successfully without a humidifier, yet I hear others say they are wonderful and make for a more pleasant experience. Am I missing something?
It sounds like you don't need a humidifier, but it might make your therapy more comfortable. It's purely a matter of preference where comfort is concerned.
I have allergies and frequent nasal congestion. Sometimes humidification helps me, but no matter what I do, it seems to disrupt my sleep with the "rain" effect. I am desperate to make CPAP work and thought humidification was my answer. Am I doing something wrong?
You may have your humidification level too high and may need to turn it down a little. The other option is that you are getting moisture in your mask because the temperature difference between your room and the air from the humidifier is too great. A couple of suggestions to help with this: (1) raise the temperature of your bedroom at night so that the difference between the air temperature in the humidifier and room is not as great (make sure that your bedroom window is closed) or (2) run the air tubing beneath your blankets to keep it warm. If all else fails, you may want to place the humidifier at a lower level than your head so that the moisture will run back into the humidifier (placing the tubing over the headboard may help also). With nasal allergies, humidification may not always help. You may want to look at a full-face mask as an option for the times you cannot breathe through your nose. You may also want to try using hypoallergenic filters (fine filters) with your CPAP and make sure that your filters are changed regularly. Most of our machines require a filter change every six months, but other devices on the market require more frequent changes. Check with your DME or the manufacturer of your device for that information.
I have really enjoyed all of the ResMed moderated chats and have learned so much from you and the Talk About Sleep chat hosts. Thanks for taking the time to have these events! I am new to CPAP and do not have a humidifier yet, what features does the HumidAire have that might be different from other brands, in other words, why should I buy your humidifier?
The HumidAire heated humidification system has a number of advantages. With a larger heater plate and water chamber base, the HumidAire is able to heat water more efficiently. The HumidAire heated system also has a low profile design for greater stability, so you don't have to worry about tipping it over. The HumidAire has a large, single control, making it extremely easy to operate. In addition, the HumidAire is upgradable. It has the ability to start out as a cold passover humidifier, and can quickly be converted to a heated humidifier if needed.
The upgrade path allows you to test the passover system for effectiveness; and then, if required, you could upgrade without losing your initial investment.
My doctor said that humidification is not necessary with CPAP. He addresses my nasal dryness with a prescription nasal steroid. I would rather not use the spray if humidification will work. What do you say?
If you prefer not to use a prescription spray, then humidification is definitely worth a try. Some DMEs will rent humidifiers so you can try them. Humidification adds moisture back into the air to compensate for the drying effect of the increased airflow. There is a lot of information on our Web site on humidification if you would like to do further reading at www.resmed.com.
I am a businessman and travel four days a week. It's one thing to take my CPAP, but I am avoiding buying a humidifier because I don't want the hassle of another piece of luggage, how big and cumbersome is your unit?
The HumidAire can be carried with your CPAP in the ResMed S6 carry bag. The design of the HumidAire is low profile so it will fit in luggage more easily. Its dimensions are 5.6x9.5x13.8 inches.
Why do you recommend distilled water?
We don't unless you have particularly hard water or question the source of your water. However, many homecare providers do as it means that the water chamber is more easily maintained.
If I run out of distilled water, is it ok to use tap water once in a while?
Yes.
What is the difference between tap water and distilled water?
Distilled water is pure water that has nothing in it. Tap water may have other minerals and dissolved solids in it. However, both are suitable for the HumidAire as long as you regularly wash your chamber.
Should I turn on my humidifier 30 minutes or so before I go to bed to make sure the water is warm first?
If you are finding that your treatment pressure is uncomfortable, then you may want to turn your humidifier on 20 minutes prior to going to bed. The HumidAire will heat up in 20 minutes max.
I usually use my humidifier during only the winter months when the heat is on in our house and, therefore, the air is dryer. Am I shortchanging myself? Should I be using it all year round?
If you are finding that you have nasal symptoms at other times of the year, then you should probably use your humidifier. The added humidification will probably increase the comfort of the air as it is more fully moisturized
Is it common for insurance companies to deny coverage for heated humidifiers? Mine won't pay.
If you go through your doctor and get a prescription and a letter of medical necessity (a letter that explains why you need heated humidification) it increases your chances of being reimbursed. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will not cover the cost of heated humidification.
Can the HumidAire be used heated or as cold passover?
Yes. The HumidAire can be used as both a cold and a heated humidifier. You have two options: (1) You can start with the HumidAire Upgradable Passover system and then buy the heater base if you require heated humidification, or (2) you can use the HumidAire heated humidifier as a cold passover by simply turning the power off.
Is the HumidAire the only humidifier you make?
ResMed makes several humidification systems (1) ResMed Passover system (2) ResMed HumidAire Upgradable Passover humidifier (3) ResMed HumidAire heated humidifier. For more information on each of these, you may want to visit our website: www.resmed.com
What are the overall benefits of CPAP humidification?
Up to 40% of nasal CPAP or bilevel users experience nasal congestion and dryness of the nose and throat. These symptoms can be severe enough to prevent patients from continuing their treatment. The HumidAire heated humidifier adds moisture and warmth to the air delivered by a CPAP or bilevel system. This reduces symptoms of dryness and congestion, improving patient comfort and compliance. Research also shows that nasal resistance can promote mouth breathing, which in turn leads to additional dryness. Heated humidification can prevent the large increase in nasal resistance that results from mouth breathing and leaks.
More information is available on humidification and why it helps at www.resmed.com/Patients/therapy_humidification.htm
What are the benefits of using a warm air humidifier vs. cold? Nasal pillows vs. mask? Which is better choice when using humidification?
Because you can adjust the level of heat, heated humidification offers greater flexibility and reduces more severe symptoms. Both nasal pillows and masks are a viable option when using humidification; however, "rainout" (moisture caused by having the humidifier turned up too high) when using nasal pillows may become more of an issue as the moisture is directed into the nostrils.
Can this humidifier be placed either at the same height or higher than the bed level? Will this humidifier hook into any CPAP machine, and will it fit into any CPAP carry bag?
The humidifier can be placed higher than the bed as long as the CPAP is at the same level or higher than the humidifier (to prevent the water from the humidifier accidentally getting in the CPAP machine). The humidifier should not be below the humidifier due to the risk of water damage. The HumidAire works with all ResMed CPAPs, VPAPs, and AutoSet Ts (with an external pressure sense line). The majority of CPAPs should work with the HumidAire, but you should confirm this with your homecare provider. There are many varieties of bags and some may fit the HumidAire and some may not. If required the ResMed CPAP/humidifier bag is available separately.
Is this (humidification) helpful for UARS?
Humidification doesn't really help with OSA or UARS. It helps with side effects caused by CPAP. I assume that you are already on CPAP treatment, so if you experiencing nasal dryness /symptoms, then humidification should help decrease the symptoms. The nasal symptoms are due to the increased flow of air through the nasal passages. Humidification adds moisture to the air breathed and helps the nasal passages cope with the increased flow of air.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Home | Online Store | Sleep Basics | Sleep Disorders | Message Boards | Sleep Chats | Membership | Partners | About Us
© 2000-2009 TALK ABOUT SLEEP, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.