I know there are a number of CPAP users on this board, so I want to know if anyone else has this problem or what they do about it.
I’ve used a CPAP for over six years, but about a year ago got a new one that came with a separate humidifier – basically a resevoir of water that goes between me and the machine. The air tubing leads from the machine to the container of water, and a second tube leads from the container to my mask. It’s great, because now the air I’m breathing has some moisture in it and I don’t wake up with dried-out nasal passages.
But here is the problem. We keep our house fairly cold at night – 63 degrees. The moisture in my CPAP air is condensing on the inside of my mask, and pooling down around my face. Last night I rolled over, and several drops of water went down my nose. :mad:
Does anyone else have this condensation problem? Any suggestions, other than skipping the humidifier or turning up the thermostat?
Well, I have one of those new ones that automatically adjusts the air flow depending on when I stop breathing. It has a humidifier built in. I had the condensation problem, too, until I turned the heat on the humidifier off completely. Now I just leave the temp of the humidifier off and I have no problems.
Hmm. My humidifier doesn’t have a heater; but it is enclosed in a sort of plastic tray-slot. I wonder if that’s acting as insulation and keeping the water warmer than the ambient room temperature. It’s worth a try, thanks.
I have used a humidifier without a heater and have never had this problem. Its obvious something is wrong with yours, take it to your dearler and get it fixed/replaced if you need to keep using the humidifier that is. I use cold water in mine.
What you’re experiencing is normal, called “rainout” in sleep apnea circles. Laws of physics and all that, warm moist air hitting much cooler air. You may be able to counteract the condensation by using a heated hose. I’ve not used one, but I’ve heard a lot of people have success with them.
I have the kind with a separate tank that slips in over a hot plate type place and I can turn heat on or not and also control the heat setting. (kinda hard, it sort of needs programing, can’t do it on the fly) I even pre-heat my water in a cup in the microwave before pouring in the tank. I only put enough in to last one normal sleep time. I also run at ‘13’ on the airflow. What the sleep study recommended. I do not ‘ramp up’ but go straight to full flow. I have a beard and use the ‘over the nose only’ mask so I have some leakage all the time.
No condensation problems with hot water, cold water, etc.
I also have long hair and if the room is too hot, over 66,F I get a sweaty head and get restless and cranky. No problems so far and we have been all the way down to 55F. Wife cranks the electric blanket and I use a sheet. LOL
Guns,
I have a beard and use a nose-only mask, too. Have you tried nasal pillows? No leaks, no lines on my face, more comfortable headgear that doesn’t catch fistfuls of beard, it changed my life. Last night I tied the hose to one headstrap so now I don’t have much of a problem with the hose tugging on the mask when I turn my head. Just something to think about when you replace this mask.
This thread has reminded me to try the heated humidifier again. Late last week, I got a new hose. It doesn’t leak. Maybe now I’ll be able to feel the effects of the humidifier.
Not sure if I have ever seen one. Mine does good, no marks, the headgear is okay and I do not have trouble with the hose.
I am retired mapping pilot so wearing a mask was not a big adjustment for me.
The only down side to using CPAP for me is that I always was a dreamer and now my dreams are even more vivid and lengthy. They just make me tired. LOL Wife loves that I keep breathing and do not snore no more…
