Do I Need a Humidifier For My CPAP?

Posted by bencopper on June 17th, 2021

A humidifier is an optional chamber component of CPAP machines that contains distilled water. There is a hot plate at the bottom of the chamber that heats the water for heated humidifiers, converts it to humidity, and reaches the airway. Many auto CPAP machines with heated humidifiers are available today in which heated humidifier is integrated into the machine or is easily connected/detached. In addition, there is a settings option you can control, such as the temperature of the heated tubing.

Dryness is one of the most common disadvantages of CPAP therapy, leaving many patients with blocking or a sore throat. Many patients find CPAP therapy with a humidifier more comfortable because the humid air relieves dryness and lowers sinus irritation. However, if you sleep with your mouth open, your mouth and throat may become dry due to the air coming out of your mouth. An alternative solution to an opened-mouth sleeper is a full-face mask or chinstrap.

The auto CPAP with a heated humidifier makes your sleep therapy more comfortable. The Heated Humidifier delivers a precise, user-selected level of humidification to the mask overnight regardless of external factors.

Is a Humidifier Necessary?

Sometimes you don't want to use a humidifier. For example, some people prefer to travel with a small appliance and leave the humidifier part at home. In addition, in a humid environment, it cannot add more moisture to the air. As a result, long-term users of CPAP machines may no longer feel like they need it. In addition, many experienced users who have been using these CPAP machines for a decade or more may have never used a humidifier as part of their treatment.

Using an auto CPAP machine with a heated humidifier can be uncomfortable. It should be cleaned to prevent discoloration and to avoid the perils of infection and mold. It needs to be refilled with fresh water every night or two, and if you're lying in bed, it might be the last thing you want to remember. Also, depending on its design and light intensity in your bedroom while you sleep, it cannot be easy to fill in without spilling. It may seem like it's more trouble than it's worth.

Without heated tubing, auto CPAP with Heated Humidifier can also cause condensation in the tubing and cause sleep disruption due to clamor or water splashing into the mask.

When would you need a Humidifier?

• If you are more than sixty years old.
• If you are suffering from chronic mucosal disorders, sneezing, or postnasal drip.
• If you are on two or more prescription medications.
• If you like to sleep in a cold room.
• If the uvula has been removed from your throat.

How to Stop Using It

If you've decided that you don't want to use your CPAP's humidifier, you may have some options, depending on your CPAP machine model. First, you can detach it from the blower component and connect your tubing directly to the outlet from the blower.

In the latest model of auto CPAP machine with Heated Humidifier, you can turn off the humidifier's heating element and heated tubing. You can disable it within the patient settings menu. The air can then pass through the warm, dry, and empty chamber without the odor developing.