Breathing Difficulties

Don't Let Humidification Issues Rain on Your Parade

As summer comes to and end two things come to mind, football and humidifier settings. Now that Tom Brady is back and feeling better I’m feeling better about the chances of making it back to the Superbowl. My thoughts are also with all of my friends using their cpap and bilevel machines faithfully every night. As the nights start to get cooler and the air is drying out some the humidifier settings that had been good all summer long are no longer working for everyone. This is a common event that occurs during the change of season. Some simple adjustments can be made to the humidifier settings to help make the transition smoothly into the fall and winter seasons.

If you are suddenly getting excess water in the tubing, hear gurgling and your face or and pillow are wet in the morning, turn your humidifier down. The setting is too high and the water is starting to pool. If you feel like you are suddenly getting a cold in the morning, your nose is stuffy and dry or worse you have a small nose bleed, turn your humidifier up. The air from your machine does not have enough moisture and you are drying out your nasal passages. This tends to be the bigger problem in the cooler months when the air is much dryer, so more moisture is needed. Some other tips for adding moisture is to use water based lubricants right on the inside of your nares. KY-Jelly, Surgi-Lube or any WATER based lubricants will work wonders. Do NOT use petroleum based jelly!!! Not only is bad for your mask, it also can be harmful if it gets into your lungs. There are also tubing wraps available that insulate the 6ft tube and help eliminate the "rainout" or extra condensation in the tubing.

These few simple tips are usually enough to keep everyone free from humidification issues during he change in seasons. If you do have any other problems or concerns that have not been answered, please give us a call. Our goal is to help everyone sleep well all night, every night!

Jessica Connetti CRT