A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com


Sleep Apnea
Forum Posting


Archived Apnea Forum100 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage.

Re: Are heated hums. THAT great? My

Posted by Jeff in Idaho on August 21, 2002 at 22:13:55:

In Reply to: Are heated hums. THAT great? My posted by afton on August 21, 2002 at 21:34:33:

Afton,

I started CPAP without a humidifier and had trouble with congestion, sneezing and sinus pain. My DME gave me an Oasis humidifier (not heated) it didn't seem to help. I then got a heated humidifier, and it made all the difference.

The non-heated humdifiers do not supply much moisture. As the air passes over the water the more energetic molecules will evaporate into the air stream, leaving behind the cold ones. Once the water cools off the evaporation rate plummets. The water does not take in enough energy from the environement to help much. That is why we need a heated unit to continuously supply the energy to let the molecules evaporate.

I think it speaks to the lack of knowledge of the DME that she would make these statements. First, infections are unlikely as the heater plate will kill most bacteria. Second, even if there were bacteria growing in the water they can not become airborn as the molecules of water are too small to carry them down the hose (They can't jump of fly on their own). If you use distilled water there are no nutrients for the bacteria to grow on and they can not multiply. So, as long as you keep your CPAP circuit reasonably clean the risk of infection is very low. I would question why the DME is so set against heated humidification, perhaps she has a financial conflict. Does her company only get paid a flat amount for humidifiers and they would lose money on a heated unit?

IMHO the heated humidifier is the only way to go!

Jeff in Idaho

Follow Ups:


Archived Apnea Forum100 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Apnea Forum Homepage

  • IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
  • The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
  • Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved