Are There Downsides to Generally Not Using Humidification?

[Homerec130]

Normally run my humidifier on 0 which is essentially the air blows across the water without any heating. It has been very comfortable to me. If I get a cold, I may bump it up to 1. I could run it without the humidifier, but I still take it with me when I travel. The unit fits better in the case I have if the humidifier is attached. The power supply fist next to it and keeps everything in place.

Homer

[dfctr]

I have never used humidifier in the last 7 years (well, I live at sea level, but the past 3 years I work at 14000 feet). Even at high altitude I never used a humidifier....

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Absolutely no problem whatsoever.

You're getting the same humidity as everyone else in your house, probably everybody else in your neighborhood, that does not use PAP...

And with very very rare exceptions, they are not suffering. No reason for you to be any different.

BTW, over the course of the last year, I've spent approximately half of the year using my travel machine, an S-8, most of that while out in Phoenix Aridzona (a place not known for its overwhelming humidity - I say that having grown up in Louisiana). I don't even have a humidifier unit for that machine and have had zero problems. When my primary was an older S-8 that had a humidifier, I only used it during winter, and even then, just because it was available, not that it was **necessary**.

The only time I've ever experienced dry mouth using PAP is while sitting partially reclined in my trusty command center recliner. Based on observation of my father, grandfather, and grandmother, I suspect that my mouth occasionally gapes open while napping in a sitting position; not so much fully reclined nor ever in bed. I suspect that a FFM or even a chin strap would fully fix that. As it is, a small swallow of water does just fine.

OMMOHY
Resident Contrarian

[Sleepster]

Note that a room humidifier is used by lots of people when they have colds. The humid air is better for the sinuses. But that doesn't mean they would use that room humidifier all the time. Only when they need it.

About once a year, always in the winter, my wife develops a bad cough. That's when we use the room humidifier. But I always get humidified air with my CPAP machine and I think it helps prevent colds and coughs.

[CB91710]

The unit fits better in the case I have if the humidifier is attached. The power supply fist next to it and keeps everything in place.

I need to look at that.
I never liked the idea of the power brick that has been "living" on a nightstand or floor (both mine and motels) in the same compartment with my mask/pillows, and the compartment is very tight if I take the FFM.
Always thought it was wasted space to separate the two parts.   If the reservoir is cleaned and dry, I don't see a reason not to leave it plugged into the housing.

[SarcasticDave94]

The humidifier is a comfort item. Even contrarian Dave agrees. 

But here comes the part where I'm different than almost everyone else. I use my device humidifier all the time, on full high 8 of 8, heated hose on 86° F, AND with a room humidifier running too!

Dave

 must be my COPD that makes me this way...

[Walla Walla]

Dave,
           I just read a study the other day saying people with COPD preferred cooler air. So you really are the contrarian. 

[psm4610]

Agree with others from what research and asking around has shown me but I would say its important to note that many insurance providers now cover heated hose and humidification and for someone with chronic sinus issues it surely can't hurt!

[Homerec130]

The unit fits better in the case I have if the humidifier is attached. The power supply fist next to it and keeps everything in place.

I need to look at that.
I never liked the idea of the power brick that has been "living" on a nightstand or floor (both mine and motels) in the same compartment with my mask/pillows, and the compartment is very tight if I take the FFM.
Always thought it was wasted space to separate the two parts.   If the reservoir is cleaned and dry, I don't see a reason not to leave it plugged into the housing.

My mask fits into a bag so it is fairly dust and crap proof.

[Phill]

I would say my machine would be unusable without the humidifier & heated hose, to the extent that without it, it would have gone out through the window long ago.