[CPAP] Why have CPAP lower than the bed?

[Clapodie]

My CPAP sits on night stand that is level with bed. Am new at this...4 months.  For what reason should it be lower than the bed?

[Crimson Nape]

Placing the CPAP lower than the mattress level aids in preventing 'rainout". Rainout is a condition where the moisture in the CPAP supplied air condenses causing droplets of water to form in the hose and in the mask. The use of a hose hanger to suspend the higher than the patient is also recommended. Having the CPAP lower and the hose suspended higher will cause any rainout to fall back to the CPAP and not to the user.

I hope I explained it well enough.

[sptrout]

Crimson Nape explained the standard reason for the CPAP to be located lower than the bed. However, this is not necessary to eliminate rainout. My APAP is on my nightstand also, level with my head and I have never had rainout. Keeping the humidity low will help, but the main thing is how you route your hose. Keep it lower than your head by looping it down below the bed level for one idea. I have also routed my hose in the past where any water that may form due to rainout would just flow back into the machine's water tank and then route the remaining hose low where water would not naturally flow into your mask. 

It may just be easier to mount the machine below the bed as generally recommended, but as usual with medical stuff, there are usually other methods to accomplish the same thing. Just do what is best/easiest for you.

[kingstar]

I put mine below bed level only because it is quieter that way. I have the climate line tubing that prevents rain out so no need for that reason.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Clapodie,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck with CPAP therapy, hang in there for more responses to your post.