Condensation

[wasicu36]

"I'm getting condensation in a nasal mask, temp is set at 81F, humidifier set at 4 (using an Airsense 10). Room temp is usually around 60F. Any ideas?

[Sleeprider]

Are you using a Climateline heated hose?

[kaiasgram]

Make sure your machine is set lower than your head so that condensation in the hose runs back down toward the machine rather than down into your mask.

And if you're not already, using a heated hose goes a long way toward reducing/eliminating excess condensation ("rainout"). When not using a heated hose, a hose cover can sometimes help.

[justMongo]

Welcome to apneaboard.

[wasicu36]

Are you using a Climateline heated hose?

Yes

[pholynyk]

If the condensation is only in the mask or the near end of the shorty, it is undoubtedly due to exhaled moisture. I have this problem to some degree; it is annoying when I get a drip onto or into my nose. I think wrapping the shorty in a cozy might help, but I haven't been annoyed enough to sacrifice an old sock.

Let us know if you find a solution, please.

[Possum]

"I'm getting condensation in a nasal mask, temp is set at 81F, humidifier set at 4 (using an Airsense 10). Room temp is usually around 60F. Any ideas?

When I first started with this machine, I used the exact same machine settings as you. I also like a similar bedroom temperature (60-66 deg). Unfortunately with that cool of a bedroom, you will likely get some condensation no matter what you do. There is just too much of a difference between the ambient temperature and the temperature inside the hose / mask. Even with the ClimateLine Air heated hose AND a ResMed zippered hose cover (6'6", designed specifically for the longer hose), I still sometimes get condensation, especially inside the mask and short tube.

You will just have to experiment. I actually require more humidity than the Auto setting (humidity 4, hose 81) because I live in such an arid environment. So, I use humidity 6 and max out the hose temp at 86. I also keep the hose running between my pillow and the headboard, curl it down to my other side, and "cuddle" with the short hose, keeping it right next to my body. 80% of the time I don't have condensation enough to wake me up and require "drying" the mask exhale ports with a towel. But, sometimes I do and just deal with it.

You can also buy covers for the short tube that attaches to the mask, or you can make your own with a strip of fleece and some rubber bands.

[trish6hundred]

Hi wasicu36,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you with your CPAP therapy.

[PaytonA]

It would not hurt to wrap a cover around your hose to insulate it from the cold environment. Another thing that I have found is that some masks are made of different or thinner plastic which transfer heat better than some others. Better heat transfer gives more propensity for condensation in the mask.

When I was using a nasal mask and had no heated hose, I was getting rainout inside the mask even with a fluffy hose cozy. The rainout would often drip directly into my nose and make it feel like the machine was trying to drown me. I was able to reduce the frequency of occurrence but did not eliminate it completely until I switched to a full face mask which felt to me like the plastic in the mask was thicker. With that change the rainout in the mask quit entirely.

A mask cozy, if any such thing is available, would help or you could make your own being very careful to ensure that the vent does not get blocked.

Best Regards,

PaytonA

[nelamvr6]

Pad a Cheek!   Go to Pad a Cheek right away!

Buy a barrel cozy and a short hose cozy, and you will greatly reduce the amount of exhalation condensation.