Condensation

[kschlanker]

I just started using my cpap machine about 3 weeks ago. I've finally gotten used to it. However, after about four hours, it wakes me up with a "gurgling" in the hose. From what I've read, this can be caused by a difference in temp between the room and the hose. I've order a sleeve for the hose to hopefully solve this problem. I'm also wondering about whether preheating the machine could help. The four hours I get before I have to take it off is seriously some of the best sleep I've had in years. I appreciate any advice people can give.

[JoeP]

Adding the hose cover is a good step. You might even keep what part you can also under the covers with you.
Reduce the humidity level a notch.
Lower the level of the machine some so that condensation drains back into the reservoir instead of getting to the mask or stuck in the hose loop.
Loop the hose up and over the headboard.
Keep the room a bit warmer.
Try a heated hose.

All the above worked for me (except the heated hose which made my nose too stuffy). The most effective bits were the hose cover and humidity drop. Heated hose worked great too but apparently my sinuses do not like extended exposure to very warm and also humid air.

[esleepie]

I agree with Joe here. I had this issue and resolved it by lowering the humidity level from 4 to 3, draping the hose up and over the headboard so that it rises out of the back of the machine, and raising the temp on my heated hose. Never tried a cover since my issue was resolved without needing one.

As for your question about pre-heating the machine, I don't think that will help with this specific issue. What pre-heating does is get the humidifier warmed up so that you aren't getting dry air when you first put on your mask. If you're like me and get a dry scratchy throat for the first 30 mins until the humidity kicks in, then try the pre-heat feature.

[Ockrocket]

Hose so it arcs up higher than your head on the pillow.. 12 to 18 inches is good if your hose is long enough.
I found that solved the "rainout" as it is often referred to.

Eventually I found I prefer no humidifier, so that suited me even better.