Dream Station Humidfier question

[Joe Basil]

Hello all, I am new to the CPAP world, just got mine last night. It is a Respironics Dream Station. 

I was just wondering about setting up the humidfier, what settings need to be on ? My doctor said mine is pre-set on the Adaptive setting and I believe the heat setting is at 2. I used it last night and didn't really feel the humidification and there was barely any water used. Can anybody give me a crash course on how to set this correctly ?


Joe

[Sleeprider]

Your dreamstation produces more humidity with the Adaptive settings OFF, using Fixed humidity. That gives you control over both humidity and tube temperature, and the machine does not "adapt" the humidity for ambient conditions. It may take some trial and error to get the settings you like. Both the humidity and tube have settings 1-5. I think you might like 3 on humidity, and 3 or 4 on tube temp to ensure no condensation. I'm pretty sure you will notice a difference. If you want more humidity than that, just use the comfort settings to increase or decrease the settings.

[Joe Basil]

Tube heat, are you referring to a heated tube ? If so, I have just a standard tube

[Sleeprider]

Tube heat, are you referring to a heated tube ? If so, I have just a standard tube

Gosh Joe! It's 2017, get with the program. 
They are about $30 and at least for me, that seems worthwhile.  Usually insurance will cover it, especially if you complain about condensation to your doctor.  Then it will just be added to the prescription.

[Joe Basil]

Lol, I'm a newbie, I don't know anything yet   I just got my first CPAP last night

[Sleeprider]

Since you just picked it up, tell the supplier, you had condensation and ask what it's going to take to get a heated hose. I bet they will set you right up, or call your doctor to take care of it.

[MitchS]

I will second Sleeprider's suggestion to get a heated hose. It makes a world of difference in comfort to be able to control the temperature of the air reaching your mask.

I use a heated hose with a humidity setting of 3 and no heat on the hose. When winter kicks in here, I will set the heat on the hose to 1 to break the chill of the air reaching my mask and also to insure there is no rainout. I don't really notice the humidity from the humidifier at these settings.

The amount of humidity and hose temperature needed are very personal and varies as ambient conditions do. I found I will occasionally run the humidifier tank dry before time to get up on humidity settings over 3. On humid nights my water level will barely move from the fill line. On nights with low humidity the humidifier will be almost out of water after around 8 hrs.

In the meantime, I would suggest using the adaptive setting at whatever setting keeps your sinuses and throat from drying out.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Joe Basil,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I agree that you need to get a heated hose, it really helps with comfort.

Good luck to you on your CPAP journey, hang in there for more responses to your post.