CPAP Moisture; Rainout Prevention

[TheDreamer]

TO AVOID RAIN OUT:

I have been using a 11" REPTI HEAT CABLE 15W only 5" are heated but works great. - keep the unheated portion at the end close to the humidifier tank - (Ebay $17). I am also using a HOME DEPOT WATER PIPE 6" INSULATION FOAM (~$2) and a floor lamp electric switch (WALGREENS $9) and run the cable and the hose thru the foam. The CPAD and the REPTI HEAT cable are turned on and off at the same time trhu the lamp switch which is not on the floor but hanged at a near and easy to reach at night location. I have pictures of the arrangement if someone is interested.

After using all possible masks I chose to stick to the NOSE PILLOWS. I tape my mouth shut with MEDIPORE tape with corners folded for easy quick removal in case of need. I was afraid at the beginning but now I don't care. It's the best system: tape your mouth, sleep soundly.

I wash hose, nose pillows and CPAP humidifier tank parts on MO WE and FR only, since the use of the repti heat cable keeps everything dry making the hose, etc not receptive to bacteria.

I could have bought the aussi heated hose for $140 but I am an incurable DIY'r. Build it. Do not buy it. I have been spending money like crazy in masks, different tapes, humidifiers, foams, covers, etc etc and experimenting with all these things for 3 months - now I have the best arrangement in the planet. I do not believe this can be improved. As a bonus my blood pressure is normal - no medication any more - no more acid reflux either - and I am sleeping enough (7 to 9 hours) now to the surprise of the people in my house used to see me up at 4 in the morning after only 3 or maybe 4 hours sleep at night.

The CPAP hoses are very inexpensive in Ebay. Do not waste time trying to make them last for more than a month.

I do not rely too much on my insurance providing me stuff whenever they feel like it. I think is worth TO PAY a few bucks a month (I say $40 or $50) to sleep well, to live longer, to stop medication, etc...

Now if I could only loose 46 pounds!!!

[TheDreamer]

Well, if it is any help...here's pictures of my setup....

Here's where the end of the heated portion comes out...


Here's the humifier end, the table top lamp timer is how I turn it on and off....it is programmed with just an off time, so if I forget to turn it off in the morning...it'll do it for me:


The Humidifier & CPAP are plugged into a different backup powersource, the one in the background runs a fan that is mainly for noise...and a few other things like cordless phone.

Here's a shot of the whole thing....


The Dreamer

[Steven]

Now, if only the CPAP manufacturers would pay us patients instead of their engineers to come up with products that actually work in the real world.