DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
I'm using the DreamStation Humidifier with Heated Tubing. I've been on CPAP for several years but just recently started using a humidifier due to dry mouth but I'm not sure if my humidifier is working as it should. I've got the humidifier set at "3" and heated tubing at "3". It's solved my dry mouth problem but I've noticed that the water in the humidifier remains at room temperature. I keep the bedroom at 70* and humidity remains at about 55%. I know that with the heated tubing, the operation of the humidifier is somewhat automated, but shouldn't the water temperature increase at least somewhat? The water temperature does increase during "Preheat" mode so i know the Heater Plate works....
RE: DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
I'd think you'd have to actually measure the water temperature before and after to see if there's a change and by what amount. It's possible it's getting warmer, but it may be hard to notice without measuring it. Also if yours has a manual mode vs auto for the humidifier, manual may make it warmer yet.
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RE: DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
The morning water temperature is the same as the ambient room temperature but it does use about 30ml of water during the night. That water consumption may be from passive humidification as the air passes over the room temperature water.
Thanks for your thoughts
RE: DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
I feel for you. -
I've had the same problem/experience with the heated tube and humidifier on the Dreamstation. I tried using the pre-heat function (which does work), then started the system, and then the hose heats slightly (by touch) in the first few minutes. When I wake up during the night or the next morning, the hose and water are room temperature (but maybe they would have been colder due to evaporation, so I can't say there is no heat). They sure aren't noticeably above room temperature.
I couldn't get to the 'Fixed' (manual setting) with the heated hose attached, only with the regular hose. However, using the 'Fixed' setting and a regular hose, I quickly got "rain out" at all settings.
Now I am back to an unheated hose, 'Adaptive' setting, and set the humidifier at 4 or even maxed out at 5. I feel the humidifier is working mediocre at this point, but the air does feel a little cooler than the heated hose.
I just can't get a setting that warms and humidifies more than the first few minutes or doesn't cause rain out.
Anyone have Dreamstation humidifier settings that work?
I live in the Northern U.S. where their is basically no humidity right now due to sub-zero winter temps, but don't go through more than 1/4 tank of water in 8 hours of use.
RE: DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
Humidifiers on CPAP machines all have some form of automated climate control and manual controls. The manual settings will provide more humidity at any setting than auto, and the main trick is not to go overboard on it. Most heated tubes are simply designed to keep the tube wall warm enough not to result in condensation. At a setting of 80 degrees (24 C) that is about 18 degrees lower than body temperature. The tube is not intended to feel warm, it is warm enough to prevent condensation in a cool room.
RE: DreamStation Humidifier Functioning Properly?
Got it figured out. The humidifier is working properly. Turns out, the room temperature was only slightly cooler than the humidifier set temperature. So close that I could not discern the difference. I recently slept with the windows open which lowered the bedroom temperature well below the humidifier set temperature. In the morning, the water temperature felt much warmer than the room.
Sorry for my "false alarm".
