HME for humidifier

[DariaVader]

The hme for the Z1 has been mentioned as a humidifier replacement for any CPAP when trying to go power lite (not recommended for those with settings under 7 according to the description I saw).

Who has tried these out - what did you think of them, and what are your preferred humidifier settings? I usually have the heat on my unit cranked to the top as I hate cold air blowing on me ... A dried out humidifier results in a vicious headache and sinuses that take a couple days to heal, so I need to understand my options well

[bill-e]

I use the HME's with my Z1 4 out of 7 nights most weeks because I'm on the road. They last anywhere from 7 to 14 days. I am the type that if I don't have humidification I wake up in the middle of the night dry and very uncomfortable. At home with my PRS1 w/heated hose I use the highest setting for humidification.

The HME's keep my from drying out but they certainly don't have the same comfort level as heated hose hose humidification. They get better once they heat up with your breath.

I tried traveling my my F&P 150 but that was so bulky that I might as well had brought my PRS1 so I stopped.

I'm heading out tomorrow and I'm bringing my Z1 Auto and HME's. I usually keep 2 new ones in my bag or one new one and one used one. When I'm not actually sleeping and using them I store them in a zip lock bag during the day.

All I can say is that they work for me.

[truckerdad57]

I've used the HME option for the Transcend. It's not nearly as good as proper heated humidification.

One thing to consider. Check into the filter medium for the HME the Z-1 is using. Some HME medium can be "pre-loaded" with a little sterile saline. I use a little squirt from my NeilMed nasal irrigation spray. The HME for the Transcend can be "pre-loaded" I don't know about the Z-1.

It's amazing what you can learn going to a sleep medicine trade show.....learned this at Focus in Orlando last summer.

[bill-e]

I've used the HME option for the Transcend. It's not nearly as good as proper heated humidification.

One thing to consider. Check into the filter medium for the HME the Z-1 is using. Some HME medium can be "pre-loaded" with a little sterile saline. I use a little squirt from my NeilMed nasal irrigation spray. The HME for the Transcend can be "pre-loaded" I don't know about the Z-1.

It's amazing what you can learn going to a sleep medicine trade show.....learned this at Focus in Orlando last summer.

The Z1 HME is dry. The foam is coated with a hygroscopic chemical and I I think any added moisture in there like the saline solution will cause it to deteriorate quicker. It is also recommended to store it in a plastic bag when not actually in use to prolong life.

I think that the advantage of the Z1 HME is that it can be used with just about any mask.