Nasal congestion Humidifier settings

[larrygreg]

So I saw a you tube video that was talking about nasal congestion and humidifier levels.  They were saying that if you have nasal congestion, you should increase your humidity levels.

Currently I am set to level 1 and really have not experimented with the humidity levels.  I was thinking of setting it to 3 and seeing if there is a difference.

Has anyone experienced adjusting their humidity levels and give some advice?  

Thanks in advance

Larry

[srlevine1]

So I saw a you tube video that was talking about nasal congestion and humidifier levels.  They were saying that if you have nasal congestion, you should increase your humidity levels.

Currently I am set to level 1 and really have not experimented with the humidity levels.  I was thinking of setting it to 3 and seeing if there is a difference.

Has anyone experienced adjusting their humidity levels and give some advice?  

If my congestion is producing thick mucus, I up my humidity from 2 to 4.  I also increase my hydration and take some Robitussin Expectorant (Plain without additives)
If my congestion is producing thin watery mucus, I down my humidity to off or 1.
This appears to work for me.

Since humidity is a comfort setting, why not try 3 and see what happens.
May I also suggest you clean your mask, hose, and water chamber daily with a mild detergent to avoid re-infecting yourself.

Best of luck.

[larrygreg]

Thanks for the advice!!

I really do neglect daily cleaning!!  Dont know why, it really is a very quick soak.  I am also cheap on the distilled water, saving it from day to day rather than dumping it.

I will set it to 3 and see what happens, and try to be more diligent in my cleaning!!

Larry

[srlevine1]

Thanks for the advice!!

I really do neglect daily cleaning!!  Dont know why, it really is a very quick soak.  I am also cheap on the distilled water, saving it from day to day rather than dumping it.

I will set it to 3 and see what happens, and try to be more diligent in my cleaning!!

Larry

Are you kidding? Water conservation is a given considering your location. 

BTW, I often use tap water and then periodically fill my humidifier water chamber with vinegar to dissolve the mineral deposits. A quick wash and everything is bright and shiny.

Shalom.

[jerry1967]

Remember the three people that died from brain infection because they used tap water? Infection moved from sinus to brain. They said it is ok to use tap water but it must be boiled first.

[DeepBreathing]

Remember the three people that died from brain infection because they used tap water? Infection moved from sinus to brain.

Which three people were they Jerry? I haven't heard of this - can you give me a link or point to a newspaper report so I can read it up?

They said it is ok to use tap water but it must be boiled first.

Who are "they"? We've had this discussion many times on Apnea Board, and people who are far more qualified than I (in relation to infection control) have told us that normal first world tap water is fine to use. The recommendation to use distilled water is based on the likelihood of mineral deposits forming in the humidifier, nothing to do with infection. On the other hand, if I am travelling in places where the tap water isn't considered safe to drink then I use bottled water in the machine, just as an extra precaution.

[OpalRose]

These deaths had to do with NetiPot use (nasal irrigation) using tap water instead of distilled.
Partial article from The NY Times 2012.

Last year, Louisiana state health officials reported on two unrelated deaths — of a 20-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman who were believed to have been infected by tap water later found to be contaminated with Naegleria fowleri. Both had used tap water in a neti pot.Sep 3, 2012

I never heard anything negative using tap water in the humidifier chamber, although I personally use distilled.

Mr. Google brings up many articles. Again, this doesn’t have anything to do with tap water in the humidifier chamber.

[Walla Walla]

According to the National Safety Council, your odds of dying of various causes are:


    Heart disease, 1 in 6.
    Cancer, 1 in 7.
    Stroke, 1 in 28.
    Motor vehicle accidents, 1 in 88.
    Intentional self-harm, 1 in 112.
    Accidental poisoning and exposure to noxious substances, 1 in 130.
    Falls, 1 in 171.
    Car crashes, 1 in 303.


Odds of dying from Naegleria fowleri 1 in 50,000,000

[Sheepish]

Currently I am set to level 1 and really have not experimented with the humidity levels.  I was thinking of setting it to 3 and seeing if there is a difference.

Has anyone experienced adjusting their humidity levels and give some advice?  

Thanks in advance

Larry

My machine came programmed at 3, and during the summer humidity I thought I'd knock it down to 1, both to experiment and to save a few pennies on distilled water , but it turned out to be less comfortable, so after a few days I bumped it back up to three, where it's remained and where I remain more comfortable. I also matched the heated hose settings to the humidity. Humidity settings are a comfort feature, and different folks have different preferences, so YMMV.

As for distilled water, I use it regularly now only because it doesn't leave mineral deposits in the humidifier chamber like the tap water I briefly used while traveling in Europe last summer. I really wouldn't give a second thought to the Netipot story as it probably doesn't apply to CPAP. Heck, you probably breathe in a lot more tap water during your morning shower than through your CPAP machine all night.

[MitchS]

My machine came programmed at 3, and during the summer humidity I thought I'd knock it down to 1, both to experiment and to save a few pennies on distilled water , but it turned out to be less comfortable, so after a few days I bumped it back up to three, where it's remained and where I remain more comfortable. I also matched the heated hose settings to the humidity. Humidity settings are a comfort feature, and different folks have different preferences, so YMMV.

As for distilled water, I use it regularly now only because it doesn't leave mineral deposits in the humidifier chamber like the tap water I briefly used while traveling in Europe last summer. I really wouldn't give a second thought to the Netipot story as it probably doesn't apply to CPAP. Heck, you probably breathe in a lot more tap water during your morning shower than through your CPAP machine all night.

This is exactly the same experience I had when I lowered my setting from 3. I also found that if I set the level to 4, there is a good chance my tank will run dry in low humidity conditions. 

I use distilled waster as well.